Polyvinyl Alcohol is a kind of non-ionic linear high polymer. It is non-toxic, non-smelly, and it looks white or light yellow, in the form of floccules, flakiness and solid powder. Its molecular formula is (C2 H4 O)n, of which "n" refers to the average degree of polymerization and the molecular weight is 44n. The molecular formula of PVA 17-88 is (C2 H4 O)n-(C2 H6O)m, of which "n + m" is the average degree of polymerization and the molecular weight is 44n+86m. The simulating specific gravity of flocculent PVA is (0.21-0.30)g/cm3, while that of flaky PVA is (0.47+-0.06)g/cm3.

Polyvinyl Alcohol has fairly good chemical stability, insulativity and film-forming properties. It has typical chemical properties of polyalcohol.

It can react with acid, ether and acetyl, and it can be esterified, etherified and actualized.