PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) is a water-soluble synthetic polymer prepared by hydrolysing polyvinyl acetate, so its properties depend on the residual acetate content. Fully hydrolysed grades dissolve only in hot water and crystallise readily, while partially hydrolysed grades are more flexible and easier to process [1]. Films cast from aqueous solution are transparent, have good oxygen barrier behaviour in the dry state, and lose that barrier as humidity rises [2]. Crosslinking with borax, glutaraldehyde, or citric acid reduces swelling and is the usual route to hydrogels for biomedical use [3]. Blending with starch or cellulose improves biodegradability but lowers tensile strength, and the balance is set by the blend ratio [4]. Water solubility, which simplifies processing, also limits the environments in which the material stays stable [5].
- polyvinyl alcohol
- hydrolysis degree
- hydrogel
- water-soluble polymer
- oxygen barrier
- crosslinking
- blend
References
- Kanjanarnun, V.; Prodpran, T.; Prasarpran, S.; Effect Of Epoxidized Natural Rubber (Enr) on Film and Adhesive Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol (Pva). International Journal of Scientific Research 2012, 3, 134-137, 10.15373/22778179/jan2014/44.
- Ma, Q.; Du, L.; Yang, Y.; Wang, L.; Rheology of film-forming solutions and physical properties of tara gum film reinforced with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Food Hydrocolloids 2017, 63, 677-684, 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2016.10.009.
- Thungphotrakul, N.; Prapainainar, P.; Development of polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethylcellulose-based bio-packaging film with citric acid crosslinking and clove essential oil encapsulated chitosan nanoparticle pickering emulsion. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 2024, 282, 137223, 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.137223.
- Tijani, A.T.; Hammed, A.M.; Tailoring Polyvinyl Alcohol/Carnauba Wax Film Properties Through Plasticizer Selection: A Pathway to Optimized Biodegradable Materials. Polymers 2026, 18, 626, 10.3390/polym18050626.
- Mohamed, T.M.; Sayed, A.; Mahmoud, G.A.; Tuning of the properties of polyvinyl alcohol/ polyacrylamide film by phytic acid and gamma radiation crosslinking for food packaging applications. Polymer-Plastics Technology and Materials 2023, 62, 866-876, 10.1080/25740881.2022.2164723.