1. Why Yankee Coating Systems Increasingly Rely on High-Performance PVOH

With the upgrading of global tissue paper consumption, the market's comprehensive requirements for the softness, strength, bulkiness, and absorbency of tissues are constantly increasing. To achieve this balance of performance, traditional DCT (Dry Crepe Technology) is gradually becoming insufficient to meet the demands, and structured forming technologies such as TAD, NTT, eTAD, and QRT are widely used.

The advantages of PVOH are:

Good water solubility and high system compatibility

Tuned molecular structure and high application flexibility

Predictable impact on peel force and wrinkling behavior

This makes it a "structural material" in the high-end tissue paper Yankee coating system, rather than a simple additive.

 

 

2. The Influence of PVOH Viscosity and Concentration on Coating Rheological Behavior

At the same concentration, the viscosity of solutions with different molecular weights of PVOH varies significantly. However, in actual coating, the extended viscosity behavior as a function of concentration is more important.

Low-viscosity PVOH (Kuraray Poval 22-88): Easy to handle and sprayable, but with limited support under high-load peeling.

Medium-high viscosity PVOH (Kuraray Poval 22-88): Achieves a good balance between coating integrity and operational stability.

Ultra-high molecular weight PVOH (Kuraray Poval 200-88 KX): Forms a highly ductile coating network even at lower concentrations, contributing to improved "effective adhesion time" on Yankee surfaces.

 

 

3. Performance Focus Due to Differences in Hydrolysis Degree

Besides molecular weight, the degree of hydrolysis also determines the application boundaries of PVOH:

88% Hydrolysis Degree: Good water solubility, suitable for coating systems with large dynamic changes, and is the mainstream choice for current structured tissues.

99% Hydrolysis Degree (Elvanol 90-50): Dense film formation, stronger water resistance, suitable for paper machines requiring longer coating life or high humidity operating conditions.

In practical formulations, the adhesion and peelability of coatings are often precisely controlled by blending PVOHs with different degrees of hydrolysis.

 

4. PVOH Selection Approach Based on Application Objectives

When selecting PVOH for the Yankee coating system, the following factors should be given priority consideration:

Paper machine speed and Yankee surface temperature

The balance between the softness and strength of the target paper

The synergistic effect of the overall coating chemical system

 

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With increasingly stringent environmental regulations and rising industrial demands for high-performance adhesives, water-based adhesives are gradually replacing traditional solvent-based systems. Among these, vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer (VAE) emulsions have become a crucial foundational material in the adhesive industry due to their excellent bonding properties, good flexibility, and environmentally friendly characteristics.

Among numerous VAE products, the VINNAPAS series emulsions, with their stable performance and wide range of applications, have found widespread use in industries such as paper packaging, woodworking adhesives, textile lamination, and automotive interiors.

1. VAE Emulsions: A Key Polymer Base Material in the Adhesive Industry

VAE emulsions are copolymers formed from vinyl acetate (VAc) and ethylene (E) through emulsion polymerization. This copolymer structure combines the advantages of both monomers:

* Vinyl acetate provides good adhesion and rigidity.

* Ethylene imparts flexibility and water resistance to the material.

* By adjusting the ethylene content, polymers with different glass transition temperatures (Tg) can be obtained, thus meeting the needs of various adhesive applications.

VAE emulsions offer the following significant advantages: Excellent adhesion properties, good flexibility, faster curing speed, good heat resistance, and low VOCs, making them more environmentally friendly. Because of these characteristics, VAE emulsions have become one of the most important base materials in water-based adhesive formulations.

 

2. Analysis of Four Typical VINNAPAS Models

VINNAPAS EP 706K — General Purpose VAE Emulsion

EP 706K is a classic general purpose VAE emulsion with stable viscosity and good application properties.

Key Features:

Excellent application properties

Good wet tack

Stable bond strength

Suitable for a variety of adhesive formulations

Typical Applications:

Paper packaging adhesives

Woodworking adhesives

Textile bonding adhesives

Due to its balanced performance, EP 706K is often used as a base emulsion in adhesive formulations.

 

VINNAPAS EP 707K — Fast-Curing Emulsion

Compared to EP 706K, EP 707K has lower viscosity and a faster curing speed while maintaining good flexibility.

Key Advantages:

Low viscosity

Fast curing speed

High elongation at break

Excellent water resistance

Applications:

Paper processing

Wood processing

Textile bonding

This emulsion is particularly suitable for industrial adhesive applications requiring rapid production cycles.

 

VINNAPAS EP 708 – High Viscosity, High-Performance Emulsion

EP 708 is a high-viscosity version of EP 706K, offering better thickening response.

Product Features:

High viscosity system

Good thickening response to plasticizers or solvents

Good bond strength

Main Applications:

Textile bonding adhesives

Woodworking flat bonding adhesives

Composite adhesives

In applications requiring higher viscosity systems, EP 708 significantly improves formulation stability.

 

VINNAPAS EP 712 – Water-Resistant VAE Emulsion

EP 712 exhibits excellent water resistance and is widely used in textile bonding.

Key Advantages:

Good water resistance

Stable adhesion

Good workability

Typical Applications:

Textile composites

Fabric bonding

Sponge composites

This product is suitable for applications requiring high water resistance.

 

3 NEXIVA 210: A Complementary Solution to Redispersible Latex Powder

In addition to liquid emulsions, the document also mentions an important product—NEXIVA 210 redispersible latex powder.

This powdered polymer can be redispersed to form an emulsion upon addition of water, offering the following advantages:

Avoids freezing issues during low-temperature transportation

More stable storage

Reduces the risk of microbial contamination

Easier application

NEXIVA 210 is particularly suitable for EPI two-component wood adhesives (D4 grade water-resistant adhesives), widely used in the furniture manufacturing and wood structure processing industries.

 

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1. What is PVB Laminated Glass?

Laminated glass, a highly secure glass product, is made by embedding a special interlayer between two layers of glass and then pressing them together using an autoclave. PVB interlayers are primarily used in laminated glass. Some types of interlayers are made of other materials, such as EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate). PVB interlayers offer advantages in adhesion to glass, penetration resistance, and impact resistance.

Due to its shatterproof properties, PVB interlayers for laminated glass are widely used in areas requiring security and anti-theft features, such as automotive windshields, side windows, and architectural glass. In the automotive industry of almost all countries, including the United States, Europe, and Japan, laminated glass is mandatory for windshields. With the increasing demand for bright, open spaces, the role of glass in comfort, design, safety, and security is constantly expanding. PVB interlayers, as a technology that can enhance the possibilities of glass, are attracting increasing attention.

 

 

2. What is PVB Interlayer for Laminated Glass?

Our PVB interlayer for laminated glass is widely used globally and offers the following benefits:

High Transparency: The PolyVinyl Butyral Film(PVB film) has excellent optical transparency, allowing laminated glass to maintain a clear visual effect. This is particularly important for applications such as automotive windshields, building facades, and high-end display glass.

Safety and Protection: The PVB interlayer has excellent impact absorption capabilities. When the glass is impacted, the PVB film can absorb some of the impact energy, thereby reducing the danger of glass breakage. Furthermore, broken glass remains bound together by the PVB film, preventing dangerous shards from flying everywhere.

Penetration Resistance: PVB laminated glass effectively blocks external forces from penetrating when subjected to external impacts or vandalism. Compared to ordinary glass, its protective performance is significantly improved, making it widely used in banks, airports, and high-security buildings.

UV Protection: The PVB interlayer blocks approximately 99% of UV rays, effectively protecting indoor furniture, flooring, and decorative materials from fading due to long-term UV exposure. This property also protects passengers' skin in automotive glass.

Thermal Insulation: The laminated structure reduces heat transfer, improving comfort inside the home or vehicle. In modern energy-efficient buildings, the combination of laminated glass and Low-E glass further enhances energy efficiency.

Sound Insulation: PVB film possesses damping properties, absorbing and attenuating sound waves, giving laminated glass a significant advantage in noise reduction. This is a major reason for its increasing popularity in urban buildings and high-end residences.

Design Flexibility: The PVB interlayer can achieve diverse visual effects through color or gradient designs. Examples include colored laminated glass and gradient glass, widely used in building curtain walls, interior decoration, and automotive glass.

HUD Display Support: In the automotive industry, PVB laminated glass can be used in conjunction with HUD (Head-Up Display) systems, allowing drivers to directly see navigation, speed, and other information on the windshield, improving driving safety.

3. Main Application Areas of Polyvinyl Butyral Resin (PVB) Laminated Glass

Automotive Industry

In the automotive industries of almost all countries, including the United States, Europe, and Japan, PVB laminated structures are the standard for automotive windshields.

Its main advantages include:

Improved driving safety

Prevention of glass shards from scattering

Support for HUD display technology

Provision of sound insulation and UV protection

With the development of intelligent vehicles, the role of PVB interlayer in automotive glass is becoming increasingly important.

Construction Industry

In the construction field, PVB laminated glass is commonly used for:

Building curtain walls

Skylights

Balcony railings

Stair railings

Explosion-proof and bulletproof glass

It not only enhances building safety but also improves sound insulation and energy efficiency.

Specialty Safety Glass

In scenarios with extremely high safety requirements, such as:

Bank counter glass

Museum display cases

Airport safety glass

Bulletproof glass

The PVB laminated structure effectively improves the protection level.

 

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VAE polymer emulsion is a copolymer emulsion of vinyl acetate and ethylene. Due to the introduction of the comonomer ethylene, its internal plasticity is significantly improved. Therefore, VAE polymer emulsion has good film-forming properties, low film-forming temperature, soft and strong coating, and wear resistance, thus significantly improving the water resistance, alkali resistance, weather resistance and stain resistance of the coating. Choosing a VAE Emulsion (Vinyl Acetate–ethylene Copolymer Emulsion) with a lower viscosity can accommodate a large amount of filler while maintaining excellent adhesion to various substrates. This unique property makes it very suitable for adhesive materials where filler is used to control the bonding strength and cost.

 

1. Preparation of Waterproof Coatings

According to the technical requirements of the construction site, appropriate additives such as stabilizers, dispersants, and defoamers are added to the VAE emulsion. At the same time, some powders such as cement, calcium carbonate, and quartz powder are selected to design a variety of waterproof coatings that meet various technical requirements.

1.1 JS Waterproof Coating

Two-component water-based JS waterproof coatings, primarily composed of polymer emulsion and cement, come in two types: one uses cement entirely as filler, and the other uses a mixture of cement and other powders as filler. Both types of JS waterproof coatings form their films mainly through cement hydration and polymer particle dehydration and fusion. However, due to the difference in fillers, their film properties differ. Designing a formulation that meets both standards and engineering requirements generally uses the polymer-to-cement ratio (P/C) as the main parameter. Based on years of experimental experience, this paper discusses the formulation using aluminate cement and VAE emulsion as an example, using data and charts. Figure 1 shows the elongation at break of the coating with cement as the sole filler, as a function of P/C; Figure 2 shows the elongation at break of the coating with a mixture of cement and quartz powder as filler, as a function of P/C. Both coatings meet the tensile strength requirements of JC/T 894—2001 standard.

According to JC/T 894—2001, the range of design parameter P/C values ​​that meet the performance index requirements of Type I and Type II JS waterproof coatings can be found in Figures 1 and 2, summarized in Table 1.

Table 1. Design Parameters of JS Waterproof Coating P/C Value Range
Filler Type	Type I JS Waterproof Coating	Type II JS Waterproof Coating
Cement	1.9-2.8	1.1-2.1
Cement + Quartz Powder	1.8-2.6	1.5-1.8

 

For JS waterproof coatings made entirely of cement, P/C can be considered as a design parameter. However, for JS waterproof coatings made by mixing cement and other fillers, in addition to P/C, the design parameters should also consider the polymer-to-powder ratio (P/F, the ratio of polymer mass to the total mass of powder) and the cement-to-powder ratio (C/F, the ratio of cement mass to the mass of other powders). The effects of P/F and C/F on the elongation at break of waterproof coatings with partial cement filler are shown in Figures 3 and 4, respectively.

Comparing Figures 3 and 4 with Figure 2, the effects of P/F and C/F on the elongation at break are clearly visible. Increasing the P/F value increases the elongation, while increasing the C/F value decreases the elongation. The abrupt change points on the P/F, C/F, and P/C curves are basically corresponding. Therefore, when designing JS waterproof coatings, it is necessary to comprehensively consider these parameters to obtain the optimal mixing ratio. In engineering applications, the following aspects need attention:

(1) When treating fine cracks and reinforcing layers, adding one layer of fiberglass cloth to the coating film can greatly improve the tensile strength of the film. Experiments show that, under the same raw material parameters, adding one layer of fiberglass cloth can increase the tensile strength of the coating film by 471%, while reducing the elongation at break by 99%.

(2) When it is necessary to increase the elongation at break of the coating film, an appropriate amount of plasticizer can be added, but this will result in a loss of tensile strength. For example, using the same formula, adding 12% plasticizer increases the elongation at break of the coating film by 93%, but reduces the tensile strength by 69%.

(3) When using cement to prepare JS waterproof coatings, adjusting the formula with P/C generally follows that as P/C increases, the tensile strength of the coating film decreases, while the elongation at break increases. However, this pattern applies within a certain P/C value range, and the P/C value range varies among different types of cement. Therefore, it needs to be determined through testing in application.

(4) The situation regarding the preparation of JS waterproof coatings using mixed powders is relatively complex. Analysis of the data in Table 2 shows that when P/F is the same, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the coating film are not significantly different; however, when P/C is the same but P/F is different, the coating film performance also differs.

Table 2. Effects of P/C and P/F on Waterproof Coating Performance
P/C	P/F	Tensile Strength / MPa	Elongation at Break / %
2.6	1.0	4.2	232
2.1	1.0	4.1	171
1.8	1.0	4.1	211
1.5	1.0	4.1	196
1.5	0.9	3.3	257
1.5	0.8	3.6	133
1.5	0.7	3.7	67
1.5	0.5	4.7	43

(5) When different types of cement are used with VAE emulsion to prepare waterproof coatings, even with the same mixing parameters, the differences in coating film performance are still significant. This should be given particular attention in engineering applications to avoid unnecessary losses.

1.2 Polymer Emulsion Waterproof Coatings

Using VAE emulsion as the main raw material, single-component water-emulsion type waterproof coatings can also be prepared. If colored pigments are added, the coating film, in addition to its waterproof function, also has the function of beautifying the environment. Formulation design and performance tests show that using VAE emulsion in combination with other emulsions effectively improves the tensile strength and elongation at break of the coating film, achieving better results than using VAE emulsion alone (such as VINAVIL EVA 2606L) .

with the same polymer-to-powder ratio (P/F), the composite emulsion waterproof coating exhibits superior performance. All indicators are more reasonable and meet the requirements of JC/T 864—2000 "Polymer Emulsion Waterproof Coatings for Buildings" standard. It should be noted that only one formulation ratio should be used in various projects; instead, the types and quantities of emulsion and powder should be adjusted according to the actual application areas to ensure the waterproof coating performance meets the requirements of different projects.

 

2. Preparation of Mortar Waterproofing Agents

Rigid waterproofing started with the five-layer plastering method, gradually progressing to the use of admixtures to modify cement mortar or concrete, and now to polymer-modified cement mortar. Compared with ordinary cement mortar, polymer-modified cement mortar has many superior properties, including strong adhesion, high elasticity, impact resistance, good waterproofing, and improved chemical resistance. The high bonding strength of VAE emulsion makes it very suitable for use in modified cement mortar.

When preparing waterproofing agents for cement mortar using VAE emulsion as the main material, it is important to note that: due to the large amount of calcium and magnesium ions in cement absorbing water from the emulsion, and the mechanical shearing action during mixing, the polymer emulsion may break down. To improve the stability of the emulsion, an appropriate amount of stabilizer should be added.

Experimental materials: self-made VAE waterproofing agent; cement, P·O 42.5 grade; sand, ISO standard sand.

Experimental mix ratio: m(cement):m(sand):m(VAE waterproofing agent) = 1:3:(0.47~0.52).

Experimental items: conducted according to JC/T 474—1999 "Waterproofing Agents for Mortar and Concrete", with particular attention to the change in water absorption over 48 hours (see Figure 5). The dosage of waterproofing agent in the mortar is expressed as the polymer-cement ratio P/C of the mortar.

As shown in Figure 5, the water absorption of VAE mortar decreases rapidly when P/C = 0.15~0.19, and then the rate of decrease slows down as the P/C value increases.

Performance testing was conducted on VAE mortar with a P/C value of 0.2, and the results are shown in Table 4.

Table 4 Main performance indicators of VAE mortar
7-day compressive strength ratio %	28-day compressive strength ratio %	Water permeability ratio 1%	48-hour water absorption ratio %	28-day shrinkage ratio %
143	136	375	9	107

Characteristics of VAE waterproofing agent applied to cement (mortar):

(1) Water reduction rate can reach over 30%, thus increasing mortar density, reducing and uniformly distributing internal voids, and increasing compressive strength.

(2) Significantly reduced water absorption and excellent waterproofing properties, making it very suitable for constructing water storage tanks, underground projects, roofs, and other waterproofing facilities.

(3) When VAE waterproofing agent is mixed with mortar, the workability of the mortar is good, the water retention is improved, and bleeding is effectively prevented.

(4) Cement (mortar) mixed with VAE waterproofing agent has high bonding strength and can be used as a binder for various building materials.

(5) In engineering practice, cement (mortar) modified with VAE waterproofing agent exhibits excellent anti-seepage and waterproofing performance. Whether used as a waterproofing finishing material on the water-facing or backwater side of water-retaining structures, or for repairing leaking rigid waterproofing layers, VAE waterproofing agent has been rapidly promoted and applied due to its suitability for construction on damp substrates.

 

3 Conclusion

Years of research and application have proven that VAE emulsion (such as VINNAPAS EP 4600) used in polymer-modified cement (mortar) products exhibits unique properties, possessing both high bonding strength and tensile strength, as well as good elongation. This performance is crucial for polymer-modified cement (mortar) products. VAE emulsion-modified cement (mortar) has broad practical value in concrete repair, protection, waterproofing, corrosion prevention, and bonding.

 

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SoarnoL DC3203RB combines the high gas barrier properties, oil resistance, and transparency of ethylene alcohol with the moisture resistance and melt extrusion processability of ethylene. Furthermore, since Soarnol is composed only of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, it does not produce toxic gases when burned, and the heat generated during combustion is only half that of polyethylene, making it a low-load raw material.

 

 

SoarnoL DC3203RB (EVOH EW-3201) Performance Characteristics:

Excellent Gas Barrier Properties: It provides excellent barrier properties against gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, effectively preventing food and pharmaceuticals from spoiling or developing off-flavors due to oxygen penetration, thus extending the product's shelf life. For example, in food packaging, packaging containing this material can extend the shelf life and aroma retention of food by months or even years without the addition of preservatives.

Excellent processing performance: Combining the processability of ethylene polymers with the barrier properties of vinyl alcohol polymers, it can be thermoformed using traditional polyolefin processing equipment, such as extrusion, blow molding, and injection molding, easily producing various packaging containers, films, and other products.

Excellent oil and organic solvent resistance: Exhibits strong stability when in contact with oils and various organic solvents, with minimal weight gain and is not easily dissolved or swollen, making it suitable for packaging oily foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and products containing chemical solvents.

High mechanical strength and good abrasion resistance: Possesses high tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength, along with high surface hardness and good abrasion resistance. Packaging materials made from this material are not easily damaged during transportation, storage, and use, protecting the integrity of the contents.

Good transparency and gloss: Film products have high gloss and low haze, and are highly transparent, allowing the product inside the packaging to be clearly seen, enhancing the product's display effect and attracting consumers.

Good thermal stability: It is one of the most thermally stable resins among all commercially available strong barrier resins. Waste generated during processing can be recycled and reused, reducing production costs and meeting environmental protection requirements.

Meets environmental protection requirements: It is non-toxic and odorless, and will not produce harmful substances upon direct contact with food, medicine, etc., making it safe for human health and the environment. Furthermore, multi-layer packaging materials containing Soarnol EVOH (Ethylene-VinylAlcohol Copolymer) can be recycled under certain conditions, helping to reduce waste pollution.

 

 

When used as a high-barrier material, EVOH is typically employed in a multi-layer composite structure. Typical structures include:

Low-density polyethylene/ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer/low-density polyethylene

PP/AD/EVOH/AD/LDPE

PP/PA/EVOH/PA/AD/PE

PE/AD/PA/EVOH/PA/AD/PE

PA/EVOH/PA/AD/PE

 

In these structures, AD represents the adhesive. The multi-layer composite structure fully utilizes the properties of each material, improving the water resistance of EVOH and resulting in a high-barrier material with excellent overall performance. Most of the above structures are used in flexible packaging. Composite resins such as PP, PE, and PA, due to their good toughness but poor rigidity, are difficult to cut, limiting their application in rigid packaging, especially in online filling products. Impact-resistant high-barrier polystyrene (HIPS) possesses good rigidity, excellent molding performance, and is easy to punch, making it suitable for rigid packaging materials.

 

However, due to the poor compatibility between EVOH resin and HIPS resin, and the significant difference in their rheological rates, key issues affecting the performance and use of the composite material include the adhesion strength between the substrate and EVOH, the tensile properties of EVOH during secondary molding, and the uniformity of EVOH layer distribution during calendering of composite sheets. These are also challenges that need to be addressed in the production of this type of composite material. Domestic production has been difficult, necessitating imports, which significantly restricts cost and delivery time. Therefore, the development of high-barrier EVOH composite materials suitable for rigid packaging, especially for online filling, is particularly urgent.

 

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1. Overview of PVB in Laminated Glass

PVB (polyvinyl butyral resin), is a high-performance resin material widely used in the production of laminated glass. PVB is produced through an alcoholysis and acetalization reaction, possessing excellent adhesion, transparency, and elasticity. It bonds tightly to glass, giving laminated glass superior safety, sound insulation, and UV resistance.

 

2. Production Process of PVB in Laminated Glass

The production process of laminated glass mainly includes the following steps:

Glass Cleaning: First, clean the two or more pieces of glass to be laminated to ensure the glass surface is clean and flawless.

PolyVinyl Butyral Film(PVB film) Processing: Cut PVB film to the appropriate size and color according to the required dimensions and color of the laminated glass.

Lamination Processing: Place the PVB film between two or more pieces of glass and undergo a high-temperature, high-pressure lamination process to bond the PVB film tightly to the glass, forming laminated glass.

Inspection and Packaging: Quality inspection is performed on the produced laminated glass. Qualified products are packaged for transportation and sale.

 

3. Advantages and Applications of PVB Laminated Glass

Laminated glass, due to the use of China PVB film, has the following advantages:

• High Safety: When laminated glass breaks due to impact, fragments adhere to the PVB film, reducing injury and improving safety.
• Good Sound Insulation: The PVB film has excellent sound insulation properties, making laminated glass perform exceptionally well in noise reduction, especially suitable for applications requiring noise reduction.
• UV Protection: The PVB film effectively blocks most ultraviolet rays, protecting indoor items from UV damage and extending their lifespan.

Laminated PVB glass is widely used in the following fields:

• Construction Industry: Due to its safety, sound insulation, and UV protection properties, laminated glass is widely used in building curtain walls, sunrooms, doors and windows, stairs, railings, etc.
• Automotive Industry: Laminated glass is commonly used for automobile windshields to improve the safety and comfort of drivers and passengers.
• Transportation Facilities: Laminated glass is commonly used in transportation facilities such as train stations, airports, and bus stops for applications like glass curtain walls and sound barriers.
• Security: Laminated glass can be used in bulletproof, explosion-proof, and burglarproof security systems to protect personal safety and property.

 

 

4. Classification and Selection of PVB Laminated Glass

Based on the thickness, color, and performance of the PVB film, laminated glass can be classified as follows:

Ordinary Laminated Glass: Uses ordinary transparent PVB film, suitable for general construction, furniture, and other fields.

Colored Laminated Glass: Uses colored PVB film, offering a wide range of color choices, suitable for decorative applications.

Soundproof Laminated Glass: Uses PVB film with special soundproofing properties, suitable for environments requiring noise reduction.

When selecting laminated glass, consider the thickness, color, and performance of the PVB film based on your actual needs and budget to choose the appropriate product.

 

5. Installation and Maintenance of Laminated PVB Glass

To ensure the performance and lifespan of laminated glass, the following installation and maintenance precautions should be taken:

Installation: Laminated glass should be installed by professionals to ensure a secure installation, good sealing performance, and to prevent water and air leakage.

Cleaning: Use a neutral detergent to clean laminated glass. Avoid using acidic, alkaline, or abrasive cleaners to prevent damage to the PVB film and glass surface. Use a soft cloth or sponge for cleaning; avoid using hard brushes or metal brushes.

Sun Protection: Although laminated glass has some UV resistance, prolonged exposure to strong sunlight may cause the PVB film to age and discolor. Therefore, in locations where laminated glass is used, consider implementing sunshades or shading measures to extend its lifespan.

Moisture Prevention: Laminated glass is susceptible to moisture in humid environments, affecting its sealing performance and transparency. Therefore, when using laminated glass in high-humidity environments, pay attention to ventilation and moisture prevention.

 

6. Development Prospects of PVB Laminated Glass

With continuous technological advancements and rising demands for quality of life, laminated glass will be increasingly widely used in construction, transportation, and security. The future development trends of PVB laminated glass mainly focus on the following aspects:

Enhanced Functionality: Developing PVB films with multiple functions such as higher safety performance, better sound insulation, and stronger UV resistance to meet the needs of various scenarios.

 

In summary, as a high-performance resin material, PVB laminated glass has broad application prospects in construction, transportation, and security due to its excellent safety performance, sound insulation, and UV resistance. When selecting and using laminated glass, the appropriate PVB film type should be chosen according to actual needs to ensure the effectiveness and lifespan of the laminated glass.

 

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With the continued growth in demand for high-end tissue paper, tissue products are no longer solely focused on absorbency, but also require higher standards for softness, strength, surface structure, and operational stability. To meet these demands, paper machine technology is constantly being upgraded, and various structured tissue paper processes are being widely adopted. Against this backdrop, the stability and performance boundaries of the Yankee Coating formulation system have been significantly amplified, and PVOH (Polyvinyl Alcohol) is becoming one of the key materials determining coating performance.

 

1. What New Challenges Does the Upgraded Tissue Paper Processing Present to Yankee Coating?

Traditional dry creping processes have relatively mild requirements for coatings, while the new generation of structured tissue paper processes places more complex demands on coatings during the forming and peeling stages, mainly in three aspects.

First, higher adhesion stability. Under high-speed operating conditions, the residence time of the paper sheet on the Yankee drying cylinder surface is shortened, requiring the coating to form a stable and continuous functional film layer in a shorter time to avoid localized delamination or uneven adhesion.

Second, stronger shear resistance. High linear speeds and more frequent doctor blade action expose coating materials to a prolonged high-shear environment, making low-molecular-weight or structurally unstable PVOH prone to performance degradation.

Thirdly, the operating window narrows. High-end paper machines are more sensitive to coating dosage, concentration, and viscosity control; fluctuations can easily affect paper web peeling, energy consumption, and paper quality.

These changes mean that the molecular structure of PVOH is no longer merely a matter of "usability," but has become a core variable for system stability.

2. How PVOH Molecular Weight and Viscosity Affect Coating Film Formation and Peeling Performance

PVOH is essentially a linear polymer, and its molecular weight directly determines solution viscosity, film strength, and cohesiveness. In Yankee Coating applications, high-molecular-weight PVOH often exhibits the following advantages:

First, better film continuity. Enhanced entanglement between polymer chains makes it easier for the coating to form a uniform, dense film on the drying cylinder surface, reducing microcracks and localized defects.

Second, a more controllable balance between adhesion and release. Appropriately increasing the molecular weight and system viscosity can improve wrinkling structure by ensuring stable paper adhesion and enabling predictable peeling behavior through the doctor blade.

Third, it offers stronger resistance to dilution and shearing. In actual operation, the coating is affected by multiple factors such as moisture, temperature, and mechanical shearing; the performance degradation rate of high molecular weight PVOH is significantly slower.

It is important to note that higher molecular weight is not always better. Excessively high viscosity may lead to difficulties in dissolution, increased pumping pressure, and slower system response; therefore, a balanced design must be implemented based on equipment conditions.

 

3. The Practical Value of High-Viscosity PVOH in High-End Tissue Paper

From operational practice, high-viscosity, high-molecular-weight PVOH demonstrates three main values ​​in the production of high-end tissue paper.

First, it improves the stability of paper machine operation. A stable coating film reduces the need for frequent adjustments to the formulation and doctor blade pressure, facilitating long-term continuous operation.

Second, it reduces unit consumption. Due to higher film-forming efficiency, the coating amount can be appropriately reduced to achieve the same adhesion effect, thereby reducing overall chemical consumption.

Third, it improves paper consistency. Reduced coating performance fluctuations result in more stable feel, strength, and surface structure of the finished paper, mitigating batch-to-batch variation risks.

For high-end tissue paper production lines, PVOH is no longer merely an auxiliary chemical, but a key material affecting product quality and operational efficiency.

 

 

4. Technological Innovation of Kuraray Poval 200-88 KX

The unique feature of Kuraray Poval 200-88 KX lies in its branched structure. Ordinary PVOH is mostly a linear polymer, and its increased viscosity often leads to decreased operability. However, 200-88 KX boasts a viscosity of 200 mPa·s at a 4% concentration, far exceeding traditional models (such as Kuraray Poval 22-88 22 mPa·s).

This high molecular weight and unique branched design deliver significant performance advantages:

Wider operating window: Adapts to variations in temperature and humidity.

Excellent shear-thinning behavior: Maintains good flowability during high-speed spraying, yet rapidly forms a film upon contact with the drying cylinder.

Increased productivity: Improved paper gripping on the Yankee cylinder significantly enhanced the paper machine's performance and reduced paper breakage.

 

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Stepping into a modern food factory, you will encounter a technologically advanced 'mysterious passage'—it resembles a small metal chamber, and before employees or materials enter the clean area, they must 'check in' to pass through it. This is the first crucial barrier safeguarding food safety: the air Shower !

It is not a scene from a science fiction movie, but an indispensable 'air guardian' in the clean workshop of food factories. Today, let us unveil its mysteries and understand how it silently protects the purity and safety of every bite of your food.

 

 

1.What is an Air shower ?

An air Shower is a mandatory purification device installed between clean areas and non-clean areas. It uses high-speed, clean air streams to conduct comprehensive, all-around, and dead-angle-free blowing on personnel and material surfaces entering the clean area, effectively removing contaminants such as dust, hair, skin flakes, and microorganisms attached to clothing, shoe soles, tools, and packaging materials. In simple terms, it functions as a 'security gate' for cleanrooms, ensuring 'dust-free' passage.

 

2. Why must food factories be equipped with Air shower?

Strictly Adhere to Food Safety Boundaries: Food production requires extremely high standards of hygiene. The human body is one of the largest sources of contamination (carrying large amounts of microorganisms, skin flakes, and fibers). Air Shower can effectively prevent external contaminants from entering clean areas with personnel, reducing the risk of food being contaminated by microorganisms at the source. This is a core requirement of food safety systems such as HACCP and GMP.
Ensure Product Quality Stability: Dust and foreign matter not only affect food safety but also compromise the taste and color of products, potentially leading to product waste. Air shower ensure the cleanliness of the production environment, safeguarding the production of high-quality and highly consistent products.Maintain Cleanroom Levels: Cleanrooms (e.g., Class 10,000 or 100,000) require continuous maintenance of specific air cleanliness levels. As an “airlock,” air Shower effectively prevent external dirty air from directly entering, protect the positive pressure environment of the cleanroom, reduce the load on the air conditioning system, and extend the life of high-efficiency filters.
Enhance Corporate Professional Image: Advanced purification equipment is a hallmark of modern food factories. Equipping and properly using air Shower demonstrates to clients, partners, and regulatory authorities the company's high regard for food safety and quality management as well as its professional attitude.

 

3. How does an Air shower work?

Preparation for Entry: Employees, after putting on clean garments, caps, masks, and shoe covers in the changing room, carry the materials (which must comply with regulations) and get ready to enter the air shower. Sensor Activation: Upon stepping into the air shower room, the door automatically closes and locks to prevent air exchange between inside and outside. Powerful Purification: The system automatically starts, and the high-efficiency filters (HEPA) on the top and side walls deliver strictly filtered clean air, forming a high-speed, multi-angle "air waterfall." 360° Comprehensive Air Blowing: Air outlets are scientifically distributed to ensure airflow covers the entire body and the surface of the materials, continuously blowing for 10–30 seconds (adjustable), removing attached particles. Removal of Contaminants: The dislodged dust and particles are drawn away through the floor grates or the return air ducts of the air shower room, filtered, and not recirculated indoors. Safe Passage: After the air shower procedure ends, the door to the clean area automatically unlocks, allowing personnel to enter.

 

4. Friendly Reminder: Instructions for Using the Air Shower

 

 

Before entering: Be sure to wear clean and proper clothing, hat, mask, and shoe covers in the changing room, and organize your personal belongings.
When entering: The number of people entering at one time should not exceed the limit (usually 1-2 people) to avoid crowding that may affect the performance of the air shower.
During the air shower: Remain standing, turn as instructed, and do not touch the nozzles with your hands to avoid damaging the equipment or affecting the airflow.
After the air shower: Wait until the door is fully open before exiting. After entering the clean area, please remain quiet and avoid vigorous activities.
Maintenance: Regularly clean the interior of the air shower, replace the high-efficiency filters, and ensure the equipment is always in optimal working condition.

Since cleanroom facilities are designed with different levels of requirements depending on their usage, and some work environments require even higher cleanliness standards, FFU（Fan Filter Units） have thus been introduced. The emergence of FFU（Fan Filter Units） has effectively addressed this issue.Using FFU（Fan Filter Units） can effectively solve the problems present in cleanroom projects. The main points are as follows:

 

 

 

1.Space saving — Using FFU（Fan Filter Units）can save space and address the issue of limited maintenance space above the cleanroom ceiling. 

High-standard cleanrooms often require Class 100 or even Class 10 laminar hoods to meet process requirements. In such cases, large supply air plenum boxes are installed above the cleanroom ceiling, with fans inside. These plenum boxes, along with supply and return air ducts, occupy significant space, reducing maintenance access and sometimes even affecting the use of fire escape routes.

 

 

When FFUs are used, the cleanroom ceiling can be divided into multiple modules, with each module being an FFU. By adjusting each module, the pressure balance requirements of the supply air plenum above the ceiling can be met, significantly reducing the height requirements of the plenum. Additionally, the need for large supply and return ducts can be eliminated, saving installation space. FFUs are particularly effective in renovation projects where ceiling height is limited. Moreover, FFUs come in various sizes and can be customized according to the actual dimensions of the cleanroom. Because of this, they occupy less vertical space within the supply air plenum, and essentially do not occupy space within the cleanroom itself, thereby further maximizing space savings.

 

2. FFU Flexibility—By utilizing the structural features of the FFU's independence, adjustments can be made at any time, compensating for the limited maneuverability of the cleanroom and thereby addressing the disadvantage of production processes that are not easily adjustable. 

The maintenance structure of cleanroom facilities is generally made of metal panels, and once constructed, the layout cannot be freely altered. However, due to continuous updates in production processes, the original cleanroom layout may no longer meet the requirements of new processes, leading to frequent modifications in the cleanroom for product upgrades, which results in significant financial and material waste.
By adjusting the number of FFUs, the cleanroom layout can be locally modified to accommodate process changes. Moreover, FFUs come with built-in power, air outlets, and lighting, which can save a substantial amount of investment. Achieving the same effect is nearly impossible for conventional integrated air supply purification systems.
Because FFUs are self-powered, they are not limited by specific areas. In a large cleanroom, zoning control can be implemented as needed. Additionally, as semiconductor production processes evolve, the facility layout inevitably requires corresponding adjustments. The flexibility of FFUs makes such adjustments easy without necessitating additional investment.

 

3. Reducing Operational Burden — The FFU system is energy-saving, thereby addressing the drawbacks of central air supply, such as large air conditioning rooms and increased operating costs of air handling units.

If individual cleanrooms within a large-area cleanroom facility require a higher level of cleanliness, the air volume of a centrally supplied air conditioning unit must be large and the fan pressure high to overcome the resistance of ducts as well as the resistance of primary, medium, and high-efficiency filters, in order to meet the requirements. Moreover, in a central air supply system, any failure of an air conditioning unit will cause all cleanrooms associated with that unit to cease operation.
Although the initial investment for using FFUs is higher than that for ducted ventilation, the system demonstrates outstanding energy-saving and maintenance-free characteristics during later operation, making FFUs more popular.

Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF): Meaning & Explanation

“CIF” stands for Cost, Insurance, and Freight, an Incoterm used in international shipping to define who pays for transportation and insurance. Under CIF, the seller is responsible for delivering goods on board a vessel at the port of origin and for covering all costs to the named destination port, including minimum marine insurance. In practice, this means the seller’s price includes freight and basic insurance to the buyer’s port of entry. Once the cargo is loaded on the ship, the buyer assumes risk for loss or damage. In short, CIF delivery terms require the seller to pay shipping and insurance up to the destination port, and the buyer to handle unloading, customs, and on‑land delivery.

What Is Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF)?

“Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF)” is one of the official Incoterms defined by the International Chamber of Commerce. Under CIF, the seller must pay all charges to bring the goods to the buyer’s port, including the ocean freight and minimum marine insurance. Put simply, the seller delivers goods on board the ship at the port of origin and covers freight and insurance to the destination port. The buyer then handles everything after arrival. A source explains: “CIF is an international shipping agreement used when freight is shipped via sea or waterway. Under CIF, the seller is responsible for covering the costs, insurance, and freight of the buyer’s shipment while in transit”.

Since CIF applies only to waterborne shipments, it is used for cargo moved by ocean or inland waterways. For example, a European importer receiving goods by sea from Asia might use CIF at a European port. In contrast, for air or multimodal transport, you would use other Incoterms (like CIP instead of CIF). CIF’s delivery terms are clear: the seller loads and ships the goods to the named port, and the buyer unloads and imports them on arrival. We will explain the details next.

How Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) Works

Under CIF Incoterms, the responsibilities and costs are split as follows:

• Seller’s responsibilities: The seller handles export clearance, export packaging, sea freight, and insurance up to the destination port. In practice, the seller must arrange all export documentation and pay for loading the goods onto the vessel. The seller purchases minimum marine insurance (usually about 110% of the invoice value) covering the shipment while at sea. In short, the seller pays for the ocean voyage and basic insurance under CIF.

• Buyer’s responsibilities: The buyer takes over once the goods reach the destination port. The buyer handles unloading, import customs clearance and duties, and any inland transport to the final destination. The buyer also bears all risk from the moment the goods are on board the ship (see below). In other words, after the port of arrival, the buyer pays and arranges everything else.

In summary, CIF splits costs and risks: the seller covers costs and insurance up to the port, while the buyer bears risk and remaining costs after that point. The table below summarizes typical obligations under CIF:

Seller and buyer responsibilities under CIF are clearly defined. The seller (on the left) pays for export, shipping, and insurance; the buyer (on the right) covers unloading, import, and final delivery.

In practice, when shipping under CIF, the seller’s duties include providing the goods and invoice, clearing the goods for export, loading them onto the ship, and paying the sea freight and insurance premium. The buyer must handle unloading at the destination, paying import duties, and transporting the cargo inland.

One important point is when the risk transfers. Under CIF, the seller pays insurance to protect against loss or damage, but the risk of loss actually transfers to the buyer when the goods are loaded on board the vessel. In other words, once the cargo is on the ship’s rail at the port of origin, the buyer “owns” the risk. If the goods are damaged at sea, the buyer must file a claim with the seller’s insurer. To quote one source: “The risk transfer occurs when the goods have been loaded on the vessel, even though the seller has arranged insurance”.

When to Use CIF Incoterms in Shipping

CIF is best used in maritime trades where the seller has direct access to loading the vessel. It is especially suitable for bulk or breakbulk cargo (like raw materials) that can be loaded directly by the seller. For example, a grain exporter in South America might sell wheat to a European buyer under CIF Rotterdam. The South American seller would pay to ship and insure the grain to Rotterdam, and once it’s on board, the buyer would handle everything after arrival.

CIF “should be used when the seller has direct access to the vessel for loading”. The seller then assumes the costs of transport to the port, loading onto the ship, export clearance, and insurance up to the destination. The risk still passes at loading, but the seller’s insurance covers the voyage to the buyer’s port.

However, CIF is not suitable for all cases. Notably, it is only intended for ocean (and inland waterway) shipments. It is not recommended for containerized cargo or multimodal (air/truck) shipments. In fact, a common mistake is using CIF for containers. Because goods in a container are already packed, it is hard to tell when damage occurs, and CIF’s “on-board” risk transfer can become problematic. Trade experts warn that for container shipping, it is better to use Incoterms like FCA, CPT, or CIP, which are designed for container and multimodal transport.

In summary, use CIF when shipping by sea on conventional bulk terms and when the seller can arrange loading and insurance. If you are importing containerized goods or using multiple transport modes, consider other Incoterms. Always choose the rule that fits how the goods will move.

Advantages and Disadvantages of CIF

CIF has both benefits and drawbacks:

• Benefits: For buyers (importers), CIF is convenient. The seller handles the major logistics, so the buyer avoids dealing with carriers or insurance abroad. Buyers only need to wait at the destination port to unload and clear customs. The inclusion of insurance (typically 110% coverage) provides a basic safety net against loss. For inexperienced buyers or those without freight expertise, CIF simplifies international purchases.

• Drawbacks: Buyers face an early transfer of risk. As soon as the cargo is on board, the buyer bears any loss or damage. This can surprise new importers who thought insurance covered everything. Also, buyers sacrifice some control: the seller chooses the ship, schedule, and insurer. This can lead to higher costs – the seller might mark up freight or insurance premiums. In short, CIF can hide fees and give the seller more control, which may not suit buyers who want to negotiate their own rates.

Sellers under CIF give up some control (they pay costs and insurance) but gain simplicity in the sale. By contrast, terms like FOB (Free On Board) or FCA (Free Carrier) give buyers more control but also more responsibility. For example, under FOB, the buyer arranges the main carriage and insurance, while CIF bundles those in the seller’s invoice.

Ultimately, CIF is useful for cross-border deals where buyers want a turnkey delivery to port. But shippers should be aware of the trade-off: cost convenience for risk transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What does “Cost, Insurance and Freight” (CIF) include?
A: Under CIF, the seller pays for three things: (1) the cost of goods, (2) the freight (sea transportation) to the named port, and (3) minimum insurance covering the shipment to that port. In other words, the seller delivers the goods on board the ship at the origin port, and arranges shipping and insurance to the buyer’s port. Once the cargo arrives at the destination port, the buyer handles unloading, import duties, and local delivery.

Q: Who arranges insurance and freight under CIF?
A: The seller arranges and pays for ocean freight and marine insurance under CIF. The seller must buy insurance (typically 110% coverage) to protect the buyer’s cargo during transit. The buyer does not pay for this insurance up front. If the buyer wants extra coverage beyond the basic policy, that must be agreed upon separately. Under CIF, the buyer’s insurance responsibility only begins after the goods have arrived at the destination port.

Q: When does risk pass from seller to buyer in CIF terms?
A: Risk passes when the goods are on board the vessel at the origin port. That means once the cargo is loaded onto the ship’s rail, the buyer assumes responsibility for loss or damage. The seller’s obligation (aside from insurance) ends at that point. In practice, this means that if something happens at sea after loading, the buyer has the risk and must claim with the seller’s insurer.

Q: Can CIF be used for container or air shipments?
A: No. CIF is strictly for sea or inland waterway transport. It is not recommended for containerized cargo or other modes. For container shipping, use terms like FCA, CPT, or CIP instead. For air or multimodal shipments, CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid) is the nearest equivalent (since CIP applies to any mode of transport and requires insurance). In short, never use CIF for air freight or truck-only shipments.

Q: What is the difference between CIF and CFR?
A: CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) is almost the same as CFR (Cost and Freight) except that CIF requires the seller to obtain insurance, while CFR does not. Under both CIF and CFR, the seller pays shipping costs to the destination port, but with CIF, F the seller also provides marine insurance. In contrast, under CFR, the buyer must arrange insurance on their own. This difference means CIF gives the buyer some cover automatically, whereas CFR gives the buyer total responsibility for insurance.

Q: What are the CIF delivery terms?
A: Under CIF, “delivery” means the seller has delivered once the goods are loaded onto the vessel at the port of origin. The term often used is FOB Origin (within the CIF context). In practice, the seller’s delivery obligation is fulfilled at the origin port. The buyer must then unload the ship at the destination port and complete the import clearance. In other words, CIF delivery terms focus on delivery to the port of destination, not the final warehouse.

Q: How can DR Trans help customers with CIF shipments?
A: DR Trans specializes in international freight and logistics. We help clients solve shipping problems and apply the right Incoterms for each trade. For CIF shipments, our experts can arrange the export, shipping, and insurance on behalf of the seller or clarify buyer responsibilities at the destination. We guide each customer through the paperwork and regulations, ensuring that the CIF delivery terms are correctly implemented. In short, DR Trans provides professional shipping solutions so that our clients can focus on their business, not the paperwork.

Conclusion

Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) is a widely used shipping term that clearly defines costs and risk for ocean freight. Under CIF, the seller pays to ship and insure the goods to the agreed port, while the buyer pays from that point onward. It is best for standard sea cargo when the seller can load the ship directly. CIF simplifies transactions for buyers but does shift risk early. In any case, all parties must read the Incoterms carefully.

At DR Trans, we help importers and exporters understand and apply CIF and other terms. With professional guidance, our customers in Europe and beyond can avoid pitfalls in international trade. We’re committed to finding the safest, most efficient shipping method for each shipment – making sure you know exactly who pays for what and when.