Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) powder is a water-soluble synthetic polymer that has a wide range of applications in various industries. It is a linear, polymeric material made from the hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc). The degree of hydrolysis (DH) of PVA determines its solubility in water, with higher DH values indicating higher solubility. PVA powder is available in various grades, depending on the DH value and molecular weight.

Properties of PVA powder PVA powder has several unique properties that make it a popular choice in many applications. Some of these properties include:

1. Water-solubility: PVA powder is highly water-soluble, making it easy to dissolve in water to form a clear solution.
2. Film-forming: PVA powder can form a clear, flexible, and strong film when it is dissolved in water and then dried.
3. Adhesion: PVA powder can adhere to a variety of surfaces, making it a popular choice in adhesives.
4. Biodegradability: PVA powder is biodegradable, meaning that it can be broken down by natural processes.

Applications of PVA powder

1. Adhesives: PVA powder is commonly used as a primary component in adhesives. It is used in the production of wood glue, paper glue, and textile adhesives. PVA adhesive is suitable for bonding porous surfaces, such as paper, cardboard, and wood.
2. Packaging: PVA powder is used in the production of packaging materials such as films and coatings. The film formed from PVA powder has high tensile strength, good gas barrier properties, and good optical clarity.
3. Textile industry: PVA powder is used in the textile industry to produce sizing agents for yarn and fabrics. It is used to increase the strength and stiffness of the yarn or fabric, making it easier to weave and handle.
4. Paper industry: PVA powder is used in the paper industry as a wet-end additive. It is used to improve the strength, water resistance, and printability of paper.
5. Construction industry: PVA powder is used in the construction industry as a binder for cement and other construction materials. It is also used as a coating for concrete surfaces to improve their water resistance.
6. Personal care products: PVA powder is used in personal care products such as hair sprays, shampoos, and gels. It is used as a film-former and a thickener to improve the texture and performance of these products.
7. Medical industry: PVA powder is used in the medical industry to produce hydrogels, wound dressings, and drug delivery systems. The biocompatibility and water-solubility of PVA make it an ideal material for these applications.

Types of PVA powder PVA powder is available in various grades, depending on its DH value and molecular weight. The DH value of PVA powder ranges from 87% to 99%. The higher the DH value, the more water-soluble the PVA powder is. The molecular weight of PVA powder ranges from several thousand to several million.

1. Fully hydrolyzed PVA powder: This type of PVA powder has a DH value of 99% or higher. It is highly water-soluble and has excellent film-forming properties. It is commonly used in applications such as adhesives, packaging, and textiles.
2. Partially hydrolyzed PVA powder: This type of PVA powder has a DH value ranging from 87% to 98%. It is less water-soluble than fully hydrolyzed PVA powder and has lower film-forming properties. It is commonly used in applications such as paper and construction.