Abbr.: PVA; ethenol homopolymer; a polymer prepared from polyvinyl acetates by replacement of the acetate groups by hydroxyl groups; the commercial products have differing contents of residual acetyl groups and hence differing physical characteristics. Polyvinyl alcohols are used in adhesives and can also be compounded into elastomers, which are useful in the manufacture of artificial sponges, hydrocarbon-resistant tubing, etc.
(PVOH, PVA, or PVAl) is a
water-soluble synthetic polymer (not to be confused with polyvinyl acetate, a popular wood glue). It has the idealized formula [CH2CH(OH)]n. It is used in papermaking, textiles, and a variety of coatings. It is white (colourless) and odorless. It is sometimes supplied as beads or as solutions in water.
