PVA Foam

PVA sponge is a synthetic sponge essentially composed of Polyvinyl Alcohol. It possesses a three dimensional open cell structure similar to that of natural sea sponges. All of its cells are interconnected, not independent.

Physical Properties of PVA

Major advantages of this physical structure include:

• high filtering efficiency
• ability to be reused after cleaning (non-medical uses only)
• impressive retention and wicking properties
• absorb up to 12 times its dry weight in water
• when saturated with water, it becomes flexible and soft like natural sea sponge
• the wet volume is about 20% greater than the dry volume
• PVA exhibits mechanical strength and abrasion resistance equal to or greater than any other synthetic sponge material
• pore size and shape can vary to meet specific applications
• wet PVA sponge will withstand temperatures to 90 degrees C without plastic deformation

PVA in its raw state is pure white. It can be pigmented in any color and to a high degree of colour-fastness.

Chemical Properties of PVA

• good acid and alkali resistance
• can swell with some detergents although usually very good
• organic solvents do not, as a rule, affect the sponge unless they are water-miscible and are applied mixed with 30% - 60% water. If so, the sponge will swell and be weakened. Thorough washing in water will return the sponge to its original state
• incompatible with Nickel Sulphate solutions

Untreated, PVA sponge will neither support the growth of bacteria nor moulds, nor will it destroy those organisms. Foam packaged wet may be treated chemically to inhibit bacteria or mould growth.

Rust stains may be removed in the same way; as they are from cotton using a solution of oxalic acid, or citric or tartaric acid. Sodium hypochlorite solution (domestic bleach) degrades the sponge.

PVA materials have these advantages:

• ultra fine pore materials minimize adhesion
• continuous open pore structure results in superior softness and greater patient comfort
• smaller compressed sizes ease insertion and allow optimal positioning within the body
• extremely fast wicking
• highly absorbent
• cost effective
• biocompatible

Applications

• medical - wipes, nasal sponges, scalpel cleaning blocks, wound/ burns dressings.
• electronics - LCD hardware, circuit board wipes
• glazing industry
• mops, squeegees