Vinylacetate-maleic anhydride copolymers are prepared by charging 98.10 grams (1.0 mole) maleic anhydride, 86.06 grams (1.0 mole) vinylacetate, 2.42 grams (0.01 mole benzoyl peroxide and 1,000 milliliters of an organic solvent, such as benzene, toluene, xylene or mixtures thereof, into a suitable reaction vessel.