what is pva white glue made from?

The degree of polymerization of polyvinyl acetate is typically 100 to 5000, while its ester groups are sensitive to base hydrolysis and slowly convert PVAc into polyvinyl alcohol and acetic acid.

The glass transition temperature of polyvinyl acetate is between 30 and 45 °C depending on the molecular weight.

PVA dispersions such as Elmer's Glue-All contain polyvinyl alcohol as a protective colloid. In alkaline conditions, boron compounds such as boric acid or borax cause the polyvinyl alcohol to cross-link, forming tackifying precipitates or toys, such as Slime and Flubber.

A number of microorganisms can degrade polyvinyl acetate. Most commonly, damage is caused by filamentous fungi—however algae, yeasts, lichens, and bacteria can also degrade polyvinyl acetate.

As a dispersion in water, PVAc preparations are used as binders for porous materials (especially wood, paper and cloth), and as consolidation agents for porous building stones (especially sandstone).