POLY(VINYL ACETATE)CAS #9003-20-7

The degree of polymerization of polyvinyl acetate typically is 100 to 5000. The ester groups of the polyvinyl acetate are sensitive to base hydrolysis and will slowly convert PVAc into polyvinyl alcohol and acetic acid.Under alkaline conditions, boron compounds such as boric acid or borax cause the polymer to cross-link, forming tackifying precipitates or slime.
Polyvinyl acetate is used as an adhesive for porous materials such as wood, paper, cloth and in handicrafts. It also finds application as a primer for drywall, as wallpaper adhesive, as the film-forming ingredient in water-based (latex) paints and as an envelope adhesive. It is used as a raw material for the preparation of other polymers like polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl acetate phthalate (PVAP). It plays an important role in the lamination of metal foils.