Polyvinyl acetate

Polyvinyl acetate

Polyvinyl acetate (PVA or PVAc) is a rubbery synthetic polymer. It is prepared by polymerization of vinyl acetate monomer, also referred to as VAM. Partial or complete hydrolysis of the polymer is used to prepare polyvinyl alcohol. Hydroylized alcohol product is typically in the 87% to 99% range (converted PVA). It was discovered in Germany by Dr. Fritz Klatte in 1912.

As an emulsion in water, PVA is sold as an adhesive for porous materials, particularly wood, paper, and cloth. It is the most commonly used wood glue, both as "white glue" and the yellow "carpenter's glue." PVA is widely used in bookbinding and book arts due to its flexibility, and because it is non-acidic, unlike many other polymers.

PVA is a common copolymer with more expensive acrylics, used extensively in paper, paint and industrial coatings, referred to as vinyl acrylics. It can also be used to protect cheese from fungi and humidityFact|date=August 2007. It is slowly attacked by alkali, forming acetic acid as a hydrolysis product. Boron compounds like boric acid or borax will form tackifying precipitates by causing the polymer to cross-link.

PVA is also commonly recommended for use in making leather handcrafted works and papier-mâché.


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Look at other dictionaries:

  • polyvinyl acetate — ► NOUN ▪ a synthetic resin made by polymerizing vinyl acetate, used chiefly in paints and adhesives …   English terms dictionary

  • polyvinyl acetate — Chem. a colorless, odorless, nontoxic, transparent, thermoplastic, water insoluble resin used as an adhesive in certain paints and as an intermediate in the synthesis of polyvinyl acetal and polyvinyl alcohol. Also called PVA [1925 30] * * * ▪… …   Universalium

  • polyvinyl acetate — noun A rubbery synthetic polymer prepared by polymerization of vinyl acetate, used as an adhesive for light materials such as paper, wood and cloth. Abbreviations: PVA, PVAc …   Wiktionary

  • polyvinyl acetate — a light and heat stable resin formed by the polymerization of vinyl acetate …   Medical dictionary

  • polyvinyl acetate — noun a synthetic resin made by polymerizing vinyl acetate, used chiefly in paints and adhesives …   English new terms dictionary

  • polyvinyl acetate — /pɒliˌvaɪnəl ˈæsəteɪt/ (say polee.vuynuhl asuhtayt) noun a transparent thermoplastic resin, produced by the polymerisation of vinyl acetate, used as an adhesive, in inks, paints and lacquers, etc. Abbrev.: PVA …  

  • polyvinyl acetate —    A synthetic resin used as a medium or a varnish …   Glossary of Art Terms

  • polyvinyl acetate — n. Chem. a soft plastic polymer used in paints and adhesives. Usage: Abbr.: PVA …   Useful english dictionary

  • Polyvinyl alcohol — Other names PVOH; Poly(Ethenol), Ethenol, homopolymer; PVA; Polyviol; Vinol; Alvyl; Alkotex; Covol; Gelvatol; Lemol; Mowiol …   Wikipedia

  • Polyvinyl — can refer to: * Vinyl polymer * Polyvinyl chloride * Polyvinyl acetate * Polyvinyl alcohol * Polyvinyl Record Co., an independent record label …   Wikipedia

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