Today, ethylene vinyl acetate or EVA is a widely used polymer material in the world, and various industries use it as a raw material in the production of their products, and most of the plastic products that play a major role in our lives use this mineral.

This material is widely used in various industries due to its unique properties such as high flexibility, resistance to impact and wear, moisture and heat insulation, light weight and reasonable price. For example, the use of EVA in industries can be mentioned in medical equipment and operating rooms, shoes and slippers, car seats, children's toys, sports foams, household appliances, etc. In this article, we are trying to focus more on the use of EVA granules in industries and fully investigate the use of EVA compounds in industries.

What is ethylene vinyl acetate ?

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is a copolymer, meaning it's a polymer formed by linking together two different chemical units. In this case, the units are ethylene and vinyl acetate. The ratio of ethylene to vinyl acetate (VA) in the EVA copolymer significantly impacts its properties. Here's a breakdown of different EVA groups based on their vinyl acetate content:

Low VA content (up to 4%)

• Modified polyethylene with slightly improved gloss, flexibility, and softness compared to regular polyethylene.

• Processed like low-density polyethylene (LDPE)

• Commonly used in films for packaging applications due to its clarity and gloss.

Medium VA content (4% to 30%)

• Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with rubber-like elasticity and good flexibility.

• Offers good shock absorption, skid resistance, and low-temperature performance.

• Widely used in footwear (soles, midsoles, sandal straps), sports equipment (yoga mats, gym mats, sports balls), and toys (due to its ease of shaping and coloring).

High VA content (30% to 50%)

• Shows increased rubber-like properties with high elasticity and softness.

• More prone to tearing and has lower strength compared to medium VA content EVA.

• Commonly used in hot melt adhesives due to its adhesive properties and ease of processing.

• Can also be found in wire and cable insulation and foams.

Appearance characteristics and chemical formula of EVA granules

EVA is usually a white, odorless powder in its raw form. EVA granules are usually sold in the form of small balls or beads that look like clear plastic pearls, and the surface can be smooth and shiny. Depending on the application, the granules can be clear or opaque, and some color may be added to them. Particle size of EVA granules is typically around 90 micrometers. The density of EVA granules ranges from 0.926 to 0.950 g/cm³. EVA granules have a neutral pH. Melting point of EVA granules is approximately 96°C.

As we mentioned, EVA is a copolymer, which means it consists of two different repeating units that are linked together. Therefore, its chemical formula is as follows:

Chemical formula: (C2H4)n(C4H6O2)m

(C2H4) represents the ethylene unit.

(C4H6O2) represents the vinyl acetate unit.

n and m represent the variable numbers of ethylene and vinyl acetate units, respectively. The ratio of these units determines the final properties of the EVA compound.

Application of EVA compounds in various industries

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), also known as EVA and PVC compound, is a versatile copolymer resin used in a wide range of industries due to its many favorable properties. Here are some of its common applications:

• Footwear: EVA is a popular material for shoe soles, midsoles, and sandal straps due to its cushioning, lightweight, and flexible properties .

• Sports equipment: EVA finds use in the production of yoga mats, gym mats, sports balls, and various protective gear because of its shock absorption and skid resistance .

• Packaging: EVA is used in food packaging, sheets, and films due to its clarity, flexibility, and waterproof nature .

• Toys and Crafts: EVA sheets are popular for crafting and toy making because they are lightweight, easy to cut and shape, and come in various colors .

• Adhesives and sealants: EVA is a component in hot melt adhesives used in packaging, bookbinding, and other applications due to its strong bonding properties.

• Building and construction: EVA is used in roofing membranes, wire and cable insulation, and noise and vibration dampening materials because of its water resistance and elasticity.

• Medical applications: EVA is used in catheter tubing, wound dressings, and drug delivery devices due to its biocompatibility and chemical resistance.

The specific properties of EVA compounds can be adjusted by varying the ratio of ethylene to vinyl acetate in the copolymer. This allows manufacturers to tailor the material for different applications.

Price of EVA compounds

The price of EVA compounds can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Vinyl Acetate Content: Generally, EVA with higher vinyl acetate content is more expensive due to its enhanced flexibility and elasticity.

• Quantity: Bulk purchases from chemical suppliers typically offer lower prices per unit weight compared to smaller quantities from distributors or online marketplaces.

Conclusion

EVA compounds are used in many industries due to their many properties. By adjusting the VA content and potentially adding modifiers, manufacturers can create EVA compounds with a wide range of properties to suit various applications. When purchasing EVA granules, it's crucial to consider the desired final product properties and choose a grade with the appropriate VA content or formulation. Specifying the intended application can help suppliers recommend the most suitable grade. To buy EVA compounds, you can go to the website of the sellers of this product and consult before buying.