Applications of Sumitomo Chemical Sumitate HE-10 EVA in Industrial Manufacturing

Sumitomo Chemical’s Sumitate HE-10 EVA is selected by process engineers and product development teams in demanding industrial manufacturing sectors. Its performance attributes—such as superior flexibility, clarity, and compatibility with polar and non-polar additives—enable tailored formulation for advanced end-use goods. Below, we outline key real-world application sectors with specific compliance, dosage, processing, and finished product considerations.

1. Solar Photovoltaic Encapsulant Films

Manufacturers of photovoltaic (PV) modules rely on HE-10 for production of EVA sheets used to encapsulate solar cells. The material’s controlled melt flow rate and high transparency support efficient light transmission and strong lamination. Production lines precisely meter the EVA resin granules into twin-screw extruders, apply cross-linking agents and UV stabilizers based on cell architecture, and calibrate line speed to match sheet gauge tolerances. EVA encapsulant faces elevated scrutiny for long-term weatherability and module efficiency in field conditions.

Industry compliance standards

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

Typical usage ratio

• 100 wt% base in encapsulant layer; additives dosed 0.5–5 wt% depending on cross-linking and UV requirements

Downstream process integration

• Direct extrusion of EVA pellets with in-line blending of peroxide, UV absorber, and silane coupling agents; continuous sheet casting; calendaring; sheet cutting; module lamination under vacuum at 140–155°C

Final product types

• Mono- and polycrystalline PV module encapsulant films
• Bifacial solar panel laminates
• Flexible thin-film encapsulant rolls
• Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panels

2. Wire and Cable Compounds for Insulation and Sheathing

HE-10 EVA forms a key base in low voltage insulation and jacketing compounds for electrical cords, telecom cables, and automotive wiring. Compounders combine EVA with specified grades of low-smoke halogen-free flame retardants, antioxidants, and process oils, adjusting melt viscosity and performance according to cable design. Melt compounding and pelletizing precede high-speed extrusion onto wire cores, where in-line QA checks for dielectric strength, tensile elongation, and flame resistance align with cable certification standards.

Industry compliance standards

• UL 62 (Flexible Cords and Cables)
• EN 50363-7 (Insulating Compounds—Halogen-free, Thermoplastic)
• IEC 60332-1 (Tests on Electric Cables under Fire Conditions)
• RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU

Typical usage ratio

• 45–85 wt% in insulation compounds to achieve specific flexibility and flame retardance; additive masterbatch content adjusted 10–35 wt%

Downstream process integration

• Melt blending EVA with flame retardant and filler packages in Banbury mixer; extrusion onto copper or aluminum wire; in-line vulcanization for select cable grades; cooling and coiling; dielectric and flammability testing

Final product types

• Building wire insulation compounds
• Consumer electronics power cords
• Automotive primary wire sleeving
• Control and instrumentation cable jackets

3. Hot Melt Adhesive (HMA) Formulation for Industrial Assembly

Industrial adhesives which require reliable open time, adhesion, and thermal flexibility often specify this EVA as a backbone resin. Formulators blend the base with tackifiers, waxes, and stabilizers following DSC and rheology data to dial in open time and viscosity. Mixing occurs in Sigma or Z-blade mixers before batch extrusion, flaking, or pelletizing. On application lines, hot melt adhesives based on this EVA provide consistent bond line thickness for packaging, woodworking, and automotive interior assembly.

Industry compliance standards

• FDA 21 CFR 175.105 (Adhesives for Food Packaging)
• REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006
• ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management for Adhesive Production)
• ASTM D1002 for lap shear strength testing

Typical usage ratio

• 30–60 wt% of total HMA formulation; higher ratios for flexible bonds; wax and tackifier adjusted 5–40 wt% by bond application profile

Downstream process integration

• Melt blending with tackifier and wax till homogeneity; granulation or flaking; in-line heating in drum melters at end-user’s adhesive applicator line; temperature and viscosity monitored in real time

Final product types

• Case and carton sealing adhesives
• Bookbinding glues
• Wood panel assembly adhesives
• Hot melt pressure sensitive adhesives (HMPSA)

4. Foam Shoe Soles and Footwear Components

Footwear manufacturers use HE-10 as a foam matrix to compound lightweight, shock-absorbing midsoles and insoles for sporting and lifestyle shoes. EVA resin is dosed with blowing agents, cross-linkers, and color masterbatch in closed mixing vessels. Sheet or injection molding operations tightly regulate temperature and foaming time for uniform cell structure. Finished foams undergo abrasion resistance, rebound, and flex tests prior to shoe assembly to ensure compliance with international safety and performance standards.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 20871:2018 (Footwear – Test methods for outsoles – Abrasion resistance)
• CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, for children’s shoes)
• REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006
• EN 71-3 (Safety requirements for toys, migration of certain elements—applicable for children's footwear)

Typical usage ratio

• 60–90 wt% in foam shoes; cross-linking and blowing agents added at 3–10 wt% each depending on intended density and hardness

Downstream process integration

• Batch mixing in Banbury or kneader with additive packages; sheet extrusion; foaming and cross-linking in press or oven; die cutting or molding to shape; cooling, trimming, and secondary finishing

Final product types

• Injected sport shoe midsoles
• Sandals and flip-flop bases
• Orthopedic foam insoles
• Children’s EVA foam footwear components

5. Film and Sheet for Packaging Applications

Processors use HE-10 EVA as a modifier or primary material in coextruded film lines for food and pharmaceutical packaging. Its sealing properties, clarity, and low-temperature flexibility meet requirements for high-performance film structures. Production lines adjust the metering of EVA relative to LDPE, LLDPE, or other resins based on sealing layer thickness and film strength. Multilayer blown or cast extrusion incorporates this EVA in adhesives and barrier layers depending on film design and client regulatory requirements.

Industry compliance standards

• FDA 21 CFR 177.1350 (Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers for food contact)
• EU Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 (Plastic materials for food contact)
• GMP EC 2023/2006 (Good Manufacturing Practice requirements for food contact materials)
• ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management Systems)

Typical usage ratio

• 5–25 wt% in multilayer packaging films; higher content for sealing layers; real-time blend adjustment based on film gauge and mechanical property targets

Downstream process integration

• Direct dosing into feed hoppers of coextrusion lines; real-time gravimetric blending with LDPE or barrier materials; blown or cast film extrusion; in-line thickness and optical clarity testing; slitting and roll winding

Final product types

• Flexible food pouches and sachets
• Pharmaceutical blister packaging base films
• Lidding films for ready meals
• Cold-seal packaging wraps