How to Properly Dissolve Fully Hydrolyzed Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA 120 & 126) Flakes Using High Heat

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), especially the fully hydrolyzed grades like Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA 120) 32-40mpa.s. Fully and Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA 126) 60-75mpa.s. Fully, requires specific conditions to dissolve completely. The "stone-like pieces" or flakes/granules are the typical physical form for these grades and are normal, but they require high heat and proper technique to dissolve.

Summary of Dissolution Conditions

Step-by-Step Dissolution Instructions

Follow these steps precisely to achieve a clear, lump-free PVA solution for cosmetic use (e.g., film-forming in masks):

1. Preparation and Dispersion (Cold Phase)

• Start with cold or room temperature water (the total amount needed for your solution).
• Begin stirring the water vigorously (using a high-shear mixer or magnetic stirrer if available) to create a strong vortex.
• Slowly sprinkle the PVA flakes/granules into the vortex of the rapidly stirring water. Do not dump the PVA in all at once. This is critical to prevent clumping ("fish eyes"), which are extremely difficult to dissolve later.
• Continue stirring for 10-15 minutes to ensure the particles are fully wetted and dispersed in the cold water. The PVA will not dissolve at this stage; it will only swell.

2. Heating and Dissolution (Hot Phase)

• Once dispersed, begin heating the mixture while maintaining continuous stirring.
• Raise the temperature to 90°C to 95°C. Fully hydrolyzed PVA requires this high heat to break the strong hydrogen bonds between the polymer chains.
• Maintain the temperature and stirring for 30 to 60 minutes (or until the solution becomes completely clear and uniform, with no visible particles). The higher the viscosity grade (like PVA 126), the longer the dissolution time may be.

3. Cooling and Storage

• Once dissolved, stop heating and allow the solution to cool back down to room temperature.
• The solution will thicken significantly upon cooling.
• Store the solution in a sealed container. Remember that since this is a water-based solution, a broad-spectrum preservative system must be added to the final cosmetic formulation to prevent microbial growth.