Polyvinyl Alcohol: Recent Advances and Applications in Sustainable Materials

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a synthetic biopolymer widely recognized for its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and excellent film-forming properties. Recent advancements in PVA-based materials have expanded its use in diverse fields, including packaging, biomedicine, and wastewater treatment. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of the latest innovations in PVA applications, emphasizing their role as a sustainable material, particularly through the development of PVA-based nanocomposites. The addition of nanoparticles, cross-linking agents, and biopolymer combinations has significantly enhanced the mechanical strength, antibacterial properties, and UV-blocking capacity of PVA, making it well-suited for advanced packaging and biomedical applications. Cross-linking improves water resistance and mechanical durability while combining with biopolymers such as starch and chitosan enhances biodegradability. This review highlights the structural, mechanical, optical, and electrical properties of PVA-based nanocomposites.