Vinyl Acetate Monomer: Product Overview & Safe Handling Guidelines

Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM) is a pale liquid having unique scent and a low flash point. It’s highly soluble in common organic solvent except for water whereas can easily be polymerised alone or with other monomers like acrylate ester. It’s also used during production of many industrial and consumer product like;

• Emulsion polymers for textiles, paints and adhesive
• Ethylene vinyl acetate or polyethylene resin for film, wires and cables, molten adhesives
• Acrylic fibres; low strength additive for shrink prevention in polyester compound
• Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) for application in textiles, paper sizing, fibre and adhesives
• Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) which is used to produce a gas layer in plastic fuel tanks and food packaging
• Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) to create laminated safety glass for automobiles and other architectural applications.

Substance formed from vinyl acetate monomer will be flexible, anti-corrosive, transparent, remain stable when exposed to light and atmosphere. It can easily adhere to glass, wood, metal and paper.

Chemical Properties

Before handling VAM, better familiarise yourself with chemical properties. Naming a few for instance;

• Highly flammable and even vapour may cause combustion
• In-case of cross contamination, it may polymerise spontaneously. May emit heat, rapid vaporisation and possible vessel explosion if exposed to radiation, strong acids/bases or oxidising materials
• Possibility of eye, skin and respiratory irritation, threat of cancer and harmful by inhalation
• Prolonged exposure may cause upper digestive tract and nasal cancer. Possible tumour when over exposed to concentration

Safety Measures

1. Inhalation: Immediate move out to get some fresh air. If having difficulty in breathing, take synthetic oxygen per condition. Specimen may encounter bronchitis, pneumonia, respiratory tract irritation or delayed pulmonary edema.
2. Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothes and shoes immediately. Wash rigorously with water and soap for at-least minutes. If rash or burning pain persists even after wash, seek medical attention promptly.
3. Eye Contact: Discard contact lenses or glasses. Flush eyes with plenty of water and do consult ophthalmologist for additional safety.
4. Ingestion: Slowly drink four to eight ounces of milk or water. Don’t induce vomiting or it’ll raise a threat for lungs.
5. Thermal Burns: Cool affected body areas for as long as possible with icy-cold water. Don’t remove clothes if they’re glued to skin.

Hazardous Properties

Vinyl Acetate Monomer flares up at below 37 degree centigrade hence is a “flammable” liquid. When exposed to air at room temperature, it becomes a flammable vapour. These vapours are heavier than air having tendency to travel a long distance directly towards ignition source for instance an electric spark or a flame and then flare. Unless contained or proper handled, VAM can polymerise uncontrollably. 

Vinyl acetate monomer manufacturer usually ships the chemical with a polymerisation inhibitor that’s generally hydroquinone (HQ). Prolonged exposure to heat; X-rays or sunlight may initiate polymerisation. The reaction would be swift if exposed to strong acids, amines, silica, alumina, alkalis or oxidising agents. Spill or careless handling may result in possible fire or explosion causing major damage.

Industrial Sanitation

VAM effect eyes, skin and respiratory tract! Workers are advised to avoid physical contact as emitting vapours may travel via breathing and cause different health issues. Carefully remove all contaminated clothing only if it’s not clinging to your skin.

These are a few details to consider when dealing with vinyl acetate monomer. Stay safe!