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Polyvinyl Alcohol 05-88 BP EP USP Pharma Grade serves as a key ingredient in pharmaceutical processing, and it doesn't just show up in the lab but also in every step from granulation to solid dosage formulation. Known by the chemical formula (C2H4O)n, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) forms a synthetic, water-soluble polymer created from polyvinyl acetate through hydrolysis. This 05-88 grade meets the strict quality standards of BP (British Pharmacopoeia), EP (European Pharmacopoeia), and USP (United States Pharmacopeia), meaning the medical and biotech industries trust it for its purity and safety.
PVA 05-88 presents itself in several physical forms: flakes, powders, granules, fine pearls, and occasionally solid or crystalline-like pieces. Take a closer look, and you’ll see a white to off-white color, free from the gritty, uneven textures you might find in lesser grades. In my own experience working with polymer solutions in formulation labs, a uniform particle size, such as the typical fine powder between 60 and 80 mesh, makes a world of difference in solution preparation and ensures cleaner dispensing. Its bulk density usually ranges between 0.25 and 0.35 g/cm3, making it easy to measure and store in standard high-density polyethylene drums without risking pressure buildups or caking.
Polyvinyl alcohol stems from a simple backbone: alternating ethylene and oxygen units, connected for reliable strength. Repeating units in the polymer chain give PVA its distinct solubility in water, a property that ties directly to its degree of hydrolysis and polymerization. The 05-88 grade usually indicates a polymerization degree of about 500, and a hydrolysis degree of 88%, which means it’s just hydrolyzed enough for aqueous solubility without losing film-forming strength. This molecular flexibility helps it thicken solutions, stabilize emulsions, and form solid drug carriers, which is crucial for sustained-release tablets and capsules.
One major property that stands out is its solubility: Polyvinyl alcohol dissolves in hot water, forming clear, slightly viscous solutions at concentrations up to 10% w/v. I recall preparing large batches for coating operations – very little residue stuck to the bottom of mixers, which keeps cleaning simple and ensures an efficient workflow. PVA 05-88's solution pH typically ranges from 5.0 to 7.0, right within the ideal window for most pharmaceutical recipes. It offers a melting point above 200°C, so it never breaks down or gets sticky while granulating heat-sensitive actives. With a low ash content (usually under 0.8%), purity levels stay high, keeping unwanted minerals out of finished formulations.
Safe use of chemical materials is non-negotiable. Polyvinyl alcohol 05-88 BP EP USP does not fall into the hazardous or harmful category under most global chemical regulations, and carries no strong odor or volatile fumes. That said, prolonged dust exposure during weighing and mixing can trigger mild respiratory irritation, so good practice includes the use of dust masks or local extraction systems. Material safety data sheets rate PVA as low-risk for acute toxicity and long-term health, and generally free from strong allergens or sensitizers. I’ve seen it stored next to other pharmaceutical excipients for years, with no special fire controls required. Still, spills on the floor can turn slick, and dry material may cling to clothing or gloves, so some caution is warranted.
Reliable identification keeps every shipment traceable. PVA 05-88 classified under the Harmonized System (HS) code 39053000, matching its polymer nature and customs requirements for raw material import/export. On paperwork, you see molecular weight ranges from 85,000 to 125,000, which suits a broad range of pharmaceutical and industrial applications—film-coating, controlled-release, binder systems, and eye drop solutions among the most common. Each lot comes with a certificate of analysis confirming physical and molecular weight, viscosity in aqueous solution (4% w/v solution usually measures 4.5 to 6.0 mPa·s at 20°C), and sodium acetate level, as residual sodium from hydrolysis should stay well below 2% for pharmaceutical use.
The story of PVA 05-88 starts with vinyl acetate monomer, produced on a massive industrial scale from acetic acid and ethylene. After polymerization, hydrolysis strips away most of the acetyl groups, leaving polyvinyl alcohol ready for pharmaceutical processing. Knowing exactly where the product comes from—and how each process is tracked—matters for traceability, especially with tighter ingredient safety regulations in recent years. A steady supply chain protects against contamination, so most pharmaceutical companies work only with audited, GMP-certified facilities for their PVA source.
Use cases extend broadly. PVA 05-88 achieves reliable performance as a tablet binder, forming tough yet flexible granules that don’t crumble during compression. As a coating agent, it sets up smooth, uniform films that protect sensitive actives from moisture uptake, oxygen, and abrasion. In ophthalmic solutions, purity and water solubility matter—the difference a well-processed PVA makes can be seen in clear, non-cloudy eye drops, with stable viscosity for months of shelf life. In my own work, switching to pharma-grade PVA improved reproducibility, reduced equipment downtime, and lowered the rate of batch rejections caused by ingredient cross-contamination.
Bulk density, as noted, falls in a reliable range so dosing by mass becomes straightforward, and standard scoop sizes match up closely to required weights for industrial scales. Stored in sealed polyethylene or fiber drums, PVA doesn’t pick up much moisture from the air; its hygroscopic tendency remains low compared to other water-soluble polymers like PEG or HPMC, making long-term storage under normal warehouse conditions safe. Stacks of drums can reach up to five high on pallets, saving floor space in a busy warehouse. In production, fast dispersal in warm water keeps batch prep on schedule and reduces waiting time for downstream processes—critical points in any lean manufacturing setup.
Disposal and environmental safety draw more attention every year. PVA 05-88 breaks down via slow hydrolysis in soil and water, posing little bioaccumulation risk, yet large spills deserve prompt cleanup to avoid slippery conditions or wastewater overloading. Compliance with BP, EP, and USP assures not only purity but batch-to-batch reproducibility and environmental responsibility—from the starting raw materials to the final lot certification. Regulatory harmonization, especially with respect to food and drug safety, remains a primary concern for users and producers alike.
Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
