Study of Cross-Linking between Boric Acid and Different Types of Polyvinyl Alcohol Adhesive

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is water-soluble polymer manufactured by the saponification of polyvinyl acetate. The physical properties and its specific application depend on the degree of hydrolysis. To enhance the properties of different hydrolyzed PVA grades, it is generally chemically modified with various cross-linkers. Here, different degree hydrolyzed PVA grades with enhanced properties were achieved by cross-linking with boric acid. These samples were then characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Gel permeation chromatography (GPC). For further analysis a film of samples were prepared by casting on glass plate. The effects of amount of boric acid and degree of hydrolysis of PVA on performance properties like tensile strength, pencil hardness and thermal properties like glass transition temperature were studied. The results showed that by cross-linking there was an increase in mechanical strength and thermal property.