Selvol PVOH Additives for Formulations

Many Selvol polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH/PVA) formulations benefit from additives that adjust performance, processing and storage stability.

Below is an overview of common Selvol PVOH additives and guidance on what to add to formulations based on target properties.

Use this information alongside Selvol PVOH technical data sheets (TDS), safety data sheets (SDS) and your own formulation testing.

The additives table lists recommended additives for Selvol PVOH formulations, including crosslinkers, defoamers, biocides and plasticizers.

These additives help modify solution behavior, film properties and storage performance in a range of industrial applications. Suggested use levels appear as starting points only.

Note
Please verify the FDA compliance status of the recommended additive with its manufacturer.

These summaries provide a quick reference for what to add to Selvol PVOH formulations and why each additive type matters.

Crosslinkers help improve water resistance, film integrity and final durability in Selvol PVOH systems. They often suit applications that need stronger finished films or greater moisture resistance.

SEKISUI recommends Bacote-20, glyoxal and Polycup 172 as crosslinkers for Selvol PVOH formulations.

Defoamers help control foam during mixing, cooking and application. They are especially useful in processes where agitation, heating or recirculation introduces excess air.

SEKISUI suggests Antifoam 116, Industrol and DF 132 as defoamers for Selvol PVOH systems.

Biocides help protect stored PVOH solutions from microbial growth. They become more important when formulations remain in tanks or storage for extended periods.

SEKISUI recommends Kathon LX and Dowicil 75 as biocides for Selvol PVOH formulations.

Plasticizers help improve flexibility and reduce brittleness in dried PVOH films. They can also help tune handling and end-use performance where softer films are desirable.

SEKISUI suggests glycerin, ethylene glycol and urea as plasticizers for Selvol PVOH systems.

The right additive package depends on the job you need Selvol PVOH to do. This is general additive guidance:

• Add a crosslinker when you need greater water resistance or stronger finished films.
• Add a defoamer when mixing or cooking introduces unwanted foam.
• Add a biocide when you plan to store prepared PVOH solutions.
• Add a plasticizer when you need more flexibility in the final film.

Additives don’t work in isolation. Selvol PVOH grade, solids level, cook-out conditions, target viscosity and end use all influence additive choice.

A defoamer that performs well in one PVOH formulation may not suit another. The same is true for crosslinkers, biocides and plasticizers. 

Start with the recommended ranges in the table, then refine through lab testing.

Use these resources alongside this additives guide for deeper formulation support:

• Selvol PVOH — A Versatile, High-Performance Polymer
• Selvol PVOH Solution Preparation Guidelines PDF
• Selvol PVOH Bulk Handling Guidelines
• Selvol PVOH Applications and End Uses
• Selvol PVOH Product Line and Properties
• Selvol PVOH Solution Preparation

Visit the SEKISUI Resources Library for Selvol PVOH brochures, TDS and SDS.

Use these steps to evaluate additives in your Selvol PVOH formulation:

• Identify the property you need to improve, such as water resistance, flexibility, foam control or storage stability.
• Review the recommended additive category and suggested use level in the table above.
• Confirm compatibility with your Selvol PVOH grade, solids level and process conditions.
• Run lab-scale trials to validate performance before plant-scale use.
• Verify regulatory or compliance requirements with the additive manufacturer.