INTRODUCTION:
Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) is a water-soluble synthetic polymer produced by the hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate. It is widely used in pharmaceutical, biomedical, and industrial applications due to its excellent film-forming ability, biocompatibility, and chemical stability. Unlike many synthetic polymers, PVA is highly hydrophilic and forms strong, flexible films and hydrogels’ Synthetic, linear polymer derived from hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate Water-soluble polymer with a high density of hydroxyl (–OH) groups Degree of hydrolysis (partially
or fully hydrolyzed) controls solubility and properties
MANUFACTURE:
It is typically manufactured by polymerization of vinyl acetate to form polyvinyl acetate, followed by controlled hydrolysis (alcoholysis) to convert acetate groups into hydroxyl groups, yielding PVA with desired properties.
|
Synonym |
Polyvinyl alcohol, PVA, Polyvinol, Ethenol homopolymer Linear |
|---|---|
|
CAS no. |
9002-89-5 |
|
Melting Point |
180-190°C (partially hydrolyzed), 230°C (fully hydrolyzed) |
|
Molecular formula |
C2H4O)x or [CH2CH(OH)]n |
|
Solubility |
Soluble in water, sparingly soluble in ethanol, and insoluble in most organic solvents. |
|
Structure |
|
APPLICATION:
Pharmaceutical
- Tablet binder and film-forming agent in coatings
- Stabilizer for emulsions and suspensions
- Matrix polymer for controlled drug delivery systems
Biomedical
- Hydrogels for topical and ophthalmic formulations
- Hydrogel-based wound dressings
- Artificial cartilage and contact lens materials
- Drug delivery matrices and tissue engineering scaffolds
It is widely used because it
- is highly water-soluble and easy to process
- forms strong, flexible, and transparent films
- is biocompatible and non-toxic
- allows tunable properties via degree of hydrolysis and molecular weigh
Cosmetic / Personal-care
- Film-forming agent in peel-off masks and hair styling products
- Used in gels and emulsions for improved texture and stability
Industrial
- Water-soluble films (e.g., detergent pods packaging)
- Adhesives, paper coatings, and textile sizing agents
- Emulsion stabilizer in polymerization processes
SPECIFICATIONS:
|
Test |
Unit |
Specification |
|---|---|---|
|
Description |
- |
|
|
Identification |
a) By IR Absorption/NMR Spectrum |
The infrared absorption/NMR spectrum of the test sample should be concordant with the reference spectrum of PVA |
|
b) By Solubility Test |
Freely soluble in water; insoluble in most organic solvents |
|
|
Degree of Hydrolysis |
% |
Typically 87 – 99 (grade dependent) |
|
Viscosity (4% solution) |
cP |
Typically 5 – 100 (grade dependent) |
|
pH (4% solution) |
- |
4.5 – 7.5 |
|
Moisture Content |
% |
NMT 5.0 |
|
Residual Acetate Groups |
% |
As per grade specification |
|
Ash Content |
% |
NMT 1.0 |
|
Residual Solvents |
ppm |
Complies with ICH limits |
|
Heavy Metals |
ppm |
Complies with pharmacopeial limits |
PACKING:
HDPE bags / fiber drums with inner polyethylene liner
STORAGE:
Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area at room temperature. Protect from moisture and contamination.
COMMERCIAL NOTE:
Polyvinyl Alcohol is available in a wide range of grades with varying viscosity and degree of hydrolysis to suit applications in pharmaceuticals, biomedical systems, and industrial formulations.
ICS offers Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) on commercial scales and welcomes enquiries. No matter the quantity you need, our exceptional quality & services will make ICS your supplier of choice. For additional information or Safety Data Sheet (SDS), please contact us at- info@itsusainc.com or Phone# 713-337-0152.
