What Is EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) and Its Applications

EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) is a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate known for its flexibility, impact resistance, and lightweight properties. It is widely used in footwear, packaging, solar panels, and industrial applications requiring softness, cushioning, and durability.

Composition and Properties

• Base Material: Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer

• Vinyl Acetate Content: Typically 10–28%, influencing softness and flexibility

• Additives: UV stabilizers, antioxidants, colorants, and processing aids

EVA exhibits a unique combination of elasticity, chemical resistance, and processability, making it ideal for both protective and structural applications.

Key Features

• High Flexibility & Softness: Provides cushioning and comfort

• Impact & Shock Resistance: Reduces risk of damage in products

• Lightweight: Ideal for wearable or transportable applications

• Chemical & UV Resistance: Suitable for outdoor and industrial use

• Good Processability: Compatible with extrusion, molding, and calendaring

• Low Temperature Toughness: Maintains flexibility in cold environments

Applications

• Footwear: Soles, midsoles, and insoles for shoes

• Packaging: Protective films, foam sheets, and sealing layers

• Solar Panels: Encapsulation for photovoltaic modules

• Sports & Leisure: Mats, padding, and flexible equipment

• Medical: Tubing, films, and orthotic devices

• Adhesives: Hot-melt adhesive formulations

Advantages

• Excellent cushioning and impact absorption

• Lightweight and flexible for wearable products

• UV and chemical resistance for harsh environments

• Versatile processability for multiple manufacturing methods

• Cost-effective and widely available

Limitations

• Moderate heat resistance; softens above 80–90°C

• Lower mechanical strength compared to engineering plastics

• Higher moisture absorption than polyethylene or polypropylene

Technical Parameters (Typical)

• Density: 0.93–0.96 g/cm³

• Vinyl Acetate Content: 10–28%

• Melting Temperature: 60–95°C

• Hardness (Shore A): 60–90

• Tensile Strength: 15–25 MPa

• Elongation at Break: 400–800%

• Processing Methods: Extrusion, injection molding, calendaring

FAQs

Q1: Why is EVA commonly used in footwear?
Its softness and cushioning provide comfort and shock absorption in shoes.

Q2: Can EVA be used outdoors?
Yes, with UV stabilizers, EVA resists degradation and maintains flexibility.

Q3: How does EVA compare with PE or PP?
EVA is softer and more elastic, while PE/PP are stiffer and stronger mechanically.

Q4: Can EVA be used in solar panels?
Yes, EVA serves as an encapsulation layer, protecting photovoltaic cells from moisture and mechanical stress.