What are the uses and characteristics of white latex?

If we were to say which water-soluble adhesive is the oldest, it would be white latex. According to historical records, white latex appeared hundreds of years ago and was widely used in life. Whenever we decorate our house, we cannot do without white glue. Nowadays, with the continuous development of science and technology, its role is becoming more and more important. Here I will introduce to you the purpose and use of white latex.

Characteristics of white latex

White latex is a water-soluble adhesive. It is a thermoplastic adhesive made by the polymerization reaction of vinyl acetate monomer under the action of an initiator. It is usually called white latex or PVAC emulsion for short. Its chemical name is polyvinyl acetate adhesive. It is synthesized from acetic acid and ethylene to form vinyl acetate, with the addition of titanium dioxide (low-grade ones are made of light calcium, talcum powder, and other powders). It is then polymerized through emulsion to form a milky white thick liquid. White latex can be cured at room temperature, cures quickly, has high bonding strength, and the bonding layer has good toughness and durability and is not easy to age.

Uses of white latex

It can be widely used in bonding paper products (wallpaper), and can also be used as an adhesive for waterproof coatings and wood. Bonding of wood materials. It uses water as a dispersant and is safe, non-toxic, non-flammable, easy to clean, and cures at room temperature. It has excellent adhesion to wood, paper, and fabric, and has high bonding strength. The cured adhesive layer is colorless and transparent, has good toughness, and does not contaminate the bonded object. The emulsion has good stability and a storage period of more than half a year. Therefore, it is widely used in printing and binding and furniture manufacturing, used as an adhesive for paper, wood, cloth, leather, ceramics, etc. It can also be used as a modifier for adhesives such as phenolic resin and urea-formaldehyde resin, and used in the manufacture of polyvinyl acetate latex paint, etc.

The disadvantages of polyvinyl acetate emulsion adhesives are poor water resistance and moisture resistance. It is easy to absorb moisture in humid air. When used at high temperatures, it will produce creep, which will reduce the bonding strength. It is easy to freeze when stored below -5°C, which will destroy the emulsion. This product uses a polymer compound formed by the polymerization of polyvinyl alcohol and formaldehyde as a modifier, which improves the water resistance and freeze-thaw resistance of the emulsion and expands the application range of the emulsion.

How to use white latex

1. Before using white glue to bond materials, you must first clean the surface of the material to be bonded. For example, if there is dirt such as oil, water, dust, etc. on the surface of the material, you must use a detergent such as alcohol to clean the surface of the material. Ensure that the surface of the material is clean and dry before using white glue for bonding.

2. When applying glue, if it is applied manually, you need to use a brush to evenly apply the white glue on the surface of one of the materials to be bonded, and then apply the other material to be bonded. After fitting, press the two materials tightly and fix them with something like clips or tape. Generally speaking, the material can be positioned 2 hours after pressing. It takes 24 hours to fully cure. (Note: The curing time of glue will be affected by the humidity and temperature in the room. If it is used under low temperature and high humidity, the positioning time and complete curing time of white latex will be delayed accordingly. On the contrary, if it is used in a dry and ventilated environment, the positioning time and complete curing time of white latex will be shortened.)

3. When using white glue, it is best not to add water to dilute it in order to save costs. Because doing so will affect the adhesion of white glue.