Ethylene and Vinyl Acetate Unveiled Through Material Testing 

Ethylene and Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Explained: What is It?

The copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate is known as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). Vinyl acetate makes up anywhere from 10 to 40% of the mixture by weight, with ethylene making up the rest.

The greater the VA percentage, the more rubbery the EVA resin will feel. EVA is an improvement over regular polyethylene. Both substances are polyolefins.

There are three main categories of EVA copolymers, distinguished by their vinyl acetate (VA) concentration and intended use.

Ethylene and Vinyl Acetate (EVA) copolymer, in short

The vinyl acetate-modified polyethylene (EVA copolymer) contains a small amount of VA (up to 4 percent). Like low-density polyethylene, it is a copolymer that undergoes thermoplastic processing. Some of its characteristics are similar to those of low-density polyethylene. It is generally accepted as non-toxic.

The Average Amount of VA

Thermoplastic ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, or EVA copolymer, is a thermoplastic elastomer material with a VA content between 4% and 30%. It’s not vulcanized but has some of the same qualities as rubber or plasticized PVC, especially at higher temperatures. It can be filled, and the filled and unfilled varieties are robust and useful in cold environments.

A Significant Amount of VA

Ethylene Vinyl Ac rubber is a copolymer of EVA, and the VA content is quite high (often above 40%).

Conclusion

EVA is an elastomeric polymer that results in products with a “rubber-like” softness and adaptability. The material is resistant to UV rays, heat, stress cracks, and cracks at low temperatures.

Curing (usually with peroxides) gives Eva compositions excellent weathering, ozone resistance, and sulfur-free nature. Eva Foam densities range from below two PCF to well over sixty PCF.

High-density EVA foam sheets provide creative freedom in design. The design engineer has access to numerous novel options, such as high-density EVA foam that can be as rigid as a pretzel or as flexible as macaroni. Dig into the plethora of options for improving the product’s efficiency: sheets, rolls, foam tape, and even foam buns of extremely dense EVA foam.

Video 01: Copolymer EVA content quantification | FT-IR spectroscopy | Polymers and plastics