polyvinyylimonon

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a synthetic polymer with the formula [CH2CH(OH)]n. It is a water-soluble synthetic polymer. PVA is typically a white to off-white, odorless, and tasteless solid. It is produced by the hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate. The degree of hydrolysis, which refers to the percentage of acetate groups replaced by hydroxyl groups, significantly influences the properties of the PVA. Higher degrees of hydrolysis lead to less water solubility and increased tensile strength.

PVA is known for its excellent film-forming capabilities, high tensile strength, and resistance to oils, greases, and solvents. However, it has poor resistance to acids and bases. Its applications are diverse and include use as a water-soluble packaging material, in textile sizing, as a binder in paper coatings, and as a component in adhesives. It is also utilized in the production of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), a key material for laminated safety glass. Due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability, PVA is being explored for biomedical applications such as drug delivery systems and tissue engineering. The production process involves polymerization of vinyl acetate followed by a hydrolysis step. The resulting polymer's properties can be tailored by controlling molecular weight and the degree of hydrolysis.