PVA 173, or polyvinyl alcohol, is a white, water-soluble chemical that's used as a thickener in suspensions and emulsions. It's also used as a sizing agent, emulsion stabilizer in adhesives, and in cosmetics. 

PVA 173 is non-toxic, stable, and has many applications, including: 

• Medical: Cartilage replacements, contact lenses, and eye drops 
• Protective colloid: Polymer emulsification and suspension polymerization 
• Film-forming: Excellent adhesion, solvent-resistance, abrasion-resistance, high tensile strength, and great oxygen barrier property 
• Textile: Protective coat on yarns, minimizing breakage during weaving operation

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) 173 is a versatile polymer with many uses in various industries. 

It's a white or yellowish powder or granule that's non-toxic, water-soluble, and stable. 

PVA 173 has adhesive properties, film-forming abilities, and is oil and chemical resistant. 

Here are some of its uses: 

• Food: Improves the texture and stability of ice creams, sauces, and other food products 
• Personal care: Used in the production of shampoos, conditioners, and lotions to improve their appearance and texture 
• Adhesives: Used in wood glues and as a paper adhesive 
• Textiles: Used as a sizing agent to improve fiber strength and handling characteristics 
• Paper: Used in paper coatings to enhance surface properties 
• Packaging: Used in single-dose packaging 
• Construction: Used as an additive in cement to improve properties 
• Other: Used in industrial applications such as clear coating, pigment coating, plywood adhesive, vinyl acetate emulsion polymerization, sponge, grindstone, ferrite, ceramics, agricultural chemicals, seedling planting soil granulation, acetal resin, and soil stabilization