Acacia Gum as Protective Colloid and Stabilizer in the Polymerization of Vinyl Acetate

This study was directed to use the natural gum as a polysaccharide in the emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate and vinyl ester of versatic acid monomers as an alternative material to hydroxyethyl cellulose, which is functioning as a stabilizer and protective colloid in the emulsion polymerization reaction of polyvinyl acetate copolymer. The solid materials content, pH, and viscosity of the prepared emulsion polymers with different contents of the polysaccharide were studied. The stability of the prepared emulsion polymers was studied. The scanning electron microscopy study of the prepared films from the prepared emulsion polymers using different concentrations of gum and hydroxyethyl cellulose, the minimum film-forming temperature, and the water absorption of the polymer films were investigated in detail. Gloss, wet scrub resistance, and hiding power of the paint samples that were prepared by 20% of the prepared polymers were studied to evaluate the difference between the natural gum and hydroxyethyl cellulose during the polymerization process and the effect of changing between gum and hydroxyethyl cellulose on the polymer properties and its application in the emulsion paint.