Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) price October 2024 and outlook (see chart below)
- North America:US$3.23/KG, -2.4% down
- Europe:US$2.67/KG, -0.4% down
- Northeast Asia:US$1.66/KG, -1.8% down
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Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) price index
This post is a summary of the global polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) price developments. The price developments of global polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.
The outlook for global PVA prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:
- Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of global polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) prices
- Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of PVA
- Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of global polyvinyl alcohol prices
- Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) market
- Longer term trends in likely demand conditions
Further information on the Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) price chart
What is Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a water-soluble synthetic polymer that is used in a variety of applications. It is derived from the polymerization of vinyl acetate to form polyvinyl acetate, which is then partially or completely hydrolyzed to form PVA. The degree of hydrolysis determines the water solubility of the polymer.
PVA is a white or yellowish powder that can be dissolved in water to form a clear, colorless solution. It has excellent film-forming properties, making it useful for applications such as coatings, adhesives, and films. It also has good tensile strength, elasticity, and barrier properties.
PVA is used in a wide range of industries, including textiles, paper, packaging, construction, and pharmaceuticals.
Overall, PVA is a versatile polymer with a wide range of applications due to its excellent film-forming and adhesive properties, as well as its water solubility and biodegradability.
What is PVA used for
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is used in a wide range of industries and applications due to its excellent film-forming and adhesive properties, as well as its water solubility and biodegradability. Some common uses of PVA include:
Textiles
PVA is used as a sizing agent in the textile industry to improve the strength and stiffness of fibers. It is also used as a binder in non-woven textiles.
Paper
PVA is used as a coating and adhesive in the paper industry to improve the surface properties of paper and increase its strength and durability.
Packaging
PVA is used as a barrier coating in food packaging to prevent moisture and oxygen from entering the packaging and causing spoilage. It is also used as a binder in packaging materials such as corrugated cardboard.
Construction
PVA is used as a binder in cement and concrete to improve their strength and durability. It is also used as an additive in mortar and grout to improve their workability and adhesion.
Pharmaceuticals
PVA is used as a coating for tablets and capsules to improve their stability and dissolution rate. It is also used as a suspending agent in liquid medicines.
Adhesives
PVA is used as a versatile adhesive in a variety of applications, including woodworking, bookbinding, and paper craft.
Cosmetics
PVA is used in cosmetics as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer.
Overall, PVA is a versatile polymer with a wide range of uses in various industries and applications due to its unique properties.
How is PVA produced
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is produced through the hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), a polymer derived from the monomer vinyl acetate. The hydrolysis process involves the use of an alkaline catalyst, typically sodium hydroxide (NaOH), to break the ester bonds in the PVAc molecule and replace the acetate groups with hydroxyl groups, resulting in the formation of PVA.
The degree of hydrolysis, or the number of hydroxyl groups per unit of PVAc, can vary depending on the desired properties of the final PVA product. Partially hydrolyzed PVA typically has a degree of hydrolysis between 80% and 98%, while fully hydrolyzed PVA has a degree of hydrolysis of 99% or higher.
The production process for PVA typically involves the following steps:
Polymerization
Vinyl acetate monomer is polymerized to form PVAc using a free-radical polymerization process.
Hydrolysis
The PVAc is dissolved in water and mixed with an alkaline catalyst such as NaOH. The mixture is heated to a specific temperature and maintained for a certain period of time to allow for the hydrolysis reaction to occur.
Filtration and washing
The resulting PVA is filtered to remove any impurities and then washed with water to remove any remaining catalyst or by-products.
Drying
The PVA is typically dried to remove any residual moisture and then ground into a powder or pellets for use in various applications.
Overall, the production of PVA involves a series of chemical reactions and processing steps to convert PVAc into a water-soluble and versatile polymer with a wide range of applications.
What types of PVA are there
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a versatile polymer that can be produced in a wide range of grades with varying molecular weights, degrees of hydrolysis, and other properties. Some common types of PVA include:
Fully hydrolyzed PVA
This is the most common type of PVA, which has a degree of hydrolysis of around 99%. It is water-soluble and has excellent film-forming properties, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Partially hydrolyzed PVA
This type of PVA has a lower degree of hydrolysis (around 85-98%) and is less water-soluble than fully hydrolyzed PVA. It is often used in applications where a lower water solubility is desired.
Low molecular weight PVA
This type of PVA has a lower molecular weight than standard PVA, making it more soluble in water and more easily dispersible. It is often used in applications such as adhesives and coatings.
High molecular weight PVA
This type of PVA has a higher molecular weight than standard PVA, making it more viscous and less soluble in water. It is often used in applications such as paper coatings and textiles.
Crosslinked PVA
This type of PVA has been chemically crosslinked to improve its strength and durability. It is often used in applications such as adhesives and coatings where high strength and resilience are required.
Overall, the type of PVA used depends on the specific application and the desired properties of the end product. Different grades of PVA can be customized to meet specific requirements in terms of water solubility, film-forming properties, and other factors.
What drives the cost of PVA
The cost of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is influenced by a variety of factors, including the cost of raw materials, production process efficiency, and market demand. Some of the key drivers of the cost of PVA include:
Cost of raw materials
The main raw material used in the production of PVA is vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), which accounts for a significant portion of the overall production cost. The price of VAM is influenced by a range of factors, including global supply and demand, raw material costs, and energy prices.
Production process efficiency
The efficiency of the PVA production process can also affect the cost of the final product. Improvements in production technology and process optimization can help to reduce costs by increasing production efficiency and reducing waste.
Market demand
The demand for PVA can also impact its cost. In times of high demand, the price of PVA may increase as suppliers seek to maximize profits. Conversely, in times of low demand, the price of PVA may decrease as suppliers seek to maintain market share.
Competition
The level of competition in the PVA market can also influence its cost. Increased competition can help to drive down prices as suppliers compete for market share. However, if there are only a few dominant players in the market, they may be able to maintain higher prices.
Overall, the cost of PVA is influenced by a range of factors, including raw material costs, production efficiency, market demand, and competition. The price of PVA can vary significantly depending on these factors, as well as other market and economic conditions.
What are the underlying commodities that PVA is made from
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is made from the polymerization of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM). VAM is a colorless, flammable liquid that is commonly used in the production of a variety of polymers and resins, including PVA, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyvinyl butyral (PVB).
The production of VAM typically involves the reaction of ethylene, acetic acid, and oxygen, which results in the formation of acetaldehyde and VAM. The acetaldehyde is then further reacted to produce more VAM. The production of VAM requires the use of various feedstocks, including ethylene, acetic acid, and oxygen, as well as catalysts and other additives.
Overall, the production of PVA and other vinyl-based polymers is closely tied to the production of VAM and other key feedstocks. The prices of these feedstocks can have a significant impact on the cost of PVA and other vinyl-based polymers.
How big is the PVA market
The global polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) market size was valued at around USD 1.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 4% from 2021 to 2028. The growth in the PVA market is primarily driven by the increasing demand for PVA in various end-use industries, such as paper, textiles, construction, and packaging.
The paper industry is the largest consumer of PVA, accounting for over 30% of the global PVA demand. PVA is used as a coating and sizing agent in paper production, which helps to improve the strength and durability of paper. The construction industry is also a significant consumer of PVA, where it is used as a binder in cement and concrete to improve their strength and durability.
Other industries that are driving the growth of the global PVA market include textiles, where PVA is used as a sizing agent and binder in non-woven textiles, and packaging, where PVA is used as a barrier coating to prevent moisture and oxygen from entering the packaging.
Overall, the global PVA market is expected to continue to grow steadily in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for PVA in various end-use industries and the growing awareness of the benefits of PVA in terms of biodegradability and environmental sustainability.
According to https://oec.world/ :Polyvinyl alcohols are the world’s 1792nd most traded product.
In 2020, the top exporters of Polyvinyl alcohols were China ($247M), Japan ($202M), United States ($157M), Chinese Taipei ($136M), and Germany ($126M).
In 2020, the top importers of Polyvinyl alcohols were United States ($103M), China ($96.8M), Belgium ($92.9M), Germany ($88.8M), and Netherlands ($80.4M).
Which countries produce the most PVA
It is difficult to determine the exact production of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) by country as there is limited data available on PVA production specifically. However, the largest producers of PVA are typically countries with a significant chemical industry, such as China, Japan, the United States, and Germany.
China is currently the largest producer of PVA in the world, with a large number of chemical manufacturers producing PVA for both domestic and international markets. Japan and the United States are also major producers of PVA, with a focus on high-quality and specialized grades of PVA for specific applications.
Other countries that are significant producers of PVA include South Korea, Taiwan, and India. However, the global market for PVA is highly competitive, with many chemical manufacturers producing PVA and other related polymers.
Further information
- Wikipedia for general, history, production and usage information
- PubChem for chemistry and property information
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