Uses of Polyvinyl Acetate

The first thing that arises in our mind is what polyvinyl acetate is. We have come across many chemical compounds, but have you ever come across this compound, polyvinyl acetate? When numerous monomeric vinyl acetate (CH₃COOCH=CH₂) units are combined, they create a material known as polyvinyl acetate. It is possible to use polyvinyl acetate directly or modify it chemically to create other significant polymeric materials.

Let’s learn more about this interesting chemical compound. Further, we will discuss the uses of polyvinyl acetate, why PVA glue is used, polyvinyl acetate properties, and much more. 

Properties of Polyvinyl Acetate

The properties of polyvinyl acetate include:

Chemical symbol of Polyvinyl Acetate

• Instead of being crystalline, polyvinyl acetate is an amorphous polymer.

• Polyvinyl acetate, the toughest of the polyvinyl esters, adheres well to most surfaces.

• Polyvinyl acetate can be dissolved in various solvents besides water because it does not cross-link and so becomes insoluble.

• Polyvinyl acetate is an organic compound made of non-crystalline or viscous material and can be either natural or artificial. 

• It won't turn yellow as some other thermoplastics do.

• One formulation for slow drying contains 5 to 15% polyvinyl acetate and ethyl alcohol (ethanol). The same quantity of polyvinyl acetate is combined with acetone to provide a fast-drying alternative (dimethyl ketone).

• Low cost, good biodegradation resistance, almost invisible bond line, high initial tack, softening at 30-45 °C, and poor creep resistance under load.

Uses and Applications of Polyvinyl Acetate

Some important uses and applications of polyvinyl acetate include:

Polyvinyl Acetate Glue

• It is compatible with various other paint chemicals and can be used as a resinous component of latex paints.

• The lamination of metal foils can be done using polyvinyl acetate.

• As a thermosetting adhesive, non-emulsified or waterless polyvinyl acetate is helpful.

• Alkali can be used to treat polyvinyl acetate, which eventually produces polyvinyl alcohol and alkali acetate. Polyvinyl alcohol can be converted into various esters or can generate acetals when it reacts with aldehydes like butyraldehyde or formaldehyde.

• When it comes to filling gaps, polyvinyl acetate works okay.

• PVA glue is used as it functions well as a dust-proofer, primer, bonding agent, and high-performance sealer. PVA dries quickly at room temperature and sets best when there is good airflow. When you clamp the components being glued, the seal is the strongest. It has an extremely strong binding strength and dries quickly. Stronger PVA glues have a maximum strength of 4000 PSI, while regular PVA glue has an average strength of roughly 3000 PSI.

• PVA is used in various industries, including the textile, paper, and food packaging sectors. This is because of its great chemical and thermal stability and its inexpensive cost of production.

• Dissolvable plastic PVA, also known as PVOH, is used in various products, such as dishwashers, and laundry pods.

Summary

In this article, we learned that Polyvinyl acetate (CH₃COOCH=CH₂) is an amorphous polymer. It can be dissolved in various solvents besides water because it does not cross-link and so becomes insoluble. The toughest of the polyvinyl esters adheres well to most surfaces. As we have discussed, polyvinyl acetate is an amorphous polymer with several uses.

We also learned that polyvinyl acetate is used in our everyday needs. It is used as glue, filling gaps, laminating metal foils, and much more. With these advantages, polyvinyl acetate also has disadvantages. It can irritate the respiratory tract and cause coughing when inhaled. It may cause eye and skin irritation when absorbed through the skin. Let’s wrap up this article here only.