End use applications for Vinyls Acetate Monomer
Vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) is readily
homopolymerised or may be copolymerised with other monomers
such as ethylene, acrylate esters, higher vinyl esters and acrylonitrile.
Polyvinyl acetate and copolymers of VAM with acrylate esters
and higher vinyl esters are extensively used in the manufacture
of paints, adhesives and textile treatments. Copolymers with
ethylene are used in a variety of applications including binders
for latex paints and adhesives; film for flexible packaging;
hot metal adhesives; and diesel fuel modifiers. Copolymers with
acrylonitrile are used in the manufacture of acrylic fibres
for use in clothing, furnishing and industrial applications.
Hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate and the copolymers of ethylene
and VAM yield vinyl alcohols. Polyvinyl alcohol is water-soluble
and is used in applications including the stabilisation of aqueous
dispersions, textile and paper sizing and in the preparation
of fibres. Ethylene vinyl alcohol is used to produce film with
excellent barrier properties and good mechanical strength and
finds application in the food and pharmaceutical packaging industry
and automotive fuel tanks
Other applications include the manufacture of polyvinyl acetyls,
the most important of these being polyvinyl butyral, which is
used as an inter-layer for laminated safety glass in cars and
architectural applications.
