Poly(vinyl alcohol)

44.05260

44.02620

618-340-9

1489

108129

DTXSID4031930|DTXSID8051467

Dry, unplasticized powders are white or cream colored|Colorless, white or cream, amorphous powder

3905300000

20.23000

0.6879

White or cream colored solid

1.19-1.31 g/cm³

250 °C

23.5ºC at 760 mmHg

79ºC

1.381

soluble in hot water

Polyvinyl alcohol is stable when stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place. Aqueous solutions are stable in corrosionresistant sealed containers. Preservatives may be added to the solution if extended storage is required. Polyvinyl alcohol undergoes slow degradation at 100°C and rapid degradation at 200°C; it is stable on exposure to light.

Negligible

LD50 orally in Rabbit: > 20000 mg/kg

Slight explosion hazard in form of dust when exposed to flame.

Odorless

Tasteless

5,0 to 6,5 (4 % solution)

Polymer average molecular weight: 120,000|Softens at about 200 °C with decomposition|Subject to mold growth|Decomposes at 228 °C|For more Other Experimental Properties (Complete) data for POLYVINYL ALCOHOL (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Water soluble.

Alcohols and Polyols

Mixtures of alcohols with concentrated sulfuric acid and strong hydrogen peroxide can cause explosions. Example: an explosion will occur if dimethylbenzylcarbinol is added to 90% hydrogen peroxide then acidified with concentrated sulfuric acid. Mixtures of ethyl alcohol with concentrated hydrogen peroxide form powerful explosives. Mixtures of hydrogen peroxide and 1-phenyl-2-methyl propyl alcohol tend to explode if acidified with 70% sulfuric acid [Chem. Eng. News 45(43):73. 1967; J, Org. Chem. 28:1893. 1963]. Alkyl hypochlorites are violently explosive. They are readily obtained by reacting hypochlorous acid and alcohols either in aqueous solution or mixed aqueous- carbon tetrachloride solutions. Chlorine plus alcohols would similarly yield alkyl hypochlorites. They decompose in the cold and explode on exposure to sunlight or heat. Tertiary hypochlorites are less unstable than secondary or primary hypochlorites [NFPA 491 M 1991]. Base-catalysed reactions of isocyanates with alcohols should be carried out in inert solvents. Such reactions in the absence of solvents often occur with explosive violence [Wischmeyer 1969].

Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated.

NONH for all modes of transport

1

R23/24/25; R36/38; R39/23/24/25

S24/25

TR8100000

Xn

Separated from strong oxidants and strong acids.

Stable. Combustible. Dust may form explosive mixtures with air. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.

P260

H371

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.|Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents.|Can react with oxidizing materials.

Ophthalmic demulcents. The active ingredients of the product consist of ... the following, within the established concentrations for each ingredient: polyvinyl alcohol, 0.1 to 4 percent.|Diluents in color additive mixtures for food use exempt from certification. ... Diluents in color additive mixtures for coloring shell eggs. Items listed in paragraph (a) of this section and the following, subject to the condition that there is no penetration of the color additive mixture or any of its components through the eggshell into the egg: ... Polyvinyl alcohol is included on this list.

This chemical is combustible. The dusts of this chemical are a slight explosion hazard when exposed to flame. (NTP, 1992)|Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.

|Danger|H225 (18.52%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]|P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P264, P270, P280, P301+P310, P303+P361+P353, P321, P330, P370+P378, P403+P235, P405, and P501|Aggregated GHS information provided by 657 companies from 4 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.|Warning|H302 (19.09%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]|P260, P264, P270, P301+P312, P309+P311, P330, P405, and P501|Aggregated GHS information provided by 474 companies from 7 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.|H351 (100%): Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]|P201, P202, P281, P308+P313, P405, and P501|The GHS information provided by 1 company from 1 notification to the ECHA C&L Inventory.

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, you should dampen the solid spill material with water, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with water to pick up any remaining material. Seal your contaminated clothing and the absorbent paper in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash all contaminated surfaces with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned. STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should store this chemical under ambient temperatures, and protect it from moisture and light. If possible, it would be prudent to store this compound under inert atmosphere. (NTP, 1992)

RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is stored, weighed and diluted, wear an approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter. (NTP, 1992)|Eye/face protection: Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).|Skin protection: Handle with gloves.|Body Protection: Choose body protection in relation to its type, to the concentration and amount of dangerous substances, and to the specific work-place. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.|Respiratory protection: Respiratory protection is not required. Where protection from nuisance levels of dusts are desired, use type N95 (US) or type P1 (EN 143) dust masks. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).

Flammable when exposed to heat or flame.

Slight explosion hazard in form of dust when exposed to flame.

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.|Advice for firefighters Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.|Under fire conditions, material may decompose to form flammable and/or explosive mixtures in air.|Extinguishing methods: Alcohol foam.|To fight fire, use alcohol foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas.; Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains.; Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.|Wastewaters are treated to form resins which are then either settled or precipitated.

Precautions for safe handling: Further processing of solid materials may result in the formation of combustible dusts. The potential for combustible dust formation should be taken into consideration before additional processing occurs. Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed.|Appropriate engineering controls: General industrial hygiene practice.|Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.

Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Sweep spilled substance into covered suitable containers. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.

Separated from strong oxidants and strong acids.

No indication can be given about the rate at which a harmful concentration of this substance in the air is reached on evaporation at 20 °C.

May cause mechanical irritation.

NO open flames. Closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent deposition of dust. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding).

Avoid inhalation of dust.

Protective gloves.

Wear safety goggles.

| 0 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, would offer no hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible materials.| 2 - Materials that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur. Materials would not under normal conditions form hazardous atmospheres with air, but under high ambient temperatures or under moderate heating could release vapor in sufficient quantities to produce hazardous atmospheres with air.| 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a colorless amorphous powder. It is used in plastic industry in molding compounds, surface coatings, films resistant to gasoline, textile sizes and finishing compositions; can be compounded to yield elastomers to be used in manufacturing artificial sponges, fuel hoses. It is also used in printing inks for plastics and glass, in pharmaceutical finishing, cosmetics, water-soluble film and sheeting. Pharmaceutic aid (viscosity increasing agent) and opthalmic lubricant. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: 1.4% neutral solution of PVA with molecular wt over 100,000/ has been used in eyedrops on human eyes without difficulty. Concentrations as high as 10% also have not been irritating. A foreign-body type of reaction to an orbital sponge implant of formalinized polyvinyl alcohol resin known as Ivalon has been described histologically in 1 patient. There is a single report connecting exposure of PVA to human carcinogenesis. Researchers report the case of a 40-year-old man with hemangiopericytoma of the bladder. This man had a 2-year history of daily dermal exposure to a solution of PVA in water that did not contain solvents or plasticizers. The use of PVA sponge (Ivalon) prosthetic breast implants was abandoned in the 1950s in favor of silicon. Histology of a 40-year-old PVA implant revealed dramatic structural changes to the prosthesis such as crystallization and calcification associated with dense fibrotic tissue and some multinucleated giant cells, probably indicating a chronic low grade inflammatory response to the foreign material. PVA injections are still occasionally called for in the therapeutic embolization of abnormal tissues. A mild chronic inflammatory response associated with the foreign- body response, infiltration of macrophages, and fibrosis were all found at autopsy of three cystic fibrosis patients who died 10-28 months following a bronchial embolization procedure. ANIMAL STUDIES: In eyedrops 1.4% neutral solution of polyvinyl alcohol with molecular weight over 100,000 has been tested repeatedly by application to rabbit eyes and has been shown to be noninjurious and not to interfere with healing of experimental epithelial wounds. Doses of 2000, 3500 and 5000 mg/kg/day of PVA administered as a dietary admixture to male and female rats for up to 90 days did not result in any adverse, toxicological effects. Male rats were given sc implants of polyvinyl alcohol (ivalon sponge) of unspecified size into abdominal wall and were observed for lifespan. 3 Local sarcomas were found in 34 animals still alive at appearance of first local sarcoma at 567 days. In 2 year study in mice, there was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of polyvinyl alcohol in female mice administered 20 uL of a 25% solution intravaginally. There were no neoplasms or nonneoplastic lesions considered related to treatment with polyvinyl alcohol. PVA was not mutagenic with and without rat liver S9 microsomal activation in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100 and TA1537. The potential induction of micronuclei by PVA in bone marrow cells of mice was tested. PVA was administered orally to male and female mice at doses up to 2000 mg/kg. PVA did not show any evidence of causing chromosome damage or bone marrow cell toxicity. PVA was tested for mutagenic potential in an in vitro mammalian cell mutation assay, the detection and quantitation of forward mutation in a subline of mouse lymphoma L5178Y cells, from the heterozygous condition at the thymidine kinase locus (TK +/-) to the thymidine kinase-deficient genotype (TK -/-), in the presence and absence of S9 mix. PVA was not mutagenic in this in vitro cell mutation assay at concentrations up to 5000 mg/mL.

LD50 Rat oral >20,000 mg/kg|LD50 Mouse oral 147,000 mg/kg|LD50 Dog oral 20,000 mg/kg

/OTHER TOXICITY INFORMATION/ Radiofrequency countermeasures (i.e., chaff) may be released by fighter jets during tactical countermeasures training. Chaff cartridges, pistons, and endcaps (i.e., chaff dispenser materials), all currently made of styrene, are also released into the environment. Accumulation of chaff dispenser materials in the environment is a concern of the Department of Defense. The US Navy is exploring the possibility of constructing degradable chaff dispenser components made of biodegradable polymers. Five polymers are being considered. Degradability and toxicity tests are two of several criteria being used to evaluate various available biodegradable options. Dissolution products from four of five polymers being considered were toxic to aquatic organisms with LC50s/LOELs ranging between 1.24 and 731.30 mg total organic concentration/L. Supernatant from dissolving a 90:10 polyester amide/polyvinyl alcohol copolymer in water for 24 hr inhibited shoot growth of Brassica rappa and Lepidium sativum. Since our results were obtained using fractions of saturated degradable polymer solutions (1 or 10 g/L), we conclude that the tested degradable polymers were of low toxicity to the seven aquatic organisms and two terrestrial plant species used in our assays. However, our characterization of the toxicity of these degradable polymers may not be applicable to all species or environmental situations. Information gained from these studies will be used for making decisions on which polymers should be used in the engineering of environmentally friendly chaff dispenser cartridges, pistons, and endcaps.

... Three groups of 100 female B6C3F1 mice were used in this intravaginal study: an untreated control group, a vehicle control group receiving 20 ul deionized water vehicle only, and a dosed group receiving 20 uL 25% polyvinyl alcohol in deionized water. Animals were dosed 5 days/wk, excluding holidays for 104-105 wk. Conclusions: Under the conditions of this 2 yr study, there was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of polyvinyl alcohol ... in female B6C3F1 mice administered 20 ul of a 25% solution intravaginally. There were no neoplasms or nonneoplastic lesions considered related to treatment with polyvinyl alcohol.

Polyvinyl alcohol is not known to occur as a natural product(1).

A BCF of <7.5 was measured using carp (Cyprinus carpio) which were exposed over a 6-week period to 0.4 and 4.0 ppm polyvinyl alcohol(1). According to a classification scheme(2), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

According to the 2012 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, 3 reporting facility estimates the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed during the manufacturing, processing, or use of polyvinyl alcohol (9002-89-5) may be as low as 10-24 workers up to the range of 100-499 workers per plant; the data may be greatly underestimated due to confidential business information (CBI) or unknown values(1).|NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 500,947 workers (183,064 of these are female) were potentially exposed to polyvinyl alcohol in the US(1).

For use as a lubricant to prevent further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye(s).

Do not use if imprinted seal on the bottle neck is broken or missing. Do not use if solution changes color or becomes cloudy. To avoid contamination, do not touch tip of container to any surface. Replace cap after using.|Stop use and ask a doctor if condition persists or increases discontinue use and consult a veterinarian.

The fate of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA, 195,000 g/mol) was studied in rabbits and nude mice after intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration. In-vivo fluorescence imaging using nude mice allowed for studies of tetramethylrhodamine labeled PVA distribution in the body and tracking the urinary excretion. The excreted PVA was studied in detail after collecting the urine of rabbits over a time period of 28 days. The PVA was separated from the urine by dialysis and analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy, (1)H-NMR spectroscopy, and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Even after extensive dialysis, it was found that the excreted PVA showed a characteristic brownish color. The spectroscopic techniques revealed that this color was caused by the urine pigment (a metabolite of bilirubin) that could not be separated completely from the PVA. SEC showed unambiguously that the PVA with the very high molar mass had a glomerular permeability in the kidneys. Simultaneously, histological studies of the kidneys and the liver demonstrated that the tissues did not show any obvious damage.|Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a polymer with a wide range of molecular weights and uses. Recently, low molecular weight formulations of PVA have been used as components of contraceptive products designed for intravaginal administration in human females. Previous studies in animals have determined that little or no absorption of PVA occurs from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. However, there is some concern that PVA of lower molecular weights might be absorbed across membranes of the reproductive tract. Consequently, this work has investigated the absorption of low molecular weight PVA across biological membranes of the reproductive and GI tracts of Fischer 344 rats. Oral administration of ten consecutive daily doses of (14)C PVA resulted in little apparent absorption of the dose from the GI tract. In contrast, intravaginal administration of (14)C PVA resulted in increasing concentrations of PVA-derived radioactivity in major tissues following one, three or ten daily doses of the estimated human dose of 3 mg/kg. PVA-derived radioactivity was concentrated mainly in the liver, reaching a peak greater than 1750 ng equivalents/g tissue 24 hours following ten daily doses. Over 300 ng equivalents/g tissue were still present in the liver 30 days following the last dose.|/Researchers/ report on the distribution of PVA of low (mol. wt 37,000), medium (mol. wt 133,000) and high (mol. wt 195,000) grades following 4 weeks of daily subcutaneous injection of 1 mL of 5% solutions to female Holtzman rats. Polymers of medium and high molecular weights were found in the tissues of the adrenal medulla, spleen, myocardium, liver and kidney. Low molecular weight polymers were not found in any tissues.|PVA sponges (Ivalon) implanted into guinea pigs or rats appeared to disintegrate or deform, suggestive of phagocytosis by macrophages and giant cells or resorption, but there was no indication of the ultimate fate of the sponges or the cellular PVA. Therefore it would seem that while subcutaneously injected PVA may undergo bioaccumulation and implanted PVA undergo partial resorption, intravenous or orally administered PVA is quickly eliminated.|For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for POLYVINYL ALCOHOL (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SYMPTOMS: Inhalation of the dust of this chemical may cause irritation of the nose and throat and cause coughing and chest discomfort if heated above 390° F. The dusts may also irritate the eyes. Implantation of this chemical into the breast has been associated with fibrosis. ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: This compound may be harmful by ingestion and inhalation. It may cause irritation. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke, irritating fumes and toxic fumes of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. (NTP, 1992)

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment. INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing. INGESTION: If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

Fresh air, rest.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

/SRP:/ Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on the left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Poisons A and B/|/SRP:/ Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if needed. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Poisons A and B/|/SRP:/ Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasm ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W TKO /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Poisons A and B/

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Twelve panelists were instructed to place patches containing 13% Polyvinyl Alcohol (in formulation) onto their backs for 23 hours of exposure for 21 consecutive days. Applications were made to the same site and were evaluated daily. The total irritation score of Polyvinyl Alcohol for all subjects for all 21 applications was 10 (maximum 756). The formulation containing Polyvinyl Alcohol was classified as a "mild material"|/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ A human RIPT (Human Repeat Insult Patch Test) was conducted using 100 panelists and testing a peel-off facial mask containing 13% Polyvinyl Alcohol. Patches containing the test material were applied to the backs of panelists for 24 hours of exposure three times a week for 3 weeks (nine induction patches). Following a 2-week nontreatment period, a 24-hour challenge patch was applied to a previously untreated site. Reactions were scored 24 and 48 hours after removal. During induction, three panelists each had one reaction described as "barely perceptible minimal faint (light pink) uniform or spotty erythema." No reactions were observed during challenge.|/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Implantation of PVA sponge as breast prosthesis has been associated with fibrosis...|/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ A foreign-body type of reaction to an orbital sponge implant of formalinized polyvinyl alcohol resin known as Ivalon has been described histologically in 1 patient.|For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for POLYVINYL ALCOHOL (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Alcohol, Polyvinyl

Cough.

Redness.

41% AS A RESIN IN TEXTILE SIZING & FINISHING; 22% AS A RESIN IN ADHESIVES; 18% AS A SUSPENSION AGENT IN POLYMERIZATION OF VINYL ACETATE AND VINYL CHLORIDE; 9% AS A PIGMENT BINDER IN PAPER COATINGS; 10% IN ALL OTHER APPLICATIONS (1974)|CHEMICAL PROFILE: Polyvinyl Alcohol. Textile warp sizing, 38%; adhesives and emulsions, 35%; paper sizing and coating, 11%; other, including polyvinyl butyral, 16%.|CHEMICAL PROFILE: Polyvinyl alcohol. Demand: 1988: 180 million lb; 1989: 185 million lb; 1993 /projected/: 200 million lb. (Imports and exports balance each other out, at about 60 million lb per year.)

Grades: Super-high viscosity (mol wt 250,000-300,000); high-viscosity (mol wt 170,000-220,000); medium-viscosity (mol wt 120,000-150,000); low viscosity (mol wt 25,000-35,000).|Commercial grades of poly(vinyl alcohol) differ in the degree of polymerization (molecular mass) and degree of hydrolysis (residual poly(vinyl acetate) content).|Commercial products include Airvol (Air Products); Elvanol (Du Pont); Ertivinol (ERT); Gohsenol (Nippon Gohsei); Mowiol (Hoechst); Polyviol (Wacker); Poval (Kuraray, Denka, Shinet-Su); and Rhodoviol (Rhone-Poulenc).

Ethenol, homopolymer: ACTIVE|XU - indicates a substance exempt from reporting under the Chemical Data Reporting Rule, (40 CFR 711).|Vinyl alcohol monomer has not been isolated.|Commercial polyvinyl alcohols have different contents of residual acetyl groups and therefore different viscosity characteristics. The first code number following the trade name indicates the degree of hydrolysis, while the second set of numbers indicates the approx viscosity in cP /centipoises/ (4% aq soln @ 20 °C).

Spectrophotometric techniques in ultra-violet, visible and infrared regions have been used to identify polyvinyl alcohol in paper coatings.|Various polymers, including polyvinyl alcohol, have been identified by first pyrolyzing the polymer and then identifying the pyrolysis products by a combination of ultra-violet analysis, color-forming reactions and thin-layer chromatography.|Filter paper treated with potassium iodide and iodine solutions has been suggested for measuring polyvinyl alcohol concentrations in wastewater in concentration range of 1,000-20,000 mg/L (ppm).

A method has been described for determining polyvinyl alcohol photometrically by turbidity in biological media (blood, urine, etc.).

EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Polymers|Safer Chemical Classes -> Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern|Food additives|Cosmetics -> Film forming; Viscosity controlling