PVM / MA Copolymer (2,5-Furandione, polymer with methoxyethene; copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride)  a chemical compound.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• PVM (Polyvinyl Methyl Ether) is a polymer with the formula CH2=CHOCH3. In the polymer, the double bond of the vinyl group opens and the monomers join to form a chain. Polyvinyl is a polymer derived from vinyl monomers. Methyl ether refers to the methoxy groups (-OCH3) attached to one of the carbon atoms of each vinyl unit.
• MA is Maleic Acid and refers to a compound with the formula HO2CCH=CHCO2H. It has a double bond and two carboxyl groups (-COOH). In the copolymer, the double bond in the maleic acid opens up and it links with the PVM to form a chain.
• Copolymer is a type of polymer formed from two or more different types of monomers. Monomers are the basic constituents of polymers. They are small, simple molecules that can join together to form long, complex chains.

The synthesis process takes place in different steps:

• Raw material extraction. Lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide. Lauryl alcohol is derived from coconut or palm oil, ethylene oxide is a petrochemical product.
• Ethoxylation. Lauryl alcohol is reacted with ethylene oxide and the reaction is catalysed by a base, usually a strong alkali such as potassium hydroxide. The 'et' in 'Laureth' indicates that ethylene oxide has been added.
• Sulphonation. Ethoxylated alcohol is reacted with sulphur trioxide (SO3) to produce a sulphate.
• Neutralisation. The sulphate is neutralised with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to produce sodium sulphate.
• Purification.  The resulting product is purified through a series of steps such as distillation and filtration to remove any unreacted materials and by-products.
• Quality control. The final product is tested to ensure that it meets the necessary quality standards.

What it is for and where

Cosmetics

Antistatic agent. Static electricity build-up has a direct influence on products and causes electrostatic adsorption. The antistatic ingredient reduces static build-up and surface resistivity on the surface of the skin and hair.

Binder agent. Ingredient that is used in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products as an anti-caking agent with the function of making the product in which it is incorporated silky, compact and homogenous. The binder, either natural such as mucilage, gums and starches or chemical, may be in the form of a powder or liquid.

Emulsion stabiliser. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable. Emulsion stabilisers improve the formation and stability of single and double emulsions. as well as their shelf-life. It should be noted that in the structure-function relationship, the molar mass of the ingredient used plays an important role.

Film-forming agent. It produces, upon application, a very thin continuous film with an optimal balance of cohesion, adhesion and stickiness on skin, hair or nails to counteract or limit damage from external phenomena such as chemicals, UV rays and pollution.

Hair fixative. This ingredient has the ability to create, with its protective film, stiffness and hold in the hair, and also has the ability to form, with its hydrophilic and elastic properties, bonds between the hair fibres, to keep the hair in a particular shape for a certain time. In short, it allows physical control of the hairstyle.

Viscosity control agent. It controls and adapts, Increasing or decreasing, viscosity to the required level for optimal chemical and physical stability of the product and dosage in gels, suspensions, emulsions, solutions. 

Other uses

PVM / MA Copolymeris used in various fields, from medicine to the pharmaceutical industry.

PVM / MA Copolymer studies

• Molecular Formula: C₇H₈O₄
  Linear Formula:(C₄H₂O₃ · C₃H₆O)n
• Molecular Weight: 156.137 g/mol
• CAS: 9011-16-9  52229-50-2  136392-67-1
• EC Number: 618-469-0
• MDL number:MFCD00134013
• PubChem Substance ID:329756129

Synonyms:

• Gantrez
• Viscofas
• Maleic anhydride-methoxyethylene copolymer
• Maleic anhydride polymer with methyl vinyl ether
• Maleic anhydride-methyl vinyl ether copolymer
• maleic copolymer
• maleated polymer
• maleated copolymer
• Poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic anhydride)