| The synthesis of
vinyl acetate monomer was patented in Germany by Dr Fritz Klatte
in 1913. He discovered that the reaction between acetylene and
acetic acid could be catalysed to give a volatile liquid, vinyl
acetate.
This was readily polymerised to yield a range of
dense solid materials. These are now often denoted as (PVAc) or (PVA)
polymers.
Together with others, he found that PVA was
compatible with other polymers and plasticisers to yield a
useful range of transparent polymers used for adhesives and coatings.
Poly(vinyl acetate) became the starting point for the
preparation of the first totally synthetic colloid, poly(vinyl
alcohol), which was discovered by Hermann and Haechnel in
Germany in 1924. |
