What is the Difference Between Polyvinyl Alcohol and Polyvinyl Acetate?

The key difference between polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl acetate (PVAC) lies in the functional group of their side chains. Polyvinyl alcohol has a hydroxyl functional group, while polyvinyl acetate has an acetate functional group. Both PVA and PVAC are important polymer materials with various applications in different industrial fields.

Some applications of polyvinyl alcohol include:

• Papermaking
• Textile wrap sizing
• Thickener and emulsion stabilizer in PVAC adhesive formulations
• Coatings and 3D printing

Polyvinyl alcohol is a water-soluble, synthetic polymer material that is often used in the food industry as well. On the other hand, polyvinyl acetate serves as the precursor for polyvinyl alcohol and, directly or indirectly, for polyvinyl acetals.

Comparative Table: Polyvinyl Alcohol vs Polyvinyl Acetate

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) are both important polymer materials with various industrial applications. The key difference between the two lies in the side chain of their molecules. Here is a comparison table highlighting their differences:

Both PVA and PVAc are synthetic polymer materials with a wide range of applications, such as in paper production, textiles, adhesives, and coatings. PVA is produced through the hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate, which is a reversible saponification and esterification reaction. In alkaline conditions, boron compounds such as boric acid or borax cause the polyvinyl alcohol to cross-link, forming tackifying precipitates or toys.

In summary, the main difference between polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl acetate is the functional group in their side chains, which affects their properties and applications in various industrial fields.