Polyvinyl alcohol has excellent film forming, , and properties. It is also resistant to oil, grease and . It is odorless and nontoxic. It has high tensile strength and flexibility, as well as high oxygen and aroma barrier properties. However these properties are dependent on , in other words, with higher humidity more water is absorbed. The water, which acts as a plasticiser, will then reduce its tensile strength, but increase its elongation and tear strength. PVA is fully degradable and is a quick dissolver. PVA has a melting point of 230C and 180190C for the fully hydrolysed and partially hydrolysed grades. It decomposes rapidly above 200C as it can undergo at high temperatures.

PVA is an material but exhibits as the groups are small enough to fit into the lattice without disrupting it.

Preparation of is the largest use for polyvinyl alcohol in the U.S. and western Europe. Its use as a polymerization aid is the largest market in China. In Japan the major use is vinylon fiber production.