Abstract: Methods for preparing vinyl ester-ethylene copolymers and methods for recovering residual monomers when preparing the same. The method includes performing a stage (a) where radically initiated polymerization of vinyl esters, ethylene and optionally further ethylenically unsaturated monomers in an aqueous medium is performed. In a stage (b) a polymerization mixture from stage (a) is depressurized producing an ethylene-containing gas phase and an aqueous phase containing vinyl esters and vinyl ester-ethylene copolymers. Where the ethylene-containing gas phase separated off, then absorbed into vinyl esters and the mixture thus obtained is used in the radically initiated polymerization of vinyl esters, ethylene and optionally further ethylenically unsaturated monomers.

Abstract: A process for preparing vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymers in the form of an aqueous dispersion. The process includes providing an aqueous dispersion of vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymers and subjecting the aqueous dispersion of vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymers to radically initiated emulsion polymerization in a continuously operated tubular-reactor. Where one or more dividing plates bearing liquid-permeable openings that are mounted within the tubular-reactor transverse to the flow direction of the reactor contents.