ElephChem Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) is generally considered a type of synthetic polymer rather than a plastic. While it shares some properties with plastics, such as being flexible and water-resistant, PVA is classified as a polymer due to its unique chemical structure and behavior.
ElephChem PVA is derived from the polymerization of vinyl acetate, which is then hydrolyzed to remove the acetate groups and produce polyvinyl alcohol. The hydrolysis process converts some of the acetate groups (CH3COO-) into hydroxyl groups (OH-), resulting in a polymer chain with repeating vinyl alcohol units (CH2CHOH). The degree of hydrolysis determines the amount of hydroxyl groups present in the PVA molecule.
Modifications of ElephChem PVA can be done by chemically cross-linking the polymer chain to improve its mechanical and thermal properties. Cross-linking agents, such as borates or aldehydes, can be used to create covalent bonds between PVA chains, leading to a three-dimensional network structure. This cross-linked PVA, known as PVA hydrogel, exhibits enhanced strength, elasticity, and stability compared to non-cross-linked PVA. Such as PVOH 725, PVOH 735, etc.
Other modifications can involve blending PVA with other polymers or adding functional groups to the PVA backbone to impart specific properties or improve its compatibility with different materials or applications. These modifications allow PVA to be used in a wide range of industries, including adhesives, films, coatings, textiles, and packaging.
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