POVAL FILM uses KURARAY's world-class KURARAY POVAL as its raw material. KURARAY carries out start-to-finish production of the plastic film, from resins to films.
POVAL FILM was first commercialized in 1962 at KURARAY's Saijo Plant in Ehime Prefecture. Over the years, KURARAY strengthened and expanded its manufacturing facilities, and developed new applications, meeting the needs of a wide range of fields, such as mold-release films used when shaping thermoset resins like Fiber Reinforced Plastics(FRP), and as a covering material for agricultural use.
Furthermore, there are high expectations for new applications of Water-soluble POVAL FILM that makes use of the unique characteristic of POVAL, which is used as the raw material.
What is POVAL FILM?
Main Raw Material
Characteristic of POVAL resin, the main raw material
| Chemical name | Polyvinyl alcohol |
|---|---|
| Origin | A synthetic resin commercialized by KURARAY in 1958 as the raw resin for the manufacture of the synthetic fiber VINYLON. |
| Characteristics | Soluble despite being a synthetic polymer Possible to control solubility, from slightly- to readily-soluble, by making adjustments to the hydroxyl and acetic acid groups. Good film formation, adhesive, emulsifying, oil-resistance, and chemical-resistance properties |
| Major Applications | Used in a wide range of applications, such as a raw material for the synthetic fiber VINYLON and POVAL FILM, as well as a fiber-processing agent, paper processing agent, adhesive agent, and polymerized stabilizing agent for vinyl chloride resin. |
Characteristics of POVAL FILM
There are two main types of POVAL FILM.
Slightly-Soluble POVAL FILM (for optical, mold-release film, textile packaging and other applications)
- Based on fully saponified POVAL (saponification value of 99% or more)
- Water-resistance is added through thermal treatment
Water-Soluble POVAL FILM (for soluble packaging, water-transfer printing, and other applications)
- Based on partially saponified POVAL (saponification value of between 87% and 89%)
- Some brands are based on modified POVAL in order to improve solubility or chemical resistance
Introduction of Various Applications
Optical-use POVAL FILM is used as a base film for polarizing plates, which are an indispensable component in the manufacture of LCD panels.
The characteristics of POVAL FILM are being utilized and developed into a wide range of applications, such as Water-soluble POVAL FILM and mold-release film.
KURARAY POVAL FILM for textile-packaging use is highly transparent, glossy and has a soft texture. It exudes the beauty of the textile product even more vividly.
Examples of Actual UseClick here for details
Examples of actual use in optical applications
Used as a base film for polarizing plates, which are an indispensable component in the manufacture of LCD panels.
Examples of actual use in industrial applications
Rolled out in a wide-range of industrial applications, from agricultural materials to daily life materials, by utilizing the film's characteristics.
Examples of actual use in textile-related applications
Has a good track record as a film for the packaging of various textile products.