A Guide to Differentiated Dust Content for PVA 20, 120, and 200 Mesh
Oct 17, 2025
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is an essential polymer material in numerous applications, including dry-mix mortar, adhesives, and textile sizing. When selecting PVA products, users often focus on their degree of polymerization, alcoholysis degree, and mesh size to ensure core properties such as solubility, viscosity, and bond strength. However, dust content is a crucial, often overlooked indicator that directly impacts production safety, operator health, and material loss. The mesh size of PVA (e.g., 20, 120, 200 mesh) determines its particle size, and particle size is the primary factor determining dust content.
1.Why does PVA generate dust?
The dust content of PVA powder is primarily affected by its particle fineness (mesh size) and morphology:
Finer particles generate higher dust content. Products with larger mesh sizes (e.g., 200 mesh) have a higher proportion of fine particles and a greater ability to remain suspended in air, resulting in greater dust generation. Static electricity: Dry PVA powder is prone to static electricity during friction and conveying, which can exacerbate the suspension and dispersion of fine particles.
2. Definition and Significance of Dust Content
"Dust content" refers to the degree of fine dust suspended in the air during the handling of powder products due to their extremely fine particles. These fine particles (typically less than 10 μm or even 5 μm) not only cause material loss but, more importantly, impact operational safety, environmental cleanliness, and worker health.
Dust analysis of PVA products with different mesh sizes:
Mesh Size
20 mesh (PVA 088-05)
120 mesh (PVA 088-50S)
200 mesh (PVA-217S)
Particle Size Range
Approximately 800-900 μm
Approximately 100-150 μm
Approximately 50-80 μm
Particle Surface Area
Very Low Moderate
Moderate
Very High
Dust Level (Relative)
Low
Medium-Low
High
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Aerodynamic Characteristics
Heavy particles with high inertia settle easily and are difficult to suspend.
120 mesh (CCP BP-24S) settle quickly, but will still fly at the moment of feeding.
Light particles are easily carried by air currents and remain suspended for a long time, forming a dust cloud.
Occupational Health Risks
Lowest risk. Dust is mostly non-inhalable and has minimal respiratory irritation.
Risk is manageable. General local exhaust ventilation and protective equipment are required.
Highest risk. Fine dust poses a high risk of lung entry and requires strict protection.
Dust Explosion Risk
Large particle size makes dust cloud formation difficult, resulting in a low risk.
Possesses some potential for dust cloud formation, resulting in a medium risk.
Dust cloud density easily reaches the lower explosion limit, resulting in the highest risk.
Production and feeding requirements
General ventilation is sufficient.
Local exhaust or dust hoods are required.
Efficient, enclosed feeding and specialized dust collection systems are essential.
Cost Factors
No additional dust suppression treatment is required.
Anti-caking agents (or granulation) may be required to reduce dust.
High costs must be invested in crushing, fine grading, and safety protection systems.
Properly controlling PVA dust levels is not only a safety requirement but also directly impacts production efficiency and product quality:
Excessive dust concentrations can cause material loss and metering errors;
Suspended particles entering the reaction system can lead to unstable emulsion polymerization or uneven film thickness;
Dust deposition can accelerate equipment wear and affect long-term operational reliability.
Regardless of mesh size, all PVA powder handling practices should adhere to the following basic principles:
Avoid vigorous handling: Pour the material into the container slowly and steadily, avoiding pouring from a height to minimize interparticle friction and air turbulence. This is the simplest and most effective way to reduce dust generation.
Maintain ventilation in the work area: Local exhaust or exhaust systems must be installed near all feed ports and mixing equipment to capture generated dust at the source.
Adhere to chemical management practices: Although PVA has low toxicity, the storage, handling, and emergency response instructions in the Material Safety Data Sheet (SDS) should still be reviewed and followed.
Environmental cleanliness: Regularly clean accumulated dust from equipment and floors with an industrial vacuum cleaner. Never use compressed air to blow dust, as this will re-inflate accumulated dust, increasing the risk of explosion and inhalation.
3. Conclusion
In the production and use of PVA powder, dust management is the intersection of process control and safety assurance. Different mesh sizes require appropriate feeding methods and protective measures. Especially for fine powders above 120 mesh (CCP BP-20S), engineering approaches to dust control should be prioritized, rather than relying solely on personal protection. Through scientific particle size selection, process design, and environmental control, PVA product performance and production stability can be maximized while ensuring safety.
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