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

Sumitate KA-10 EVA, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer supplied by Sumitomo Chemical, serves vital roles in several specialized manufacturing sectors that require strict material performance, process consistency, and reliable regulatory compliance. Here, we highlight major real-world industrial downstream applications where our KA-10 grade directly addresses production, formulation, and compliance needs.

1. Photovoltaic Module Encapsulation

KA-10 sees primary use in the photovoltaic sector for the encapsulation of solar cells, where its transparency, adhesion, and longevity improve module efficiency and lifetime. Leading module makers incorporate KA-10 into lamination sheets to ensure consistent crosslink density, strong interlayer bonding, and minimal UV degradation, satisfying the rigorous service-life expectations of utility-scale and rooftop PV farms.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 61215: Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules – Design Qualification and Type Approval
• IEC 61730: PV Module Safety Qualification
• UL 1703: Standard for Flat-Plate PV Modules and Panels
• RoHS Directive (EU) 2011/65/EU

Typical usage ratio

• Used at 65–75% by weight in EVA encapsulant sheet formulations; exact loading adjusted to crosslinker and UV absorber additions based on module design and thickness

Downstream process integration

• Extruded or calendered as sheets, then stacked with solar cells and backsheet layers during laminator vacuum processing between 140–155°C for optimal encapsulant curing and adhesion

Final product types

• Monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon solar panels
• Thin-film PV modules
• BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaic) panels

2. Hot Melt Adhesives (HMA) for Packaging & Hygiene Products

The packaging and hygiene industries utilize KA-10 for its balance of flexibility and hot tack, delivering needed bonding and sealing in hot melt adhesives for carton sealing and nonwoven assembly. The fine-tuned vinyl acetate content gives converters control over open time, viscosity, and set speed—essential for high-speed packaging lines and continuous hygiene production environments.

Industry compliance standards

• FDA 21 CFR 175.105 (Adhesives for indirect food contact)
• ISO 9001:2015 (Quality management in adhesives and hygiene goods manufacture)
• REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006
• GB 9685-2016 (China Food Contact Material Standards)

Typical usage ratio

• Blended at 20–45% in HMA formulations, adjusted with tackifiers and wax based on substrate porosity and line speed (<200–>1200 meters/min)

Downstream process integration

• Added at melt stage using low-shear mixers or twin-screw extruders before granulation or direct application by slot die or spray

Final product types

• Carton closing and case sealing adhesives
• Diaper core construction and elastic attachment adhesives
• Sanitary napkin and adult incontinence product assembly HMAs

3. Wire & Cable Insulation and Sheathing Compounds

Wire and cable manufacturers employ KA-10 for insulation and sheathing compounds in low and medium voltage applications, taking advantage of its electrical properties, flexibility at low temperatures, and resistance to environmental cracking. Compounders carefully balance the formulation to meet regional fire, safety, and insulation standards for both industrial and consumer cable assemblies.

Industry compliance standards

• UL 62: Flexible Cord and Fixture Wire
• IEC 60502-1: Power Cables with Extruded Insulation
• RoHS Directive (EU) 2011/65/EU
• EN 50363-1: Insulating compounds for cables

Typical usage ratio

• Typically 30–55% as base polymer in cable insulation compounds; ratio varies with desired dielectric strength and flame retardancy requirements

Downstream process integration

• Pelletized compound fed into extruders for direct coating of copper or aluminum conductors; continuous vulcanization lines operate at 90–130°C

Final product types

• Flexible power cords
• Control and instrumentation cables
• Building wiring and appliance leads

4. Foamed Shoe Sole Materials

Major global footwear brands and contract molders specify KA-10 in crosslinked EVA foam formulations for lightweight, shock-absorbing midsoles and outsoles. The properties of KA-10 result in high resilience, uniform cell structure, and the right tradeoff between flexibility and abrasion resistance, suitable for both athletic and casual applications that must withstand long-term use.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 20871:2018 (Footwear — Test methods for outsoles — Abrasion resistance)
• GB/T 15107-2013 (China National Standard for EVA Footwear Quality)
• REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006
• California Proposition 65 (Relevant for US distribution)

Typical usage ratio

• Used at 55–85% in foam formulations; actual content depends on cell size, hardness (Shore A), and expansion ratio required for final sole design

Downstream process integration

• Compound mixed with blowing agent, crosslinker, pigments, then molded and cured via compression or injection molding at 160–180°C to achieve targeted density and resilience

Final product types

• Athletic shoe midsoles
• Sandals and slippers
• Work and safety footwear soles
• Children’s EVA shoes

5. Waterproof Sheet and Membrane Production

EVA-based waterproof membranes, relying on KA-10’s flexibility and sealing properties, appear in civil engineering and roofing projects for water barrier layers. Sheet manufacturers optimize compound flow and thermoweldability to suit single-layer or co-extruded geomembrane lines, ensuring membranes maintain performance over a wide temperature and humidity range.

Industry compliance standards

• EN 13967: Flexible sheets for waterproofing – Plastic and rubber damp proof sheets including plastic and rubber basement tanking sheet
• ASTM D882: Tensile properties of thin plastic sheeting
• GB 18173.1-2012 (China EVA Waterproof Sheet Standard)
• ISO 9001:2015 (Quality in sheet extrusion and membrane production)

Typical usage ratio

• Applied at 60–80% in sheet formulations; loading tailored to reinforcement filler or co-polymer additions for mechanical enhancement

Downstream process integration

• Resin fed into mono- or co-extrusion lines, sheet calendared or blown to film and cooled, followed by slitting and roll-up for transport to job sites

Final product types

• Roof waterproofing membranes (single-ply and multilayer)
• Tunnel and foundation waterproofing sheets
• Pond and landfill liners
• Interior wall damp-proofing membranes