What is Polyvinyl Alcohol Fiber?

Polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVA fiber, also known as Viren) is a synthetic fiber made from high-quality polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with a high degree of polymerization and processed with specific advanced technology. It can be traced back to the early 1930s and was first produced by Wacker Chemie in Germany. The development of PVA fibers in China can be traced back to the 1960s and 1970s and was initially used mainly in the civilian clothing sector. With the rapid development of synthetic fibers such as polyester, acrylic, and nylon with better performance and lower cost, the advantages of PVA fiber in the civilian field gradually declined. As domestic PVA fiber manufacturers increase technological research and development to expand the product's application, polyvinyl alcohol fiber gradually enters the industrial field to open up the situation in a number of industries and plays an important rol.

 

What is the classification of Polyvinyl Alcohol Fiber?

After decades of development, China's PVA fiber varieties have been developed from a single conventional fiber (staple fiber and Velcro drafting yarn) to functional and differentiated PVA fibers based on high-strength and high-modulus PVA fibers and PVA water-soluble fibers.

 

What are the properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol Fiber?

High strength and modulus: Polyvinyl alcohol fibers have high strength and modulus, which allows them to excel in a wide range of applications, especially where high strength and rigidity are required. Low elongation: Low elongation means that the fibers are less likely to deform when subjected to stress, thus maintaining their structural stability. Abrasion and acid/alkali resistance: the fibers have excellent abrasion and acid/alkali resistance, maintaining stability and durability in a variety of harsh environments. Good affinity and bonding: Polyvinyl alcohol fibers' good affinity and bonding with cement, gypsum, and other substrates make them suitable for a wide range of applications in construction and civil engineering. Non-toxic and non-polluting: The fibres are non-toxic and non-polluting and will not harm the human body or the environment, in line with the concept of green environmental protection. Water solubility and dispersibility: Some polyvinyl alcohol fibers are water-soluble, and they are well dispersed in water without sticking, which facilitates their application in specific fields.

 

What is Polyvinyl Alcohol Fiber used for?

Polyvinyl alcohol fibers are used in industrial applications such as tarpaulins and filter fabrics. Due to their excellent water and abrasion resistance, polyvinyl alcohol fibers provide good waterproofing and filtration, ensuring product quality and performance.
Polyvinyl alcohol fiber offers significant benefits as a backbone material for transport belts. Its high strength and durability enhance the belts' carrying capacity and service life and improve transport efficiency, making it a reliable choice for various transport applications. In the cement industry, polyvinyl alcohol fiber can be used as a reinforcing material to improve the strength and durability of cement products. Its excellent fiber properties can effectively prevent cracking and deformation of cement products and enhance overall performance.
Polyvinyl alcohol fibers are versatile, playing a crucial role in both nonwoven and paper production. In nonwovens, they bolster strength, durability, and physical and chemical properties, expanding their application range. In papermaking, they act as a reinforcing agent, enhancing the strength, tensile strength, gloss, and visual effect of the paper.

 

How is Polyvinyl Alcohol Fiber produced?

Polyvinyl alcohol fibers can be produced by wet spinning and dry spinning. The heat-treated polyvinyl alcohol fibers are acetalized to obtain polyvinyl alcohol formaldehyde fibers. The process of acetalization is that the tow is washed to remove the mannite (sodium sulfate) and then passed through the aldolization solution (consisting of the aldolising agent formaldehyde, diluent water, catalyst sulphuric acid, and the swelling inhibitor sodium sulfate) before being washed in water. The tow can also be cut into short fibers and conveyed by airflow to a post-treatment machine for acetalization on a stainless steel mesh. In order to improve the fiber properties, the polyvinyl alcohol solution containing the cross-linking agent boric acid (concentration of 16%) can be wet spun, the resulting primary fibers are solidified in an alkaline coagulation bath, and then, after neutralization, washing, and multi-stage high-frequency stretching and heat treatment, filament yarns with strengths up to 106-115 cN/dtex can be obtained.

 

What are the safety precautions for the use of Polyvinyl Alcohol Fiber?

Polyvinyl alcohol fiber should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse away from fire and heat sources. To prevent chemical reactions or physical damage to the fibers, contact with oxidants or other harmful substances should be avoided. When handling polyvinyl alcohol fiber, operators should wear appropriate protective equipment, such as self-absorbing filtering dust masks, chemical safety glasses, gas-permeable overalls, and rubber gloves. Dust should also be avoided and kept away from fire and heat sources, and smoking is strictly prohibited in the workplace.
In case of accidents or fiber damage during use, the use should be stopped immediately, and appropriate emergency treatment measures should be taken. At the same time, appropriate fire-fighting equipment and leakage emergency treatment equipment should be equipped to deal with possible fire or leakage accidents.
It is recommended to follow the guidance and advice of professionals regarding specific methods and precautions for using high-strength and high-modulus PVA fibres. In case of doubts or questions, experts in the relevant fields or manufacturers should be consulted promptly.