Vinylacetate Monomer (VAM)

Infobox on Vinylacetate Monomer (VAM)
Example of Vinylacetate Monomer (VAM)
Facts
Origin	-
Stowage factor (in m3/t)	-
Humidity / moisture	-
Ventilation	-
Risk factors	See text

Vinylacetate Monomer (VAM)

Description / Application

Vinyl acetate is an organic compound; a colourless liquid with a pungent odour, it is the precursor to polyvinyl acetate, an important polymer in industry. It can be polymerized, either by itself to make polyvinyl acetate or with other monomers to prepare copolymers such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), vinyl acetate-acrylic acid (VA/AA) and polyvinyl chloride acetate (PVCA). Due to the instability of the radical, attempts to control the polymerization via most 'living/controlled' radical processes have proved problematic. However, RAFT (or more specifically MADIX) polymerization offers a convenient method of controlling the synthesis of PVA by the addition of a xanthate chain transfer agent.

Use; Polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, and polyvinyl chloride-acetate resins, used particularly in latex paints, paper coating, adhesives, textile finishing, safety glass inter-layers.

Shipment / Storage

Some properties
Melting point                       -93°C.
Boiling point                        72.7°C.
Flash point                         -8°C.
Autoignition temperature      427°C.

The product is soluble in most organic solvents including chlorinated solvents; insoluble in water.

For overseas carriage aspects of Chemicals, the readers are recommended to acquire or have access to a good chemical dictionary, and a copy of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, issued by the International Maritime Organisation. Also consult the applicable MSDS sheet.

Risk factors

Flammable, dangerous fire risk. Flammable limits in air 2,6-13,4%. Toxic by inhalation and ingestion. TLV: 10 ppm in air.