PVAC adhesive: an all-purpose glue and why is it still popular?

25.05.2020

PVAC adhesive is one of the best-known and widely used adhesives in the world. Two chemists invented PVAC at the same time: a German and a Korean scientist who worked on the future product separately and in different laboratories. That was the time when the history of creating all kinds of modern adhesive compositions, which are used widely in the market nowadays, began. Following the invention of PVAC adhesive, companies in the U.S.A. started to produce polyvinyl acetate on a wide scale. In the domestic market, PVAC began to be used only in the 1970s.

The PVAC adhesive used nowadays differs in composition from that of the glue invented in the early 20th century. Presently, PVAC adhesive is produced based on polyvinyl acetate dispersion, polymerisation accelerators, hardeners, stabilisers, and preservation and other additives. Commercial PVAC adhesive is a white viscous liquid, resistant to environmental factors. The glue film of a quality adhesive is transparent after setting.

What can be bonded with PVAC?

PVAC is used for bonding different surfaces: paper, wood, fabric and other materials. Hence, this kind of adhesive is an all-purpose one and it is still popular. PVAC adhesive is used in many industries, with the market offering a wide range of different brands of this product.

Where is PVAC adhesive used?

In the printing industry for bonding books, magazines and other printed matter.
In the woodworking and furniture making industries.
In construction work.
In the textile industry.
To produce paint-and-varnish products.

Each area uses a specific kind of PVAC adhesive:

Joiner’s glue for wood – capable of joining any species of wood, plywood, floor coverings, planks, and so forth.

Super PVAC – used in the furniture making industry, as well as for working with laminated flooring, parquet board, and facing tiles.
All-purpose PVAC adhesive – ensures a strong bond of different materials: paper, wood, fabrics, and it is added to construction mixes.
Office PVAC – used as small packages for gluing paper and cardboard.
Dispersion PVAC – a product characterised by high adhesion to different surfaces. Dispersion PVAC, with the help of different additives, is used for producing PVAC adhesive.

Why is PVAC adhesive popular?

PVAC adhesive has several advantages, namely:

It is an all-purpose adhesive because polyvinyl acetate is used not only in industry but also in households.
It contains a high concentration of polymer.
It produces elastic, transparent and high-strength adhesive joints.
It is applicable for industrial equipment, in hot and cold presses.

It is distinguished by high adhesion to different materials.
It is safe for the environment and non-toxic, so protection means are not required.
It can be water-proof.

The quality of the adhesive depends on its production process, as well as on the components that make up the product composition. The basic PVAC adhesive components are as follows: polyvinyl acetate, water, and special additives and plasticisers. The additives enhance certain PVAC adhesive properties for more effective use of the adhesive in different areas. Plasticisers are added to the adhesive mixture to impart elasticity to the product, while stabilisers prolong the adhesive shelf life.

Recommendations for working with PVAC adhesive

Prior to using PVAC adhesive, prepare the surface by cleaning it from dirt, and then dry it well. The adhesive can be applied using special equipment, with a roller or by hand. If the applied adhesive layer is very thick, remove excess adhesive to ensure better adhesion.

Remove excess adhesive from a surface using a moist cloth. The recommended adhesive film thickness is up to 2 mm. If the adhesive mix is thinly fluid, after application let the surface dry, and only then join the parts. To ensure good adhesion, put the bonded surfaces for several hours under a load. PVAC adhesive dries fully in 24 hours. Following complete drying, the adhesive joint can be dressed with sandpaper to remove dry glue residue.

Lux-X specialists advise working with PVAC adhesives at temperatures from +10 ˚С and higher, with humidity up to 80%. PVAC adhesive requires special usage and storage conditions. Often a situation occurs when a can with the adhesive has been left open or stored at wrong temperature, and the adhesive has gotten crusty or has segregated. Before using the adhesive, carefully remove the crust and stir the adhesive. If the adhesive has thickened, dilute it with a small amount of water before using. Helpful hints on how to dilute PVAC adhesive properly are given here.

Where to purchase PVAC adhesive

SPE Lux-L LLC offers a wide range of PVAC adhesives. Find more information about the specifications of the commercial adhesive here and about adhesive varieties especially for wood and for printing

Get detailed information on PVAC adhesives from Lux-X specialists by calling the telephone numbers indicated on the company website or via the “Contact us” button.