PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)
PVA is the plastic that most of us are likely to have encountered as a silky water-based white wood glue. In the context of designing with polyvinyl alcohol, as well as its use as an adhesive, its other main use is still in liquid form but for coatings for papers, textiles and finishing for leather. In terms of use for three-dimensional mouldings, it is limited due to its water solubility.
There are a few suppliers who sell polyvinyl alcohol-based resins, but one of the most interesting examples is its availability as a water-soluble yarn. The dissolving process, which can be set to activate at any temperature from 30–95ºC (86–203ºF), also leads to another unique property. During the process, the fibres will shrink by ...
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