Preparing oxidized fractions of polyvinyl alcohol of a given molecular mass

Abstract

The effect of two oxidizers (an oxygen–ozone mixture and hydrogen peroxide) on the kinetics of the oxidative degradation of polyvinyl alcohol in aqueous solutions is studied. Degradation of the polymer is proved not only by a reduction in the weight of oxidized fractions, but in the intrinsic viscosity of their aqueous solutions as well (and thus the average molecular weight of the resulting fractions). It is shown that the degree of the destructive reactions of polyvinyl alcohol grows along with the duration of the process, increasing the initial concentrations of H₂O₂ and raising the temperature. These results can be used in obtaining oxidized fractions of polyvinyl alcohol that have predetermined molecular weights.