EVA

Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate(EVA) is an elastic co-polymer very similar to rubber and also used in household and industrial applications.

What is an EVA foam?

EVA foam is the acronym for the closed cell ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer foam used as an effective substitute for a variety of materials used in production. It is a suitable substitute for natural rubber, vinyl, neoprene, polyurethane and PVC foams, wood composites, felts, fiberglass, and mineral wool. The EVA foam material characteristically provides good gloss and clarity, remains strong at low-temperatures, retains its resistance to UV radiation and stress-cracking, and possesses hot-melt adhesive waterproof properties.

Benefits gained from using the EVA foam substitute in production are comparable to traditionally used materials that exhibit
• vibration and impact absorptions,
• weather and chemical, oil, and fuel spill / splash resistances,
• thermal insulation and acoustical properties, and
• resilience / buoyancy and low-water absorption.

What is an EVA foam common uses?

EVA foam has a fine uniform cell structure that allows it to be processed much like other thermoplastics. It retains its flexibility and resilience, quickly recovers from compressions, and absorbs colors. The foam is typically formed in a mould which becomes a sheet of closed cell foam (“a bun”). Bun dimensions vary depending on the density of the foam. The bun is cut into sheets or fabricated into a specific shape or item per specification.

EVA foam is extremely versatile with innumerable uses and applications that are generally taken for granted by most of us. EVA foam may be found in all types of appliances, automotive, building, marine, electronics, healthcare, packaging, sports, leisure, and recreation, and footwear. For example:

• EVA is competitively used in place of rubber and vinyl products in many electrical applications.
• EVA is used to give plastic wrap its “clinginess.”
• EVA emulsions are developed into adhesives used in packaging, bookbinding, bonding plastic films, metal surfaces, and coated papers.
• EVA is used with wax and resin additives to make hot-melt adhesives, hot glue sticks, and top notch soccer cleats.
• EVA craft foam sheets are used to make children’s foam stickers.