Poly(4-vinylphenol) (PVP)
Poly(4-vinylphenol) (PVP) is a thermoplastic polymer characterized by a high glass transition temperature, strong
hydrogen-bonding capability, and adhesion to a wide range of substrates. The presence of phenolic hydroxyl groups
along the polymer backbone contributes to its polarity, intermolecular interactions, and surface activity.
Due to these properties, poly(4-vinylphenol) is commonly used as a functional resin in coatings, adhesives, and
photoresist systems. Its film-forming behavior, chemical functionality, and thermal characteristics make it a
widely studied material in electronic materials and surface-modification research.
Key Properties
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Polymer type: Poly(4-vinylphenol)
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Polymer class: Thermoplastic aromatic polymer
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Functional groups: Phenolic hydroxyl groups
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Glass transition temperature: High (relative to many vinyl polymers)
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Intermolecular interactions: Strong hydrogen bonding
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Surface behavior: Adhesive to a variety of substrates
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Typical use: Research and formulation development
Applications
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Photoresists and electronic materials
Studied for use in semiconductor processing, microfabrication, and electronic material systems where thermal
stability and functional surface chemistry are required
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Adhesives and surface modifiers
Evaluated as a functional resin to enhance adhesion strength in coatings, composites, and interfacial layers
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Biomedical and hydrophilic coatings
Investigated for use in biomaterials and surface coatings where increased wettability and polar surface
interactions are desired
FAQs
Common questions about Poly(4-vinylphenol).
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What is poly(4-vinylphenol) used for?
Poly(4-vinylphenol) is commonly studied as a functional polymer in coatings, adhesives, and photoresist
systems, particularly where thermal stability, hydrogen bonding, and surface adhesion are important.
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Why does poly(4-vinylphenol) exhibit strong adhesion?
The phenolic hydroxyl groups along the polymer backbone enable hydrogen bonding and polar interactions
with many substrates, contributing to adhesion and surface activity.
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What role does poly(4-vinylphenol) play in photoresist formulations?
In photoresist research, poly(4-vinylphenol) is studied for its film-forming properties, thermal behavior,
and chemical functionality, which can influence pattern formation and processing performance.
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Is poly(4-vinylphenol) hydrophilic?
The phenolic hydroxyl groups impart polarity and hydrophilic character relative to non-functional vinyl
polymers, although overall wettability depends on formulation and surface conditions.
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Why is poly(4-vinylphenol) considered a high-Tg polymer?
The rigid aromatic backbone and strong intermolecular interactions restrict chain mobility, resulting in
a higher glass transition temperature compared to many aliphatic vinyl polymers.