How to Buy PVP K90: Grades, Specs and COA
Polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 (PVP K90, CAS 9003-39-8) is a specialty polymer, so buying well means matching the grade and K-value to the use and buying against a clear specification and certificate. This guide sets out what to fix before you request a quotation.
1. Match the grade to the end use
| Grade family | Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | Adhesives, coatings, electronics, ceramics, detergents | Supplied here; tested to the specification below |
| Cosmetic | Personal care, film former/fixative | Finished and tested for cosmetic use |
| Pharmaceutical | Excipient (povidone) | USP/EP monographs; not substitutable with technical grade |
Grade is the first decision: technical grade should not be substituted for cosmetic or pharmaceutical grade without checking the applicable monograph.
2. Confirm the K-value
Because viscosity and binding strength track the K-value, state the target K-band. PVP K90 is supplied here at a K-value of 87.4 – 94.2. If your process needs a different molecular weight, K30 or K60 may suit better – see the K-value selection guide.
3. Buy against a specification
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or yellowish-white hygroscopic powder |
| Identification | A, B, C, D |
| pH | 4.0 – 9.0 |
| Appearance of solution | Clear solution |
| K-Value | 87.4 – 94.2 (nominal K90) |
| Vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) | 0.1% max |
| Water | 5.0% max |
| Residue on ignition | 0.1% max |
| Nitrogen content | 11.5 – 12.8% |
The two parameters to watch on the COA are the K-value (the grade you paid for) and the residual NVP (0.1% max), the main purity control.
4. Packaging and documentation
| Item | Standard |
|---|---|
| Packaging | 25 kg PP/PE bags or fibre drums |
| Documentation | Per-batch COA and SDS; other certificates on request |
| Incoterms | FOB and CIF |
| Storage | Sealed, cool and dry (hygroscopic powder) |
Because PVP is hygroscopic, agree on moisture protection in packing for long sea routes, and store sealed and dry on arrival.
5. What drives the price
PVP is a specialty polymer, not a bulk commodity. Cost is driven by the NVP monomer, polymerisation and drying energy, and the finishing needed to reach the residual-monomer and K-value specification. Higher-K grades and tighter grades cost more; the grade must match the end use.
6. A short enquiry checklist
- Product and grade (technical / cosmetic / pharmaceutical) and CAS 9003-39-8.
- Target K-value band (for K90: 87.4 – 94.2).
- Specification parameters you must meet (especially NVP limit).
- Packaging and moisture protection, and the delivery port.
- Tonnage and required Incoterm (FOB / CIF).
- Documents needed (COA, SDS, others).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this pharmaceutical grade?
No – the product is technical grade. For pharmaceutical (povidone) or cosmetic use, request the matching grade and confirm the monograph.
Do you provide a COA per batch?
Yes – a certificate of analysis for each batch, plus an SDS, is available.
What is the minimum order?
We quote on tonnage and delivery basis; contact us with your requirement and port.
How is it packed?
Typically 25 kg bags or fibre drums; moisture protection is important because the powder is hygroscopic.
Can you supply other K-values?
Ask us – we can discuss K30, K60 and other grades against your application.
Related reading
- Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, CAS 9003-39-8): properties and applications
- PVP K-value grades: selection guide
- PVP K90 in adhesives and coatings
- PVP K90 in electronics and ceramics
- PVP in detergents and personal care
- PVP K90 (CAS 9003-39-8) – product page
PolyBlueChem supplies PVP K90 (CAS 9003-39-8, technical grade) with per-batch COA and SDS and FOB/CIF delivery. Contact us with your grade, tonnage and delivery port.