Polyvinyl Acetate VS Polyvinyl Alcohol

1. Monomer Composition

Polyvinyl Acetate: It is derived from the polymerization of vinyl acetate monomers. The repeating unit in the polymer chain is the vinyl acetate group (CH3COOCH=CH2)

Polyvinyl Alcohol: It is synthesized by the hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate. In this process, the acetate groups in polyvinyl acetate are hydrolyzed to form polyvinyl alcohol. The repeating unit in polyvinyl alcohol is the vinyl alcohol group (CH2CHOH).

2. Solubility

Polyvinyl Acetate: Polyvinyl acetate is insoluble in water and many organic solvents. It is a thermoplastic polymer that softens when heated and hardens when cooled.

Polyvinyl Alcohol: Polyvinyl alcohol is soluble in water, and it forms a viscous solution. The solubility in water is a result of the hydrophilic hydroxyl groups in the polymer chain.

3. Properties and Applications

Polyvinyl Acetate: Polyvinyl acetate is commonly used as an adhesive in various forms, including white glue and wood glue. It is also used in the manufacture of emulsion paints and as a component in certain textile and paper coatings.

Polyvinyl Alcohol: Polyvinyl alcohol has excellent film-forming properies and is often used in the production of water-soluble films. It is employed in applications such as water-soluble packaging, textile sizing and as a component in adhesives.

4. Hydrolysis Reaction

Polyvinyl Acetate: Polyvinyl acetate doesn't undergo hydrolysis under normal conditions. However, it can be hydrolyzed to form polyvinyl alcohol through a controlled chemical reaction.

Polyvinyl Alcohol: Polyvinyl alcohol is the product of the hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate. The hydrolysis reaction involves breaking the acetate groups in polyvinyl acetate and replacing them with hydroxyl groups.