Study of the Effect of Temperature and Microwave Action on the Structure of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a widely utilized molecular polymer characterized by its strong water solubility, chemical resistance, and mechanical properties. Notably, it possesses the capability for biodegradation and finds extensive applications across various fields; thus, analyzing the fundamental properties of PVA is of paramount importance. Materials scientists have shown considerable interest in modifying polymers such as PVA. Among modification techniques, microwave irradiation has garnered significant attention due to its rapidity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This study investigates the effects of temperature and microwave irradiation on PVA binary solutions using Raman spectroscopy while also analyzing intermolecular hydrogen bonding within these solutions. The results indicate that increasing temperature disrupts the tetrahedral structure formed between PVA and water, leading to a transition toward a chain-like configuration; however, an enhancement in partial hydrogen bonding occurs at 313.15 K. Furthermore, analysis of the PVA binary solution post-microwave irradiation reveals that exposure to microwaves enhances hydrogen bonding within PVA while inducing a depletion reaction after 180 s of irradiation. Atomic force microscopy further demonstrates that this duration leads to pronounced molecular chain stacking phenomena. This paper substantiates that microwave irradiation serves as an effective method for modifying PVA, thereby offering a robust strategy for polymer modification applicable in materials science, chemistry, and physics.