Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a water-soluble polymer available in various grades, each with a different degree of hydrolysis depending on its intended use. The different grades of PVA are represented by numerical codes, which are separated into two-digit pairs from right to left. The first two digits (e.g., 88) indicate the degree of hydrolysis, meaning that approximately 88% of the acetate groups in polyvinyl acetate have been converted into hydroxyl groups. The next two digits represent viscosity. In general, the higher this number, the higher the final solution's viscosity.
This article explores the characteristics, applications, and differences between two widely used grades: PVA 2088 and PVA 2488.
1- Characteristics of PVA 2088 vs. PVA 2488
The molecular weight of PVA 2088 is usually lower than that of PVA 2488, resulting in a lower viscosity of its aqueous solution. PVA 2088 has better solubility, even at lower temperatures. The films produced from PVA 2088 are generally more flexible, making it more suitable for applications requiring high elasticity or better adhesion.
In contrast, PVA 2488 forms stronger and tougher films. Due to its higher viscosity, it performs better in applications requiring a high-strength solution or film.
2- Applications of PVA 2488
Due to its higher viscosity and stronger film properties, PVA 2488 is widely used in various industries, including:
Textile Industry: Used as a sizing agent to improve the strength and reduce breakage of yarns during weaving.
Adhesives and Coatings: Used in water-based adhesives, paper glues, and wood adhesives.
High-Strength Polymer Films: Suitable for manufacturing strong films for food and pharmaceutical packaging.
Paper and Cardboard Industry: Enhances paper strength and improves water resistance.
Construction Industry: Added to cement and plaster formulations to improve adhesion and reduce water permeability.
On the other hand, PVA 2088, due to its greater flexibility, higher solubility, and lower viscosity, is more commonly used in pressure-sensitive adhesives, specialty coatings, and personal care products.
Applications of PVA 2488
2-1. Paper Industry
This grade is used to enhance the mechanical and tensile strength of paper. PVA 2488 also provides limited water resistance to paper. Additionally, it gives the paper a smooth and glossy appearance, making it suitable for high-quality paper production, such as printing and packaging paper. It is also used as a coating layer to improve tear resistance and reduce ink absorption.
2-2. Packaging Industry
PVA 2488 is used to produce thin, water-soluble films for biodegradable packaging. These films are commonly used for packaging detergents (such as laundry and dishwasher tablets), fertilizers or chemical pesticides, and water-soluble pharmaceutical packaging.
2-3. Textile Industry
In textiles, PVA 2488 is used as a sizing agent for yarn and fabric. Its high viscosity ensures proper adhesion, strengthening the yarn and reducing breakage during weaving. Additionally, it plays a protective role during chemical treatments (such as dyeing and printing), safeguarding the fibers from damage.
2-4. Adhesive Industry
Due to its higher viscosity and strong adhesion properties, PVA 2488 is used in the production of stronger adhesives for industrial and household applications. It is also widely used in paper and cardboard adhesives, carton and box packaging, and wood and furniture adhesives (such as wood glue).
2-5. Industrial Film Production
PVA 2488 is used in the production of industrial films that offer both high transparency and excellent mechanical strength. These films are used to protect sensitive surfaces (such as electronics or industrial components). In some applications, they are also used for lamination or creating thin layers resistant to water and weather conditions.
2-6. Pharmaceutical and Medical Applications
Thanks to its biocompatibility and water solubility, PVA 2488 is used in the production of capsules and water-soluble coatings for medications. It is also utilized in manufacturing certain medical consumables, such as biodegradable packaging for medical equipment.
2-7. Cosmetics and Personal Care Industry
Due to its film-forming ability and biocompatibility, PVA 2488 is used in the production of water-soluble facial masks. It is also applied in washable cosmetic formulations, such as peel-off layers that can be removed from the skin after use.
2-8. Environmental and Sustainable Applications
In combination with other biodegradable materials, PVA 2488 is used to produce eco-friendly products. For example, it is utilized in water-absorbing gels for agricultural applications and water storage solutions.
2-9. Other Applications
PVA 2488 is also used in protective coatings for shielding materials against corrosive chemicals. Due to its moisture barrier properties, it is applied in specific protective applications where resistance to moisture penetration is required.
3-1. Adhesive Industry
Due to its suitable viscosity and easy solubility, PVA 2088 is widely used in the production of water-based adhesives. These adhesives are used in various industries such as papermaking, packaging, and handicrafts. Additionally, in construction adhesives, PVA 2088 is utilized to produce adhesive mortars that require both strength and flexibility.
3-2. Textile Industry
PVA 2088 is used in the sizing process of yarn and fibers to enhance their strength. This polymer dissolves and spreads easily on fibers, facilitating the weaving process.
Additionally, in dyeing processes, PVA 2088 acts as an auxiliary agent in fabric printing and dye stabilization, preventing color bleeding.
3-3. Paper Industry
PVA 2088 is applied in paper coating processes to improve mechanical strength, gloss, and surface uniformity. It is also used in the production of moisture-resistant paper or paper-based packaging to enhance water resistance.
3-4. Packaging Industry
PVA 2088 is used in the production of thin, water-soluble films for packaging detergent tablets, pharmaceuticals, and chemical fertilizers. Due to its environmental compatibility, this grade is commonly used in biodegradable packaging materials.
3-5. Cosmetics and Personal Care Industry
PVA 2088 is utilized in the production of water-soluble facial masks and peel-off skincare products. It is also used in hair styling products as a film-forming and stabilizing agent in gels and hair sprays.
3-6. Pharmaceutical Industry
In drug delivery applications, PVA 2088 is used for producing water-soluble capsules and controlled-release drug delivery systems. It also serves as a water-soluble coating layer to protect tablets from moisture.
3-7. Household Chemical Products
PVA 2088 is commonly used for manufacturing water-soluble packaging films for dishwasher and laundry detergent tablets.
4. Global Consumption of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
The global consumption of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is steadily increasing, especially due to the unique characteristics of this polymer, such as water solubility, biodegradability, and its wide range of applications across various industries. Global demand for PVA is primarily concentrated in industries such as packaging, textiles, adhesives, film coatings, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning agents.
According to available statistics, the global market for PVA is growing, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. For instance, some reports suggest that global consumption of PVA is nearing around 2 million tons per year. This material is particularly widespread in East Asia, Europe, and North America.
Grade 2088 of PVA is used more extensively than Grade 2488. This is because Grade 2088 has medium viscosity and is suitable for a wide range of applications, including packaging, adhesives, and coatings. Due to its favorable properties for dissolving in water and forming clear films, it has broad usage in many industries.
Grade 2488, on the other hand, is typically used in applications that require higher viscosity, such as in the textile industry and industrial adhesives. However, its consumption is less than that of Grade 2088.
The increasing focus on environmental issues and demand for biodegradable materials has also contributed to the growing consumption of PVA, particularly in the packaging and cleaning product sectors.
5. Largest Global Producers of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
The largest producers of PVA in the world are major chemical companies that produce a wide variety of polymer and chemical products. Some of the key global producers of PVA include:
5-1. Kuraray Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Kuraray is one of the largest producers of PVA globally. The company manufactures PVA under brands like Kuraray Poval and holds a significant market share in the global market.
5-2. The Dow Chemical Company (USA)
Dow Chemical is one of the largest chemical producers in the world, manufacturing PVA for various industries. The company plays a key role in global PVA production.
5-3. Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Sekisui is a prominent Japanese producer of PVA, offering PVA products for various applications, including adhesives, films, and coatings.
5-4. Nippon Synthetic Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (Japan)
This Japanese company is another significant PVA producer, holding a notable share in the global market.
5-5. Changchun Group (China)
Changchun is one of the largest PVA producers in China, manufacturing this polymer on a large scale for global markets.
These companies, in addition to producing PVA, are heavily involved in research and development to improve the properties and applications of PVA in various industries.
5-6. Wan Wei (China)
Wanwei is a well-known producer of PVA in China. The company manufactures and supplies PVA to both domestic and international markets, serving a wide range of industries.
Wanwei is particularly recognized for producing various PVA grades with different viscosities and water solubility properties. The company is dedicated to maintaining high-quality standards for its products in line with global industry benchmarks. In addition to PVA, Wanwei produces other chemicals and polymers and has established a strong position in both the Chinese and global polymer markets.
Although Wanwei may have a smaller market share compared to global giants like Kuraray or Dow Chemical, its competitive pricing and large-scale production make it an important player in the Asian and global markets.
6. Purchasing Polyvinyl Alcohol in Iran
For purchasing Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) in Iranian rial or foreign currency (proforma), you can contact the experts at Petrotejarat Irsa. For further analysis and detailed information about this product, you can visit the products section of the Petro Tejarat Irsa website and use the alphabetical search for additional details.
