first reaction zone may be for example about 0 0001 to about 1 wt based on the weight of vam being fed the amount of solvent fed to the first reaction zone may be for example about 10 to about 40 wt based on the weight of vam being fed the polymerization initiator is preferably fed to the first reaction zone as a solution in the solvent at a concentration in the solvent of about 0 1 to about 10 wt based on the weight of the solution the average residence time in the first reaction zone of the components fed to the fust reaction zone may be for example in the range of about 30 to about 120 minutes preferably about 45 to about 70 minutes the reaction temperature in the first reaction zone is for example about 55 to about 85 u00b0 c preferably about 60 to about 80 u00b0 c the average residence time in the second reaction zone of the components in the effluent from the first reaction one and the additional amps fed to the second reaction zone may be for example in the range of about 30 to about 120 minutes preferably about 45 to about 70.