PVA is a water-soluble synthetic polymer made by alcoholysis of polyvinyl acetate. Water solubility increases as molecular weight decreases; strength, elongation, tear resistance and flexibility improve with increasing molecular weight decreases; strength, elongation, tear resistance and flexibility improve with increasing molecular eight. PVA has high impermeability to gases; is unaffected by oils, greases and petroleum hydrocarbons. It forms films by evaporation from water solution.
Textile warp and yarn size; laminating adhesives; moding powders; binder for cosmetic preparations, ceramics, leather, cloth, nonwoven fabrics and paper; paper coatings; greaseproofing paper; emulsifying agent; thickener and stailizer; photosensitive films; cements and mortars; intermediate for other polyvinyls, imation sponges; printing inks.