Polyvinyl Alcohol, Polyviol, PVA, PVOH, PVA 1788, PVA 0588, PVA 2688, 1788, 2488, 0588, 9002-89-5

POLYVINYL ALCOHOL (PVA)

1. Chemical Identity and Material Classification

• Chemical Name: Polyvinyl Alcohol, Poly(vinyl alcohol)

• Synonyms: PVA, PVOH, Polyviol, Vinol, Alvyl, Mowiol, Elvanol, Gohsenol, Kuraray Poval

• CAS Number: 9002-89-5

• EC Number (EINECS): 618-338-5 (polymer – not fully listed)

• Molecular Formula: (C₂H₄O)ₙ (actual structure: –[CH₂–CH(OH)]–)ₙ

• Molecular Weight: Variable (typically 20,000–200,000 g/mol depending on grade)

• Chemical Class: Synthetic, water-soluble polymer (polyhydroxy polymer)

• UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous for transport (solid form)

2. PVA Grade Designations (Viscometric Notation)

PVA grades are designated by a four-digit number: AB where:

• First two digits (A): 10 × viscosity of 4% aqueous solution at 20°C (mPa·s)

• Last two digits (B): Hydrolysis degree (%)

Note: Fully hydrolyzed grades (98–99%) are also available (e.g., PVA 1799, PVA 2499) for higher chemical resistance but require hot water (>90°C) for dissolution.

3. Physical Properties

3.1 General Physical Properties

3.2 Solution Properties

3.3 Film Properties (Dried PVA Film)

4. Chemical Properties

4.1 Molecular Structure

Structure: –[CH₂–CH(OH)]–ₙ

• Polyhydroxy polymer with numerous hydrophilic –OH groups

• Produced by hydrolysis (saponification) of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc)

• Degree of hydrolysis determines water solubility and chemical resistance

• Fully hydrolyzed (98–99%): Higher chemical resistance, requires hot water for dissolution

• Partially hydrolyzed (87–89%): Cold water soluble, lower chemical resistance

4.2 Production Reaction

Step 1: Vinyl acetate → Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) – by free-radical polymerization
Step 2: Polyvinyl acetate + Methanol + Alkali → Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) + Methyl acetate

4.3 Solubility

General solubility factors:

• Lower molecular weight = faster dissolution

• Lower hydrolysis degree = better cold water solubility

• pH affects solubility (optimal pH 5–7)

• Presence of salts or boric acid can crosslink PVA, reducing solubility

4.4 Chemical Resistance

4.5 Thermal Properties

4.6 Reactivity

5. Quality Specifications (Typical – Partially Hydrolyzed 88%)

6. Comparison with Other Polymers

7. Industrial Applications

7.1 Adhesives (Largest Application)

Benefits:

• High bond strength

• Good water resistance (fully hydrolyzed grades)

• Non-toxic

• Compatible with many additives (plasticizers, fillers)

7.2 Textile Industry

Benefits:

• Easily removed during desizing (soluble in hot water)

• Improves weaving efficiency

• Environmentally friendly (no formaldehyde)

7.3 Paper Industry

Benefits:

• Excellent oil and grease resistance (for food packaging)

• Improves paper strength and surface properties

• Biodegradable films

7.4 Packaging (Water-Soluble Films)

Benefits:

• Dissolves in cold or hot water (depending on grade)

• Biodegradable

• Non-toxic

• Excellent barrier to oils and greases

7.5 Cosmetics and Personal Care

Benefits:

• Non-toxic, non-irritating

• Good film-forming properties

• Leaves smooth feel on skin/hair

• Compatible with many cosmetic ingredients

7.6 Medical and Pharmaceutical

Benefits:

• Biocompatible

• Non-toxic

• High water absorption (hydrogels)

• Good oxygen permeability (contact lenses)

7.7 Electronics

7.8 Agriculture

7.9 3D Printing

Benefits:

• Dissolves completely in water (no post-processing tools needed)

• Non-toxic

• Compatible with PLA and other filaments

7.10 Water Treatment

8. Summary Table – Grade Selection by Sector

9. Toxicology and Safety

9.1 Acute Toxicity

9.2 Chronic Toxicity

9.3 GHS Classification

9.4 Regulatory Status

10. Safety Precautions and PPE

• Hazards:

  • Low acute toxicity

  • Dust may cause mechanical irritation to eyes and respiratory tract

  • Combustible (fine dust may form explosive mixtures)

  • Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture)

• PPE (recommended):

  • Dust mask (FFP2/N95) – for powder handling

  • Safety glasses (EN 166)

  • Protective gloves (nitrile – optional)

  • Protective clothing (dust protection)

• Engineering controls:

  • Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) for powder handling

  • Dust collection systems

  • Eyewash stations

• First aid:

  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air

  • Skin contact: Wash with soap and water

  • Eye contact: Rinse with water for 15 minutes

  • Ingestion: Rinse mouth; drink water (low hazard)

11. Environmental Fate

12. Storage and Shelf Life

• Storage conditions:

  • Cool, dry, well-ventilated area (10–30°C)

  • Keep tightly closed in original packaging (hygroscopic)

  • Protect from moisture (prevents caking)

  • Protect from direct sunlight

  • Store away from strong oxidizing agents

• Shelf life:

  • Sealed container: 12–24 months

  • Opened container: 6–12 months (if properly resealed, kept dry)

• Degradation indicators:

  • Caking/hardening (moisture absorption)

  • Reduced viscosity (degradation)

  • Color change (yellowing)

13. Transport Information

14. Synonyms and Common Names

• English: Polyvinyl Alcohol, PVA, PVOH, Polyviol, Vinol, Alvyl, Mowiol, Elvanol, Gohsenol, Kuraray Poval

• Japanese: ポリビニルアルコール

• German: Polyvinylalkohol

• French: Alcool polyvinylique

• Spanish: Alcohol polivinílico

• Turkish: Polivinil Alkol

15. PVA vs. PVAc – Key Difference

16. Alternatives Comparison

17. PVA Blends and Formulations

18. FAQs

Q1: What is the difference between PVA 0588, 1788, and 2488?
A1: The differences are primarily viscosity and molecular weight:

• 0588 = low viscosity (5 mPa·s), low Mw (~25,000)

• 1788 = medium viscosity (17 mPa·s), medium Mw (~55,000)

• 2488 = high viscosity (25 mPa·s), high Mw (~73,000)

Q2: Is PVA biodegradable?
A2: PVA is partially biodegradable under certain conditions (soil, wastewater treatment). Complete mineralization is slow but occurs.

Q3: Is PVA safe for human use?
A3: Yes, PVA is non-toxic, non-irritating, and FDA-approved for many food contact and medical applications.

Q4: Does PVA dissolve in cold water?
A4: Partially hydrolyzed PVA (88%) dissolves in cold water. Fully hydrolyzed PVA (98–99%) requires hot water (>90°C).

Q5: Can PVA be recycled?
A5: PVA is not commonly recycled but can be repurposed. Water-soluble films dissolve in water and can be treated in wastewater plants.

19. Processing and Handling Tips

20. Summary Table – Key Specifications at a Glance

This TDS is prepared in compliance with ISO 11014-1 format and is intended for adhesive formulators, textile engineers, paper industry professionals, packaging developers, cosmetic chemists, medical device manufacturers, and procurement professionals. Certificates of Analysis (CoA), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and sample validation reports are available upon request.