Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA)
Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) is the second-largest derivative of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), accounting for about 34% of VAM demand in 2020. However, if polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), which is produced from intermediate PVA, is included, around 71% of VAM is converted to PVA.
Polyvinyl acetate is often sold as an emulsion that is milky white in color. One of the major applications is in adhesives, such as Elmer’s glue or carpenter’s glue, and in latex paints where PVA provides film-forming properties. PVA is also used in food applications, as the main raw material for chewing gum. PVA is clear and brittle at room temperature. It forms a tough coating with a shiny surface. PVA is produced by merchant manufacturers such as Dow, Celanese, and Wacker as well as by major paint manufacturers for captive use, such as PPG, AkzoNobel, and Benjamin Moore. PVA is also produced for captive use by some adhesives and coatings manufacturers; this is very common in China.