Hello chemistry heads!
Im currently writing my bachelor thesis as an product developer and need some help with chemistry, hoping this community could shed some light and knowledge.
I want to precipitate Polyvinyl Alcohol ((C2H4O)n) from an aqueous solution so that I can filter it and remove it from the liquid . I found a patent describing a method using Borax (Na2B4O7) and Sodium Sulfat (Na2SO4) to precipitate the PVA from the solution. Mixing the Borax (gelling agent) and Sodium Sulfat (salting agent) creates a coagulating agent, which is then added to the PVA solution resulting in a precipitation of the PVA.
Now my problem is that I dont understand how to write the chemical reaction formula for this. Nor do I understand what the leftover substances are.
I do understand the concept of precipitation but as a product developer, chemistry isnt my department. I was hoping someone could help me understand this reaction by explaining it and maybe even help me write the equations for it.
thanks
/d