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Send EmailPolyvinyl Acetate, Vinyl Acetate Homopolymer, Vinyl Acetate Resin, White Glue, Wood Glue, PVAc, 9003-20-7
CAS Number: 9003-20-7
Chemical Formula: (C₄H₆O₂)ₙ
Repeat Unit: -CH₂CH(O₂CCH₃)-
Synonyms: PVAc, PVA, Vinyl Acetate Homopolymer, Vinyl Acetate Resin, White Glue, Wood Glue
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Polyvinyl Acetate |
| CAS Number | 9003-20-7 |
| Chemical Formula | (C₄H₆O₂)ₙ |
| Repeat Unit | -CH₂CH(O₂CCH₃)- |
| Polymer Type | Thermoplastic, Atactic, Amorphous |
| Synonyms | PVAc, PVA, Vinyl Acetate Homopolymer, Vinyl Acetate Resin, White Glue, Wood Glue |
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Physical State (20°C) | Liquid (emulsion) or Solid (granules/beads) |
| Color | White (emulsion) to colorless/pale yellow (solid) |
| Appearance | Milky white emulsion or transparent granules |
| Odor | Slight characteristic (emulsion); odorless (solid) |
| Density (25°C) | 1.18 – 1.19 g/cm³ |
| Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) | 28 – 45°C (typically ~30-32°C) |
| Softening Point | 30 – 50°C (depends on molecular weight) |
| Refractive Index (20°C) | 1.462 – 1.467 |
| Minimum Film Forming Temperature (MFT) | ~18°C (unplasticized) |
| Solvent | Solubility |
|---|---|
| Water | Insoluble (emulsion/dispersion form only) |
| Acetone | Soluble |
| Chloroform | Soluble |
| Toluene | Soluble |
| Tetrahydrofuran (THF) | Soluble |
| Low Molecular Weight Alcohols | Soluble |
| Esters | Soluble |
| Aliphatic Hydrocarbons | Insoluble |
| Mineral Oils | Insoluble |
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) | 28 – 45°C |
| Minimum Film Forming Temperature (MFT) | ~18°C (unplasticized) |
| Softening Point | 40 – 50°C |
| Decomposition Temperature | >150°C |
| Molecular Weight (Mw) | 80,000 – 500,000 (grade dependent) |
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| pH (emulsion) | 3.0 – 5.5 (slightly acidic) |
| Hydrolytic Sensitivity | Sensitive to hydrolysis by bases (releases acetic acid) |
| Hydrolysis Reaction | Over time or with base: PVAc → Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH) + Acetic Acid |
| Saponification Value | 260 – 270 |
| UV Resistance | Good (resistant to yellowing) |
| Biodegradability | Potentially biodegradable (ongoing research) |
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Raw Material | Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM – CAS 108-05-4) |
| VAM Production | Ethylene + Acetic acid + Oxygen → Palladium-catalyzed oxidative addition → VAM |
| Emulsion Polymerization | VAM + Water + Surfactant + Initiator → Free radical polymerization → PVAc emulsion |
| Suspension Polymerization | VAM + Water + Suspending agent (e.g., partially hydrolyzed PVA) → Solid PVAc granules |
| Purification | Vacuum drying, steam stripping, washing (removes residual monomer and catalyst) |
| Parameter | Emulsion Grade | Solid Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Solids Content | 50 – 55% | >99% |
| Viscosity | 500 – 20,000 cP | — |
| pH | 3.0 – 5.5 | — |
| Particle Size | 0.2 – 2.0 μm | 100 – 500 μm |
| Molecular Weight (Mw) | 80,000 – 200,000 | 100,000 – 500,000 |
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Film Former | Forms a flexible, adhesive film after water evaporation |
| Adhesive | High adhesion to porous surfaces (wood, paper, fabric) |
| Binder | Holds pigments and fillers together (paints, coatings) |
| Flexibility | Film flexibility adjustable by adding plasticizers |
| Water Resistance | Forms a water-resistant film after curing |
| pH Independence | Film properties not affected by pH (no ionizable groups) |
| Product Type | Description |
|---|---|
| White Glue (Elmer's Glue) | Most common household adhesive; for paper, cardboard, wood, leather |
| Wood Glue | Furniture manufacturing, joinery, parquet flooring |
| Bookbinding | Flexible and acid-free; suitable for bookbinding |
| Packaging Adhesives | Carton sealing tapes, label adhesives, box gluing |
| Carpentry | Wood joining, laminated wood production |
| Hot Melt Adhesives | Formulated as EVA copolymers |
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Water-Based Paints (Latex Paints) | Film-forming binder resin; binds pigments, provides flexible film |
| Wall Paints | Binder for interior and exterior wall paints |
| Paper Coatings | Coatings for glossy paper, cardboard, packaging paper |
| Textile Coatings | Fabric finishes, linings |
| Furniture Coatings | Wood varnishes and primers |
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Paper Adhesive | Envelope, carton, box gluing |
| Lamination | Paper/paper, paper/foil lamination |
| Frozen Food Packaging | Low-temperature flexibility required for frozen food packaging |
| Cling Film Coatings | Barrier properties |
| Application | Function | Regulatory Status |
|---|---|---|
| Chewing Gum Base | Polymer matrix providing chewability | FDA 21 CFR 172.615 (USA) |
| Fruit and Vegetable Coating | Edible coating preserving freshness | Approved in USA, South Korea, Japan |
| Cheese Coating | Mold and moisture barrier | Listed as food additive in Germany |
| Food Additive | Technological purpose additive | Permitted in Germany |
| Application | Function | Commercial Example |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled Release Coatings | pH-independent coating for extended release | Kollicoat® SR 30 D |
| Matrix Tablets | Used as drug release matrix | Kollicoat® SR-based formulations |
| Enteric Coatings | PVAc phthalate (PVAP) form protects stomach | PVAP enteric coatings |
| Orally Disintegrating Tablets | Bitter taste masking | Ibuprofen-containing formulations |
| Film Coatings | Flexible, pH-independent film coatings | Kollicoat® SR 30 D |
Pharmaceutical Monographs: PVAc has monographs in Ph. Eur. (Poly(Vinyl Acetate) Dispersion 30 Per Cent), USP (Polyvinyl acetate dispersion), and JPE.
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Fabric Finishing | Provides stiffness and body |
| Filter Media (Automotive) | Binder and stiffener for air intake filters |
| Nonwoven Fabrics | Binder (for applications requiring stiffness) |
| Woven Fabric Coating | Water repellency and durability |
| Industry | Application |
|---|---|
| Cosmetics | Hair sprays, gels (as copolymer with PVP) |
| Construction | Mortar additives, plaster additives |
| Cigarette Production | Cigarette paper adhesive |
| Wood Composites | Binder for particle board, MDF, plywood |
| Nanofibers for Sensors | Gas sensors, emission sensors |
| Decoupage and Crafts | Surface protective coating |
| Property | PVAc Emulsion (Liquid) | PVAc Solid (Granules/Beads) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Milky white liquid | White/Transparent granules |
| Solids Content | 50-55% | >99% |
| Usage Form | Direct application | Melt or dissolve in solvent |
| Primary Application | Adhesives, paints | Pharmaceutical coatings, research |
| Storage | +5°C – +30°C | Room temperature |
| Shelf Life | 6-12 months | 24-36 months |
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Strong Adhesion | Excellent adhesion to porous surfaces (wood, paper, fabric) |
| Flexible Film | Adjustable flexibility with plasticizers; not brittle |
| Water-Based Compatibility | Emulsion form directly adds to water-based formulations |
| Light Stability | Resistant to yellowing upon UV exposure |
| Low Toxicity | Safe for food and pharmaceutical applications |
| Cost-Effective | Low-cost polymer; mass production |
| pH-Independent Performance | Film properties not affected by pH |
| Low Temperature Flexibility | With plasticizers, suitable for frozen food packaging |
| Limitation | Description | Precaution |
|---|---|---|
| Water Insolubility | Only available as emulsion/dispersion | — |
| Low Heat Resistance | Softens above ~45°C, loses strength | Avoid high-temperature applications |
| Creep (Cold Flow) | Deforms under continuous load | Do not use for structural load-bearing applications |
| Poor Moisture Resistance | Adhesion strength decreases at high humidity | Use indoors or low-humidity applications |
| Microbial Degradation | Microorganisms can degrade PVAc | Add preservative; store dry |
| Acid/Base Hydrolysis | Hydrolyzes with bases, releases acetic acid | Avoid high pH |
| Plasticizer Stability | Plasticizer migration may reduce flexibility over time | Select appropriate plasticizer |
| Parameter | Emulsion Form | Solid Form |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | +5°C – +30°C | 15-25°C (room temperature) |
| Freeze Protection | Do NOT freeze (coagulation) | Not required |
| Heat Protection | Do not store above 35°C | Do not store above 50°C (caking) |
| Container | Sealed plastic or metal container | Original sealed bag/box |
| Shelf Life | 6-12 months | 24-36 months |
| Special Precautions | Microbial protection (preservative may be needed) | Store in dry environment |
Description: Polyvinyl Acetate (PVAc, CAS 9003-20-7) is a thermoplastic, atactic polymer produced by free radical polymerization of vinyl acetate monomer. It is available as a white emulsion (liquid) or transparent granules (solid). Density is ~1.19 g/cm³ and glass transition temperature (Tg) is 30-45°C. PVAc offers high adhesion to porous surfaces, flexible film formation, and excellent light stability.
Key Advantages:
Strong adhesion – ideal for wood, paper, fabric, leather adhesives
Flexible film – flexibility adjustable with plasticizers
Full compatibility with water-based systems
Low toxicity – safe for food and pharmaceutical applications
Resistant to yellowing
Low cost
Key Limitations/Precautions:
Water insoluble (only emulsion/dispersion form)
Low heat resistance (softens above ~45°C)
Creep (cold flow) – deformation under continuous load
Hydrolysis with bases – may release acetic acid
Microbial degradation – may require preservative
Major Applications by Sector:
| Sector | Applications |
|---|---|
| Adhesives | White glue, wood glue, bookbinding, packaging adhesives |
| Paints and Coatings | Binder in water-based paints, wall paints, paper coatings |
| Pharmaceutical | Controlled release coatings (Kollicoat® SR 30 D), enteric coatings (PVAP) |
| Food | Chewing gum base, fruit/vegetable coatings |
| Packaging | Lamination, frozen food packaging |
| Textile | Fabric finishing, filter media |
Pharmaceutical Significance:
PVAc, particularly under the trade name Kollicoat® SR 30 D, is widely used in extended-release pharmaceutical coatings. It has monographs in Ph. Eur., USP, and JPE. The PVAc phthalate (PVAP) form is used in enteric coatings.
Storage:
| Form | Temperature | Special Warning |
|---|---|---|
| Emulsion | +5°C – +30°C | Do NOT freeze |
| Solid | 15-25°C | Protect from moisture |
Conclusion: Polyvinyl Acetate, discovered in 1912, is a versatile thermoplastic polymer used in a wide range of applications from adhesives and paints to pharmaceutical coatings and food products. Its compatibility with water-based systems, low toxicity, and cost-effectiveness make it an indispensable component of the adhesive and coating industries. In the pharmaceutical field, particularly as Kollicoat® SR 30 D, it is an important excipient for controlled-release coatings, offering pH-independent and flexible film properties.