Polyvinyl alcohol

Polyvinyl alcohol (CAS 9002-89-5), commonly abbreviated as PVA or PVOH, is a water-soluble synthetic polymer produced by hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate.

Where is Polyvinyl alcohol used?

• Textile sizing: applied to warp yarns to reduce breakage during weaving, then washed out cleanly after processing
• Paper and board: surface sizing agent and pigment binder to improve printability and surface strength
• Construction: binder in tile adhesives, cement renders, and gypsum-based compounds
• Packaging: water-soluble films for detergent unit-dose pouches and agrochemical sachets
• It functions as a film-former, binder, and emulsion stabilizer.
• Ceramic shaping: inorganic/ceramic binder.

Good to know: Approved as E1203 in food-contact and pharmaceutical applications. Pharmaceutical and food-contact supply is available to USP, Ph. Eur., and E1203 specifications.

Formulation notes

• Solutions are prepared by stirring into cold water and heating to 90 to 95 °C or by hot steam.
• Fully hydrolyzed grades require hot water at 90 °C or higher to dissolve.
• Glycerin is typically used at 5-15 wt% relative to polyvinyl alcohol to maintain surface tension at 55-65 mN/m and improve film flexibility.

Typical specification

• Available in fully hydrolyzed and partially hydrolyzed grades.
• Decomposes rapidly above 200°C.
• Ultra low viscosity grades have a viscosity of 3-4 cps, degree of polymerization 150-300, and average molecular weight 13,000-23,000.
• Unplasticized grades have a melting point of 230°C for fully hydrolyzed grades and 180-190°C for partially hydrolyzed grades.
• Grades for solution use have a degree of polymerization typically between 200 and 4,000.

Regulatory status

• Recognized as one of the few water-soluble vinyl polymers that is also susceptible to ultimate biodegradation in the presence of suitably acclimated microorganisms.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Solid polyvinyl alcohol has indefinite storage stability when protected from moisture.
• Heating and stirring maintain the viscosity of the solution, which can increase during long storage and reduce dissolution speed.

Frequently asked questions about Polyvinyl alcohol

How does hydrolysis level affect water resistance?

Water resistance increases as hydrolysis increases; super-hydrolyzed grades are used for maximum water and humidity resistance.

What specialty grades are available?

Specialty grades include polymerization, fine particle size and tackified polyvinyl alcohol.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.