Applications of LG Chem SEETEC EA33400 EVA in Industrial Manufacturing

LG Chem SEETEC EA33400 EVA is an industrial-grade ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer designed for advanced downstream manufacturing. The material delivers precise polymer characteristics for compounding, extrusion, and molding processes. The following sections detail its application in key manufacturing segments, with focus on usage, compliance, processing, and finished goods output.

1. Solar Photovoltaic Encapsulant Films

Manufacturers in the solar panel industry use this EVA for producing encapsulant sheets by extrusion and lamination processes. The material ensures consistent light transmittance, strong adhesion to both glass and solar cells, and excellent heat-aging stability. Its formulation supports efficient cross-linking during module curing, critical for long-term weather resistance and device performance.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 61215 (crystalline silicon terrestrial PV modules – design qualification and type approval)
• IEC 61730 (PV module safety qualification)
• UL 1703 (flat-plate PV modules and panels – North America)
• RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU) for hazardous substances restriction

Typical usage ratio

• Used at 100% neat for single-layer films
• Formulated as 70–90 wt% base resin blended with curing agent, adhesive additives, or UV stabilizers according to film property targets

Downstream process integration

• Direct feeding into twin-screw extruders for sheet casting
• Mixing with cross-linking agent and antioxidants before film extrusion
• Lamination process integrates sheets onto solar cells under thermal/vacuum cycling

Final product types

• P-type and N-type silicon cell PV encapsulant films
• Bifacial module encapsulation sheets
• Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules
• Flexible thin-film PV modules

2. Hot Melt Adhesive Formulation

Downstream adhesive formulators select this EVA for its balance of flow properties and adhesive strength. It acts as the main polymer base for hot melt adhesives applied in packaging, bookbinding, woodworking, and nonwoven goods. The resin’s vinyl acetate content and melt index determine open time, set time, and application temperature profiles. Additives are mixed in during compounding or direct melt blending.

Industry compliance standards

• FDA 21 CFR 175.105 (adhesives for indirect food contact packaging)
• ISO 9001:2015 (quality management system for manufacturing)
• REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) for chemical registration and evaluation

Typical usage ratio

• 40–65% EVA copolymer in total adhesive formulation
• Adjusted with tackifiers, waxes, plasticizers, depending on substrate and bond strength requirements

Downstream process integration

• Blending in high-shear melt mixers with other hot melt components
• Pellet co-feeding to adhesive extruders or direct dosing in drum melt systems
• Adhesive application by slot die, spray, or roll coaters

Final product types

• Case, carton, and tray sealing adhesives for packaging lines
• Spine adhesives for bookbinding applications
• Hot melt glue sticks for manual and industrial use
• Laminating adhesives for textiles and hygiene goods

3. Cable and Wire Insulation Compounds

EVA is widely employed as a key base resin in low-voltage cable insulation and jacketing compounds. The grade’s melt properties and cleanliness meet stringent insulation specifications, while vinyl acetate content improves flexibility, dielectric strength, and process stability compared to polyolefins alone. Compounders add mineral fillers, flame retardants, and antioxidants as required by the application standard.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 60502-1 (power cables with extruded insulation and low voltage up to 1 kV)
• UL 1581 (reference standard for electrical wires, cables, and flexible cords)
• RoHS Directive and REACH for hazardous substances
• ASTM D2843 (density of smoke from burning plastics)

Typical usage ratio

• Base formulation 60–80% EVA resin by weight in insulation compound
• Loading adjusted with mineral flame retardants (ATH), process aids, and colorants for final cable specification

Downstream process integration

• Dry blending with additives and flame retardants
• Compounding in twin-screw kneaders or banbury mixers
• Extrusion onto copper or aluminum wire via crosshead dies with temperature and back-pressure control

Final product types

• Flexible AC power cables and appliance cords
• Communication wire insulation
• Low-smoke, halogen-free flame retardant cables (LSZH HFFR)
• Automotive low-voltage wire insulation sheathing

4. Foam Shoe Sole and Midsole Production

Footwear manufacturers utilize this EVA for direct-foaming of sports shoe outsoles, midsoles, and slippers. Controlled foaming yields light, resilient, and shock-absorbing products. The resin content and mix ratio with blowing agents and crosslink chemicals are tailored to end-use flexibility, density, and compression set. In-mold and continuous foaming technologies are both supported.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 9001 for process control
• ISO 20871:2018 (footwear – test methods for outsoles)
• China GB/T 15107-2013 (sports shoes – safety and quality standards)
• REACH Regulation for restricted substances

Typical usage ratio

• 50–90% EVA base, adjusted by hardness (Shore C, A scale) and foaming ratio
• Blended with 2–10% blowing agent plus crosslinker (e.g., DCP), fillers, and pigments as required

Downstream process integration

• Compounding in internal mixers for masterbatch preparation
• Direct sheet extrusion, pelletizing for injection molding, or in-mold expansion
• Curing and foaming activation during hot-mold press cycles

Final product types

• Sports shoe midsoles (running, basketball, and cross-training segments)
• Fashionable sandal and slipper soles
• Kids’ lightweight shoe platforms
• Anti-slip, shock-absorbing mats and insoles

5. Flexible Packaging Films

Converters in the flexible packaging sector integrate this EVA grade with LDPE or LLDPE for heat-sealable films and multilayer pouches. The vinyl acetate content lowers seal-initiation temperature and improves clarity, toughness, and puncture resistance. Formulators adjust the blend ratio to balance mechanical strength and sealability for food, medical, and industrial packaging requirements.

Industry compliance standards

• FDA 21 CFR 177.1350 (EVA copolymer as food contact material)
• EU Regulation No.10/2011 (food contact plastics)
• EN 12301:2000 (flexible plastics packaging – seal strength testing)
• ISO 22000 (food safety management for packaging plants)

Typical usage ratio

• 10–30% EVA blended with polyethylene or other co-polymers
• Higher ratios possible for lower temperature sealing or higher clarity films

Downstream process integration

• Pre-blending with polyolefin pellets, fed to blown film or cast extrusion lines
• Film co-extrusion for multilayer structures with barrier resins
• Heat-sealing and printing as inline processes following extrusion

Final product types

• Vacuum and shrink packaging films for food products
• Lidding films for thermoformed trays
• Medical device pouches and sterilization wraps
• Industrial bag liners for specialty chemicals