Modified polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) refers to a class of PVA derivatives that have been chemically altered to enhance or impart specific properties for specialized applications. While PVA itself is known for its solubility in water, biodegradability, and ability to form films, its base properties can be limiting in certain applications. To overcome these limitations, PVA can be modified in various ways, such as through chemical crosslinking, graft copolymerization, blending with other polymers, or by introducing functional groups. These modifications allow PVA to be used in a broader range of industries, including textiles, adhesives, coatings, biomedical, and packaging materials.Crosslinking: One of the most common ways to modify PVA is by introducing crosslinking agents that form covalent bonds between the polymer chains. Crosslinked PVA becomes less soluble in water, exhibits increased mechanical strength, and has improved thermal stability. The crosslinking can be achieved using agents like glutaraldehyde, boric acid, or epoxy compounds. Crosslinked PVA is used in applications such as hydrogels, wound dressings, and coatings, where structural integrity and water resistance are required.Graft Copolymerization: Graft copolymerization involves attaching side chains of another polymer to the main PVA backbone. This modification allows for the introduction of additional functional properties. For instance, grafting PVA with hydrophobic or hydrophilic polymers can change the water solubility and interaction with various solvents. This type of modification is often used to create PVA-based superabsorbent materials or to improve the compatibility of PVA with other materials in blends.