Applications of Sinopec Zhongke 18J3 EVA in Industrial Manufacturing

Sinopec Zhongke 18J3 EVA is a precision-formulated ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer designed for industrial-grade processing, trusted by leading manufacturers in various downstream sectors. The properties of 18J3 make it suitable for advanced applications where flexibility, resilience, and consistent processability are critical to product performance and regulatory compliance.

1. Photovoltaic Encapsulant Film Production

Leading photovoltaic module manufacturers use 18J3 in the encapsulation layer due to its clarity, adhesion, and resistance to UV-induced degradation. The raw material is critical to laminating solar cells, acting as an encapsulant that stabilizes cell arrays and shields sensitive components from moisture and environmental stress. Producers rely on this specific EVA grade for its clean melting behavior and consistent crosslinking response—key factors in yield and long-term reliability of PV modules.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 61215 (Crystalline Silicon Terrestrial Photovoltaic [PV] Modules—Design Qualification and Type Approval)
• UL 1703 (Standard for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels)
• RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, EU 2011/65/EU)
• REACH (Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006)

Typical usage ratio

• 65%–80% EVA in encapsulant layer blends, adjusted based on crosslinking requirements and glass adhesion target

Downstream process integration

• Used in hot-melt extrusion to form EVA sheets, which are cut and vacuum laminated over solar cell arrays prior to module assembly and edge sealing

Final product types

• Photovoltaic panels for residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar installations

2. Hot Melt Adhesive Manufacturing

The formulation of pressure-sensitive and packaging hot melt adhesives benefits from the controlled melt index and vinyl acetate content of 18J3, allowing adhesive manufacturers to fine-tune open time, tack, and bond strength profiles. The grade supports high-speed mixing and feeding operations, ensuring consistent bead stability and performance across various substrates, essential for carton sealing, bookbinding, and industrial assembly lines.

Industry compliance standards

• FDA 21 CFR 175.105 (Adhesives for Indirect Food Packaging)
• ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management Systems)
• ASTM D1876 (Standard Test Method for Peel Resistance of Adhesives)
• EN 923 (Adhesives—Terms and Definitions)

Typical usage ratio

• 30%–45% EVA as the primary polymer matrix in hot melt adhesive blends; adjusted for resin, tackifier, and filler types

Downstream process integration

• Introduced to blending kettles during compounding; pelletized adhesive then extruded into sticks, granules, or blocks for downstream packaging

Final product types

• Hot melt glue sticks and granules for carton sealing, envelope closure, bookbinding adhesives, industrial product assembly adhesives

3. Cable Sheath and Wire Insulation Compounding

Producers of low- and medium-voltage wire harnesses rely on this grade of EVA to achieve precise mechanical flexibility, flame retardancy, and dielectric stability within insulation and sheath compounds. Its clean melting viscosity and consistent vinyl acetate ratio help compounders optimize extrusion throughput while ensuring end products meet electrical performance and environmental safety mandates for building, automotive, and appliance wiring.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 60227 (Polyvinyl Chloride Insulated Cables of Rated Voltages up to and Including 450/750 V)
• UL 1581 (Reference Standard for Electrical Wires, Cables, and Flexible Cords)
• REACH (Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006)
• RoHS Directive (EU 2011/65/EU)

Typical usage ratio

• 10%–25% EVA blended with polyolefins and flame retardant packages, adjusted based on target cold flexibility and dielectric breakdown rating

Downstream process integration

• Fed into twin-screw extruders together with pigments and performance additives; extruded as insulation coatings or outer jacket sheaths on copper or aluminum conductors

Final product types

• Building wire insulation, appliance cords, fiber optic cable sheaths, automotive wire harness compounds

4. Foam Shoe Sole and Injection Molding

Established footwear and sports equipment manufacturers use 18J3 for producing lightweight, resilient foam used in midsoles, outsoles, and sports pad cores. The predictable melt flow and cell nucleation behavior permit stable foaming action and uniform density control, essential for achieving consistent cushioning, abrasion, and flexure properties throughout high-volume injection, compression, or autoclave molding operations.

Industry compliance standards

• GB/T 15107-2013 (China National Standard for Foam Shoe Materials)
• ISO 20344 (Personal Protective Equipment—Test Methods for Footwear)
• EN 71-3 (Migration of Certain Elements for Toys; ensures product safety of foam in children’s goods)
• REACH (Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 for consumer safety)

Typical usage ratio

• 40%–65% EVA in initial foam blend, modified for hardness, resilience, and antislip requirements with the addition of blowing agents and crosslinkers

Downstream process integration

• Compounded with blowing agents, crosslinkers, and pigments, then injection or compression molded using heated cavity tools; crosslinked in ovens or autoclaves for foam expansion

Final product types

• Sports shoe midsoles, sandal soles, children’s foam shoes, athletic pad foams, martial arts training mats

5. Film and Sheet Extrusion for Flexible Packaging

Flexible packaging converters employ 18J3 for extruding multilayer films with tailored sealing, transparency, and puncture resistance profiles. This grade’s balance between flexibility and process stability enables continuous film blowing and cast extrusion lines to deliver products meeting strict hygiene and barrier specifications required in primary food contact and medical device overwraps.

Industry compliance standards

• FDA 21 CFR 177.1350 (Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers for food packaging)
• EU Regulation No 10/2011 (Plastic Materials Intended for Contact with Food)
• ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management Systems)
• GMP Regulation (EC) No. 2023/2006 for food contact materials

Typical usage ratio

• 6%–18% EVA in film layer blends, adjusted by downstream film thickness, sealing temperature, and clarity requirements

Downstream process integration

• Blended with LDPE or LLDPE and fed to blown or cast film extruders for single-layer or co-extruded film structures; online corona treated or laminated for additional properties

Final product types

• Form-fill-seal pouch films, stretch and shrink wraps, medical packaging film, deep-freeze food wrap, hygiene article liners