The Characterization of Poly n-Vinyl Pyrrolidone-Polyvinyl Acetate (PVP-PVAc) Copolymers and Blends by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and Elemental Analysis

Abstract

The determination of the composition of PVP-PVAc copolymers and blends is essential for knowing their polymeric properties and appropriate applications. In order to create a streamlined way to quantify the composition of PVP-PVAc copolymers and blends, the qNMR methodology alongside FTIR and elemental analysis were used to develop calibration curves for industrial use. We report on the methodologies used to determine % PVP content in the copolymers and blends in question as well as the results obtained via NMR, FTIR, and elemental analysis. Results from the NMR analysis were corroborated with calibration curves used to determine % PVP composition using FTIR and were further corroborated with elemental analysis results. The PVP-PVAc copolymers used ranged from 30 to 70 mol% PVP and the blends ranged from 20 to 80 weight% PVP.