Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA)

Ethylene vinyl acetate is an extremely robust plastic that scores with good chemical and physical properties.

The colourless and neutral-smelling plastic is highly resistant to other chemicals - such as alcohols, hydrocarbons, hydrogen peroxide, acids and alkalis. Ethylene vinyl acetate remains unstable only with some very strong acids and solvents - such as acetone, aqua regia or halogenated hydrocarbons. 

However, ethylene vinyl acetate is very stable against UV light, weathering and heat, which is why the chemical is considered particularly durable and shows few stress cracks. 

If EVA catches fire, it is flammable and burns off dripping with a dim flame. 

Other properties of ethylene vinyl acetate depend on the ratio of ethylene and vinyl acetate.

If vinyl acetate is present in a high proportion, the plastic appears in a rubber-like form and scores with tear and impact resistance, but also with light transmission. 

Adhesion also increases, but strength, stiffness and resistance to other chemicals decrease with a high proportion of vinyl acetate. 

A very high content of vinyl acetate makes the chemical clear-melting and transparent. If 100 per cent vinyl acetate is present, the chemical is polyvinyl acetate. EVA remains non-toxic in every phase and has no plasticisers or other additives. It is resistant to oils and fats, is considered food safe and can be recycled. 

Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA) are copolymers that are polymerized from ethylene and vinyl acetate. It is a highly elastic and tough thermoplastic with very good clarity and gloss. Another beneficial characteristic is its little odor, its great stickiness to many polar and nonporous materials as well as its puncture resistance. More characteristic properties of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers include its high resistance against heat, stress fracture and aging.

A wide range of properties and applications can be accessed by varying the proportion of copolymerized vinyl acetate.

Proportions of up to 7% of vinyl acetate are solely applied to enhance the characteristics of foil.

Ranges from 7 to 18% is often found in specific applications like e.g., shower curtains, electric cables or flooring. Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers with up to 28% of vinyl acetate are mostly used as hotmelt. When using 30 to 90% a thermoplastic elastomer is produced which can be used for shoe soles or together with other elastomers as polymer blend.