Polyvinyl Alcohol – Meaning, Structure, Properties and Uses

Polyvinyl Alcohol

Polyvinyl alcohol is a white, water soluble polymer with the chemical name poly (vinyl alcohol). It is a synthetic resin made from the polymerization of vinyl alcohol. Used in a variety of applications including as a binder in papermaking, as a sizing agent in textiles, and as a film-forming agent. It is also used as a food additive.

Polyvinyl alcohol has a number of properties that make it useful in a variety of applications. It is water soluble, which makes it useful as a binder in papermaking and as a sizing agent in textiles. Also a film-forming agent, which makes it useful for making films and coatings. It is also a food additive, where it is used as a stabilizer and thickener.

Polyvinyl Meaning

Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is a synthetic polymer made from the monomers vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate. PVC is the most common type of plastic. It is used to make pipes, tubing, and other building materials, and is also used in the production of clothing, furniture, and automobile upholstery.

PVA Structure or Polyvinyl Alcohol Structure

PVA is a water soluble polymer with a repeating unit of vinyl alcohol. It is made by the polymerization of vinyl acetate. PVA is a white, odorless, and tasteless powder. It is insoluble in most organic solvents but is soluble in water. PVA is used in the manufacture of adhesives, coatings, fabrics, and plastics.

Physical Properties of PVA

PVA is a water soluble polymer with the chemical formula (C
2H4O)n. It is a white, odorless, and tasteless powder that dissolves in water to form a transparent solution. PVA is non-toxic and biodegradable. It has a high tensile strength and a low melting point.

Chemical Properties of PVA

The chemical properties of PVA are that it is a water soluble polymer. It is also non-toxic and biodegradable.

Polyvinyl Alcohol Uses

Some of the most common uses of polyvinyl alcohol include:

• Waterproofing – Polyvinyl alcohol can used as a waterproofing agent, due to its ability to form a water-repellant film.
• Adhesive – Polyvinyl alcohol can used as an adhesive, due to its ability to form strong bonds with other materials.
• Textile Finishing – Polyvinyl alcohol can used as a finishing agent for textiles, due to its ability to impart a soft, smooth feel to fabrics.
• Paint and Varnish – Polyvinyl alcohol can used as a binder in paints and varnishes, due to its ability to form a hard, durable film.
• Paper Coating – Polyvinyl alcohol can used as a coating agent for paper, due to its ability to improve the properties of paper, such as strength, water resistance, and gloss.

PVA Glue Uses

Some common PVA glue uses are:

• Making paper mache
• Attaching two pieces of wood together
• Making a decoupage project
• Also making a mosaic
• Making a picture frame

What is PVA Adhesive? & How to Make PVA Glue?

PVA adhesive is a polymer-based adhesive that is water soluble. It used as an adhesive, binder, or coating. It also used as a sizing agent in papermaking and as a component of some types of paints.

To make PVA glue, you will need:

• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/4 cup of PVA glue

Instructions:

1. Combine the water, vinegar, and baking soda in a small saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the PVA glue and stir until dissolved.
4. Let the glue cool before using.

Is PVA Glue Toxic?

PVA glue is not toxic.

Use of PVA as Polyvinyl Fabric-

• A cloth-like fabric made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has developed in Japan. The fabric said to be waterproof, yet breathable, and said to feel similar to cotton. The fabric also said to be biodegradable and to decompose within a few months in soil.
• Polyvinyl alcohol a water-soluble polymer made from the monomer vinyl alcohol. It produced by the hydrolysis of vinyl acetate, which obtained from the polymerisation of ethylene and acetylene.
• PVA has a number of potential applications, including as a water-repellent coating for fabrics, as a binder in adhesives and sealants, and as a component of biodegradable plastics.
• The fabric made from PVA said to be waterproof, yet breathable. This is because PVA is hydrophilic, meaning that it absorbs water. However, PVA is also hydrophobic, meaning that it repels water. This means that the fabric will be water-repellent, yet will allow water vapour to escape, making it breathable.
• The fabric also said to feel similar to cotton. This is because PVA is a soft, flexible, and durable polymer.
• The fabric is also biodegradable and will decompose within a few months in soil. This is because PVA is a biodegradable polymer.

Use of PVA as Polyvinyl Alcohol Film

A polyvinyl alcohol film is a water-soluble film that often used as a protective coating for paper products. It also used as a component in adhesives, inks, and coatings.

How to Make Polyvinyl Alcohol Film?

To make a polyvinyl alcohol film, you will need to start by dissolving the polyvinyl alcohol in water. Next, you will need to pour the solution into a flat container and then use a straw to blow into the solution to create bubbles. As the bubbles rise to the surface, they will form a film. Finally, you can use a sharp object to cut the film into the desired shape.

Polyvinyl Alcohol Hazards

Polyvinyl alcohol is a hazardous chemical that can cause serious health problems. Contact with the eyes can cause blindness, and contact with the skin can cause skin irritation. Inhalation of the vapor can cause respiratory problems.