Polyvinyl alcohol FAQ

what is pva

What is PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)?

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA),(PVOH) which is a water-soluble synthetic resin, can be used to made various of adhesive. The appearance is white flake, flocculent, or powdered solid, odorless. Soluble in water (above 95 ℃), slightly soluble in Dimethyl sulfoxide, insoluble in gasoline, kerosene, vegetable oil, benzene, toluene, dichloroethane, carbon tetrachloride, acetone, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethylene glycol, etc. Polyvinyl alcohol is an important chemical raw material, which is used to manufacture polyvinyl acetal, gasoline resistant pipeline and Vinylon, fabric treatment agent, emulsifier, paper coating, adhesive, glue, etc.

Here are some PVA properties for reference:

Full name: Polyvinyl Alcohol, Poly vinyl Alcohol

Other name: PVA, PVOH, POVAL

PVA formula: [C2H4O]n

PVA CAS code: 9002 89 5

PVA density: relative density  (25 ℃/4 ℃) is 1.27-1.31 (solid) and 1.02 (10% solution)

PVA melting point: 230 ℃

polyvinyl alcohol decomposition temperature:200℃

“What is PVA”  and “What is polyvinyl alcohol uses” hope you can learn more from this article!

What is PVA made of?

Polyvinyl Alcohol  is made by hydrolyzing polyvinyl acetate, which Is obtained through polymerization of vinyl acetate monomer. 

What are the common PVA mesh?

Flake mesh size: mainly 5-10mesh

Normal mesh size of granule: 10mesh, 15mesh, 25mesh

Super fine powder: 80mesh, 100mesh, 120mesh

Other mesh size:can be produced as custom requirement

Polyvinyl Alcohol PVA sample

What’s the Polyvinyl Alcohol structure?

PVA molecular structure: [C2H4O]n

The structure of PVA is cross lined, what showing improvement character in final products like excellent film forming, high tensile strength and elasticity,resistance against organic solvents, etc.

Is Polyvinyl Alcohol safe?

Polyvinyl Alcohol is non toxic.

The pharmaceutical grade PVA is a very safe macromolecular organic substance, non-toxic to human body, no side effects, and has good biocompatibility, especially in medical treatment, such as the water-based gel, which is widely used in ophthalmology, wound dressings, and artificial joints. At the same time, it is also used in polyvinyl alcohol films, medical films, Artificial kidney films, and so on. Its safety can be seen from its use in wound skin repair and eye drops. Some of these models are also often used in facial mask, cleanser, lotion and lotion in cosmetics, which is a commonly used safety film forming agent.

Industrial grade PVA is also non toxic. But there is irritating effects on eyes and skin if contacting with PVA material directly. It is recommended that operators wear self-priming filter type Dust mask, chemical safety goggles, anti poison penetration work clothes and rubber gloves.

How’s Polyvinyl alcohol solubility in ethanol?

Polyvinyl Alcohol is mainly used when disscolves in water, which is insoluble in most common organic solvents. PVA has no solubility in ethanol.

How’s the solubility of polyvinyl alcohol in water?

PVA has good solubility in water. Its solubility depends on the following factors,

PVA’s degree of polymerization. At the same temperature and degree of hydrolysis, PVA’s solubility inverses proportion to degree of polymerization. The lower of degree of polymerization, the better of PVA’s solubility.

PVA’s degree of hydrolysis. PVA’s solubility increases along with the decrease of hydrolysis. In fully hydrolysis(98%-99% mol/mol), PVA dissolves completely at 95℃. Partial hydrolysis(87%-89% mol/mol) is the best solubility condition, which dissolve in both cold water and hot water. When hydrolysis drops in 75%-80% mol/mol, PVA can dissolve in cold water.

PVA’s particle size. The finer of PVA’s particle size, the better PVA’s solubility. Learn More>>

What are the uses for Polyvinyl Alcohol?

PVA application:the traditional application fields of PVA products, in addition to being used as raw materials for the synthesis of Vinylon fibers, are mainly used in PVA adhesives, textile pulp, paper making(PVA paper) and other aspects. With the continuous application and exploration of new technologies, new processes, and new uses, PVA products also have broad application prospects in film, soil conditioner, food packaging, building materials, medicine, leather making, paper making, electronics, environmental protection and other industries.

PVA has various specifications due to its different viscosity and alcoholysis degree, so different specifications have different uses.

Uses for Polyvinyl Alcohol

PVA specification

PVA for textile

PVA 1799; PVA 1798PVA 1788

PVA for paper

PVA1799; PVA 0588

PVA for slime

PVA1788; PVA 2488

PVA for plywood glue

PVA2499; PVA2699; PVA2498; PVA1799

PVA for oil cement

PVA0588S; PVA2488S

Polyvinyl Alcohol uses in pharmaceuticals, which is different from chemical grade polyvinyl alcohol, is a very safe polymer organic substance, non-toxic to the human body, has no side effects, and has good biocompatibility, especially in medical treatment such as its water-based gel It is widely used in ophthalmology, wound dressing and artificial joints, and it is also used in polyvinyl alcohol film in medical membranes, artificial kidney membranes, etc. Its safety can be seen from its use in wound skin repair and eye drop products. Some of these models are also often used in facial masks, cleansing creams, lotions and emulsions in cosmetics, and are a commonly used safe film-forming agent.

Polyvinyl Alcohol in skincare:Polyvinyl alcohol is a synthetic polymer of vinyl alcohol that functions in skincare as a gel-based thickener, film-former and binding agent.

Polyvinyl Alcohol uses in pharmaceuticals:It is used to increase viscosity in pharmaceuticals and as a lubricant and protectant in ophthalmic preparations. Polyvinyl alcohol is often found in over-the-counter eye redness and eye lubricant (“Tears”) eye drops.

“What is pva used for” it is a question that many people want to understand. We have listed some applications of PVA, but there are still many that we need to continue researching.

pva for fabric pva for paper pva for slime pva for textile