⟡ Poly(vinyl alcohol) / PVA / Low Molecular Weight Water-Soluble Polymers
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), MW 6,000, 80% Hydrolyzed
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), also known as PVOH, is a water-soluble synthetic polymer derived from polyvinyl acetate through hydrolysis. This low molecular weight grade has an approximate molecular weight of 6,000 and is 80 mol% hydrolyzed, offering a balance of water solubility, film formation, adhesion, and controlled water sensitivity.
This 80% hydrolyzed PVA grade is commonly used in adhesives, binders, coatings, hydrogels, membranes, water-soluble films, biomedical formulations, and filtration applications. Its lower molecular weight supports easier handling and lower solution viscosity compared with higher molecular weight PVA grades.
Polysciences supplies poly(vinyl alcohol) materials for research, laboratory, industrial, biomedical, and formulation applications requiring consistent water-soluble polymer performance.
Key Features & Benefits
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Low molecular weight PVA: approximately 6,000 MW for lower viscosity and easier handling
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80 mol% hydrolyzed: partially hydrolyzed grade designed for water solubility and formulation flexibility
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Water-soluble polymer: suitable for aqueous systems, membranes, coatings, and water-interactive formulations
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Film-forming properties: useful in coatings, water-soluble films, binders, and packaging-related applications
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Adhesive and binder functionality: supports paper, textile, wood, and formulation applications
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Hydrogel and biomedical utility: applicable in drug encapsulation, bioadhesive formulations, and hydrogel research
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Membrane and filtration applications: useful in water purification and controlled-release research
Product Details
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Product name: Poly(vinyl alcohol)
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Common abbreviations: PVA, PVOH
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Molecular weight: ~6,000
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Hydrolysis: 80 mol% hydrolyzed
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Polymer type: Partially hydrolyzed poly(vinyl alcohol)
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Solubility: Water soluble
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Function: Film former, adhesive, binder, hydrogel polymer, membrane additive, formulation polymer
Typical Applications
Adhesives & Binders
Poly(vinyl alcohol) provides water-soluble adhesive and binder performance in paper coatings, textiles, wood glue systems, and industrial formulations requiring adhesion and film integrity.
Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Applications
PVA is used in hydrogels, drug encapsulation research, bioadhesive formulations, wound dressing materials, and controlled-release systems due to its hydrophilicity and low toxicity profile.
Water Treatment & Filtration
Used in membrane, filtration, water purification, and controlled-release applications where water interaction and polymer structure are important.
Coatings & Water-Soluble Films
Supports film formation, controlled water sensitivity, and coating performance in packaging, barrier, and formulation systems.
Formulation & Rheology Research
Useful in aqueous formulations requiring lower viscosity, easy processing, and water-soluble polymer functionality.
Why Hydrolysis Percentage Matters
The degree of hydrolysis affects PVA solubility, crystallinity, hydrogen bonding, adhesion, film strength, and water sensitivity. This 80 mol% hydrolyzed PVA grade is partially hydrolyzed, making it useful for applications that require water solubility, easier dissolution, and controlled water interaction.
Lower hydrolysis PVA grades typically dissolve more readily and provide greater water sensitivity, while highly hydrolyzed grades generally offer stronger hydrogen bonding, greater crystallinity, and increased film strength.
Why Molecular Weight Matters
Molecular weight influences PVA solution viscosity, processing behavior, film strength, and formulation performance. This ~6,000 MW grade provides a low molecular weight option for applications requiring lower viscosity, easier handling, and more controlled solution behavior.
Higher molecular weight PVA grades generally increase viscosity and film strength, while lower molecular weight grades are often selected for easier dissolution, lower formulation viscosity, and improved processability.
Why Researchers & Manufacturers Use PVA
Poly(vinyl alcohol) is widely used across industrial, biomedical, packaging, coating, adhesive, membrane, and formulation applications because it combines water solubility, film-forming ability, adhesion, hydrogen bonding, and controlled water interaction.
PVA is frequently selected when a formulation requires water solubility, controlled permeability, adhesion, hydrogel performance, film formation, membrane functionality, or easy processing in aqueous systems.
Handling & Storage
- Store in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container.
- Protect from moisture to maintain product quality.
- Add gradually to water with mixing to promote proper dispersion and dissolution.
- Dissolution behavior may vary with hydrolysis level, molecular weight, temperature, and mixing conditions.
- Consult the SDS for complete handling and safety information.
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FAQ
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What is 80% hydrolyzed poly(vinyl alcohol) used for?
80% hydrolyzed poly(vinyl alcohol) is used in adhesives, binders, hydrogels, coatings, membranes, filtration, water-soluble films, biomedical formulations, and controlled-release applications.
What does PVA mean?
PVA commonly stands for poly(vinyl alcohol), also abbreviated as PVOH. It is a water-soluble synthetic polymer derived from polyvinyl acetate through hydrolysis.
What does 80% hydrolyzed PVA mean?
80% hydrolyzed PVA means that approximately 80 mol% of the acetate groups from polyvinyl acetate have been converted to alcohol groups, influencing water solubility, crystallinity, adhesion, and film behavior.
Is 80% hydrolyzed PVA water soluble?
Yes. 80% hydrolyzed PVA is water soluble and typically offers easier dissolution and greater water sensitivity than more highly hydrolyzed PVA grades.
What is the advantage of low molecular weight PVA?
Low molecular weight PVA, such as this ~6,000 MW grade, typically provides lower solution viscosity, easier handling, and better processing flexibility than higher molecular weight grades.
What is the difference between 80% and 98% hydrolyzed PVA?
80% hydrolyzed PVA generally provides easier dissolution and greater water sensitivity, while 98% hydrolyzed PVA typically provides stronger hydrogen bonding, higher crystallinity, greater film strength, and improved structural integrity.
Do you supply PVA for industrial and research applications?
Yes. Polysciences supplies poly(vinyl alcohol) materials for laboratory, industrial, biomedical, coating, adhesive, membrane, and formulation applications worldwide.
