What Is VAM Material?
VAM is the standard industrial acronym for vinyl acetate monomer, the ester of vinyl alcohol and acetic acid, with the IUPAC name ethenyl acetate. Its identity data are summarised below.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C4H6O2 |
| CAS number | 108-05-4 |
| EC number (EINECS) | 203-545-4 |
| HS code | 2915.32 |
| UN number | 1301 (class 3, packing group II) |
| Molecular weight | 86.09 g/mol |
| Boiling point | ≈72.7 °C |
| Flash point (closed cup) | ≈−8 °C |
| Density | ≈0.932 g/mL at 20 °C |
Main Uses of Vinyl Acetate Monomer
VAM is primarily a polymerisation feedstock. Its principal derivatives and end-uses include:
Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc)
PVAc homopolymers and copolymers are the backbone of water-based adhesives, emulsion paints, coatings for flexible substrates and textile processing auxiliaries.
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH)
Produced by alcoholysis of PVAc, PVOH offers excellent film-forming properties and high resistance to oils, greases and solvents. It is used in adhesives, paper coatings, textile sizing and water-soluble packaging films.
Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and EVOH
Copolymerisation of VAM with ethylene gives EVA, widely used in packaging film, extrusion coating, hot-melt adhesives and wire and cable jacketing. Further processing yields EVOH, whose exceptional gas barrier properties make it essential for high-barrier food packaging films.
Polyvinyl acetals
VAM is also a precursor for polyvinyl acetal resins, including those used in safety-glass interlayers, magnetic wire insulation and speciality coatings.
Polymerisation Behaviour and Storage
VAM readily polymerises, especially with acrylate esters, to produce copolymers with the flexibility, durability and strength required in coatings, adhesives and sealants. Because of this reactivity, commercial VAM is supplied with a polymerisation inhibitor and must be kept cool, tightly sealed and protected from light and air. Do not store in direct sunlight or near ignition sources, and monitor inhibitor levels during extended storage.
Safety and Regulatory Notes
Vinyl acetate is classified as a highly flammable liquid (H225), causes serious eye irritation (H319) and is suspected of causing cancer (H351); it is listed by IARC in Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). Handle only with adequate ventilation, wear protective gloves and eye protection, and keep containers grounded during transfer. Verify that your supplier maintains EU REACH registration and provides a compliant SDS with each shipment.
How to Buy VAM
Specify polymer-grade VAM with the purity required for your process, confirm the inhibitor type and level, and request the batch COA and SDS. VAM is transported under UN 1301; check that your logistics partner provides compliant dangerous-goods documentation. Bulk supply is typically arranged in 20–200 MT batches with annual contract options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VAM stand for? VAM stands for vinyl acetate monomer, the polymerisation-grade form of vinyl acetate (CAS 108-05-4).
Is VAM the same as acetic acid? No. Vinyl acetate is the vinyl ester of acetic acid (CH3COOCH=CH2), a monomer, whereas acetic acid (CAS 64-19-7) is the parent carboxylic acid used in its manufacture.
What products are made from VAM? VAM is converted mainly into PVAc, PVOH, EVA, EVOH and polyvinyl acetals, which appear in adhesives, emulsion paints, packaging films, textile finishes and safety-glass interlayers.
Is VAM dangerous to transport? Yes, VAM is a flammable liquid assigned UN 1301, class 3, packing group II, and must be shipped with approved dangerous-goods packaging and documentation.
Does VAM need an inhibitor? Yes. Commercial VAM contains a polymerisation inhibitor and requires cool, dark storage to prevent uncontrolled exothermic polymerisation during transport and warehousing.
What purity is commercial VAM? Polymer-grade VAM is typically supplied at ≥99.8% purity with tightly controlled water and aldehyde limits; request the COA for batch-specific values.