Precise Polymerization Control and Applications of Polyvinyl Acetate

Abstract

Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) is a thermoplastic polymer with numerous advantages, such as being non-toxic, cost-effective, and highly productive. It is widely used as an adhesive for porous materials and offers excellent resistance to yellowing, making it applicable in various industries, including packaging, paint, and healthcare. Additionally, PVAc serves as a key precursor for polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which is extensively used in industries like textiles, films, e-skin, and wearable sensors. However, controlling the polymerization of vinyl acetate (VAc) monomers is challenging due to the high reactivity of the radicals formed during polymerization. This makes it difficult to control the polymer’s microstruc-ture, such as stereoregularity, backbone configuration, and suppression of branch formation. This review explores various polymerization methods (e.g., free radical polymerization(FRP), reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization(RAFT)) for controlling the polymerization of VAc, analyzing their impact on PVAc molecular weight and distribution. Furthermore, it discusses the potential biodegradability of PVAc and its future applications in advanced industries, emphasizing the need for further research to enhance mass production and sustainability.