polyvinyl butyral

chemical compound

Also known as: PVB

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is a tough, flexible, and transparent resin. It is made from polyvinyl alcohol and butyraldehyde. PVB is unique because it is not created through polymerization of single-unit monomers. Instead, it is derived from polyvinyl acetate through a process called alcoholysis.12

PVB is widely used as the interlayer in laminated safety glass, particularly for automobile windshields. This lamination process involves bonding sheets of PVB to glass surfaces. The PVB interlayer absorbs mechanical energy from impacts, reducing the risk of shattering and flying glass shards upon fracture.23

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polyvinyl alcohol
…be made into the resins polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and polyvinyl formal (PVF). PVB, a tough, clear, adhesive, and water-resistant plastic film, is widely used in laminated safety glass, primarily for automobiles. PVF is used in wire insulation.
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…be made into the resins polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and polyvinyl formal (PVF). PVB, a tough, clear, adhesive, and water-resistant plastic film, is widely used in laminated safety glass, primarily for automobiles. PVF is used in wire insulation.
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safety glass
…also tried, but in 1936 polyvinyl butyral (PVB) was found to possess so many safety-desirable properties that its use became universal. Bulletproof glass is usually built up using several glass and plastic components.
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…also tried, but in 1936 polyvinyl butyral (PVB) was found to possess so many safety-desirable properties that its use became universal. Bulletproof glass is usually built up using several glass and plastic components.
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major industrial polymers
Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc)
Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and polyvinyl formal (PVF) are manufactured from PVA by reaction with butyraldehyde (CH₃CH₂CH₂CHO) and formaldehyde (CH₂O), respectively. PVB is employed as a plastic film in laminated safety glass, primarily for automobiles. PVF is used in wire insulation.
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Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and polyvinyl formal (PVF) are manufactured from PVA by reaction with butyraldehyde (CH₃CH₂CH₂CHO) and formaldehyde (CH₂O), respectively. PVB is employed as a plastic film in laminated safety glass, primarily for automobiles. PVF is used in wire insulation.
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