Povidone (PVP K30)
The synthetic vinyl polymer binder supplied by Chelora Chemicals — known in the trade as Povidone or PVP K30, the standard wet-granulation binder and film-former behind tablet and coating formulation — exported from Indonesia in bags with full batch documentation on every shipment.
What Povidone (PVP K30) is, and why buyers source it
A working overview of the polymer's chemistry, its role as a synthetic, water-soluble tablet binder and film-former, and the grade Chelora Chemicals keeps in regular supply.
Povidone is a synthetic, water-soluble polymer built from N-vinylpyrrolidone monomer by free-radical polymerisation. Its lactam (amide) ring carries no acidic or basic groups under normal conditions, making it chemically inert toward most active pharmaceutical ingredients, while its strong hydrogen-bonding capacity gives it excellent adhesive and film-forming properties in both aqueous and alcoholic solution.
It is a white to creamy-white, hygroscopic, free-flowing powder, fully soluble in water and many polar organic solvents including ethanol. Being hygroscopic, it requires moisture-controlled storage, since excessive water uptake can affect its handling properties and the performance of granulations made with it.
Where it fits in the formulation chain
Povidone's largest use is as a binder in wet-granulation tablet manufacture, where a solution of PVP in water or ethanol is used to granulate powder blends before compression, giving strong, durable granules. It is also widely used as a film-forming agent in tablet coating, as a solubility enhancer and crystallisation inhibitor in solid dispersions, and as a suspending and viscosity-modifying agent in liquid formulations.
Grade we supply
Chelora Chemicals offers Povidone in K30 grade (K-value 27–32, average MW ≈58,000 g/mol) compliant with USP/EP/JP monographs, suitable for wet-granulation binder and film-coating applications, supplied with a batch-wise certificate of analysis.
How Povidone (PVP K30) is made
An overview of the production route for orientation purposes. Our manufacturing partners' own process parameters and in-process controls are proprietary and are not disclosed beyond what is needed to interpret the certificate of analysis.
Povidone is manufactured by the free-radical polymerisation of N-vinylpyrrolidone monomer in aqueous or alcoholic solution, using a peroxide or azo-type initiator, with the degree of polymerisation controlled to hit the target K-value (molecular-weight) grade, such as K12, K17, K25, K30 or K90. The polymer solution is then purified and spray-dried to the final powder form.
Why solution free-radical polymerisation is the standard process
Polymerising N-vinylpyrrolidone in solution, with initiator concentration and reaction conditions tuned to the target K-value, gives reliable, reproducible control over molecular weight across the full range of commercial grades, which is why it has been the standard production method since povidone was first commercialised.
Industries and processes that use it
Povidone is consumed across tablet granulation, film coating and solubility-enhancement applications, where its strong binding and film-forming capacity are the main draw. The fields below account for most of the demand we see through our export desk.
Wet-Granulation Tablet Binder
Dissolved in water or ethanol to granulate powder blends before compression, giving strong, durable granules and good tablet hardness.
Film Coating
Used as a film-forming agent in tablet film-coating formulations, often in combination with other polymers, to improve coating adhesion and appearance.
Solid Dispersions & Solubility Enhancement
Used as a carrier polymer in solid-dispersion formulations to improve the dissolution rate and bioavailability of poorly soluble active ingredients.
Suspending & Viscosity-Modifying Agent
Used in liquid and semi-solid formulations as a suspending agent and viscosity modifier, including in some ophthalmic and topical preparations.
How the molecule is typically carried forward
The strongly hydrogen-bonding lactam ring governs almost all of this polymer's functional behaviour in pharmaceutical formulation. The mechanisms below account for most of how Povidone performs its binder and film-forming roles.
Free-Radical Solution Polymerisation (Upstream)
N-Vinylpyrrolidone monomer polymerises in solution under free-radical initiation to form polyvinylpyrrolidone chains of the target K-value.
Hydrogen-Bond-Mediated Granule Binding
In solution, PVP's lactam carbonyl groups hydrogen-bond extensively with powder particle surfaces, and on drying form strong inter-particulate bridges that bind the granule together.
Film Formation
As a PVP-containing coating solution dries on a tablet surface, the polymer chains entangle and form a continuous, adherent film.
Amorphous Solid Dispersion Formation
PVP can trap a poorly soluble drug in an amorphous, molecularly dispersed state within its polymer matrix, improving dissolution rate relative to the crystalline drug alone.
Povidone (PVP K30) against other amines we supply
Buyers sourcing Povidone for granulation, film-coating or solubility-enhancement applications often need a related tablet-formulation polymer. A quick reference to what else is on our regular supply list.
| Product | CAS Number | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Povidone (PVP K30) | 9003-39-8 | Synthetic vinyl polymer binder | The product on this page — the standard wet-granulation binder and film-former. |
| Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose | 9004-65-3 | Cellulose-ether binder & film-former | Another widely used tablet binder and coating polymer — see its product page. |
| Microcrystalline Cellulose | 9004-34-6 | Purified crystalline cellulose | The standard diluent often granulated with PVP as binder — see its product page. |
| Croscarmellose Sodium | 74811-65-7 | Cellulose-based superdisintegrant | A related tablet excipient commonly used alongside PVP — see its product page. |
Exact physical constants and purity specifications are confirmed per batch on the certificate of analysis — treat the notes above as a sourcing guide, not a specification sheet, for products other than Povidone (PVP K30).
Safety classification at a glance
Based on GHS classification as commonly listed for this substance. This is a summary for orientation only — always work from the current safety data sheet supplied with your specific batch.
Not classified as hazardous under GHS; a long-established, widely used pharmaceutical excipient.
Fine powder may cause transient mechanical irritation to eyes or respiratory tract; handle with standard dust control.
No significant acute toxicity hazard under normal pharmaceutical handling.
Readily absorbs atmospheric moisture; not a safety hazard but affects handling and storage requirements.
Standard dust mask and gloves are sufficient for routine handling in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
Keep tightly sealed and away from humid conditions to prevent moisture pickup and caking.
Follow standard pharmaceutical good manufacturing practice (GMP) for handling and cross-contamination control.
Not Classified — no GHS hazard pictogram applies to this excipient.
This material is not classified as hazardous under GHS and presents no significant acute toxicity hazard under normal pharmaceutical handling, though fine powder may cause transient mechanical irritation to eyes or the respiratory tract and should be handled with standard dust control. Being notably hygroscopic, it requires tightly sealed storage away from humid conditions to prevent moisture pickup and caking. Full handling and storage guidance is in the MSDS issued with every shipment, and standard pharmaceutical GMP practice should be followed.
Keeping it on spec between delivery and use
General storage guidance for this grade. Site-specific storage rules, segregation requirements and re-test intervals should follow your own EHS procedures and the MSDS issued with your batch.
Store in a cool, dry area in tightly sealed, moisture-barrier packaging, away from humid storage conditions given its notable hygroscopicity. Prompt resealing of opened containers is essential to prevent moisture pickup, caking and potential degradation of binder performance. If a batch is held past its retest date, re-check K-value and moisture content before use.
How it ships from Indonesia
Standard packing and export terms for this product. Confirm exact figures against your order — they vary slightly by destination and quantity.
What travels with every batch
Specification is agreed before the purchase order, not discovered on arrival. Every shipment of Povidone (PVP K30) leaves with a documented, checkable paper trail.
Certificate of Analysis
Batch-wise assay (by titration/GC), colour and relevant physical constants, issued against the agreed specification so your QC team can check it, not just file it.
Safety Data Sheet
GHS-format SDS in English covering hazard classification, handling, storage, first-aid and spill response for the exact grade of Povidone (PVP K30) shipped.
Technical Data Sheet
Reference physical and chemical properties, recommended storage and typical applications, for internal circulation to your process or R&D teams.
Certificate of Origin
Confirms Indonesian origin for customs clearance and any preferential-duty claim at your destination port.
Dangerous Goods Declaration
UN packing group, classification and shipper's declaration prepared ahead of loading so documentation never holds up customs.
Third-Party Inspection
Independent pre-shipment inspection and re-sampling can be arranged on request, at your cost, for buyers who require it as a matter of policy.
Frequently asked questions
What buyers most often ask our sales desk about this grade.
01What is Povidone (PVP K30) used for?+
02What is the CAS number of Povidone?+
03How is Povidone made?+
04What grade does Chelora Chemicals supply?+
05What does the "K30" in PVP K30 mean?+
06Is Povidone hazardous?+
07What packing options are available?+
08How long does delivery take?+
09Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?+
10Do you supply HPMC and Microcrystalline Cellulose as well?+
Need Povidone (PVP K30) on spec, on time?
Send us your required purity, quantity, packing preference and destination port. Our desk quotes most enquiries within one working day.