Stock Solution
Prepare a stock solution of PVOH with a concentration of approximately 1 g PVOH per
100 mL. The preparation of the stock solution takes about one hour.
(1) In a 600 mL beaker, place 200 mL of distilled water with a large magnetic stirring bar.
(2) Heat this with slow stirring to 90°C.
(3) SLOWLY add approximately 5 grams of the poly(vinyl alcohol) over about 30 minutes
with sporadic stirring. Use sporadic stirring to avoid frothing. (Be sure to record the
weight you added.) Add the polymer slowly; it may not all dissolve, but try to add it so
as not to produce agglomerate or frothing. When the solution is clear (which may take
perhaps an hour), the polymer has all dissolved.
(4) Turn off the heat and allow the solution to cool to room temperature.
(5) After cooling, transfer the solution to a 500 mL volumetric flask, being sure to use
washing to get all of the material into the flask.
(6) Add distilled water to bring the solution to volume.