PVA vs. PVC — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 27, 2023
PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) is a water-soluble synthetic polymer used in adhesives and textiles; PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a durable polymer used in construction and piping, not water-soluble.
Difference Between PVA and PVC
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
PVA, or Polyvinyl Alcohol, is a type of synthetic polymer that is water-soluble, often used in a variety of applications such as adhesives, textiles, and papermaking. It is known for its excellent film-forming, emulsifying, and adhesive properties. It's manufactured by polymerizing vinyl acetate, followed by hydrolyzing the resultant polymer.
In contrast, PVC, standing for Polyvinyl Chloride, is another synthetic polymer, but it's characterized by its durability, stability, and resistance to water and fire, making it ideal for construction materials, particularly in piping and non-food packaging. It is created by polymerizing vinyl chloride monomers, resulting in a versatile material with various applications.
The distinction between PVA and PVC primarily lies in their characteristics and applications. PVA is water-soluble, utilized mainly for its adhesive properties, often applied in textiles, papermaking, and as a glue in various products. Its water solubility makes it distinctive and valuable in specific applications where dissolvability in water is required.
On the other hand, PVC is known for its rigidity, durability, and resistance to environmental conditions, extensively used in construction and medical devices. It's one of the most produced synthetic plastic polymers globally, recognized for its versatility, as it can be made softer and more flexible by adding plasticizers.
In summary, PVA is characterized by its water solubility and is used in applications where adhesive and film-forming properties are essential, while PVC is notable for its durability and versatility, used predominantly in construction and medical applications where stability and resistance are paramount.
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Comparison Chart
Solubility
Water-soluble
Not water-soluble
Primary Use
Adhesives, textiles, papermaking
Construction materials, piping
Material Type
Synthetic polymer
Synthetic plastic polymer
Flexibility
Can be flexible depending on applications
Can be rigid or flexible with the addition of plasticizers
Resistance
Not resistant to environmental conditions
Resistant to water, fire, and environmental conditions
Compare with Definitions
Pva
Applicable in textiles and papermaking.
PVA enhances the strength of paper products.
Pvc
Resistant to environmental conditions.
PVC is chosen for outdoor applications due to its resistance to weathering.
Pva
A water-soluble synthetic polymer.
PVA is commonly used in adhesive formulations.
Pvc
Extensively used in construction materials.
PVC panels are preferred for their stability and rigidity.
Pva
Used for its film-forming properties.
PVA films are utilized in packaging due to their solubility.
Pvc
Can be made flexible with plasticizers.
Flexible PVC is utilized in the production of cables and wires.
Pva
Known for its emulsifying properties.
PVA acts as an emulsifier in certain cosmetic products.
Pvc
Created by polymerizing vinyl chloride monomers.
The polymerization of vinyl chloride monomers results in the formation of PVC.
Pva
Manufactured by polymerizing vinyl acetate.
PVA production involves the hydrolyzation of polymerized vinyl acetate.
Pvc
A durable synthetic plastic polymer.
PVC pipes are commonly used in construction due to their durability.
Pva
A vinyl polymer used especially in paints or adhesives
Pvc
A polymer of vinyl chloride used instead of rubber in electric cables
Pvc
Irregularity of cardiac rhythm; recurrent occurrences can be a precursor of ventricular fibrillation
Common Curiosities
What does PVC stand for?
PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride, a durable synthetic plastic polymer.
What is PVA?
PVA is a water-soluble synthetic polymer used in adhesives and textiles.
Is PVA water-soluble?
Yes, PVA is known for being water-soluble.
Is PVC used in construction?
Yes, PVC is extensively used in construction, especially in piping.
Can PVA be used as a glue?
Yes, PVA is commonly used as an adhesive or glue.
Is PVC resistant to fire?
Yes, PVC has a degree of fire resistance.
Can PVA be used in food packaging?
Yes, PVA is used in food packaging due to its water-solubility and biodegradability.
Is PVC safe for transporting drinking water?
Yes, PVC is commonly used for water pipes due to its resistance to corrosion and chemical leaching.
Can PVA be used in textiles?
Yes, PVA is used in textiles for its adhesive and film-forming properties.
How is PVA produced?
PVA is produced by polymerizing vinyl acetate and then hydrolyzing it.
Can PVC be used in medical applications?
Yes, PVC is used in medical applications due to its durability and stability.
Can PVC be recycled?
PVC can be recycled, but the process is more complex compared to other plastics.
Is PVA biodegradable?
PVA is biodegradable and is often used in eco-friendly applications.
Is PVC flexible or rigid?
PVC can be either rigid or made flexible with the addition of plasticizers.
Is PVA used in 3D printing?
Yes, PVA is used as a support material in 3D printing due to its water-solubility.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
