One of the resins that is widely used in aqueous solutions and is available in homopolymer and copolymer forms is polyvinyl acetate (PVA), which is mostly used as a water-soluble emulsion polymer. The polymerization of vinyl acetate monomer units leads to the formation of polyvinyl acetate. Vinyl acetate can be easily polymerized through bulk, solution, suspension, and emulsion methods. The emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate is perhaps unique among polymerization methods, as it produces latexes with anionic, cationic, non-ionic, or protective colloid surfactants, alone or in combination, and also without emulsifiers. Vinyl acetate is prepared from the reaction of ethylene with oxygen and acetic acid using a palladium catalyst. The vinyl acetate monomer is converted to polyvinyl acetate through polymerization under the influence of free-radical initiators. This polymer has two functional groups in its structure: a hydroxyl group and an acetate group. The hydroxyl functional group is hydrophilic, while its acetate parts are hydrophobic. This factor causes the polymer to take on a specific shape in an aqueous solvent. The monomer can be polymerized while dispersed in water to form a milky white emulsion.

This resin is colorless, odorless, non-toxic, thermoplastic, and water-soluble, used as an adhesive and as an intermediate in the synthesis of polyvinyl acetal and polyvinyl alcohol. The vinyl acetate homopolymer resin is also known as a type of white latex that forms a transparent and colorless film after drying. The advantages of vinyl acetate homopolymer resins include being environmentally friendly, easy to use and clean, having good compatibility with various fillers and organic solvents, desirable flexibility, high adhesion to polar substrates, and good weather resistance. The polyvinyl acetate resin is also resistant to grease, oil, and petroleum fuels.

Polyvinyl acetate is used in the production of paints, adhesives for paper, wood, glass, metals, and porcelain, as an additive for strengthening concrete, and in lacquer and ink compounds. Generally, this resin, along with other additives, is used as an adhesive in various industries to improve product performance and increase its useful life.

As the first producer of vinyl acetate homopolymer resin with desirable properties and hardness, Iran Industrial Resins Co. supplies the needs of various industries in the country as follows: