Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is a product derived from the copolymerisation of ethylene with vinyl acetate. EVA’s main advantages include clarity and toughness, along with strong flexibility and the ability to withstand low temperatures. It also has good tear resistance and may be cross linked.
The main uses for EVA are as a stretch film for shrink wrapping, protector strips, shoe soles (cross linked) and disposable medical equipment. As a coating (for heat sealing) on polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate and aluminum films. Other applications include tubing and wire coating.
The VA content in EVA differs according to the various grades, with the ICIS pricing report focusing on low VA content (14-20%) and high VA content (22-30%). EVA of 14-20% VA content has lower water absorption, higher permeability and dielectric strength and is cheaper that higher VA material. Product of 22-30% VA content has greater heat seal strength and flexibility compared to the lower VA content material. While 14-20% VA material’s main use is in food packaging, higher VA material can also be used for cable coating and as parts for circuit breakers.
ICIS pricing quotes ethylene vinyl acetate in Asia-Pacific:
To find out more Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Methodology September 2013
