Applications of Braskem EVA in Industrial Manufacturing

Braskem EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) is a trusted copolymer resin widely adopted across several industrial segments due to its reliable elasticity, processability, and compatibility with diverse manufacturing technologies. As an original manufacturer, we supply EVA grades directly adapted to the specific needs of each downstream sector, ensuring end products meet relevant compliance standards and performance criteria.

1. Photovoltaic Module Encapsulation (Solar Panels)

Our EVA products serve as a primary encapsulant layer in photovoltaic (PV) modules, delivering long-term light transmission, electrical insulation, and protection against moisture ingress. The resin’s optical clarity and crosslinking performance are critical for module lifespan and efficiency. Processing lines use precise formulation control to tailor curing and bonding, enabling consistent lamination without edge delamination or yellowing through years of outdoor exposure.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 61215: Terrestrial photovoltaic modules – Design qualification and type approval
• UL 1703: Standard for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels
• IEC 61730: Photovoltaic module safety qualification
• RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for restricted substances

Typical usage ratio

• 55%–80% by weight of encapsulant film; thickness and VA content depend on cell structure and optical requirements. Formulators adjust the loading to control melting point and gel content during crosslinking.

Downstream process integration

• Resin is processed through extrusion casting or calendering to produce sheet or film, then cut and positioned as encapsulant layers on automated lamination lines. Crosslinking occurs during module lamination at 140–155°C under vacuum and pressure.

Final product types

• Mono/poly-crystalline silicon PV panels for utility-scale, commercial, and residential solar projects
• Thin-film solar modules
• Solar cell test coupons for R&D and certification labs

2. Footwear Injection and Compression Molding

Footwear producers rely on EVA resin to manufacture lightweight midsoles, outsoles, and insoles. Our grades enable consistent expansion and foaming during injection or compression molding, allowing for precise control of shock absorption, resilience, and density. Factories optimize the formulation by adjusting VA content, as it directly impacts flexibility and processing temperature, ensuring every batch meets strict durability and biomechanical standards.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 20871: Footwear – Critical substances and physical-mechanical requirements
• GB/T 15107: General technical requirements for sports footwear (China)
• REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 for chemical safety
• EN 71-3: Safety of toys (for children’s footwear)

Typical usage ratio

• 40%–100% in foam blends; modifiers and blowing agents may be included at 5–10%. Higher VA content (18%–28%) increases elasticity for athletic shoes, while lower VA is preferred for hard-wearing soles.

Downstream process integration

• Compounders mix EVA pellets with colorants, fillers, and foaming agents in batch or continuous mixers. Molten compound is injected or transferred to closed or open compression molds, where it expands to final dimensions and is vulcanized or cooled to enable de-molding and finishing.

Final product types

• Sports footwear midsoles for running, basketball, and football shoes
• Cushioned outsoles for sandals and kids’ shoes
• Shock-absorbing insoles and orthopedic shoe inserts

3. Hot Melt Adhesive Formulation

Major adhesive manufacturers use EVA copolymers as the primary base resin in hot melt formulations for packaging, woodworking, bookbinding, and hygiene products. The resin’s melt viscosity and compatibility with tackifiers directly influence application temperature, open time, and adhesive bond strength. Production lines integrate EVA with waxes and resins to create a tailored melt profile, enabling precise coating and fast-setting application on automated machinery.

Industry compliance standards

• FDA CFR 21 175.105: Adhesives for food packaging and contact
• EN 923: Adhesives – Terms and definitions
• ISO 9001: Quality management systems (applied at adhesive manufacturing sites)
• ASTM D1876: Peel resistance testing

Typical usage ratio

• 35%–60% of hot melt formula; levels adjusted based on required open time and flexibility. Lower ratios with high-tack versions for fast-running lines; higher for flexible or elastic bonds.

Downstream process integration

• Formulators blend EVA with resins and waxes in heated sigma blade mixers to achieve a homogenous melt, which is pelletized or directly drummed as a hot melt adhesive. Finished product is filled into bulk tanks, drums, or shaped into sticks/blocks for melt-on-demand systems.

Final product types

• Hot melt adhesive sticks for packaging and carton closing
• Bookbinding adhesives (perfect bind, PUR alternatives)
• Assembly adhesives for furniture, wood composite edge banding
• Pressure-sensitive adhesives for nonwoven hygiene products

4. Wire and Cable Insulation and Sheathing

Cable manufacturers use high-grade EVA in low-voltage insulation, jacketing, and flexible sheaths where flame retardancy, flexibility, and weather resistance are required. The polymer’s thermal stability and compatibility with fire-retardant fillers allow for rigorous extrusion and crosslinking, supporting demanding electrical and mechanical property standards in telecom, construction, and industrial wiring.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 60502-1: Power cables with extruded insulation
• UL 1581: Reference standard for electrical wires, cables, and flexible cords
• RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU
• EN 50363-3: Insulating and sheathing compounds for cables

Typical usage ratio

• 30%–70% in compound; balance includes flame retardants (e.g., ATH, magnesium hydroxide), processing aids, and stabilizers. VA content is chosen for flexibility vs. process temperature requirements.

Downstream process integration

• Compounders disperse EVA with flame retardants and pigments in co-rotating twin-screw extruders. Molten compound is applied over the conductor or cable core via extrusion, then cooled and optionally crosslinked using irradiation or silane-grafting, depending on final technical requirements.

Final product types

• Insulation and jackets for building wire, appliance cords, and automotive cables
• Flexible power cords and telecom cables
• Sheaths for fire retardant and halogen-free cables

5. Flexible Packaging Films for Food and Medical Products

Film converters integrate EVA resins to deliver stretch, sealability, and puncture resistance in co-extruded food and medical packaging. The resin modifies seal-initiation temperature and clarity, supporting high-speed form-fill-seal and lamination lines. Adjusting melt index and VA content allows precise engineering of multilayer structures that must pass migration and hygiene compliance tests in controlled production environments.

Industry compliance standards

• FDA 21 CFR 177.1350: Ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer for food contact
• EU 10/2011: Plastics for food contact
• ISO 11607-1: Packaging for terminally sterilized medical devices
• ISO 22000: Food safety management systems

Typical usage ratio

• 5%–30% in co-extruded film blends; higher ratios (up to 40%) for enhanced peelability or elastic films. Exact ratio depends on desired tear strength and transparency.

Downstream process integration

• Resin is introduced at the extruder feed alongside LDPE, LLDPE, or PA, extruded through single or multi-layer dies via blown or cast film lines. This enables high-speed conversion into bags, wraps, or lidding film, with in-line corona treatment for printability and heat-sealing.

Final product types

• Pouch and bag films for frozen, vacuum, and MAP food packaging
• Medical device packaging film (sterilizable pouches)
• Peelable lidding films for ready meals and pharmaceuticals

6. Toys and Childcare Products Foam Fabrication

Manufacturers in the toys and juvenile products sector use EVA to create closed cell foam sheets, mats, and molded parts due to its resilience and non-toxicity. Grade selection and foaming parameters ensure compliance with sensitive VOC, phthalate, and heavy metal migration regulations. Production focuses on safety, softness, and precision forming, with every batch subject to rigorous internal and third-party analysis to meet end-use product certifications for childcare and play environments.

Industry compliance standards

• EN 71 Part 3: Migration of certain elements (EU Toy Safety Directive)
• ASTM F963: Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety
• CPSIA (US): Lead and phthalate requirements for children's products
• GB 6675: National Toy Safety Standard (China)

Typical usage ratio

• 60%–95% in foam sheet or bead blending; content calibrated based on foaming expansion rate and soft touch requirements. Blowing agent and pigment loadings are typically 1%–10%.

Downstream process integration

• EVA pellets are dry blended with azodicarbonamide or other food-safe blowing agents, colorants, and antistatic agents, then loaded into single/twin-screw extruders for sheet extrusion or into compression molding presses for puzzle mats and block toys. Final trimming and surface printing are performed post-expansion and cooling.

Final product types

• Interlocking EVA foam mats for playrooms and schools
• Kneeling pads and recreational water toys
• Molded safety edge protectors and crawling cushions