Preparation of polymer emulsions using a poly(vinyl alcohol) as protective colloid

Abstract We have prepared poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) emulsions using a new modified fully hydrolyzed poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) with hydrophobic groups (RS-POLYMER) as a protective colloid. The stability of emulsion polymerization was excellent and the emulsion concurrently resulted in a good viscosity stability at low temperatures and high water resistant film; which could not be achieved by using a conventional PVOH. The features of the emulsion are ascribed to the characteristics of RS-POLYMER, which are stable at low temperatures and have a high water resistance. The emulsion has the advantage that it can be applied in high wet strength adhesives for paper and wood use.