Poly(vinyl acetate), also known as PVAc, is a thermoplastic vinyl ester polymer used in adhesives, coatings, binders, film-forming systems, and formulation research. It is commonly selected for applications where adhesion, flexibility, and film formation are important.
Synonyms / related names: PVAc; PVA; poly(vinyl acetate); vinyl acetate polymer.
This product has a molecular weight of approximately 90,000 and a glass transition temperature of 32°C. PVAc is soluble in toluene, acetone, chloroform, alcohol, and THF, making it useful in solvent-based polymer formulation, coating, and film preparation workflows.
Researchers, formulators, and industrial users may use poly(vinyl acetate) in adhesive systems, coatings and paints, textile and paper binders, polymer modification studies, and as a precursor material for preparing poly(vinyl alcohol) through hydrolysis.
Key Properties
- Thermoplastic vinyl acetate polymer
- CAS Number: 9003-20-7
- Product Number: 06069
- Synonyms: PVAc, PVA
- Linear Formula: [-CH2CH(O2CCH3)-]n
- Molecular Weight: ~90,000
- Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): 32°C
- Refractive Index: 1.462
- Density: 1.18
- Soluble in toluene, acetone, chloroform, alcohol, and THF
- Water-sensitive resin; readily hydrolyzed
Applications
Adhesives
Poly(vinyl acetate) is widely used in adhesive formulation research, including wood glue, paper adhesive, and emulsion-based adhesive systems where film formation and bond performance are important.
Coatings & Paints
PVAc may be used in coating and paint formulation work where a thermoplastic film-forming polymer is needed for protective, decorative, or research coating systems.
Textile & Paper Binders
This polymer may be evaluated as a binder or surface treatment material in textile finishing, paper coating, and specialty substrate applications.
Poly(vinyl alcohol) Precursor
Poly(vinyl acetate) can be hydrolyzed to prepare poly(vinyl alcohol) materials with varying degrees of hydrolysis.
Solubility & Formulation Considerations
- Soluble in toluene, acetone, chloroform, alcohol, and THF
- PVAc is generally used as a dispersed or dissolved polymer depending on formulation type
- Film properties depend on solvent system, concentration, drying conditions, substrate, and additive package
- Water sensitivity and hydrolysis behavior should be considered when designing aqueous or moisture-exposed systems
- Compatibility should be evaluated with plasticizers, pigments, fillers, resins, solvents, and other formulation components before scale-up
Final performance should be confirmed under the user’s specific formulation and processing conditions, including solvent system, solids level, coating method, drying profile, substrate, and end-use requirements.
Preparation Tips
- Add gradually to compatible solvent or formulation systems with adequate mixing
- Allow sufficient time for wetting, dispersion, or dissolution based on the selected solvent system
- Use clean equipment to reduce contamination during adhesive, coating, or film preparation
- Evaluate moisture exposure and hydrolysis conditions when PVAc stability is important
- Run small-scale compatibility and film-forming trials before production or process transfer
Handling & Storage
- Store at room temperature
- Exercise normal care during handling
- Keep container tightly closed when not in use
- Use good ventilation and standard laboratory or industrial safety practices
- Avoid unnecessary dust generation during handling
- Wear protective gloves and safety glasses when appropriate
- Refer to the Safety Data Sheet before handling
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FAQ
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1. What is Poly(vinyl acetate) used for?
Poly(vinyl acetate) is used in adhesives, coatings, paints, textile and paper binders, film-forming systems, and formulation research.
2. What is the molecular weight of this PVAc product?
The listed molecular weight is approximately 90,000.
3. What is the glass transition temperature of Poly(vinyl acetate)?
The product page lists the glass transition temperature (Tg) as 32°C.
4. What solvents dissolve Poly(vinyl acetate)?
The product page lists solubility in toluene, acetone, chloroform, alcohol, and THF.
5. How is Poly(vinyl acetate) related to Poly(vinyl alcohol)?
Poly(vinyl acetate) can be hydrolyzed to prepare poly(vinyl alcohol) materials with varying degrees of hydrolysis.
Safety & Documentation
Poly(vinyl acetate) should be handled using normal precautions and standard laboratory or industrial safety practices. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and product specification for complete handling, storage, hazard, and technical information.
