Water-soluble polymers are useful in various industrial and consumer products such as coatings, inks, papers, paints, adhesives, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Polymers are complex chemicals with repeating structural units that have covalent chemical bonds.

Water-soluble polymers come in different categories such as water-soluble polyurethane, water-soluble epoxy resin, water-soluble plastics and water-soluble unsaturated polymer. You can also use water-soluble polymers as thickeners, stabilizers, film formers, emulsifiers, lubricity aids and conditioners.

Some important parameters you must consider before purchasing water-soluble polymers are:

1. Application of the water-soluble polymer
2. Operating conditions such as temperature, pressure and corrosiveness of the environment
3. Chemical properties of the polymers such as composition and reactivity

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy water-soluble polymer for water treatment applications

Some water-soluble polymers act as dispersants, which are helpful in dispersing unwanted particles such as clay, silt and other pigments from water.

I recommend: The Lubrizol Corporation, a specialty chemical company, provides water-soluble polymers under the brand name Carbosperse for various water treatment applications. SNF is one of the reputable water-soluble polymer companies that offer polymers for dewatering, H₂S odor control, water / solids separation and potable water treatment.

Buy water-soluble polymer for pharmaceutical applications

Various pharmaceutical formulations require water-soluble polymers. These polymers are extremely useful, as they have certain properties such as tastelessness, colorlessness and odorlessness.

I recommend: Dow Chemical, a diversified chemicals company, can provide you with various water-soluble chemical polymers for different pharmaceutical applications. Kemira, another chemicals manufacturer, offers a range of polymers that act as reducing agents in various pharmaceutical formulations.

Buy water-soluble epoxy for coating applications from reputable water-soluble polymers manufacturers

Water-soluble epoxies are extremely useful to provide corrosion resistant coatings. These coatings provide corrosion resistance to various surfaces such as metals and concrete.

I recommend: Cytec Industries, a specialty chemicals supplier, offers a range of epoxy resins and hardeners under the brand name Beckopox. Reichhold is a global polymer resin manufacturer that offers a range of epoxy resins useful for coating various materials such as wood, plastic, leather, textile, concrete and metals.

Consult an expert for unique applications of water-soluble polymers

For customized applications of polymers soluble in water, you can ask an expert who can identify the required polymer with appropriate chemical and physical properties.

I recommend: Intota, an expert consulting and witness service provider, offers consultancy with the help of experts that have relevant credentials and industry experience. Ciba is a global chemicals manufacturing company that also offers expert advice to find suitable chemicals for your applications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Follow the manufacturers' instructions about storing and handling the water-soluble polymers.
• •  Register with reputable associations of polymer producers to keep yourself updated about innovations in polymer technologies.