| HS Code | 833173 |
| Watersolubilitytemperature | Dissolves completely in water at temperatures between 60°C and 90°C depending on grade |
| Tensilestrength | High tensile strength typically ranging from 6 to 10 cN/dtex |
| Elongationatbreak | Elongation at break approximately 10% to 20% |
| Initialmodulus | Initial modulus ranges from 70 to 150 cN/dtex, providing good dimensional stability |
| Fiberdenier | Available in fine deniers such as 1.0D, 1.5D, and 2.0D |
| Cutlength | Standard cut lengths include 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 12mm, and 19mm |
| Waterresistancebeforedissolution | Retains integrity in cold water and only begins to dissolve upon reaching the designated activation temperature |
| Ecofriendliness | Biodegradable and non-toxic, decomposing into water and harmless substances |
| Dispersibility | Excellent dispersibility in water without clumping when properly stirred |
| Chemicalresistance | Resistant to dilute acids, alkalis, and organic solvents under normal conditions |
As an accredited Fujian Fuwei-Water Soluble PVA Fiber（Vinylon） factory, we enforce strict quality protocols—every batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure consistent efficacy and safety standards.
| Packing | Fujian Fuwei Water-Soluble PVA Fiber is packaged in 25 kg plastic-lined bags to prevent moisture damage. |
| Container Loading (20′ FCL) | 20′ FCL loaded with cartons of water-soluble PVA fiber on pallets, secured and ventilated for safe transport. |
| Shipping | Shipments of Fujian Fuwei Water-Soluble PVA Fiber (Vinylon) require moisture-proof packaging and dry, ventilated transport conditions. Keep sealed, away from water, rain, and humidity. Handle gently to avoid tearing bags. No special hazard classification; use standard cargo containers with proper labeling for safe, efficient delivery. |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and high humidity. Keep in original sealed packaging to prevent moisture absorption and dissolution. Separate from oxidizing agents and strong acids/bases. Handle gently to avoid fiber damage. Under proper conditions, shelf life is typically 12 months. |
| Shelf Life | Shelf life is typically 12 months when stored in a cool, dry place in original sealed packaging. |
In wetlaid nonwoven production, Fujian Fuwei water-soluble PVA fibre is introduced into the furnish at the pulper before the machine chest. The fibre is cut to a staple length of 3 mm to 6 mm and blended with wood pulp or viscose staple. The headbox consistency is maintained between 0.05% and 0.5% solids. This fibre acts as a temporary binder until the web reaches the hydroentanglement manifold. Water jets at pressures from 40 bar to 120 bar entangle the base fibres. If the water temperature is below the dissolution temperature of the PVA grade, the PVA fibre remains largely intact and contributes to wet-web tensile strength. If the water temperature exceeds the dissolution threshold, the PVA fibre partially or fully dissolves and the web loses temporary reinforcement. Wet-web tensile strength is measured according to ISO 9073-3 strip method on samples taken before the dryer. Published field data for specific Fujian Fuwei grades at varying hydroentanglement temperatures is limited. Mill trials on inclined-wire wetlaid machines with vacuum dewatering boxes have shown that a dissolution temperature margin of at least 10 °C above the maximum water temperature at the first hydroentanglement jet reduces premature loss of wet-web strength. The dissolved PVA contributes to chemical oxygen demand in the process water. The nonwoven fabric after drying is used as a dispersible wipe substrate or a temporary interlining. A furnish addition range of 1.0 wt% to 5.0 wt% is commonly evaluated. Below 1.0 wt%, the reel handling strength is generally insufficient. Above 5.0 wt%, white-water clarification becomes more difficult. The final fabric basis weight is typically 40 g/m² to 70 g/m².
The selection of dissolution temperature in papermaking furnish addition depends on the wet-end water temperature, dryer profile, and intended void structure of the finished sheet. PVA fibre is added to the pulp slurry at the mixing chest. The cut length is normally 4 mm to 6 mm. Addition levels are determined by wet-web tensile response on a Rapid-Köthen sheet former according to ISO 5269-2. A typical furnish addition range is 1.0 wt% to 3.0 wt% of oven-dry fibre mass. At addition below 1.0 wt%, the wet-web tensile increase is generally insufficient to prevent open draws in high-speed paper machines. At addition above 3.0 wt%, the fibre can contribute to excess dissolved solids in the white-water system. The dissolved PVA increases chemical oxygen demand load in the mill effluent. The wet-web tensile is determined according to ISO 1924-2 at 23 °C and 50% RH. If the paper machine wet-end temperature reaches 45 °C, a PVA fibre grade with a dissolution temperature of 60 °C is chosen. If the wet-end temperature remains below 20 °C, a cold-water grade with dissolution at 20 °C or below can be used. The final sheet porosity after drying is measured by ISO 5636-3. When the PVA fibre dissolves during pressing and drying, it leaves a pore network. Published data for specific Fujian Fuwei fibre grades in papermaking furnish is limited. Mill experience on fourdrinier and twin-wire machines indicates that the dissolution must be completed before the size press to avoid film formation on dryer fabrics. The residual PVA in finished paper can be quantified by iodine colorimetric detection according to JIS K6726. The final sheet is suitable for high-porosity filter paper, tea bag base, or security paper structures.
| Application | Property | Standard designation | Equipment requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wetlaid nonwoven | Tensile strength after hydroentanglement | ISO 9073-3, strip method | CRE tensile tester, 200 N load cell |
| Paper furnish | Wet-web tensile | ISO 1924-2 | Sheet former per ISO 5269-2 |
| Embroidery backing | Dissolution residue | JIS K6726, iodine colorimetric method | UV-Vis spectrophotometer |
| Woven support yarn | Yarn breaking force | ISO 2062 | CRE tensile tester, 500 mm gauge |
On embroidery backing lines, cold-water-soluble PVA nonwoven fabric is used as a temporary stabilizer. The fabric is produced from water-soluble PVA fibre by carding and through-air bonding or spunlace. Stitch density ranges from 1.5 mm to 4.0 mm needle pitch. The stabilizer is removed by immersion in water at the dissolution temperature specified for the fabric grade. Cold-water grades dissolve in water at 10 °C to 20 °C within 60 seconds under agitation. Warm-water grades require 40 °C to 60 °C. Residual PVA after dissolution is measured gravimetrically. The test method is JIS K6726 iodine colorimetric detection. The embroidery frame tension is set between 20 N and 50 N hoop tension. Excessive tension above 50 N can cause the PVA stabilizer to tear at the needle penetration line. The liberated PVA polymer in the wash bath must be considered in wastewater handling. The dissolved PVA is not removed by standard activated sludge processes in all municipal treatment plants. In high stitch-density embroidery, the residual PVA content after rinse must be below 0.1 wt% to avoid stiffness in the finished garment. Specific dissolution residue data for Fujian Fuwei embroidery backing grades should be confirmed against the supplier certificate of analysis. The terminal product is a residue-free embroidered garment panel or lace.
Converting of dispersible wipes containing water-soluble PVA fibre requires control of lotion chemistry, folding tension, and seal temperature. The base nonwoven is produced with a basis weight of 40 g/m² to 70 g/m². The fabric is folded on commercial multi-lane folders at speeds of 400 to 800 wipes per minute. The folding tension is set between 5 N and 15 N per lane. Higher tension causes permanent deformation and localised fibre breakage. The lotion load is typically 2.5 to 4.0 times the dry fabric weight. The lotion pH is maintained between 4.0 and 8.0. Outside this range, the PVA fibre can undergo hydrolysis or crosslinking that alters dissolution behaviour. Lotions containing borate ions or boric acid are incompatible. Borate crosslinks the PVA hydroxyl groups and forms a gel network that retards dissolution. The dissolution residue after a 10-minute immersion at 20 °C increases when borated lotions are present. Seal integrity of the wipes is evaluated by a peel test on a tensile tester at 300 mm/min. The relevant standard for nonwoven tensile is ISO 9073-3. For dispersibility testing, no single ISO standard applies universally. Industry-accepted slosh-box or tube-dispersibility methods are used. Published data for specific Fujian Fuwei grades with different lotion formulations is limited. Converting plants should pre-trial each lotion chemistry at the target production speed before full-scale implementation. The finished wipe package is a folded stack or canister of dispersible wet wipes.
For woven support structures, water-soluble PVA fibre is converted into spun yarn or filament yarn. The yarn is used as a temporary warp or weft insertion in fabrics that require a hollow or open construction. The PVA yarn count is typically 15 denier to 40 denier. The yarn breaking force is measured according to ISO 2062 with a 500 mm gauge length and a constant rate of extension. The elongation at break is generally 10% to 15%. During weaving, the warp tension is limited to 10 cN/tex to 15 cN/tex. Higher tension produces filament breakage at the reed. The PVA yarn is removed after weaving by scouring in hot water. The scouring bath is maintained at 80 °C for 15 minutes. The residual PVA is checked by iodine colorimetric analysis. A residual level below 0.05 wt% is considered fully dissolved. This temporary support yarn process is used in tubular fabrics, spacer fabrics, and open-work knits. Published data for specific Fujian Fuwei yarns on jacquard looms is limited. Weaving mills should determine the maximum shed opening and weft insertion speed that the PVA yarn can withstand. The dissolution rate is faster in soft water than in hard water. Calcium ions in hard water can form insoluble complexes with carboxylate-modified PVA grades. For standard fully hydrolysed grades, hardness up to 150 mg/L as CaCO₃ has a minor effect on dissolution time. No universal standard governs PVA yarn removal efficiency. The resulting fabric is a hollow, open-work, or spacer textile after aqueous scour.
When the dissolution temperature of the PVA fibre is below 40 °C, the nonwoven laundry bag must be stored and handled in a controlled environment. The bag is used for contaminated linen in hospitals and cleanrooms. The nonwoven fabric is converted into bags with a basis weight of 30 g/m² to 45 g/m². The fabric tensile strength is measured according to ISO 9073-3 strip method. The machine-direction tensile strength should be sufficient to hold a load of 5 kg without rupture at 20 °C and 65% RH. The bag is sealed with heat-sealing equipment at 120 °C to 150 °C. The seal strength is measured by a peel test at 300 mm/min. During use, the bag is placed in a washer extractor with a wash cycle at 80 °C for 10 minutes. The bag dissolves and releases the linen. The dissolution time depends on the water temperature, agitation, and load size. Differential scanning calorimetry according to ISO 11357-1 confirms the crystallinity of the PVA fibre. Higher crystallinity raises the dissolution temperature. The crystallinity of water-soluble PVA fibre is typically below 30% for low-temperature grades. If the storage area has relative humidity above 60%, the fibre can absorb moisture and block. Pre-drying is required at 40 °C for 2 hours before heat sealing. Published data for specific Fujian Fuwei laundry bag grades in hospital washing cycles is limited. Testing in the target washer extractor is necessary to confirm the dissolution endpoint.
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Fujian Fuwei-Water Soluble PVA Fiber（Vinylon） is a polyvinyl alcohol staple fibre engineered as a temporary load-bearing, void-forming, and removable binder for wet-laid nonwovens, papermaking, embroidery base fabrics, and cementitious composites. The product is differentiated not by a single numeric model code but by dissolution-temperature grade and cut length. Published supplier documentation classifies the staple by dissolution onset in neutral deionized water at a fibre-to-water ratio of 1:100 and a heating rate of 2 °C/min. Commonly listed grades include 20 °C, 40 °C, 60 °C, 80 °C, and 95 °C, with staple cut lengths of 4 mm, 6 mm, 12 mm, and 20 mm. The 20 °C grade is intended for cold-water removal, whereas the 80 °C and 95 °C grades survive wet processing until the sheet or composite enters a high-temperature dryer or autoclave. Purchase orders should specify both dissolution-temperature grade and cut length because supplier item codes are not harmonized across export regions; the batch certificate of analysis is the controlling document.
The fibre is a vinyl alcohol polymer retaining a high residual polyvinyl alcohol content and a controlled degree of crystallinity. Unlike conventional vinylon staple, which is acetalized to reduce swelling and increase hot-water resistance, water-soluble PVA fibre is not acetalized and is heat-set at lower temperatures to leave accessible amorphous regions. The degree of alcoholysis for soluble grades typically lies between 88 mol% and 99 mol%, but dissolution temperature is governed by block distribution of residual vinyl acetate, tacticity, and thermal history. This distinction has direct processing consequences: the fibre behaves as a structural component during dry or cold wet processing, then transitions to a soluble polymer when the surrounding water exceeds the grade-specific threshold.
In wet-laid nonwoven production, the fibre is added to the stock at 5–15 wt% of furnish to create temporary wet strength and dimensional stability before thermal bonding or resin impregnation. On a 1.2 m wide inclined-wire machine producing 60 g/m² filter base sheet at 120 m/min, a 60 °C grade cut to 6 mm added at 8 wt% showed no measurable headbox consistency drift while white water remained below 35 °C. When seal leakage allowed white-water temperature to exceed 42 °C, partial dissolution raised headbox viscosity from 18 mPa·s to 31 mPa·s at 0.5 % consistency and produced couch-roll wrap. The failure mode was not full fibre disappearance; surface hydration produced a tacky boundary layer that retained fibre core strength but increased adhesion to machine clothing.
Standard acetalized vinylon staple does not dissolve completely below 100 °C; it is designed as a reinforcing fibre. Sodium alginate fibre and carboxymethyl cellulose fibre dissolve at lower temperatures but provide lower dry tenacity and greater sensitivity to hard water cations. Water-soluble PVA fibre retains dry tenacity above 4.0 cN/dtex across most grades, allowing it to survive carding, airlaid forming, needlepunching, and wet-lay forming. The dissolution temperature is selectable, which allows the same polymer chemistry to be used as a temporary spacer in cold-water systems or as a binder that persists through hot stock preparation.
| Property | Water-soluble PVA fibre | Sodium alginate fibre | CMC fibre | Conventional vinylon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dissolution onset in deionized water | 20–95 °C, grade-dependent | <40 °C, pH-dependent | <30 °C | >100 °C, acetalized |
| Dry tenacity | 4.0–5.5 cN/dtex | 1.5–2.5 cN/dtex | 1.0–2.0 cN/dtex | 5.0–6.0 cN/dtex |
| Wet tenacity before dissolution | 40–60 % of dry value | 20–40 % | low | 75–85 % |
| Hard-water sensitivity | moderate; sulfate/borate salt-out | strong calcium gelation | viscosity loss | low |
| Primary function | temporary binder, void former | support scrim, wound dressing | detergent film, binder | reinforcement |
For nonwoven producers, the practical difference between water-soluble PVA and standard PVA-based liquid binders is that the fibre form eliminates binder cooking and metering but introduces a textile fibre’s opening and handling requirements. Fibre blends containing 10 wt% water-soluble PVA staple can be processed on carding lines with standard wire clothing if the finish level is below 0.3 % by mass. Higher finish levels can cause cylinder loading and uneven web formation. Published data for high-speed nonwoven carding of 20 °C grade fibre is limited; trials should start at 60 m/min and increase only after verifying no cylinder loading.
The table below consolidates representative manufacturer-published values for water-soluble PVA staple fibre. Batch-specific certificates of analysis control acceptance; published data for unusual cut lengths and dissolution temperatures below 20 °C is limited. The term “dissolution temperature” refers to complete fibre disappearance under 50× magnification at the stated heating rate, not to the onset of swelling.
| Parameter | Test method | 20 °C grade | 40 °C grade | 60 °C grade | 80 °C grade | 95 °C grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linear density | ISO 1973:2021 | 1.4–2.2 dtex | 1.4–2.2 dtex | 1.4–2.2 dtex | 1.4–2.2 dtex | 1.4–2.2 dtex |
| Cut length tolerance | ISO 6989:2018 | ±1 mm | ±1 mm | ±1 mm | ±1 mm | ±1 mm |
| Dry tenacity | ISO 5079:2020 | ≥3.8 cN/dtex | ≥4.0 cN/dtex | ≥4.5 cN/dtex | ≥4.8 cN/dtex | ≥5.0 cN/dtex |
| Elongation at break | ISO 5079:2020 | 15–30 % | 15–28 % | 15–25 % | 15–25 % | 15–22 % |
| Dissolution temperature | manufacturer method, 1:100, 2 °C/min | 20 ± 5 °C | 40 ± 5 °C | 60 ± 5 °C | 80 ± 5 °C | 95 ± 5 °C |
| Hot-water insoluble residue | manufacturer method, 100 °C/30 min | ≤0.5 % | ≤0.5 % | ≤0.5 % | ≤0.5 % | ≤0.5 % |
| Moisture regain at 20 °C/65 % RH | supplier method | 5–8 % | 5–8 % | 5–8 % | 5–8 % | 5–8 % |
The dissolution temperature is not a thermodynamic melting point but a kinetic threshold. Rapid heating above the dissolution temperature can create a gel skin on the fibre surface if water flow rate is below 0.1 m/s. In a static bath, dissolved PVA accumulates at the fibre surface and forms a viscoelastic boundary layer with viscosity exceeding 200 mPa·s at 5 wt% solution concentration. Agitation or liquor exchange is required to prevent re-deposition onto the fabric. This is a known process limitation in batch dyeing or scouring where PVA fibre is used as a temporary tie-down and then removed in the same vessel.
Water hardness shifts dissolution behaviour. In process water containing >200 mg/L CaCO₃ equivalent, the 40 °C grade can show a dissolution onset shift of 2–6 °C upward because dissolved calcium ions reduce polymer-water hydrogen bonding and promote temporary ionic bridging. Conversely, high sulfate water can salt out dissolved PVA as a colloidal haze, increasing the risk of white-water turbidity and roll deposition. Mills using closed white-water loops should validate dissolution temperature in the actual process liquor rather than in deionized water. This is particularly important for tea bag and coffee filter paper, where the finished sheet must not retain adhesive fibre residue after the drying section. A field validation on a fourdrinier with a 20 m dryer section operating final cans at 110 °C reduced residual fibre detection below 0.2 % by FTIR after 2 min dwell.
In embroidery base fabrics, 40 °C grade water-soluble PVA staple of 6 mm cut length is needlepunched or spunlaced into a temporary substrate, then removed by warm-water immersion at 15–30 °C for 60–180 s. The removal bath should be agitated; static soaking allows a dissolved PVA boundary layer to re-deposit on the embroidery thread. Residual film on the finished embroidery is typically below 0.1 % when the rinse water is not recycled. This substitution avoids chlorinated solvent spot removal and its associated workplace exposure limits.
In cementitious composites, 1.5 dtex × 6 mm 40 °C grade fibre has been trialed at 0.9 kg/m³ to create capillary channels after hot-water curing at 60 °C for 4 h. The alkaline pore solution contains calcium hydroxide and may raise the effective dissolution onset by 3–8 °C. Published data for this specific configuration is limited, so concrete laboratories should run a parallel dissolution test using synthetic pore solution and the actual mix water. The resulting void network is not equivalent to air-entrained porosity; it is fibre-shaped, directional, and depends on mixing energy and fibre dispersion.
Hygroscopicity governs storage and handling. At 25 °C and >70 % RH, free-flowing staple may block within 48 h, and the 20 °C grade can develop surface tack before visible moisture condensation. Warehousing below 60 % RH is required. Hot-air drying of 20 °C and 40 °C grades above 35 °C causes surface plasticization and inter-fibre adhesion before the drying fan reaches full speed. If pre-drying is necessary, a dehumidifying dryer with a dew point below −10 °C is preferred to a simple hot-air oven. The fibre is incompatible with concentrated sodium sulfate or borate solutions during storage; these salts can precipitate dissolved PVA as a gel. Do not combine the fibre in wet-end systems with cationic retention aids above their charge saturation point, because precipitate complexes can form and deposit on forming fabrics.
Compared with starch-based wet-end binders, the fibre form eliminates batch cooking and metering but introduces a higher chemical oxygen demand in white-water loops. A closed-loop paper mill running 10 wt% soluble PVA fibre in a specialty furnish may observe an increase in COD of 150–300 mg/L in white water depending on retention and removal. The exact load must be measured because dissolved PVA is not readily removed by standard alum coagulation alone.
For specification compliance, the fibre is conditioned at 20 °C and 65 % RH for 24 h before single-fibre tensile testing under ISO 5079:2020. Dissolution temperature is operationally defined by the supplier method: 1:100 fibre-to-water ratio, 2 °C/min heating rate, and visual disappearance at 50× magnification. For Chinese domestic shipments, GB/T 14462 may be cited for vinylon staple fibre, but the water-soluble grade should be qualified against the supplier’s internal method because the national vinylon standard does not define dissolution-temperature classes. For export lots, the batch certificate of analysis should cover linear density, cut length distribution, dry tenacity, elongation, dissolution temperature, hot-water insoluble residue, and moisture regain. If the fibre is used in food-contact paper, compliance with FDA 21 CFR 176.170 or BfR Recommendation XXXVI must be confirmed for the specific furnish; the water-soluble PVA grade itself is not a direct substitute for a food-contact binder unless the complete paper product meets the applicable extraction tests. For European import, the manufacturer should provide a REACH registration number and a safety data sheet showing residual vinyl acetate monomer. If the fibre is used in children’s products, compliance with EN 71-3 migration limits for soluble elements should be confirmed on the finished article, not inferred from the fibre alone.
