How to Properly Mix Base PVA 217 for Complete Dissolution

The issue of PVA clumping when mixed with room temperature water occurs because this type of PVA requires heat for complete dissolution. The correct mixing method involves the following steps:

1. Dispersion in Cold/Room Temperature Water: Begin by slowly adding the PVA 217 powder into water at room temperature while stirring or blending continuously. The goal is to disperse the powder as much as possible initially. Don't worry if it doesn't fully dissolve yet and appears as small clumps at this stage.
2. Heating for Dissolution: After dispersing in cold water, gradually heat the mixture while continuing to stir or blend constantly. The heat will facilitate the dissolution of the PVA, and continuous stirring will help prevent larger clumps from forming.
3. Continue Stirring Until Clear: Continue heating and stirring until the PVA is completely dissolved, resulting in a clear solution with no remaining powder or clumps.

Water Temperature: According to the product information, PVA 217 is soluble in warm to hot water. Therefore, after initial dispersion in room temperature water, applying heat is a crucial step for complete dissolution.

Ratio: The recommended usage rate for PVA 217 in a formulation is 1-20%. This refers to the amount of PVA in the final product, not a fixed ratio for dissolving the powder in water in the initial step. The amount of water used for dissolution depends on the desired concentration of the PVA solution you intend to prepare for use in your formulation.

In summary, the key to successfully mixing PVA 217 is to disperse it in cold water first, and then apply heat while stirring continuously until it dissolves into a clear solution.