Applications of Hanwha TotalEnergies 2518 EVA in Industrial Manufacturing

Hanwha TotalEnergies 2518 EVA, a low to medium VA (vinyl acetate) copolymer, serves as a core functional material for multiple industrial sectors requiring precise control over flexibility, adhesion, and processing properties. Our manufacturing focus ensures formula reliability, strict quality control, and process repeatability to meet the complex demands of high-growth downstream fields. Below, we detail principal application tracks with technical requirements, practical usage ratios, process integration points, and final product examples.

1. Photovoltaic Encapsulant Sheet Production

2518 EVA is widely used for solar module encapsulant films, enabling high transmittance and effective physical protection for photovoltaic cells. Downstream manufacturers use it for extrusion-based sheet production, then lamination, maintaining cell durability against moisture and UV exposure. Material selection centers on precise melt flow rate and VA content to balance encapsulation quality and solar efficiency targets.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 61215:2016 Photovoltaic module performance qualification
• UL 1703: Standard for flat-plate photovoltaic modules
• RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for hazardous substances
• ISO 9001:2015 certified production

Typical usage ratio

• 55–75 wt% as the main resin in the film melt mix; ratio adjusted to cell type, transmittance, and lamination requirements

Downstream process integration

• Added directly to the film extrusion hopper, mixed with UV absorber, crosslinking agent, and process aids, then cast to targeted thickness

Final product types

• Photovoltaic encapsulant sheets for crystalline silicon and thin-film solar modules
• BIPV film layers
• Flexible or rigid solar panel composites

2. Hot Melt Adhesive Formulation

In the adhesive sector, EVA 2518 offers controlled viscosity and flexibility, allowing compounders to create hot-melt adhesives with tailored open time and bonding strength for packaging, labeling, bookbinding, and woodworking. Material selection depends on target setting speed, adhesion to substrates, and operating temperature, with VA content modulating cohesive and adhesive balance for downstream use.

Industry compliance standards

• FDA 21 CFR 175.105 (adhesives in indirect food contact, for packaging use)
• ASTM D1002, D1876 for adhesive strength testing
• ISO 14001:2015 (production process environmental management)
• REACH (EC) No 1907/2006 requirements for chemical safety

Typical usage ratio

• 25–45 wt% of total adhesive compound based on viscosity, substrate, and flexibility profile

Downstream process integration

• Blended with tackifying resins, waxes, and stabilizers, then introduced to mixers or reactors before extrusion or molding into pellets or blocks for end users

Final product types

• Hot melt adhesives for packaging lines (carton sealing or case forming)
• Pressure sensitive adhesives for labels and tapes
• Bookbinding hot melt glues
• Edge banding adhesives for furniture manufacturing

3. Wire & Cable Insulation Compounds

Manufacturers select EVA 2518 for cable insulation compounds due to its electrical resistance, flexibility, and processability. It enables stable extrusion, effective flame retardant uptake, and smooth surface finish. Formulators fine-tune VA levels and add compatible flame retardants and fillers to meet safety codes in power, telecommunication, and control cable markets.

Industry compliance standards

• UL 1581 (Reference Standard for Electrical Wires, Cables, and Flexible Cords)
• IEC 60502-1: Power cables with extruded insulation and accessories
• RoHS 3 (EU 2015/863) substance restrictions
• EN 50363 (Insulating and sheathing materials for cables)

Typical usage ratio

• 15–35 wt% EVA in the total compound recipe; adjustment based on flexibility, dielectric needs, and flame resistance with filler content modulated accordingly

Downstream process integration

• Twin-screw extrusion mix with crosslinkers, antioxidants, and flame retardants prior to wire coating or jacketing

Final product types

• Low voltage power cable insulation
• Flexible cord and communication cable jackets
• L3/L4 grade sheathing for control and signal cables

4. Shoes and EVA Foam Injection Molding

Shoe sole and sports flooring producers use EVA 2518 in foam compounding due to its balance of rebound resilience, cushioning, and easy foaming. The precise molecular weight and VA content directly influence compression set, cell structure, and elasticity, which downstream brands require for comfort and durability performance.

Industry compliance standards

• EN ISO 20344:2011 (Footwear testing methods)
• REACH SVHC list for restricted substances
• ISO 9001 (quality management throughout production)
• GB/T 3903.1-2008 (Chinese standard for footwear physical properties)

Typical usage ratio

• 60–85 wt% in main foam compound, adjusted for expansion rate, hardness, and target density

Downstream process integration

• Dry blended with blowing agents, crosslinkers, colorants, anti-shrink additives, then fed to foam injection or compression molding equipment

Final product types

• Athletic shoe midsoles and insoles
• Shoe outsole components
• Children’s shoe full soles
• Shock-absorbing sports flooring tiles

5. Flexible Packaging Film Manufacturing

Flexible packaging converters rely on 2518 EVA for film blends requiring sealability, toughness, and printability. It modulates slip and stick properties, especially in coextruded multi-layer film structures for food, hygiene, and pharmaceutical applications. The processing conditions, blend ratios, and compatibility with LDPE or other co-polymers define the final performance targets.

Industry compliance standards

• FDA 21 CFR 177.1350 (Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers for contact with food)
• EU 10/2011 (Plastic materials in contact with food)
• GMP Regulation EU 2023/2006 (Good manufacturing practice for food contact materials)
• ISO 22000:2018 (food safety management applied in hygienic film production)

Typical usage ratio

• 10–25 wt% as a modifier or co-extrudate in LDPE/LLDPE blends; ratio shifts with required seal strength, clarity, and puncture resistance

Downstream process integration

• Fed to blown film or cast film lines together with base resins and additives; incorporated at the extruder’s polymer feed throat or via side feeder

Final product types

• Heat-seal packaging films
• Bag and pouch films for food and medical packaging
• Laminate adhesive tie layers
• Printed film substrates for consumer goods

6. Masterbatch Carrier and Compounding

EVA 2518 functions as a polymer carrier for masterbatch concentrates in colorant, additive, and flame retardant markets. Its VA content and melt fluidity enable uniform ingredient dispersion without impacting the final matrix’s key functional attributes. Compounders target suitable process temperatures to secure pigment integrity, improve dispersion, and maintain downstream process compatibility.

Industry compliance standards

• EN 71-3 (Safety of toys—Migration of certain elements, relevant for color masterbatch)
• FDA 21 CFR 178.3297 (Colorants for polymers in contact with food)
• ISO 9001 process traceability
• REACH Annex XVII substance restrictions

Typical usage ratio

• 30–50 wt% in masterbatch recipes; carrier ratio set by the pigment or additive loading and target let-down ratios in end-use applications

Downstream process integration

• Base polymer for masterbatch extrusion, where colorant or additive is dispersed into EVA matrix, granulated, and supplied to processors as concentrated pellets

Final product types

• Color and additive masterbatches for film, injection molding, and wire markets
• Flame retardant and UV stabilizer concentrates
• Anti-fog, anti-static masterbatch for packaging films