Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) is used as a tissue stabilizer or mounting media in histochemistry. PVA has been used as a preservative. PVA forms microgels in aqueous solution. Polyvinyl alcohol is used as a biological reagent to test the dispersion of zinc oxide nanoparticles. It is an effective protein resistant material and is used to stabilize gold colloids of diameter 3-8nm. It is used as an emulsion polymerization aid to make polyvinyl acetate, as a protective colloid, as a film used in the water transfer printing process, as a surfactant for the formation of polymer encapsulated nanobeads, as an embolization agent in medical procedures and as a fixative for specimen collection.
Key Applications: Tissue stabilizer, Preservative
Product Type: Biochemicals
Density: 1.25-1.50 g/mL(Lit.)
Viscosity: 23 - 27 cps (4% aq soln)
Melting Point: Decomposes above 200°C(Lit.)
Presentation: Pale Yellow Crystalline Powder
Format: Crystalline Powder
pH: 4.0 - 6.0(4% aq soln)
Sulphated Ash: Ash: ≤0.5%
NOTES: Hydrolysis: 87.0 - 89.0%; Volatiles: ≤5.0%
Solubility: Soluble in water, add polyvinyl alcohol to cold or room temperature water with agitation over a period of about 2 minutes. Warm solution to at least 85°C and keep it at that temperature or above for at least 30 minutes. The solution can then be cooled and used at any temperature. Solubility problems may occur with solutions greater than 10%. If solutions are to be kept longer than 24 hours, an addition of a biocide is recommended.
Storage & Handling: Store at Room Temperature (15-30°C)