PVP K90 in Electronics and Ceramics

Polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 (PVP K90, CAS 9003-39-8) is used in electronics and ceramics as a binder and dispersant. In both fields the job is similar: hold a powder together or disperse it evenly while the part is formed, then burn out cleanly during firing or processing without leaving residues that harm the final properties.

Why PVP suits these applications

Property	Benefit in electronics / ceramics
Clean thermal burn-out	Decomposes to volatile products, leaving little ash (residue on ignition 0.1% max)
Good dispersion	Wets and stabilises fine powders and pigments
Film-forming binder	Gives green strength before firing
Water + solvent solubility	Works in aqueous and solvent-based pastes
Low residual monomer	NVP 0.1% max for a cleaner material

Electronics

Photoresists – as a film-forming binder/dispersant in the resist formulation.
Conductive and electrode pastes – binds and disperses metal and carbon powders; burns out during firing or processing.
Capacitors and ceramics in electronics – binder for dielectric and electrode layers before sintering.
Dispersant – stabilises fine particles to give even coatings and layers.

Ceramics and refractory

Function	Role of PVP K90
Green binder	Gives the shaped part enough strength to be handled before firing
Dispersant	Keeps the slip or body evenly dispersed
Burn-out	Decomposes cleanly during firing, leaving little residue

PVP is popular as a green binder because it dissolves easily, gives good strength at low addition, and leaves minimal ash – important where residues would affect density, colour or electrical properties.

Formulation and processing notes

Dispersion – add PVP as a solution to the powder under good agitation for even wetting; it also acts as a dispersant.
Solids / viscosity – K90 is high-viscosity, so work at modest solids and allow for its thickening effect.
Burn-out profile – confirm the decomposition and burn-out schedule on your firing cycle; clean burn-out depends on atmosphere and heating rate.
Cleanliness – the low residue on ignition and low residual NVP support demanding applications.

Specification

Parameter	Specification
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%
Appearance of solution	Clear solution

Technical grade; per-batch COA and SDS available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is PVP used as a ceramic binder?

It dissolves easily, gives green strength at low addition, and burns out cleanly with little residue.

Does PVP leave ash after firing?

Its residue on ignition is limited to 0.1% max, so burn-out is clean; confirm against your firing schedule.

Can PVP be used in conductive pastes?

Yes – it binds and disperses metal/carbon powders and burns out during processing.

Is it water- or solvent-based?

Both are possible – PVP dissolves in water and in many polar organic solvents.

Why does residual NVP matter here?

A low NVP limit (0.1% max) means a cleaner material with less residual monomer.