What is Acetic Acid?

Acetic acid also surrounds us in our everyday lives. Terephthalic acid (PTA) is a basic component of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, which is used to package beverages and household products. Aside from its clarity and impact resistance, PET has the added advantage of being 100% recyclable. Another use for PTA is in making polyester fibre for our clothing and carpets. Acetic acid is also a major component of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), which is used in the manufacture of water-based paints and adhesives that are increasingly replacing solvent-based products.

Solvent esters, another derivative of acetic acid, are expected to grow as these preferred solvents replace ketones and chlorinated hydrocarbons, particularly in paint and coatings applications. Growth will also come from increased use in adhesives and sealants, printing inks and other smaller solvent markets.