The nature of PVA is quite similar with cotton, also called as synthetic cotton. But its strength and wear resistance is better than cotton. The durability of it blended with cotton (1:1) is about 0.5 to 1 times higher than the cotton fabric. Hygroscopic preferably, in the standard state moisture regain of 4.5 to 5%, the specific gravity (1.26 to 1.3) is smaller than cotton, low thermal conductivity, warm property is good, has good corrosion resistance and the good resistance to sunlight, insoluble in general organic acids, alcohols, esters and petroleum solvent. And it’s not easy to mold decay, long-term placement in the sea, buried underground or loss of strength in the sunlight of prolonged exposure is not large.
The main disadvantage of PVA is poor hot water resistance, when significant deformation and shrinkage in the wet state at 110 to 115℃. Boiled in water for 3 to 4 hours, significant deformation of the fabric and partially dissolved, poor elasticity, wrinkles in the process of taking easy, poor dyeing, color is not bright, low mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, limiting its use in automotive tire cord area.
PVA is used with a large number of short fiber cotton, viscose fiber or blended with other fibers or pure spin, making coats, cotton sweaters pants, knitted sports coats and so on. Canvas and ropes which made of PVA, because of the high strength, light weight, abrasion resistance, the resistance to sunlight, has a more extensive use. Due to its impact strength and good corrosion resistance to sea water, it is suitable for making various types of fishing nets. And because Vinylon has the stability to various chemicals, can be used to make clothes or as a variety of packaging materials and filter material.