Polyvinyl Alcohol is a water-soluble synthetic polymer obtained by polymerization of vinyl alcohol and is widely used textile warp sizing composition.
Textiles are a major end use market for Selvol Polyvinyl Alcohol. While the primary end use for PVOH in textiles is warp sizing, other applications include hand builders for fabric finishing and adhesives for screen printing.
Selvol Polyvinyl Alcohol for textiles is an excellent film former, providing a protective coating for spun and filament yarn. It is coats the textiles with a sturdy film, however, it is easily removed (desized) with hot water. Features of Selvol polyvinyl alcohol as a warp sizing agent include superior:
• Abrasion resistance
• Adhesion to synthetic fibers
• Flexibility/elongation
• Strength
• User friendly slashing performance
These features have led to improved warp sizing performance.
7. Improved Weavability
The abrasion resistance, elasticity, and toughness of yarn sized with polyvinyl alcohol will lead to reductions in warp stop levels. This is particularly true on spun polyester blends where starch does not provide the required protection. Polyvinyl alcohol will also increase the weaving efficiency of 100% cotton fabrics woven on high-speed looms.
6. Low Add-On
Yarns sized with polyvinyl alcohol can run at lower add-ons because of the adhesion and strength advantage polyvinyl alcohol provides over natural binders. It can be effective at levels as low as one-third that of starch. Operating conditions in each mill will control the degree of starch replacements. Since the lower add on will take up less space on the yarn, it will contribute to improved weavability, particularly on high slay styles. In addition, lower add-ons will lead to several other benefits:
• Reduces size handling in the slasher room
• More yards on each beam
• Fewer slasher doffs
• Freight savings on greige cloth shipments
• Less size to remove at desizing, fewer chemicals to process in waste treatment
5. Less Shed
The excellent abrasion resistance and adhesion of polyvinyl alcohol to synthetic fibers means less shedding on the slasher and in the weave room. Since the electronic loom controls are adversely affected by shed, less shed will have favorable impact on loom operation. It will also minimize amount of yarn lost as waste. An additional benefit is reduction in labor required for cleaning.
4. Lower Weave Room Humidity
The inherent flexibility of films of polyvinyl alcohol resins eliminates the need for high relative humidity in the weave room. Humidity range of 65-75% is recommended. Reduction in humidity should be done at a maximum rate of two percentage points every five days to acclimate loom parts and facilitate shed removal via vacuum, resulting in a cleaner weave room. It will provide more comfortable working conditions and lengthen the life of loom parts subject to corrosion.
3. Excellent Size Stability
Polyvinyl alcohol solutions are thermally stable and can be maintained for longer periods of time at elevated temperatures. This means that a major
problem with starch viscosity change on aging is eliminated.
2. Resistance to Spoilage
Polyvinyl alcohol solutions are generally resistant to spoilage under conditions in the slashing and preparation areas. Size waste due to spoilage is eliminated, and resistance of greige goods to rot and mildew is increased.
1. Recoverability
Polyvinyl alcohols are widely reclaimed and reused for sizing. Effluent levels from the finishing plant can be reduced, leading to improved compliance with local environmental standards. Sizing cost can be decreased via reduced consumption of virgin polyvinyl alcohol.
Read more about Selvol for textiles by viewing our brochure
Please refer to our Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) , Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) or Selvol Polyvinyl Alcohol for Textile Warp Sizing for information on the safe use and handling of Selvol Polyvinyl Alcohol, including toxicity, fire, and explosion hazards, as well as environmental effects.
Or contact a technical representative to find out which grade of Selvol is best for your application.
Sekisui produces and sells one of the most complete lines of polyvinyl alcohol in the world. Since the introduction of Selvol Polyvinyl Alcohol, we have developed a high level of expertise in both the production and use of PVOH.