Polyvinyl acetate
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Polyvinyl acetate or PVA is a rubbery synthetic polymer. It can also be referred to as PVAc. It is prepared by polymerization of vinyl acetate, 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.
PVA is sold, as an emulsion in water, as an adhesive for porous materials, particularly wood. It is the most commonly used wood glue, both as "white glue" and the yellow "carpenter's glue", the former also used extensively to glue other materials like paper and cloth and also holds cigarettes together. PVA is widely used in book making and book arts due to its flexibility and because it is not acidic like many polymers. Elmer's Glue is a popular brand of white PVA glue sold in the United States.
It 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 humidity. It is slowly attacked by alkali, forming acetic acid as a hydrolysis product. Boron compounds like boric acid or borax will form tackifying precipitates.
PVA is also commonly recommended for use in making papier-mâché.
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