Textiles is a major end use market for Celvol Polyvinyl Alcohol. While the primary use for polyvinyl alcohol in textiles is warp sizing, other applications include hand builders for fabric finishing and adhesives for screen printing.

Polyvinyl alcohol is the most widely used textile warp sizing composition. It is an excellent film former, providing a protective coating for spun and filament yarn. Its tough film, however, is easily removed (desized) with hot water. Polyvinyl alcohol provides superior abrasion resistance, adhesion to synthetic and cotton fibers, flexibility/elongation and strength.

These features allow superior warp size performance and enhanced weaving efficiency:

• Improved Weavability - The abrasion resistance, elasticity and toughness of yarn sized with polyvinyl alcohol will lead to reductions in warp stoppage.

• Low Add-On - Yarns sized with polyvinyl alcohol can run at lower add-ons because of the adhesion and strength advantages the polyvinyl alcohol provides over natural binders.

• Less Shed - The excellent abrasion resistance and adhesion to the fiber mean less shedding on the slasher and on the loom.

• Lower Weave Room Humidity - The inherent flexibility of polyvinyl alcohol films eliminate the need for high relative humidity.

• Excellent Size Stability - Polyvinyl alcohol solutions are thermally stable and can be maintained for longer periods of time at elevated temperatures; therefore, viscosity changes due to aging are eliminated.

• Resistance to Spoilage - Polyvinyl alcohol solutions are generally resistant to spoilage.

• Recoverability - Polyvinyl alcohols can be reclaimed and reused for sizing.

• Environmentally Friendly - Celvol polyvinyl alcohol has a reduced methanol content and is 100 percent biodegradable.