Vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) polymers – a promising bond

When two individuals get together and the chemistry between them is right, each can bring out the best of their abilities and, together, they become a force to reckon with. What applies to people is also true for molecules. Vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) polymers are an excellent example: their special properties have made them indispensable in numerous industries and applications.

Sometimes, it only takes two molecules to achieve something extraordinary. Take, for instance, vinyl acetate (VA) and ethylene (E): when polymerzed, these two monomers produce vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) copolymers that unite the strength and adhesion of vinyl acetate with the flexibility of ethylene.

Varying the composition of the two monomers also allows us to customize the properties of VAE polymers such as adhesive strength, flexibility and water resistance. VAE-polymers are available in a wide range of glass transition temperatures (T_g). T_g is the temperature range in which a material transitions from a solid to a flexible state. As it also serves as a plasticizer, the monomer ethylene eliminates the need of adding plasticizers to VAE polymers.

As a result, VAE polymers display an exceptional technical performance profile, along with environmental and health-related benefits. They are low-emission products that possess only a low content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In addition, they are formulated without harmful alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs).

VINNAPAS^®: our brand for VAE polymers

As the leading manufacturer of VAE polymers worldwide, we offer a wide range of VAE dispersions and dispersible polymer powders under the brand names VINNAPAS^® and ETONIS^®, which stand out thanks to their unique characteristics.

Very good adhesion to a wide range of substrates, e.g., wood, paper, metal, plastic, and concrete
Can be used in various applications as they are available with a wide range of glass transition temperatures (T_g), from high to low
Low-emission products, due to low VOC content
Flexible VAE formulations eliminate the need to add plasticizers
Good film-forming properties at low temperatures without additional coalescing agents
Thermosplastic and soluble formulations, thus displaying good characteristics for plastic recycling
Excellent cohesion (internal strength or polymer cohesion)
Excellent filler acceptance
Suitable for heat and fire-resistant formulations
Produced without harmful alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs)

Benefits in numerous applications

These chemical properties translate into actual commercial advantages:

Here’s why our VAE dispersions and dispersible polymer powders are used in a wide range of applications:

Tile adhesives

VINNAPAS^® VAE dispersible polymer powders improve the adhesion properties of tile adhesives. They ensure secure adhesion, particularly with modern porcelain tiles and substrates such as dry walls, over old tiles, or on floors with underfloor heating.

Wall paints

VINNAPAS^® VAE dispersions are suitable for formulating low-odor interior and exterior wall paints with a low VOC content. They comply with the requirements of major ecolabels and combine good adhesion with high color stability.

Sealants

VINNAPAS^® VAE dispersions give water-based sealants adhesion, stability and flexibility. In contrast to other sealants, VAE-modified sealants can create a stable bond between different surfaces, e.g., plaster and wood.

Carpets

VINNAPAS^® VAE copolymers are used in carpet-backing applications in both residential and commercial areas. Low-odour, low-emission and flame-retardant formulations, they enhance the service life of tufted and woven carpets.

Waterproofing systems

In basements or bathrooms, swimming pools or sewers: wherever reliable waterproofing is required, VINNAPAS^® VAE binders win the day with excellent adhesion, flexibility and the ability to bridge cracks – even under high hydrostatic water pressure.

ETICS

Thanks to their low calorific values, VINNAPAS^® VAE and VC-containing dispersions exhibit a more favorable burning behavior than, for example, standard styrene acrylates. Smoke development is also significantly reduced with VAE dispersions. VINNAPAS^® dispersions based on vinyl chloride copolymers display an additional flame-suppresion effect.

VINNAPAS^® eco: the sustainable alternative

We also offer many of our VINNAPAS^® VAE grades as alternatives made from renewable raw materials. In accordance with the biomass balance method, we replace the required quantity of fossil raw materials with a corresponding quantity of renewable raw materials during production. We market this product line under the brand name VINNAPAS^® eco. In terms of quality, performance and workability, our VINNAPAS^® eco product line is identical to our conventional VINNAPAS^® grades.

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Learn more about our VAE dispersions and dispersion powders

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Sustainability is change

The future always involves change. And change has never been more necessary than it is today. As a leading producer of polymer binders and additives, we accept this challenge and invite you to join us in developing appropriate solutions. For an economy and society built on clear and verifiable sustainability principles.

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