Abstract
The highly crystallized molecular structure of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) makes the polymer with poor performance in mechanical strength and water resistance. To modify the molecular structure of PVA and to diminish the complicated procedures and environmental impacts, ferric ions (in ion composite form) have been used to set the interactions with the molecule chains of PVA. The crystallinity, chemical groups change, and mechanical performance of the polymer has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FTIR), and the bonding/membrane tensile strength test. The crystallinity of PVA is reduced from 41.6% to 7.7% with the addition of 2.0% of ferric ions. The tensile strength of the modified PVA membrane is increased by 240%. Moreover, with tougher structure and improved fluidity, the strength of ferric ions modified PVA bonded wood samples is increased by 157%. The modification of PVA with ion composite may have vast applications in many fields, such as paper industry, wood adhesives, functional materials, and polymer structure design.
Highlights
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is one of the most important polymers used in the industry
The results indicate that the addition of Ferric ions in PVA might enhance the connections of the polymer molecule chains through possible improved bond energy and ion cation effects
Ferric ions showed a significant influence on the arrangement of PVA molecule chains in this study
Summary
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is one of the most important polymers used in the industry It has the advantages of excellent performance in membrane formation [1,2], emulsifying [3], adhesives [4], and biocompatible materials [5]. PVA has excellent mobility, which is usually used to penetrate the surface of porous materials and to form smooth and stable bond lines This makes it a common component in coatings and adhesives for paper and wood-based materials [9,10]. PVA is widely used as a filler in formaldehyde-based and starch-based adhesives for the increase of their solid content and viscosity [11,12,13]. It is sometimes used as an emulsifier in isocyanate adhesives for even distribution or shelf time elongation purposes [14]
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