CEH Report

Table of Contents

Abstract

In this report, polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) includes vinyl acetate homopolymers and all copolymers in which vinyl acetate is the major constituent (50% or greater). The major PVAc copolymers included in this report are vinyl acetate–ethylene (VAE) and vinyl acetate/acrylic ester (vinyl acrylic). Vinyl acetate–versatic acid (vinyl versatate, VEOVA) and vinyl acetate–maleate are PVAc copolymer emulsions used in Europe that currently have limited use in the United States.

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. Di-butyl maleate and di-butyl fumarate are used to a minor extent as comonomers in some emulsions. Vinyl versatate is a widely used PVAc comonomer in Europe for coating masonry and concrete because of its resistance to alkaline conditions. Use in the United States is expected to increase. Generally, both PVAc and its copolymers exhibit good light stability.

The following pie chart shows world consumption of polyvinyl acetate:

In 2010, PVAc homopolymer production in China accounted for over 85% of all PVAc. The 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.

In the United States, overall polyvinyl acetate consumption will follow general economic growth and will increase at an average annual rate of 2.5% during 2010–2015. PVAc-based adhesives (primarily homopolymers and 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.

Western European consumption of polyvinyl acetate and its copolymers is forecast to grow at 3.8% per year during the next five years. PVAc homopolymers are still the dominant product used, but redispersible powders will be showing the most dynamic growth through 2015. Adhesive and paint applications currently dominate PVAc consumption, but overall demand for PVAc paints and coatings is expected to decline because of the progressive substitution of acrylic-based emulsions for PVAc.

Japanese demand for polyvinyl acetate emulsions and resins is forecast to grow at 2.6% per year during the next five years. Adhesives continue to be the dominant end-use market, with most adhesives based on PVAc homopolymer emulsions.

The aqueous polyvinyl acetate market is at moderate risk for consolidation of producers because of overcapacity even though these water-containing products are generally sourced from local producers.

The VAE market is at low risk for consolidation of producers since the higher capital costs of a pressurized reactor is a significant barrier to entry.