Poly Vinyl Pyrrolidone Blend Research Articles

Fabrication of polymer blend composites based on [PVA-PVP](1−x):(Ag2S)x (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.03) with small optical band gaps: Structural and optical properties

In this paper composite materials, based on polymer blends of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA): polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) with small optical band gap, has been studied. Silver sulfide (Ag2S) semiconductor particles have been synthesized in PVA:PVP blend host polymer, using in situ method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for the composite samples were carried out. From the XRD pattern, distinguishable crystalline peaks caused by the Ag2S semiconductor particles were observed. From the result of FTIR spectroscopy, the intensity of the FTIR bands were shifted and increased, revealing the occurrence of interactions between the PVA:PVP blend system and Ag2S particles. The composite samples were found to exhibit absorption spectra that cover UV–visible to near infrared regions. The absorption edge was found to be 5eV for pure PVA:PVP system and shifted to 1.15eV for incorporated PVA:PVP with 3M of Ag2S. The refractive index was also evaluated for the samples and observed to be increased from 1.15 to 1.52 as doping increased to the highest. A linear relationship between the refractive index and the filler fraction has been reported. Theoretical discussion of optical dielectric loss, which is a crucial parameter for the band gap estimation, was given. The achieved results reveal that spectra of the optical dielectric loss (ɛi) can be used to study the band gap structure and Tauc's model can be important in determining the types of electronic transition. The optical band gap was found to decrease from 5.2eV for the pure PVA:PVP to 1.1eV for doped PVA:PVP with 3M of Ag2S. Such reduction can be associated with the increase of optical dielectric constant. Finally, the correlation between optical dielectric constant and density of states was discussed.

Spectroscopic analysis of CdCl2 doped PVA–PVP blend films

The changes in molecular chemical structure of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), caused by doping PVA–PVP blend with cadmium chloride (CdCl2), have been studied using ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The formation of cadmium nano-structures and microstructures in CdCl2-doped PVA–PVP blend has been visualized using scanning electron microscopy, in the range of doping levels varying from 0.5 up to 10.2 wt% (doping level in weight percentage). The incorporation of dopant in PVA–PVP blend is confirmed using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The optical absorbance (UV-Vis) spectra of PVA–PVP blend films doped with CdCl2 from 0.5 up to 2.2 wt%, showed a prominent absorption hump with peak at the wavelength 370 nm, in addition to other intermediate energy bands caused by the interactions of CdCl2 with molecules of PVA and PVP. The photo-luminescence (emission and fluorescence) spectra show significant quenching of fluorescence in CdCl2-doped PVA–PVP blend films. Analysis of FTIR and Raman spectra suggest the possible modes of interaction of cadmium ions (Cd2+) and chlorine ions (Cl−) with reactive functional groups (C–N, hydroxyl and carbonyl groups) of polymeric molecules in the blend. A reaction scheme for interaction of CdCl2 with PVA–PVP blend is proposed, on the basis of spectroscopic studies on these films.

Sensitized green emission of terbium with dibenzoylmethane and 1, 10 phenanthroline in polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl pyrrolidone blends

Tb doped polyvinyl alcohol: polyvinyl pyrrolidone blends with dibenzoylmethane (DBM) and 1, 10 Phenanthroline (Phen) have been prepared by solution cast technique. Bond formation amongst the ligands and Tb3+ ions in the doped polymer has been confirmed employing Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) techniques. Optical properties of the Tb3+ ions have been investigated using UV–Vis absorption, excitation and fluorescence studies excited by different radiations. Addition of dimethylbenzoate and 1, 10 Phenanthroline to the polymer blend increases the luminescence from Tb3+ ions along with energy transfer from the polymer blend itself. Luminescence decay curve analysis affirms the non-radiative energy transfer from DBM and Phen to Tb3+ ions, which is identified as the reason behind this enhancement. The fluorescence decay time of PVA-PVP host decreases from 6.02ns to 2.31ns showing an evidence of energy transfer from the host blend to the complexed Tb ions. Similarly the lifetime of DBM and Phen and both in the blend reduces in the complexed system showing the feasibility of energy transfer from these excited DBM and Phen to Tb3+ and is proposed as the cause of the above observations. These entire phenomena have been explained by the energy level diagram.

Removal of bovine serum albumin from wastewater using fouling resistant ultrafiltration membranes based on the blends of cellulose acetate, and PVP-TiO2 nanoparticles

Fouling resistant ultrafiltration membranes based on the blends of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), TiO2 nanoparticles and cellulose acetate, CA-PVP-TiO2 (CATP), for removal of bovine serum albumin (BSA) were prepared by using phase inversion process. The influences of PVP and TiO2 on the preparation of phase inverted cellulose acetate (CA) ultrafiltration membrane were explored in terms of morphology study, equilibrium water content (EWC), hydraulic resistance, permeability performance, hydrophilicity, and thermal stability. After the introduction of PVP and TiO2 to the ternary (polymer-solvent-non-solvent) system, the formations of finger-like structures and macro-voids were reduced significantly. An improvement in porosity, average pore size, and hydrophilic nature of the CA membranes were detected after the introduction of PVP and TiO2 into the polymer matrix. The interaction between TiO2 and CA was confirmed and the degradation temperature of the CA membrane was significantly improved. BSA protein removal efficiency, anti-fouling performance, and recycling potential of the UF membranes were investigated. The CATP membrane (10.5 wt % CA: 4 wt % PVP: 2 wt % TiO2) has displayed high BSA removal efficiency and flux recovery ratios (NFR) with enhanced anti-fouling performances for the three fouling/rinsing cycles.

Dispersion parameters of cadmium chloride doped PVA-PVP blend films

Solution cast films of poly vinylalcohol (PVA) – poly vinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymer blend, doped with different concentrations (from 0.5 wt% up to 40 wt%) of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) have been studied by analysing the data recorded using optical (UV-Vis) spectrometry. The modified band structure of PVA -PVP blends doped with CdCl2 has been studied using Moss model and Wemple - DiDomenco model. Optical parameters such as transmittance (T), reflectance (R), refractive index (n), average oscillator energy (E0), oscillator dispersion energy (Ed), real and imaginary part of dielectric constant (er and ei) have been determined. The ratio of charge carrier concentration to effective mass (N/m*), plasma frequency (ωp), average oscillator wavelength (λo), oscillator strength (So), optical conductivity (σ) and optical momenta of spectra (M−1 and M−3) have been estimated for the PVA-PVP blend films doped with CdCl2.

Magnesium ion conducting polyvinyl alcohol–polyvinyl pyrrolidone-based blend polymer electrolyte

Structural, thermal, electrical and electrochemical behaviour of polymer blend electrolytes comprising polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as host polymers and Mg(ClO4)2 as dopant salt have been investigated. The changes in the structural properties on the incorporation of dopant in the blends were investigated by XRD and FTIR analyses. Thermal properties of pure PVA–PVP blend and their complexes were examined by DSC to measure how the thermal transitions of the prepared films were affected by different concentration of Mg(ClO4)2. The ionic conductivity and dielectric behaviour were explored using A.C. impedance spectroscopy. The trend of ionic conductivity increases almost proportionally to the content of magnesium salt and can be related to an increase of amorphous phase at high level of dopant salt. The electrochemical stability of the optimum conducting blend polymer electrolyte is found to be ∼3.5 V. The Mg2+ transference number for the sample with optimized conductivity was found to be 0.31.

Visualizing and quantifying the nanoscale hydrophobicity and chemical distribution of surface modified polyethersulfone (PES) membranes.

Chemical modifications bring unique properties into polymeric membranes that may have enhanced filtration or separation efficiencies, antifouling, antimicrobial activity and selectivity. However, there is a lack of nanoscale characterization of the chemical additive distribution and the impacts of chemical modifiers or additives on membrane surface properties, especially those at the nanoscale. In this study, a series of industrially relevant polyethersulfone (PES) membranes modified with poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were analysed systematically. Particularly, hydrophobicity and chemical distribution were scrutinized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and AFM coupled with infrared analysis capability (AFM-IR) for the first time that successfully resolved nanoscale structural and chemical properties of the chemically modified PES membranes. Our results indicated the heterogeneous spatial distribution of PVP and PEG based on their characteristic IR bands and the resulting hydrophobicity distribution on modified membrane surfaces at the nanoscale. Particularly, we established a linear correlation (R2 = 0.9449) between the measured adhesion force and water contact angles, which enabled the examination of local surface hydrophobicity. The PES membranes became more hydrophilic with the increasing blend of PVP and PEG. With AFM-IR, trace amounts (1-4%) of PVP could be identified sensitively on PES membranes based on their unique characteristic IR bands, which were not achieved by FTIR or IR mapping. Overall, these novel characterization approaches hold paramount importance for the design and quality control of polymer membrane modification and manufacturing.

Polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl alcohol/ polyvinyl pyrrolidone biomedical foams crosslinked by gamma irradiation

Foams for biomedical applications were made from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol / polyvinyl pyrrolidone blend and their nanocomposites with nanoclay by clean processes. Air was entrapped into the aqueous polymer solutions during vigorous mixing and then the solutions were freeze-dried. The foams structure was stabilized by crosslinking via gamma irradiation without using any harmful chemicals. The hydrophilic biocompatible foams possessed interconnected open cell structure with remarkable capacity to absorb and retain water. The foams in wet state were soft and flexible. Desirable pore structure and higher water absorption was obtained at a solution concentration of 5 wt% for both polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl alcohol / polyvinyl pyrrolidone foams and also for the nanocomposite foams. The polyvinyl alcohol / polyvinyl pyrrolidone foams at a composition of 80/20 had a uniform porous structure. Addition of 20 wt% polyvinyl pyrrolidone increased the size and interconnectivity of the cell structure and rendered more flexible foams than the neat polyvinyl alcohol. Also the nanoclay, in the nanocomposite foams, elevated pore population through generation of more air bubbles during aqueous polymer solution mixing.

Analysis of polybenzimidazole and polyvinylpyrrolidone blend membranes as separating barrier in single chambered microbial fuel cells

In present study, different blend compositions of polybenzimidazole (PBI) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) have been analyzed as polymer electrolyte membrane in single chambered MFCs. Four membranes namely, pure PBI, PBI/PVP 70:30, 50:50, and 30:70 blend ratios with increasing PVP content were casted, where the hygroscopic properties of the membranes were found enhanced with increasing PVP content. The membranes were characterized at room temperature (22+2°C) with different ion exchange (IEC) and proton conductive capacities, where an IEC of 0.06meqg−1, 0.15meqg−1, 0.24meqg−1 and 0.36meqg−1 and proton conductivity of 2.5×10−4, 4.8×10−4, 9.36×10−4 and 1.2×10−3Scm−1 were observed from pure PBI, PBI/PVP 70:30, 50:50, and 30:70 membranes respectively. As membrane electrode assemblies (MEA), the casted membranes were sandwiched in-between carbon cloths, where a maximum power and current density of 231.38±12mWm−2 and 1242±62mAm−2 were observed from 30:70 PBI/PVP fitted MFC, using mixed firmicutes as biocatalysts. A gross 84.36% COD removal from 30:70 PBI/PVP membrane indicated the added effect of PVP in blend composition with approximately 81% higher power over pure PBI membrane. The results indicate the potential efficacy of PBI/PVP blends as seperators in microbial fuel cell, for bio-energy conversion over pure PBI membrane.

Controlling the porosity of a polyethersulfone membrane surface with an XeCl laser

Pure and polyvinyl pyrrolidone blend polyethersulfone (PES) membranes were irradiated by an XeCl laser with various numbers of pulses at different fluences to investigate the changes in the surface morphology and the porosity. The results show that the membrane pore size and distribution on the surface can be modified following irradiation dependent on the laser fluence, the number of pulses and the membrane composition. These changes are very attractive for improving the membrane surface in filtration processes and biological applications.

Modification of polydimethylsiloxane with polyvinylpyrrolidone: Influence of reinforcing filler on physico-mechanical properties

The present article reports an approach for the modification of hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with low molecular weight hydrophilic polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) via solution blending method to develop new PDMS-based materials with improved mechanical performance and wettability which can be used in many biomedical applications. The influence of dimethyldichlorosilane treated fumed silica (FS) on physico-mechanical properties of PDMS–PVP blends were investigated and analyzed. There was the significant improvement in mechanical, dynamic mechanical and thermal properties of PDMS–PVP blends, whereas, transparency and contact angle were slightly decreased after incorporation of FS into PDMS–PVP blends. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the fourfold reduction in the average domain size of the dispersed PVP in the PDMS matrix in the presence of compatibilizer (PDMS-PEO block copolymer) when compared with the uncompatibilized PDMS–PVP blend morphology. By incorporation of FS into the neat PDMS matrix, the onset of degradation (Ti), the maximum rate of degradation (Tmax) and overall thermal stabilities increased significantly. On the other hand, by the addition of FS into to PDMS–PVP blends, the Ti and Tmax remains unaffected, but overall thermal stabilities increased significantly. PDMS–PVP blends exhibited low contact angle (∼45°) which confirmed the formation of the hydrophilic surface. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:491–499, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers

Cellulose acetate/poly(vinyl alcohol) and cellulose acetate/crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) blend membranes: preparation, characterization, and antifouling properties

Cellulose acetate (CA)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blend membranes have been first prepared by non-solvent induced phase separation process. The pure water flux (PWF), hydrophilicity, and porosity increased with an increment in CA/PVA compositions up to 90/10. Then, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as additive was added into the CA/PVA (90/10) casting solution. It was found that the PWF and porosity of CA/PVA/PVP blend membranes increased initially and then declined with the addition of PVP. Meanwhile, the effect of PVP content in CA/PVA blend membranes on fouling-resistant ability was studied using oil-in-water emulsion. The result indicated that all CA/PVA/PVP blend membranes had better antifouling property than CA/PVA membrane. If the PVA content in the casting solution increased to 20 wt%, the fabricating of membrane was difficult because of the strong hydrophilicity and large swelling capacity of PVA. Therefore, PVA was first crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GA) as the crosslinking agent, followed by in situ blended with CA and PVP to fabricating the CA/crosslinked PVA (CPVA) (80/20)/PVP blend membrane. The effect of GA and PVP content on hydrophilicity, morphology, and performance of CA/CPVA (80/20)/PVP blend membranes were also discussed in detail.

Novel CO2-Selective Cross-Linked Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Polyvinylpyrrolidone Blend Membrane Containing Amine Carrier for CO2–N2 Separation: Synthesis, Characterization, and Gas Permeation Study

This article reports structural characterizations and gas permeation properties of novel CO2-selective cross-linked thin-film composite poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) blend membranes doped with suitable amine carriers. The characterization of the active layer was carried out by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Gas streams containing 20% CO2 and 80% N2 by volume were used to study the transport properties of CO2 (CO2 and N2 flux, CO2 permeability, and CO2/N2 selectivity) across the membrane. The effects of active layer thickness (34–87 μm), feed absolute pressure (1.7–6.2 atm), temperature (90–125 °C), and sweep side water flow rate (0.02–0.075 cm3/min) on CO2 transport properties across the membrane were analyzed. The maximum CO2/N2 selectivity of 370 and a CO2 permeability of 1396 barrer were obtained for the composite membrane with 40 μm active layer thickness at 2.8 atm feed side absolute pressure and 100 °C.

Functional Fiber Mats with Tunable Diffuse Reflectance Composed of Electrospun VO2/PVP Composite Fibers

Thermochromic VO2 nanoparticles have been dispersed into polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) fibers by electrospinning of a VO2-PVP blend solution. The structure and optical properties of the obtained composite fiber mat were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The fiber mat revealed two diffuse reflectance states in infrared spectral region at temperatures under and above the phase transition temperature of VO2 and its IR reflectance is smaller in high temperature. The difference of diffuse reflectance between the two states (ΔRdif) was obvious to be more than 25% in the wavelengths from 1.5 μm to 6 μm. The diffuse reflectance of the fiber mat could be controlled by adjusting the diameter of the fiber or the content of VO2 in the fibers and this particular optical property was explained by a multiple scattering-absorbing process.

Development of solid dispersions of artemisinin for transdermal delivery

Solid dispersions of the poorly soluble drug artemisinin were developed using polymer blends of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) with the aim of enhancing solubility and in vitro permeation of artemisinin through skin. Formulations were characterised using a combination of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Solubility of artemisinin was determined in two solvents: de-ionised water and phosphate buffered saline (PBS; pH 7.4), while in vitro drug permeation studies were carried out using rabbit skin as a model membrane. MD simulations revealed miscibility between the drug and polymers. DSC confirmed the molecular dispersion of the drug in the polymer blend. Decrease in crystallinity of artemisinin with respect to polymer content and the absence of specific drug-polymer interactions were confirmed using XRD and FT-IR, respectively. The solubility of artemisinin was dramatically enhanced for the solid dispersions, as was the permeation of artemisinin from saturated solid-dispersion vehicles relative to that from saturated solutions of the pure drug. The study suggests that high energy solid forms of artemisinin could possibly enable transdermal delivery of artemisinin.

Solid dispersions of the penta-ethyl ester prodrug of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA): formulation design and optimization studies

The penta-ethyl ester prodrug of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), which exists as an oily liquid, was incorporated into a solid dispersion for oral administration by the solvent evaporation method using blends of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Eudragit® RL PO and α-tocopherol. D-optimal mixture design was used to optimize the formulation. Formulations that had a high concentration of both Eudragit® RL PO and α-tocopherol exhibited low water absorption and enhanced stability of the DTPA prodrug. Physicochemical properties of the optimal formulation were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In vitro release of the prodrug was evaluated using the USP Type II apparatus dissolution method. DSC studies indicated that the matrix had an amorphous structure, while FTIR spectrometry showed that DTPA penta-ethyl ester and excipients did not react with each other during formation of the solid dispersion. Dissolution testing showed that the optimized solid dispersion exhibited a prolonged release profile, which could potentially result in a sustained delivery of DTPA penta-ethyl to enhance bioavailability. In conclusion, DTPA penta-ethyl ester was successfully incorporated into a solid matrix with high drug loading and improved stability compared to prodrug alone.

Release behavior of cilostazol according to the fabrication methods and ratio of HPMC/PVP

In this study, we manufactured a polymer blend, using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), by spray drying method to improve the characteristics of polymers. This polymer blend was used to improve the drug delivery of cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that decreases serum triglycerides, is a direct arterial vasodilator, and inhibits platelet aggregation and smooth muscle cell proliferation. Compatibility with this drug was achieved when the polymer blend of HPMC and PVP were spray dried. Various ratios of the two ingredients were blended to determine optimum release rate of this poorly soluble drug. Cilostazol blended with different ratios of HPMC and PVP was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to confirm surface morphology and combination of drug and polymer. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were conducted to confirm thermodynamic properties and chemical structure change, respectively. Change in the drug release of cilostazol was expected by adjusting the HPMC and PVP blend ratio in gastric juice (pH 1.2). Open image in new window

Development of Imiquimod-Loaded Mucoadhesive Films for Oral Dysplasia

Oral squamous dysplasia, which can usually be readily visualized as leukoplakia during an oral examination and confirmed by histology, is often considered a premalignant condition. Current treatments, however, focus on the final stages of disease, and treatments such as surgery can lead to postoperative disabilities. Hence, this study was designed to develop a noninvasive, mucoadhesive drug delivery system loaded with an immune response modifier, imiquimod, as a treatment for precancerous dysplastic lesions. Blends of polyvinylpyrrolidone and carboxymethylcellulose were used to prepare mucoadhesive films that were backed with poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate). Because of the hydrophobic nature of imiquimod, four loading methods (sonication, linoleic acid, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, and acetate buffer) were compared. The formation of imiquimod-cyclodextrin complexes and their solubility was studied by differential scanning calorimetry and phase solubility studies. All films achieved sustained release of drug for 3 h except those prepared by linoleic acid. The high solubility of imiquimod in acetate buffer facilitated high loading capacity and greater release (68%) of drug than did the other formulations (approximately 40%). In summary, a noninvasive and local approach with the potential to treat precancerous lesions may be achieved by this described mucoadhesive drug delivery system.

Polyvinyl alcohol-polyvinyl pyrrolidone thin films provide local short-term release of anti-inflammatory agents post spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) triggers a large inflammatory response that results in exacerbated tissue damage. Locally delivering anti-inflammatory drugs could mitigate this secondary wave of degeneration. The mitogen-activated protein kinase family members p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) play important roles in the inflammatory response and cell death. We propose that the use of polymer thin films, made of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl pyrrolidone blends (PVA-PVP), can be used to provide local release of inhibitors to p38 and JNK post-SCI. Release studies performed in vitro confirmed the inhibitors could be released from the film for up to 7 days. The thin film was also tested for its surgical feasibility using a cervical contusion model of SCI in adult female rats. Films with or without the inhibitors were placed subdurally over the injury site immediately following SCI. Animals were sacrificed 5 days post-SCI and spinal cord tissue above and below the injury site was harvested. Additionally, films were removed for analysis. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the anti-fouling properties of the PVA-PVP film. Tissue histology confirmed that the films themselves did not generate a large immune response, but they did compress the tissue slightly at its placement above the injury site. Finally, quantitative Western blot analysis determined the films loaded with p38 and JNK inhibitors delivered bioactive agents to the injury site and resulted in a significantly decreased amount of pro-cell death proteins. These data indicate that PVA-PVP films can be used to effectively deliver drugs to a SCI site.

Improvement of Blood Compatibility on Polysulfone–Polyvinylpyrrolidone Blend Films as a Model Membrane of Dialyzer by Physical Adsorption of Recombinant Soluble Human Thrombomodulin (ART-123)

ART-123 is a recombinant soluble human thrombomodulin (hTM) with potent anticoagulant activity, and is available for developing antithrombogenic surfaces by immobilization. We focused on improving blood compatibility on the dialyzer surface by the physical adsorption of ART-123 as a safe yet simple method without using chemical reagents. The physical adsorption mechanism and anticoagulant activities of adsorbed hTM on the surface of a polysulfone (PSF) membrane containing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a model dialyzer were investigated in detail. The PVP content of the PSF–PVP films was saturated at 20 wt% after immersion in Tris-HCl buffer, even with the addition of over 20 wt% PVP. The surface morphology of the PSF–PVP films was strongly influenced by the PVP content, because PVP covered the outermost surface of the PSF–PVP films. The adsorption speed of hTM slowed dramatically with increasing PVP content up to 10 wt%, but the maximum adsorption amount of hTM onto the PSF–PVP film surface was almost the same, regardless of the PVP content. The PSF–PVP film with the physically adsorbed hTM showed higher protein C activity as compared to the PSF film, it showed excellent blood compatibility due to the protein C activity and the inhibition properties of platelet adhesion. The physical adsorption of hTM can be useful as a safe yet simple method to improve the blood compatibility of a dialyzer surface.