Advances in Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)-Based Materials

Dear Colleagues,

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a versatile synthetic polymer, extensively used in the design of hydrogels, porous membranes, and films. Its solubility in water and some organic solvents (such as dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide glycols, and acetamide) and its film- and hydrogel-forming capabilities, non-toxicity, crystallinity, excellent mechanical properties, chemical inertness, stability towards biological fluids, superior oxygen and gas barrier properties, good printability, and availability (relatively low production cost), are the main aspects that make PVA suitable for a variety of applications, from biomedical and pharmaceutical uses to optoelectronic devices, pervaporation membranes, sensors, packaging applications, and so forth.

However, pure PVA materials present poor stability in water, temperature sensitivity, limited flexibility, poor biocompatibility, and biodegradability, which restrict its use alone in various applications. PVA blended with other synthetic polymers or biomolecules (polysaccharides, proteins, peptides, amino acids, etc.), as well as inorganic/organic compounds, are attractive because all of the shortcomings of PVA are considerably improved upon and new functionalities are obtained. Also, the chemical derivatization or modification of PVA introduce new features and open the door for various and unexpected uses.

This Special Issue aims to enhance knowledge concerning the latest developments in PVA-based materials, from design and structure to properties and potential applications.

Original research contributions and reviews are all welcome.

Dr. Maria Bercea
Guest Editor

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