Copolymerization of Polyvinyl Acetate and Hydroxylated Vitellaria paradoxa (Shea Butter) Oil

Oil from the seed of Shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa) was extracted, epoxidized and hydroxylated. The Hydroxylated Shea butter seed oil was copolymerized by blending with conventional polyvinyl acetate. Some physical properties of the copolymer resin, such as density. Melting point, refractive index, viscosity, gel-time, moisture uptake, elongation at break and water solubility were determined. The physical properties of the copolymer resin (HVPSO/PVAc), such as elongation at break, viscosity, density, and refractive index, showed improvement when compared to the conventional PVAc. The low moisture uptake and the low melting point addressed the major setbacks in conventional PVAc resin, which is high moisture absorptivity and rigidity. The result of these physico-chemical properties of HMSO/PVAc copolymer resin was in conformity with the literature values. The HVPSO/PVAc copolymer resin was then used as a binder in the production of emulsion paint. The results of the physico-chemical analysis of the emulsion paint formulated were compared with paint formulated from conventional PVAc and the standard acceptable values. The paint formulated from the copolymer resin showed that the pH, Viscosity, Flexibility, Adhesion, Opacity, Hardness test, Tackiness, Resistance to blistering, and drying time were also within range of the standard. It also showed good resistance to blistering in acidic, alkaline and salt medium compared to the pure PVAc paint. This study may introduce a new binder for the coating industry.