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Polyvinyl acetate and its commercially important copolymers are thermoplastic in nature. An unplasticized vinyl acetate homopolymer film of medium molecular weight is clear, hard and brittle at room temperature. Comonomers usually impart a plasticizing effect, where the softening temperature and the mechanical properties of the resin are altered considerably. Predominant comonomers include n-butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and ethylene.
Polyvinyl acetate production is generally located close to end-use industries such as textile mills and adhesive or paint manufacturing facilities. In the United States, in addition to the large-scale merchant and captive producers, smaller-volume captive producers (primarily in the surface coatings industry) contribute significantly to the overall market dynamics. Sales in the primary end markets for polyvinyl acetate—paints, adhesives, paper coatings and textiles—depend on the performance of the general economy.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of polyvinyl acetate:
In the United States, overall polyvinyl acetate consumption will follow general economic growth during 2007–2012. PVAc-based adhesives (primarily homopolymers and vinyl acetate–ethylene copolymers [VAE]) for use in packaging and construction will provide the strongest growth opportunities. PVAc copolymers (such as vinyl acrylics) in latex paint formulations have replaced solvent-based coatings because of government regulations limiting solvent emissions from coatings. More restrictive government regulations will increase the use of VAE copolymer emulsions.
In Western Europe, PVAc homopolymers are still the dominant product used, but redispersible powders will be showing the most dynamic growth through 2012. Paint and adhesive applications currently dominate PVAc consumption, but overall demand for PVAc paints and coatings is expected to decline because of progressive substitution of acrylic-based emulsions for PVAc.
Japanese demand for polyvinyl acetate emulsions and resins is forecast to be flat during the next five years. Adhesives continue to be the dominant end-use market, with most adhesives based on PVAc homopolymer emulsions.
In 2007, PVAc homopolymer production in China accounted for over 80% of all PVAc. PVAc copolymers produced in China are largely VAE and vinyl acetate /acrylic ester copolymers. PVAc is used for adhesives, coatings, construction and other uses in China. PVAc consumption for adhesives accounted for approximately 70% of total PVAc consumption.
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