Turbidimetric studies of aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol) solutions

Abstract

Abstract A freezing‐thawing process of aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol), (PVA) solutions was undertaken to study the supermolecular PVA structures produced. Aqueous solutions of 2,5 to 15 wt.‐% PVA were frozen at −20°C for 45 to 120min and were subsequently thawed for long periods of time (up to 12h) at 23 ± 1°C. The transmittance of visible light was recorded as a function of thawing time. Determination of the parameters of the supermolecular particles in the PVA solutions was done by application of Klenin's theory. The average radii of the particles were in the order of 1,6–2,3 μm.