Brands

KURARAY POVAL™ is the brand name of Kuraray’s globally produced polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH). KURARAY POVAL™ features an extremely wide-ranging field of applications. The main uses are in the paper, adhesive, textile and construction industries, as well as in ceramics, packaging and electronics. The physical and chemical properties make PVOH very versatile. It features water-solubility, excellent film forming characteristics, high tensile strength and elasticity, as well as resistance against organic solvents and dispersing power. Reactivity of numerous hydroxyl groups with substances such as aldehydes and other reactive compounds expand the range even wider.

ELVANOL™ is a recent addition to Kuraray’s polyvinyl alcohol product portfolio. Its unique particle morphology, coming from a special production process expands its range of applications. ELVANOL™ can be dissolved in the continuous cooking process designed for starch in which standard polyvinyl alcohols remain undissolved. This will be a significant benefit in paper coating applications, especially where polyvinyl alcohols are used together with starch to enhance performance. An important advantage is improved water solubility and dissolving time and therefore energy consumption could be reduced dramatically.

MOWIFLEX™ is Kuraray’s polyvinyl alcohol-based polymer compound for thermoplastic processing. MOWIFLEX™ is a nontoxic, biodegradable, water-soluble resin that forms clear, glossy films. It has high tensile strength and can be processed using conventional thermoplastic technologies (injection molding, 3D printing, etc.). It was designed to fit the requirements for Rapid Prototyping and is a versatile component. Moreover, MOWIFLEX™ can be colored, allowing processing as a highly concentrated masterbatch.