The brief introduction of PVM/MA

Introduction

Methyl vinyl ether (MVE) is widely used in organic synthesis due to its active double-bond properties. It can be used to synthesize glutaraldehyde, γ-pyran, γ-pyridine, β-lactam, and other compounds. MVE is a monomer for polymers, including homopolymers and copolymers. The homopolymer of MVE, also known as PVM, poly(methyl vinyl ether), and poly(vinyl methyl ether), is a soft resin and is used as a thickener, plasticizer, heat sensitizer, and raw material for adhesives, which can be produced by bulk polymerization of MVE using boron trifluoride as an initiator. MVE can also be copolymerized with other monomers to prepare coatings, plasticizers, adhesives, and a modifier for polystyrene resin. In particular, the copolymer of MVE and maleic anhydride (MA) is most widely used.

Uses

The copolymer of MVE and MA is a straight chain and water-soluble polymeric electrolyte compound. Its physical and chemical properties are similar to those of the PVP series. It is excellent in chemical stability, biocompatibility, tackiness, cohesiveness, water-holding property, peeling property, and the like. Furthermore, they are nontoxic and harmless to the human body. Therefore, it is widely used in oral care, cosmetics medicine, and other fields. The copolymer is a dental material requiring excellent adhesion, durability, and biocompatibility with the oral mucosa. It has a powerful ability to inhibit tartar. Therefore, it is applied in toothpaste and mouthwash formulations to prevent tartar, reduce dentine hypersensitivity, increase the bioavailability of active substances, and make the effect of oral care products more durable. In addition, the copolymer is used to prepare a cross-linked hydrophilic coating on the substrate's surface to improve the catheter's surface lubrication. This modified interventional catheter can reduce friction and tissue damage, reduce protein adsorption, and prevent thrombosis and bacterial adhesion, which has broad application prospects in the medical field.

Nanoparticles based on PVM/MA copolymer can encapsulate or incorporate a product of interest in the agricultural, cosmetic, food, or pharmaceutical fields. The largest manufacturer of MVE/MA copolymer in the world is Ashland (former ISP). It has developed a series of MVE polymer products under the trade name Gantrez.

GANTREZ AN copolymers are used as a thickener and flocculant, dental adhesive, and excipient in oral tablets. In addition, they are also used for the controlled release of drugs. GANTREZ S copolymers are the free acid form of MVE/MA copolymers. They are used in toothpaste and mouthwashes as an excellent mucosal adhesive for the retention and prolonged delivery of antimicrobial agents and flavors. They also impart tartar control, anti-demineralization, and dentin tubule flow reduction. GANTREZ MS is a mix of sodium and calcium salts of PVM/MA copolymers. It is used in denture adhesives, ostomy adhesives, and topical carriers for mucosal applications. GANTREZ ES copolymers are the half-ester form of different alkyl chain lengths and molecular weights of MVE/MA copolymers. They are used in enteric film coating agents and ostomy adhesives.

Other MVE/MA copolymers manufacturers include BASF, Pantasote, Tenneco Chem., Du Pont, and NKY Medical Group.

Reference

[1] Li, Sifang. “Manufacture of Fine Chemicals from Acetylene.” 2021. 0.