Abnormal Properties of PVA Derived from the Polymerization of Vinyl Acetate in Dimethyl Sulfoxide

Abstract

Poly (vinyl alcohol) derived from the solution polymerization of vinyl acetate in dimethyl sulfoxide has been characterized by swelling degree in water, clouding rate in aqueous dimethyl sulfoxide solution, and aging tendency of concentrated aqueous solution. The results showed that the polymer was apparently different in the properties as compared with conventional poly (vinyl alcohol) obtained from the polymerization in bulk or in methyl alcohol, indicating that dimethyl sulfoxide solvent gives polymers with low regularity or crystallinity.