Pharma | Dynamic viscosity of Polyvinyl Alcohol
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations and is often graded by viscosity range in pharmacopeias. This report highlights the ability of Lovis to measure the viscosity of PVA solutions according to USP-NF.
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a synthetic, water-soluble polymer widely used across the pharmaceutical industry. As a pharmaceutical excipient, it displays excellent film-forming ability, biocompatibility and chemical stability. Produced through the hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate, PVA consists of linear chains of vinyl alcohol units whose degree of polymerization and hydrolysis level determine its functional characteristics.
PVA is commonly employed as a binder in solid dosage forms, as a stabilizer or thickener in liquid preparations and as a key film-forming component in coatings. Its high clarity, mechanical strength, and resistance to oil and grease also make it suitable for ophthalmic products, where it improves residence time and enhances lubrication properties.
Viscosity as quality parameter
The viscosity of PVA solutions correlates strongly with molecular weight and chain architecture. Higher molecular weight grades produce more entangled solutions, resulting in increased viscosity and altered flow behavior. These characteristics influence coating uniformity, mechanical integrity of films, release kinetics, and the stability of emulsions and suspensions.
The rolling-ball principle of Lovis 2001 enables precise, low-volume viscosity measurements with excellent temperature stability and high repeatability.
Get the document
To receive this document please enter your email below.
