Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA): From Basics to Selection Key Parameters, Freeze–Thaw vs. Chemical Crosslinking Hydrogel Routes, and an Aladdin Product List
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA): From Basics to Selection Key Parameters, Freeze–Thaw vs. Chemical Crosslinking Hydrogel Routes, and an Aladdin Product List
What is poly(vinyl alcohol)?
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a water-soluble synthetic polymer with a carbon–carbon backbone and abundant hydroxyl (–OH) groups on the side chains.
A key point is that PVA is typically not produced by direct polymerization of “vinyl alcohol” (which is unstable). Instead, poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) is manufactured first, and the acetate groups are then converted into hydroxyl groups via alcoholysis/hydrolysis, producing PVA grades with different degrees of hydrolysis.
Key characteristics of PVA
1. Hydrophilicity and water solubility
(1) High –OH content → strong hydrophilicity, moisture absorption, and water retention
(2) Most PVA grades dissolve in or swell in water (highly dependent on degree of hydrolysis, molecular weight, and temperature)
2. Film-forming and bonding performance
(1) PVA readily forms transparent films with good toughness
(2) Provides strong adhesion, dispersion, and protective-colloid effects on a wide range of substrates (paper, fibers, inorganic particles, etc.)
(3) Commonly used in adhesives, paper surface sizing, textile sizing, and as a protective colloid in emulsion polymerization
3. Ability to form physically or chemically crosslinked networks (especially hydrogels)
(1) PVA can form stable networks through physical methods and can also be chemically crosslinked, enabling material forms ranging from “soft and highly water-retentive” to “high-strength and tough.” This is a major reason it is widely explored in biomedical and functional materials.
4. Biocompatibility and safety: a condition-dependent perspective
PVA is considered biocompatible in many studies and applications, but its suitability for bio-contact/medical use depends on:
(1) Formulation and impurities (residual monomers, crosslinkers, initiators, etc.)
(2) Processing and post-treatment (washing, sterilization, endotoxin control)
(3) Intended contact scenario (skin/mucosa/implantation) and regulatory requirements
5. A commonly overlooked limitation: biodegradability is highly context-dependent
(1) PVA can show substantial degradation under certain activated-sludge conditions or specific microbial communities, but degradation may be slow or limited in low-microbial environments, unfavorable conditions, or in vivo contexts. Therefore, it should not be simply regarded as “rapidly and fully biodegradable.” If a bioresorbable implant is the goal, copolymerization, introduction of degradable segments, or composite strategies are typically required.
Key Parameters That Govern PVA Performance
This table helps explain why products all called “PVA” can perform very differently across grades.
Key parameter | Typical trend (qualitative) | Practical implication (what to focus on) |
Degree of hydrolysis (Degree of Hydrolysis) | Higher hydrolysis → more –OH; generally stronger hydrogen bonding/microcrystallites; but lower-temperature dissolution can be harder (often requires heating) | Higher potential for freeze–thaw hydrogel formation/strength/anti-swelling; if easy dissolution and processing are priorities, balance hydrolysis degree with process conditions |
Molecular weight/degree of polymerization (MW) and viscosity grade | Higher MW → higher solution viscosity; higher potential film/gel strength; but slower dissolution and greater tendency to clump | For higher strength/toughness/more robust gel networks, consider higher MW; for easier handling and fast preparation, choose lower viscosity grades |
Purity and ionic content/ash | Fewer impurities/ions → more stable and controllable systems; more suitable for sensitive applications | For bio-contact, reproducibility in research, and fine applications, focus on purity and lot-to-lot consistency; if needed, pay additional attention to extractables/residuals |
Particle form and dissolution behavior (powder form, clumping tendency, etc.) | Different powder morphologies → different dissolution rates, clumping, and foaming behavior | Affects lab experience: smooth dissolution, ease of degassing, and consistency in film/gel formation; for teaching labs, grades that dissolve more easily are strongly recommended |
PVA Hydrogel Routes: Freeze–Thaw vs. Chemical Crosslinking
This table is intended to help you quickly decide “which route should I use,” along with key considerations for each route.
Comparison dimension | Physical crosslinking: Freeze–Thaw | Chemical crosslinking (Chemical Crosslinking) |
Core mechanism | Freezing-induced phase separation/exclusion brings chains closer, forming microcrystallites and hydrogen-bond associations as physical crosslink points | Covalent network formed via crosslinkers; the structure is more “locked in” |
Crosslinker required? | No (a major advantage) | Yes (consider crosslinkers/byproducts/residuals) |
Main advantages | Relatively simple process; easier to keep “clean”; suitable for bio-contact studies where residuals are a concern | More stable networks and broader design space; under some conditions, higher anti-swelling and stability can be achieved |
Main limitations | Properties are highly dependent on concentration, number of cycles, and temperature profile; neat PVA may require composite reinforcement in some cases | Residual control and post-treatment are critical; extra caution is required for bio-contact/long-term contact applications |
Typical use scenarios (consistent with this article) | Fundamental PVA hydrogel research, teaching experiments, wound dressing/moisturizing matrix studies, applications requiring low chemical residue | Research systems requiring higher structural stability; usable for proof-of-concept research, but safety and residual evaluation should be part of the plan |
Key control points | PVA concentration, degassing, mold, freeze–thaw cycles and temperature profile, post-hydration/swelling equilibrium | Crosslinker selection, reaction conditions, washing/extraction, residual testing, and biocompatibility evaluation (if relevant) |
Typical Application Scenarios: From Traditional Industry to Biomedical Use
1. Traditional and Commodity Applications
(1) Adhesives and binders: bonding for paper products, wood, composites, and ceramic slurries
(2) Textile sizing / paper surface sizing: improves strength, abrasion resistance, and processability/formability
(3) Protective colloid in emulsion polymerization: e.g., stabilizers for PVAc and other latex systems
(4) Film formation and coatings: water-soluble films, barrier coatings, temporary protective films, etc.
2. Biomedical and Research Material Applications
(1) Wound dressings / moisturizing patches: PVA gels have high water content and good conformability, making them suitable as moisturizing matrices; they are often formulated with antibacterial components and absorbent phases
(2) Tissue engineering scaffolds / cartilage substitute research: PVA gels offer tunable mechanical properties and are well suited as model materials for soft tissue/cartilage-related applications (often reinforced via composites)
(3) Controlled drug release and local delivery studies: acts as a hydrophilic network carrier to control diffusion, but designs should be matched to drug physicochemical properties and network structure
(4) Lubrication / low-friction materials and coatings: PVA and its composite hydrogels are widely used for low-friction surface and tribology research
Common R&D Directions (A “Roadmap” for Researchers)
R&D around PVA often follows the logic of “performance bottleneck → structural design”:
1. Mechanical Reinforcement and Fatigue Resistance
(1) Composite reinforcement: incorporate nanocellulose, inorganic fillers, clays, etc. to improve strength and toughness
(2) Double-network / interpenetrating-network (DN/IPN) hydrogels: introduce a second network to provide energy dissipation and enhance tear resistance
2. Self-Healing and Dynamic-Bond Hydrogels
(1) Build reversible crosslinking points using borate ester interactions, hydrogen bonding, ionic interactions, etc., enabling self-healing, injectability, or remoldability/reprocessability
3. Stimuli-Responsive Systems (Temperature / pH / Ions / Glucose, etc.)
(1) Introduce responsive units via blending or grafting (e.g., combining with thermoresponsive polymers) for sensing, controlled release, and smart patches
4. Conductive Wearables and Bioelectronic Interfaces
(1) Combine with conductive polymers or ionic conductors to balance hydration, softness, and conductivity for applications such as biosignal acquisition patches
5. The Role of PVA in 3D Printing / Bioprinting “Ink Systems”
(1) Used as a sacrificial material, support material, or as a co-component to tune rheology and the printability window with other hydrogel systems (the specific approach depends on the printing process)
How to Select Relevant Products (Application → Parameters → Verification Metrics) + A Simple Decision Tree
1. Selection Matrix
Different applications require different parameter priorities and verification metrics. You can “move left to right” to arrive directly at selection and experimental validation.
Target use | Recommended PVA parameters to prioritize (tendencies) | Dissolution/preparation suggestions | Suggested priority validation metrics (qualitative/directional) |
PVA hydrogel (freeze–thaw) | Emphasize: degree of hydrolysis, MW/viscosity, lot-to-lot consistency | Often requires heated dissolution; control concentration and degassing; tune properties via cycle number and temperature profile | Swelling ratio/water content, compressive modulus or strength, shape recovery, stability (retention after soaking) |
Film coatings/films | Emphasize: MW/viscosity, film-forming behavior, purity/impurities | Ensure homogeneous solution and minimize bubbles; drying conditions affect transparency and brittleness | Film transparency, toughness/brittleness, adhesion, water resistance/moisture uptake |
Adhesion/binding/dispersion (traditional) | Emphasize: solution viscosity, dissolution behavior, compatibility (fit to the system) | Ensure smooth dissolution and system stability first; adjust solids content and viscosity per process | Bond strength, rheological stability, storage stability, processability (coating/penetration, etc.) |
Bio-contact related research (dressings/scaffolds, etc.) | In addition to above: purity, extractables/residual risk, batch stability | Prefer freeze–thaw or milder routes; if chemical crosslinking is used, strengthen washing and verification | Extractables/residual control, cell/skin compatibility evaluation (as required), performance reproducibility |
2. Simple Decision Tree (3 Steps to Quickly Select PVA and a Route)
Step 1: What are you trying to make?
(1) Hydrogel (freeze–thaw) → go to Step 2A
(2) Film/coating → go to Step 2B
(3) Adhesion/dispersion → go to Step 2C
(4) Bio-contact research → go to Step 2D
Step 2A (Hydrogel—freeze–thaw):
Focus on degree of hydrolysis + MW/viscosity + lot-to-lot consistency → tune via concentration/cycle number/temperature profile → proceed to Step 3 (validation)
Step 2B (Film/coating):
Focus on film-forming behavior + viscosity grade + purity → optimize solution homogeneity/degassing/drying → proceed to Step 3 (validation)
Step 2C (Adhesion/dispersion):
Focus on dissolution behavior + viscosity and rheology + compatibility with the target system → optimize solids content and application/processability → proceed to Step 3 (validation)
Step 2D (Bio-contact research):
Beyond target performance, prioritize purity and extractables/residual risk → prefer freeze–thaw when possible; if chemical crosslinking is involved, include post-treatment and verification → proceed to Step 3 (validation)
Step 3: Close the loop with metrics—confirm you selected correctly
(1) Hydrogels: swelling/strength/stability
(2) Films: transparency/toughness/water resistance/adhesion
(3) Adhesion/dispersion: bond strength/stability/processability
(4) Bio-related: extractables/residuals and compatibility (as required)
Aladdin Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) Product List
Note: Start by defining the category based on the target application (film formation, binding, freeze–thaw hydrogels, 3D-printing water-soluble supports, etc.), then use key parameters such as molecular weight/viscosity and degree of hydrolysis to lock in the most suitable catalog number.
Category | CAS No. | Aladdin Cat. No. | Product name | Specification or grade | Primary role / recommended use (PVA-related) |
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)—brand-grade: Mowiol® series | 9002-89-5 | Mowiol® PVA-203 Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Mw ~31,000 | Lower molecular weight: easier dissolution and lower-viscosity solutions; suitable for coatings, dispersion/binding, and low-viscosity PVA formulations | |
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)—brand-grade: Mowiol® series | 9002-89-5 | Mowiol® PVA-105 Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Mw ~47,000 | General-purpose PVA: aqueous solution preparation, film formation/binding; used for baseline freeze–thaw PVA hydrogel formulations (balance of strength and handling) | |
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)—brand-grade: Mowiol® series | 9002-89-5 | Mowiol® PVA-210 Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Mw ~67,000 | Mid-to-higher MW: balances film/gel strength and processability; suitable for general film/binding and freeze–thaw hydrogel matrices | |
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)—brand-grade: Mowiol® series | 9002-89-5 | Mowiol® 18-88 (PVA) | Mw ~130,000 | Higher MW: helps improve film/gel strength; for freeze–thaw hydrogels, films, and binding (more stringent process control needed for dissolution and degassing) | |
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)—brand-grade: Mowiol® series | 9002-89-5 | Mowiol® PVA-117 Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Mw ~145,000 | High MW: better for higher film strength/higher gel strength needs; greater potential to increase freeze–thaw gel strength | |
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)—brand-grade: Mowiol® series | 9002-89-5 | Mowiol® PVA-224 Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Mw ~205,000 | High MW: for higher-strength films and more viscoelastic gels; suitable for high-strength, deformation-resistant PVA hydrogel research systems | |
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)—brand-grade: Mowiol® series | 9002-89-5 | Mowiol® PVA-124 Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Viscosity: 54–66 mPa·s | High viscosity grade: for high-viscosity solutions and strong film/gel requirements; suitable for PVA hydrogel systems needing stronger structural support | |
Industry grade: PVA 05-88 (0588 / PVA-205) | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) 0588, low-viscosity type (PVA-205) | Degree of hydrolysis: 87.0–89.0 (mol/mol), CPS: 4.6–5.4 | “Low viscosity, easy processing” orientation: suitable for coating/dip-coating, low-viscosity formulations, and easy-to-handle PVA hydrogel precursor solution preparation | |
Industry grade: PVA 17-88 (1788) | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) 1788 | Degree of hydrolysis: 87.0–89.0% (mol/mol) | General-purpose PVA: commonly used for film/binding and baseline freeze–thaw hydrogel formulations; balanced overall performance | |
Industry grade: PVA 17-95 (1795) | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) 1795 | Degree of hydrolysis: 92.0–94.0% (mol/mol) | Higher hydrolysis: tends toward more stable networks/water resistance in film and gel research (to be considered together with viscosity/MW and process conditions) | |
Industry grade: PVA 17-97 (1797) | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) 1797 | Degree of hydrolysis: 96.0–98.0% (mol/mol) | High hydrolysis: for exploring more stable networks and stronger anti-swelling tendencies in PVA films/freeze–thaw gels | |
Industry grade: PVA 17-99 (1799) | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) 1799 | Degree of hydrolysis: 98–99% (mol/mol) | Near-fully hydrolyzed: suitable for films/gels with stronger water resistance and structural stability (dissolution often relies more on heating and stirring) | |
Specification-based: by hydrolysis/viscosity | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Degree of hydrolysis: 72.5–74.5 mol%, viscosity: 4.2–5.0 mPa·s | Low hydrolysis: easier dissolution/stronger compatibility; suitable for dispersion/binding, emulsions/coatings, and “easy-dissolving low-viscosity” needs (freeze–thaw gels are typically weaker) | |
Specification-based: by hydrolysis/viscosity | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Degree of hydrolysis: 78.5–81.5 mol%, viscosity: 2.8–3.3 mPa·s | Low viscosity and relatively low hydrolysis: suitable for low-viscosity coatings and dispersion/stabilization; convenient for fast dissolution and handling | |
Specification-based: by hydrolysis/viscosity | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Degree of hydrolysis: 78.5–81.5 mol%, viscosity: 45.0–51.0 mPa·s | Lower hydrolysis but high viscosity: for thickening, heavy coatings/strong film formation; suitable for formulations requiring higher viscosity | |
Specification-based: by hydrolysis/viscosity | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Degree of hydrolysis: 87.0–89.0 mol%, viscosity: 3.2–3.6 mPa·s | Medium hydrolysis + low viscosity: general-purpose PVA solutions, film/binding; also suitable for “easy-to-handle” freeze–thaw hydrogel precursor solutions | |
Specification-based: by hydrolysis/viscosity | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Degree of hydrolysis: 86.5–89.0 mol%, viscosity: 4.6–5.4 mPa·s, volatile content ≤6.0% | Medium hydrolysis + low viscosity: general-purpose solutions/coatings/binding; suitable as an “easy-to-handle” freeze–thaw gel matrix | |
Specification-based: by hydrolysis/viscosity | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) 1788 | Degree of hydrolysis: 87.0–89.0% (mol/mol) | General-purpose PVA: commonly used for aqueous solutions, film/binding, and baseline freeze–thaw hydrogel formulations | |
Specification-based: by hydrolysis/viscosity | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Degree of hydrolysis: 87–89 mol%, viscosity: 20–30 mPa·s | Medium hydrolysis + medium viscosity: general-purpose film/binding and freeze–thaw hydrogel matrix; balances strength and processability | |
Specification-based: by hydrolysis/viscosity | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Degree of hydrolysis: 85.0–90.0 mol%, viscosity: 20.0–30.0 mPa·s | Medium hydrolysis + medium viscosity: general-purpose film/binding and freeze–thaw hydrogel matrix; broad applicability and user-friendly handling | |
Specification-based: by hydrolysis/viscosity | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Degree of hydrolysis: 87.0–89.0 mol%, viscosity: 20.5–24.5 mPa·s, volatile content ≤6.0% | Medium hydrolysis + medium viscosity: for films and freeze–thaw gels with stronger structural integrity (vs. low-viscosity grades, stronger networks are easier to build) | |
Specification-based: by hydrolysis/viscosity | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Degree of hydrolysis: 87.0–89.0 mol%, viscosity: 40.0–48.0 mPa·s | Medium hydrolysis + relatively high viscosity: suitable for higher-viscosity, higher-strength film/gel systems (more “thickening/strong film/strong gel”) | |
Specification-based: by hydrolysis/viscosity | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Degree of hydrolysis: 87.0–89.0 mol%, viscosity: 80.0–110.0 mPa·s | High viscosity grade: for strong thickening, structurally robust gels/thick films; higher potential gel strength but stricter dissolution/degassing control is needed | |
Specification-based: by hydrolysis/viscosity | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Degree of hydrolysis: 97.5–99 mol%, viscosity: 3.5–4.5 mPa·s | High hydrolysis + low viscosity: balances network stability tendency and handling convenience; suitable for low-viscosity coatings or hydrogel precursor solutions | |
Specification-based: by hydrolysis/viscosity | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Degree of hydrolysis: 98.0–99.0 mol%, viscosity: 5.2–6.0 mPa·s | Near-fully hydrolyzed + low viscosity: tends toward improved water resistance and more stable films while keeping solution viscosity moderate | |
Specification-based: by hydrolysis/viscosity | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Degree of hydrolysis: 99.0–99.4 mol%, viscosity: 12.0–16.0 mPa·s | Near-fully hydrolyzed + low-to-medium viscosity: for more stable/water-resistant films and gel exploration; balances strength and handling | |
Specification-based: by hydrolysis/viscosity | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Degree of hydrolysis: 98.0–99.0 mol%, viscosity: 20.0–30.0 mPa·s | Near-fully hydrolyzed + medium viscosity: suitable for stronger-structure films/freeze–thaw gels; commonly used when stronger networks and strength are desired | |
Specification-based: by hydrolysis/viscosity | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Degree of hydrolysis: 97.5–99.0 mol%, viscosity: 25.0–30.0 mPa·s | High hydrolysis + medium viscosity: tends toward more stable networks and higher strength in films/gels (pay attention to dissolution and degassing) | |
Specification-based: by hydrolysis/viscosity | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Degree of hydrolysis: 98.0–99.0 mol%, viscosity: 25.0–31.0 mPa·s | Near-fully hydrolyzed + medium viscosity: a general choice for film strength, water resistance, and freeze–thaw gel stability | |
Specification-based: by hydrolysis/viscosity | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Degree of hydrolysis: 98.0–99.0 mol%, viscosity: 54.0–66.0 mPa·s | Near-fully hydrolyzed + high viscosity: suitable for higher-viscosity and higher-strength film/gel systems (more “strong-structure” oriented) | |
Research common: by DP/saponification (low hydrolysis) | 9002-89-5 | M742508 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | n ≈ 2,000 (degree of saponification ~80 mol%) | Low saponification/low hydrolysis PVA: tends toward easy dissolution/compatibility uses (dispersion, binding, coatings, etc.); can be used for comparison with highly hydrolyzed PVA or formulation adjustment |
Research common: by MW/hydrolysis | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Mw 9,000–10,000, 80% hydrolyzed | Low MW + low hydrolysis: easy dissolution and low-viscosity solutions; suitable for basic solution preparation and coatings/dispersion (gel strength is typically lower) | |
Research common: by MW/hydrolysis | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Mw 13,000–23,000, 87–89% hydrolyzed | Medium hydrolysis + relatively low MW: easy dissolution and low viscosity; suitable for coating/dip-coating and general solutions; can also serve as an “easy-to-handle” freeze–thaw gel formulation | |
Research common: by MW/hydrolysis | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Avg. Mw 13,000–23,000, 98% hydrolyzed | High hydrolysis + relatively low MW: balances network stability tendency with low-viscosity handling; suitable for low-viscosity coatings or hydrogel precursor solutions | |
Research common: by MW/hydrolysis | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Avg. Mw 31,000–50,000, 87–89% hydrolyzed | Medium hydrolysis + medium MW: general-purpose film/binding and freeze–thaw gel matrix; balances strength and processability | |
Research common: by MW/hydrolysis | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Mw 31,000–50,000, 98–99% hydrolyzed | Near-fully hydrolyzed + medium MW: better for more stable networks, water resistance, and stronger gel/film research systems | |
Research common: by MW (hydrolysis not specified) | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Mw 31,000–50,000 | Medium MW PVA: suitable for general solutions, film/binding, and freeze–thaw gel matrices (performance should be interpreted together with degree of hydrolysis) | |
Research common: by MW/hydrolysis | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | 87–90% hydrolyzed, average molar mass 30,000–70,000 | Medium hydrolysis + medium MW range: suitable for general freeze–thaw hydrogels and film/binding; balances handling and strength potential | |
Research common: by MW/hydrolysis | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Mw 85,000–124,000, 99% hydrolyzed | High MW + near-fully hydrolyzed: suitable for higher-strength films and stronger, more stable PVA hydrogel networks (stricter dissolution/degassing control required) | |
Research common: by MW/hydrolysis | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Mw 89,000–98,000, 99% hydrolyzed | High MW + near-fully hydrolyzed: for high-strength film/strong gel; suitable for systems requiring a highly viscoelastic structure | |
Research common: by MW/hydrolysis | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Avg. Mw 146,000–186,000, 87–89% hydrolyzed | High MW + medium hydrolysis: increases solution viscosity and structural strength; for stronger film/stronger gel systems (slower dissolution) | |
Research common: by MW/hydrolysis | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) | Mw 146,000–186,000, 99% hydrolyzed | High MW + near-fully hydrolyzed: higher potential strength and network stability; suitable for high-strength films and high-strength freeze–thaw hydrogel research | |
3D printing consumable: PVA water-soluble support | 9002-89-5 | Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blended printing filament | 1.75 mm | Water-soluble 3D-printing support: support structures can be removed by dissolving in water after printing; directly leverages PVA’s water solubility |
Representative Companion Products Commonly Used in PVA Formulation/R&D
(Plasticization / Dynamic Crosslinking / Chemical Crosslinking / Composite Reinforcement / Reference Materials)
This table follows the most common supporting logic in PVA R&D, grouping related products into: glycerol (plasticizer/moisturizer) → boric acid/borax (dynamic crosslinking) (reversible complexation/dynamic crosslinking in PVA–borate systems is typically more pronounced under mildly alkaline conditions, where borate species more readily form borate ester complexes with diols) → glutaraldehyde (chemical crosslinking) → cellulose (composite reinforcement/filler) → clays/bentonite (composite reinforcement) → PVAc (reference polymer/precursor). Representative products are selected in each category to help readers understand “why choose this class, how different grades are used, and how to pick reference materials.”
Note: This table lists representative products only. For more options, search the Aladdin website using CAS numbers, or refer to the full product list at the end of the article for a broader range and more specifications.
Category | CAS No. | Aladdin Cat. No. | Product name | Specification or grade | Primary role / recommended use (PVA-related) |
Glycerol (plasticization/moisturizing) | 56-81-5 | Glycerol | ACS, ≥99.5% | Plasticizer and humectant for PVA films/gels: improves flexibility, reduces brittleness/cracking of dried films, enhances water retention | |
Glycerol (plasticization/moisturizing) | 56-81-5 | Glycerol | Anhydrous, UltraBio™, Molecular Biology Grade, ≥99.5% (GC) | Low water and high purity: suitable for PVA systems sensitive to water content and impurities | |
Glycerol (plasticization/moisturizing) | 56-81-5 | Glycerol | Molecular Biology Grade, ≥99% | More suitable for bio-related PVA systems (dressings/hydrogels) as a plasticizer/humectant | |
Glycerol (plasticization/moisturizing) | 56-81-5 | Glycerol | GMP, PharmPure™, USP, JP, BP, Ph. Eur. | Compliance-oriented: suitable for PVA formulations targeting pharmaceutical-excipient or higher-quality systems | |
Glycerol (plasticization/moisturizing) | 56-81-5 | G298758 | Medicinal glycerol | PharmPure™, USP, ≥99.7% | Pharmaceutical/high-compliance: for more standardized skin-contact/medical-related PVA R&D |
Glycerol (plasticization/moisturizing—standard) | 56-81-5 | Glycerol | Analytical standard | Supports quantification of glycerol dosage and method validation (PVA formulation development/QC) | |
Dynamic crosslinking (borax / sodium tetraborate) | 1303-96-4 | Sodium tetraborate decahydrate | CP, ≥99% | Baseline choice for reversible PVA–borate crosslinking/thickening (commonly used in teaching and basic R&D) | |
Dynamic crosslinking (borax / sodium tetraborate) | 1303-96-4 | Sodium tetraborate decahydrate | AR, ≥99.5% | Higher purity: for routine R&D in reversible PVA crosslinking/self-healing gels | |
Dynamic crosslinking (borax / sodium tetraborate) | 1303-96-4 | Sodium tetraborate decahydrate | ACS | General analytical grade: for preparation and reference experiments in PVA dynamic crosslinking systems | |
Dynamic crosslinking (borax / sodium tetraborate) | 1303-96-4 | Sodium tetraborate decahydrate | BioReagent, ≥99.5% | Bio-reagent grade: suitable for dynamic crosslinking research in bio-related PVA hydrogels/viscoelastic systems | |
Dynamic crosslinking (borax / sodium tetraborate) | 1303-96-4 | D431710 | Disodium tetraborate decahydrate | PharmPure™, JP, BP, Ph. Eur., NF, pharmaceutical grade | Pharmaceutical grade: suitable for validation of PVA–borate systems under higher compliance requirements |
Dynamic crosslinking (borax / sodium tetraborate—low metals) | 1303-96-4 | Sodium tetraborate decahydrate | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis | Low metal impurities: suitable for PVA functional materials or analytical systems sensitive to ions/impurities | |
Dynamic crosslinking (boric acid) | 10043-35-3 | Boric acid | AR, ≥99.5% | PVA–boric acid systems: reversible complexation/dynamic crosslinking or buffering reference | |
Dynamic crosslinking (boric acid) | 10043-35-3 | Boric acid | ACS, ≥99.5% | General analytical grade: for PVA boric-acid system R&D and reference | |
Dynamic crosslinking (boric acid) | 10043-35-3 | Boric acid | GR, ≥99.8% | Higher purity: improves stability for PVA dynamic crosslinking/buffer experiments | |
Dynamic crosslinking (boric acid—bio-related) | 10043-35-3 | Boric acid | Molecular Biology Grade, ≥99.5% (T) | More suitable for bio-related PVA systems: reduces impurity interference | |
Dynamic crosslinking (boric acid—cell culture) | 10043-35-3 | Boric acid | For cell culture / for insect cell culture, ≥99.5% | More appropriate choice for cell-related PVA hydrogel/material validation | |
Dynamic crosslinking (boric acid—compliance/GMP) | 10043-35-3 | B774588 | Boric acid | GMP, BP, puriss., Ph. Eur., NF | Compliance-oriented: for higher-quality PVA boric-acid related R&D/validation |
Dynamic crosslinking (boric acid—low metals) | 10043-35-3 | Boric acid | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis | Low metal impurities: suitable for PVA functional materials/devices or high-sensitivity analysis | |
Dynamic crosslinking (boric acid—buffer labeling) | 10043-35-3 | Boric acid | Ph. Eur., puriss. p.a., ACS, ≥99.8%, buffer substance | Explicitly labeled as buffer substance: beneficial for pH/buffer referencing and consistency in PVA boric-acid systems | |
Standards/methods (boron) | 10043-35-3 | Boron standard solution | 100 μg/mL | Supports boron-related calibration and method validation (analysis/QC for PVA borate systems) | |
Ready-to-use solution (boric acid) | 10043-35-3 | Boric acid solution | 2% (w/v) | Ready-to-use: convenient for quickly setting up PVA boric-acid system references/screening; reduces preparation error | |
Chemical crosslinking (glutaraldehyde) | 111-30-8 | Glutaraldehyde (50%) | AR, 50% in H2O | Commonly used for chemical crosslinking of PVA; for reference and mechanism studies (residuals and safety must be emphasized) | |
Chemical crosslinking (glutaraldehyde—medical grade) | 111-30-8 | Glutaraldehyde (50%) | High purity, 50% in H2O, medical grade | Higher grade: for PVA crosslinking studies targeting higher-quality systems (still requires strict washing and verification) | |
Chemical crosslinking (glutaraldehyde—spectroscopy grade) | 111-30-8 | Glutaraldehyde (50%) | PureSpectra™, UV/VIS Spectroscopy Grade, 50% in H2O, A235:A280 ratio < 1.05 | Suitable for UV/Vis monitoring or crosslinking/analysis studies requiring low background interference | |
Chemical crosslinking (glutaraldehyde—different concentration) | 111-30-8 | Glutaraldehyde solution | 25% in H2O | Enables crosslinking gradients and condition screening: more flexible for PVA crosslinking formulation development | |
Composite reinforcement/filler (cellulose) | 9004-34-6 | Microcrystalline cellulose | ChP, JP, Ph. Eur., E 460(i), FCC, NF | Composite reinforcement/filler for PVA: improves mechanical properties and structural stability; suitable for compliance-oriented and multi-system comparisons | |
Composite reinforcement/filler (cellulose) | 9004-34-6 | Microcrystalline cellulose | JP, Ph. Eur., NF, spheres | Spherical/particulate form: for rheology/filling and processing stability studies in PVA composites | |
Composite reinforcement/filler (cellulose) | 9004-34-6 | Powdered cellulose | JP, Ph. Eur., E 460(ii), FCC, NF | For PVA composite reinforcement, viscosity tuning, and structural stabilization (morphology affects dispersion) | |
Composite reinforcement/filler (cellulose—silicified) | 9004-34-6 | Silicified microcrystalline cellulose | JP, Ph. Eur., colloidal anhydrous, E 460(i) and Silica, E 551, NF | Improves rheology/anti-caking/structural stability: for processing optimization of PVA composites | |
Composite reinforcement/filler (cellulose—particle size reference) | 9004-34-6 | Cellulose | Microcrystalline, powder, 20 μm | Defined particle size: convenient for particle-size effect comparisons and dispersion studies in PVA composites | |
Composite reinforcement/filler (cellulose—particle size reference) | 9004-34-6 | Cellulose powder | ≤25 μm | Finer particle size: supports more uniform dispersion and interfacial interaction; improves performance potential in PVA composites | |
Composite reinforcement/filler (cellulose—co-processed colloid) | 9004-34-6 | Cellulose | Colloidal, microcrystalline, with 10.0–20.0% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as stabilizer | Dispersion stabilization/rheology control: improves dispersion and processing stability in PVA composites | |
Composite reinforcement/filler (clays/bentonite) | 1302-78-9 | Nano clay, hydrophilic bentonite |
| Hydrophilic nano clay: suitable for aqueous PVA solutions/hydrogels as composite reinforcement, improving mechanical properties and stability | |
Composite reinforcement/filler (clays/bentonite) | 1302-78-9 | Bentonite | BENTONE 38, used in polar solvent systems | Polar-system compatibility: used for composite reinforcement/rheology control in PVA systems (select based on solvent system) | |
Composite reinforcement/filler (clays/bentonite) | 1302-78-9 | Bentonite | BENTONE 27, used in medium-to-high polarity solvents | Medium-to-high polarity systems: for composite reinforcement and thixotropic/structural regulation in PVA systems | |
Composite reinforcement/filler (clays/bentonite) | 1302-78-9 | Bentonite | Bentone SD-1, suitable for medium-to-low polarity solvents | Medium-to-low polarity systems: for reference and optimization under different solvent conditions in PVA composite systems | |
Reference material/precursor (PVAc) | 9003-20-7 | Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) | approx. M.W. 50,000 | PVA precursor/reference polymer: for adhesion/film formation/rheology comparisons and teaching | |
Reference material/precursor (PVAc) | 9003-20-7 | Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) | approx. M.W. 100,000 | Medium MW reference: demonstrates the effect of MW on performance | |
Reference material/precursor (PVAc) | 9003-20-7 | Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) | approx. M.W. 140,000 | Common higher MW range reference: supports explanation of adhesion/film differences | |
Reference material/precursor (PVAc) | 9003-20-7 | Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) | approx. M.W. 500,000 | Ultra-high MW reference: illustrates high-MW-driven increases in viscosity/film formation/adhesion differences |
Supplementary note: “Clays/bentonite” used in aqueous PVA systems are not the same as those designed for non-aqueous solvent systems. In water-soluble PVA (freeze–thaw hydrogels, waterborne films), prioritize hydrophilic, non-organically modified bentonite/montmorillonite (hydrophilic bentonite / montmorillonite), which disperses more readily in water and is suitable for composite reinforcement and rheology control. In contrast, BENTONE 27 / 38 / SD-1 are organically modified bentonites (organoclays) that are typically better suited for thixotropic thickening and anti-settling in solvent-borne/non-aqueous systems; they are not first-choice additives in purely aqueous PVA, and if used, should be treated as a “non-aqueous rheology additive/special dispersion validation item,” with focused verification of dispersion, stability, and performance gains.
Aladdin: https://www.aladdinsci.com/