GH-17R is a specific grade of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), a water-soluble polymer widely used in various industrial, commercial, and consumer applications. Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) is produced by the hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate, and GH-17R is one of its varieties with specific characteristics that make it suitable for applications requiring a balance of solubility, film-forming properties, and mechanical strength.
The GH-17R grade typically refers to a particular PVA formulation that can vary in molecular weight, degree of hydrolysis, and other properties depending on the manufacturer and intended use.
Properties of GH-17R (Polyvinyl Alcohol):
- Molecular Formula: (C₂H₄O)ₙ
- CAS Number: 9002-89-5 (This is the general CAS number for PVA.)
- Appearance: GH-17R Polyvinyl Alcohol typically appears as a white powder or granules, with no significant odor. The grade may be offered in fine powder or granular form depending on processing requirements.
- Molecular Weight: The molecular weight of GH-17R PVA typically ranges from 20,000 to 100,000 g/mol, though the exact molecular weight can vary depending on the manufacturer and the intended application.
- Degree of Hydrolysis: The degree of hydrolysis for GH-17R is typically 88-89%, meaning it is partially hydrolyzed, which affects its solubility in water. This hydrolysis level provides moderate water solubility and good film-forming properties.
- Solubility: GH-17R is soluble in water, with solubility improving with temperature. It is insoluble in organic solvents such as acetone, toluene, and chloroform. The polymer is partially soluble in cold water but dissolves more readily in hot water.
- pH: The pH of an aqueous solution of GH-17R is typically neutral to slightly alkaline, ranging from 7 to 8.
- Film-Forming Properties: Like other PVA grades, GH-17R has excellent film-forming properties and can form flexible, durable films that are moisture-resistant, which is why it is widely used in coatings, adhesives, and packaging.
- Viscosity:GH-17R has a moderate viscosity that makes it suitable for applications where a balanced flow and film strength are required.
(As a polymer, PVA’s molecular weight varies depending on the degree of polymerization.)
Key Uses of Polyvinyl Alcohol (GH-17R):
1. Adhesives and Bonding Agents
Paper and Board Adhesives: GH-17R is commonly used in the paper and board industries as an adhesive. It is especially effective in applications like bookbinding, corrugated packaging, and labels. The high hydrolysis of GH-17R improves the water resistance of the adhesive, making it ideal for applications where moisture may be involved.
Textile Adhesives: GH-17R is also used as an adhesive in the textile industry, where it helps bond fibers and materials. It is effective in applications such as fabric lamination, gluing textiles, and nonwoven fabrics.
Woodworking Adhesives: GH-17R can be used in wood adhesives for bonding materials like plywood, particle board, and other wood products. Its excellent water resistance and strong bonding properties make it ideal for the woodworking and furniture manufacturing industries.
2. Textile Industry:
Sizing Agent: GH-17R PVA is widely used in the textile industry as a sizing agent. In this application, it is applied to yarns and fabrics to reduce friction and improve the weaving process, while also increasing fabric strength and durability. It prevents yarn breakage during weaving and gives fabric a smooth surface.
Textile Coatings: In textile coatings, GH-17R is used to enhance the strength, durability, and smoothness of textiles. This application is often used in automotive fabrics, upholstery, and other industrial textiles, where resistance to wear and abrasion is needed.
Dyeing and Printing: GH-17R is employed in dyeing and printing applications as a binder for dyes and pigments. It helps the dye adhere to the fibers, improving the uniformity and quality of the final product. It also prevents bleeding of colors and helps with color retention.
3. Water-Soluble Films
Single-Use Packaging: GH-17R is commonly used to produce water-soluble films for applications like detergent pods, food packaging, and cleaning agents. These films dissolve in water and release their contents without leaving residue, which makes them ideal for single-use or disposable applications.
- Detergent Pods:GH-17R is frequently used in the manufacture of laundry pods and dishwasher pods, where the film dissolves in water, releasing the detergent inside.
- Food Packaging: Water-soluble films made from GH-17R are used in food packaging for portion control, where the film dissolves upon contact with water, leaving no waste.
Controlled Release Systems: GH-17R is used in controlled release systems, such as for fertilizers, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals, where the film gradually releases the active ingredients in a controlled manner over time.
4. Pharmaceutical Applications
Tablet and Capsule Coatings: GH-17R PVA is often used as a coating agent in pharmaceutical formulations. It provides a protective layer that helps mask unpleasant odors and tastes, and can also be used for extended release formulations.
- Controlled Release: GH-17R is used to create controlled-release tablets and capsules, where the PVA coating gradually dissolves over time, releasing the active ingredients in a steady manner.
Wound Dressings: GH-17R is used in wound care products, such as hydrogel-based dressings. Its bioadhesive and moisture-retentive properties make it ideal for creating dressings that promote faster healing by keeping wounds moist and protected from external contaminants.
5. Cosmetic and Personal Care
Film-Forming Agent: GH-17R is used as a film-forming agent in personal care products like shampoos, conditioners, and facial masks. It forms a thin, flexible film on the skin or hair, improving the texture, appearance, and moisture retention.
- Hair Care Products: It is included in hair sprays, styling gels, and conditioners for its ability to provide smoothness, shine, and conditioning effects.
Cosmetic Products: GH-17R is also found in cosmetic formulations, especially in creams and lotions, where it enhances the spreadability and hydration of the product.
6. Paints and Coatings
Emulsifier and Binder: GH-17R is used as an emulsifying agent and binder in paints, coatings, and inks. It helps to stabilize emulsions, improve the viscosity of the paint, and ensure that the paint components (such as pigments) remain evenly dispersed.
- Paint Industry: It is especially useful in water-based paints and coatings, where it provides improved adhesion, film formation, and durability.
- Ink Formulations: In printing inks, GH-17R serves as a binder, improving printability and ensuring that the ink adheres well to paper or other substrates.
7. Agricultural Applications
Controlled Release Fertilizers: GH-17R is used in the production of controlled-release fertilizers. The polymer encapsulates the fertilizer, providing a slow release of nutrients into the soil, which helps reduce nutrient runoff and improve agricultural productivity.
Pesticide Encapsulation: PVA-based polymers like GH-17R are used in the encapsulation of pesticides and herbicides. This controlled release helps reduce the environmental impact of chemicals and ensures that the active ingredients are delivered efficiently to crops.
8. Paper and Pulp Industry
Paper Coatings: GH-17R is used as a coating agent in the paper industry to improve the smoothness, brightness, and printability of paper. It is used in the production of coated paper and cardboard for applications like magazines, catalogs, and packaging materials.
Paper Strength: GH-17R helps increase the strength and durability of paper, especially recycled paper. It acts as a binder in the pulp, improving the overall quality of the final paper product.
9. Other Industrial Applications
Rubber Coatings: GH-17R is used in the production of rubber coatings for improving adhesion and durability in industrial applications. This is useful in sectors such as automotive, where rubber components need to adhere to metal or fabric.
Ink and Printing: GH-17R is used as a binder in printing inks and as a thickening agent in various industrial inks. It ensures the proper viscosity and uniformity of the ink, contributing to better performance and smoother printing.