⟡ Poly(vinyl alcohol) / PVA / Water-Soluble Hydroxyl Functional Polymers
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), MW 78,000, 88% Hydrolyzed
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), also known as PVOH, is a water-soluble synthetic polymer produced through hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc). This grade has an approximate molecular weight of 78,000 and is 88 mol% hydrolyzed, offering a balance of water solubility, hydrogen bonding, film strength, and mechanical performance.
PVA is widely used in biomedical, industrial, coating, adhesive, membrane, and polymer processing applications due to its excellent film-forming ability, biocompatibility, chemical resistance, and controlled water interaction. The degree of hydrolysis directly influences crystallinity, dissolution behavior, permeability, and intermolecular hydrogen bonding.
This partially hydrolyzed 88% grade provides strong film formation and structural integrity while remaining easier to dissolve than highly hydrolyzed PVA grades. It is commonly used in hydrogels, drug delivery systems, coatings, water-soluble films, emulsions, adhesives, textile processing, and packaging applications. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Key Features & Benefits
-
Medium-high molecular weight PVA: ~78,000 MW for improved film strength and mechanical integrity
-
88 mol% hydrolyzed: partially hydrolyzed grade balancing water solubility and crystallinity
-
Excellent film-forming polymer: supports coatings, membranes, packaging films, and hydrogel systems
-
Strong hydrogen bonding: enhances structural stability, moisture retention, and adhesion
-
Water-soluble polymer: compatible with aqueous formulations and water-based processing
-
Biocompatible material: widely used in pharmaceutical and biomedical research applications
-
Protective colloid functionality: useful in emulsion polymerization and dispersion stabilization
-
Chemical and mechanical resistance: suitable for coatings, fibers, films, and engineered materials
Product Specifications
-
Product name: Poly(vinyl alcohol)
-
Common abbreviations: PVA, PVOH
-
Molecular weight: ~78,000
-
Hydrolysis level: 88 mol% hydrolyzed
-
Glass transition temperature (Tg): ~85°C
-
Melting point: >220°C
-
Solubility: Water, glycerol, glycols
-
Polymer type: Partially hydrolyzed poly(vinyl alcohol)
-
Functionality: Film former, binder, hydrogel polymer, stabilizer, coating polymer, membrane additive
Typical Applications
Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Applications
PVA is commonly used in hydrogels, wound dressings, drug delivery systems, contact lens materials, bioadhesives, and tissue engineering research because of its biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and hydrogel-forming properties.
Packaging Films & Coatings
Poly(vinyl alcohol) is widely used in biodegradable and water-soluble packaging films, moisture barrier coatings, and controlled permeability applications requiring strong film formation and water interaction control.
Adhesives & Binders
PVA functions as a water-soluble adhesive and binder in paper coatings, wood adhesives, textile formulations, and industrial bonding systems requiring biodegradability and strong adhesion.
Textile & Paper Processing
Used as a sizing agent and surface treatment polymer to improve fiber strength, wear resistance, and processing stability in textile and paper manufacturing.
Emulsion Polymerization & Stabilization
PVA acts as a protective colloid and stabilizer in polymerization processes, helping maintain stable emulsions and dispersions in industrial formulations.
Membranes & Controlled Permeability Systems
Frequently incorporated into membranes and controlled-release systems where hydrogen bonding and water interaction are critical to transport behavior and structural performance.
How Degree of Hydrolysis Affects PVA Performance
The degree of hydrolysis significantly impacts PVA solubility, crystallinity, hydrogen bonding, dissolution temperature, film strength, and moisture interaction. This 88 mol% hydrolyzed grade provides a balance between water solubility and structural performance.
Partially hydrolyzed PVA grades generally dissolve more readily and exhibit increased flexibility and water interaction, while highly hydrolyzed grades typically demonstrate stronger intermolecular hydrogen bonding, higher crystallinity, and increased resistance to dissolution.
Higher hydrolysis grades generally require more heat and energy for dissolution due to increased crystalline structure formation. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
How Molecular Weight Influences PVA Properties
Molecular weight affects viscosity, mechanical strength, film formation, solution behavior, and processing performance. This ~78,000 MW grade offers stronger film integrity and improved structural properties compared with lower molecular weight PVA materials.
Higher molecular weight PVA grades generally provide increased tensile strength, viscosity, and film durability, while lower molecular weight grades are often selected for easier processing and lower viscosity formulations.
Why Researchers & Manufacturers Use Poly(vinyl alcohol)
Poly(vinyl alcohol) is widely used across biomedical engineering, coatings, packaging, adhesives, membranes, textile processing, and polymer formulation because it combines water solubility, film-forming ability, chemical resistance, hydrogen bonding, and biocompatibility.
PVA is especially valuable in applications requiring hydrophilic polymers, controlled permeability, hydrogel formation, structural films, aqueous processing, or biodegradable water-soluble materials.
Handling & Storage
- Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature.
- Protect from moisture exposure during storage and handling.
- Add gradually to water with agitation to promote effective dissolution.
- Heating may be required for complete dissolution depending on hydrolysis level and formulation conditions.
- Consult the SDS for complete safety and handling information.
Why Choose Polysciences?
Trusted by 6,000+ Researchers Worldwide
Cited in Thousands of Peer-Reviewed Studies
U.S. Manufacturing & Global Distribution
Reliable Delivery to 40+ Countries
FAQ
Click a question to expand.
What is 88% hydrolyzed poly(vinyl alcohol)?
88% hydrolyzed poly(vinyl alcohol) is a partially hydrolyzed PVA grade that balances water solubility, hydrogen bonding, crystallinity, and film strength for industrial and biomedical applications.
What is PVA used for?
PVA is used in hydrogels, adhesives, coatings, membranes, packaging films, drug delivery systems, textile processing, emulsions, and water-soluble formulations.
What does molecular weight mean in PVA?
PVA molecular weight influences viscosity, film strength, solution behavior, and mechanical performance. Higher molecular weight grades generally provide stronger films and higher viscosity.
Is 88% hydrolyzed PVA water soluble?
Yes. 88% hydrolyzed PVA is water soluble, although heating may be required for complete dissolution depending on concentration and processing conditions.
What is the difference between 88% and 99% hydrolyzed PVA?
88% hydrolyzed PVA generally dissolves more easily and provides greater water interaction, while highly hydrolyzed grades typically exhibit greater crystallinity, stronger hydrogen bonding, and increased resistance to dissolution.
Why is PVA used in hydrogels?
PVA is commonly used in hydrogel systems because of its hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, film-forming properties, and ability to create hydrogen-bonded polymer networks.
Do you supply PVA for industrial and research applications?
Yes. Polysciences supplies poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers for laboratory, biomedical, industrial, coating, membrane, adhesive, and formulation applications worldwide.
