VP/Methacrylamide/Vinyl Imidazole Copolymer CAS 38139-93-4
VP/Methacrylamide/Vinyl Imidazole Copolymer is a hair-fixing film former used in clear styling gels, mousses and setting lotions. Unilong serves personal care manufacturers, contract manufacturers and ingredient distributors purchasing VP/MV for commercial production.
Product Overview
VP/MV is a copolymer of N-vinylpyrrolidone, methacrylamide and vinyl imidazole. Nonionic commercial grades are used in hair styling products that combine a fixing film with a clear appearance and low tack. Transparent gels are a principal application, alongside mousses and fluid setting products.
The polymer forms the styling film as the applied product dries. In a hair gel, it works with a separate thickener that supplies the gel structure. Commercial aqueous grades provide a liquid form for water-based manufacturing, with polymer concentration, solution viscosity and the preservative system defining the material supplied.
Commercial Aqueous Grade Reference
| Test Item | Reference Value | Method or Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Pale yellow, clear, viscous liquid | Visual description |
| Solids | 19.0–21.0% | Reference method PM/01101 |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 | 10% aqueous solution |
| Viscosity | 700–2,000 mPa·s | Brookfield RVT, spindle 4, 20 rpm, 23°C |
| Residual N-vinylpyrrolidone | ≤50 ppm | HPLC |
| Residual methacrylamide | ≤10 ppm | Reference method PM/01708 |
Applications
Clear Hair Gels
VP/MV is used as the fixing component in transparent hair gels, with a compatible thickener providing the gel structure. Commercial aqueous grades have established application with carbomer-based systems. This combination supports a clear gel format while allowing the film former and thickener to contribute separately to hold and texture. Fragrance, solubilisers and neutralisation conditions affect the appearance of the complete formula.
Styling Mousses
In styling mousses, VP/MV supplies the setting film left on hair after application and drying. Commercial grades are used as the principal fixing polymer or in blends with other styling polymers. Blending provides a route to different combinations of hold, drying feel and hair texture. Foam behaviour and dispensing performance also depend on the surfactants and delivery system used in the mousse.
Setting Lotions
VP/MV is used as a fixing polymer in fluid setting lotions. The polymer forms a styling film as the liquid product dries on hair. Commercial grades are used in water-based and suitably formulated water/alcohol systems. Carrier composition and preservation distinguish the grades used for these products.
Styling Waxes and Texture Products
VP/MV can be used as a film-forming component in water-containing styling waxes and texture products. It provides a fixing contribution alongside the wax or structuring ingredients. The aqueous liquid form is relevant to emulsion-based products containing a water phase. Emulsifier compatibility and the balance of polymer and wax affect the final texture.
Request VP/MV for Your Production Application
Film Formation and Formulation Compatibility
Commercial VP/MV grades are used in styling formulations where humidity response, film strength and low tack are important. The balance between hold and the feel of the dried film is relevant to gels and mousses that remain on the hair after application. Finished-product performance depends on the polymer grade and its concentration within the complete styling formula.
Nonionic grades can be combined with other cosmetic polymers, including thickening polymers used in clear gels. Compatibility with carbomer and related acrylic thickeners is an established feature of commercial aqueous VP/MV grades. In polymer blends, the combination of film former and thickener provides different options for gel body and setting characteristics.
For water-based production, a liquid polymer solution can be transferred into the formulation without a powder wetting and dissolution stage. Its water content contributes to the batch water balance. The solution's viscosity affects handling during transfer and incorporation, while its colour contributes to the appearance of transparent or lightly coloured products.
Solvent composition and preservation are grade-specific. Some commercial grades use an aqueous carrier with a preservative package; other grades use a water/alcohol carrier. These differences affect the ingredients introduced into the finished formula and the complete raw material composition used for labelling.
Product Documents
Contact Unilong for the current TDS, SDS and applicable batch COA for the offered grade.
Packaging and Commercial Supply
Commercial aqueous VP/MV grades use plastic drum packaging. Pack size, MOQ and estimated dispatch timing are stated in the commercial offer. Storage conditions and shelf life are specified for the selected grade.
Procurement and Quality Support from Unilong
For commercial VP/MV orders, our support covers inspection coordination, shipment preparation and follow-up on reported discrepancies.
Third-Party Pre-Shipment Inspection
Independent inspection can be arranged on request, with the scope agreed for the order.
Customer Approval Before Dispatch
Where pre-shipment approval is agreed, we hold the cargo until the customer approves release.
Export Packaging and Shipping Coordination
We coordinate packing and transport arrangements for the agreed shipment.
Quality and Quantity Issue Follow-Up
We coordinate supplier follow-up for reported quality or quantity discrepancies against the agreed order terms.
Procurement FAQ
Is VP/MV interchangeable with PVP or VP/VA?
VP/MV is a different copolymer. Replacement in an existing formula depends on the required film properties and formulation compatibility.
Can I specify an alcohol-free or preservative-specific grade?
Include the required carrier and preservative composition in your enquiry. Availability depends on the commercial grade offered.
Can an order include pre-shipment inspection?
Yes. Third-party inspection can be arranged on request, with the scope and terms agreed for the order.
Request a Commercial Quotation
Send your VP/MV specification, order quantity and destination country to Unilong for a commercial supply quotation.
