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

Sumitate KE-10 EVA, a high-quality ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, is valued by manufacturers for its balance of flexibility, processability, and adhesion properties. Below, we outline its established uses across key industrial sectors, providing specific insights into compliance standards, formulation ratios, manufacturing steps, and end product categories.

1. Solar Photovoltaic Encapsulation Films

Photovoltaic module fabricators select KE-10 EVA for encapsulation sheet production, leveraging its consistent melt flow and transparency to deliver enhanced light transmission and electrical insulation within solar panels. The material integrates into extrusion and lamination processes, becoming a core part of multi-layer composite films that protect solar cells.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 61215 (Crystalline silicon terrestrial PV modules)
• IEC 61730 (PV module safety qualification)
• UL 1703 (Standard for flat-plate PV modules and panels)
• RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for hazardous substances

Typical usage ratio

• 95-100% EVA copolymer as the primary resin; additives such as crosslinking agents and UV stabilizers range 0.2-2% w/w depending on weatherability requirements and module thickness.

Downstream process integration

• Resin pellet melting in twin-screw extrusion
• Film casting and roll-to-roll lamination onto solar cells
• Crosslinking via thermal lamination at 140-155°C under vacuum conditions
• Module assembly with backsheet and glass substrate

Final product types

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

2. Hot Melt Adhesive Formulations

Producers of industrial adhesives incorporate KE-10 EVA for its reliable balance between adhesive strength, viscosity, and flexibility, ideal for packaging, woodworking, and hygiene applications. It blends efficiently with tackifiers and waxes to customize properties for high-speed packaging or demanding woodworking assembly.

Industry compliance standards

• FDA CFR 21 175.105 (Adhesives for indirect food contact)
• EU Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 (Food contact materials)
• REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006
• ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management for adhesive manufacturing

Typical usage ratio

• 20-55% EVA by weight in hot melt adhesive base, adjusted upward for flexibility requirements or downward to boost adhesion via resin and wax addition.

Downstream process integration

• Batch polymer blending and heating in jacketed mixers
• Molten blend extrusion and pelletizing or direct filling into slugs or sticks
• Custom formulation for specific viscosity and open time per end-use by balancing EVA, tackifiers, and plasticizers based on application method (spray, slot die, bead)

Final product types

• Hot melt glue sticks and slugs
• Case and carton sealing adhesives for food packaging
• Book binding and edge banding adhesives
• Disposable hygiene product construction adhesives (diapers, sanitary napkins)

3. Footwear Outsoles and Midsoles

Footwear compounders use KE-10 EVA for lightweight, shock-absorbing shoe components, integrating it in foam sheet extrusion and injection molding to achieve durability and rebound characteristics. Its predictable expansion under foaming conditions enables precise control over hardness and density for athletic, leisure, and professional shoe production.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 20871 (Performance requirements for footwear outsoles)
• EN ISO 20345:2022 (Safety footwear)
• REACH Regulation Annex XVII (Restrictions on hazardous substances)
• CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) compliance for phthalate, PAH and heavy metal content in children's footwear

Typical usage ratio

• 60-100% EVA in foam or compounded formulations; co-blending with rubber or filler in the 0-40% range as needed for specific mechanical properties or cost alignment.

Downstream process integration

• Blend compounding with blowing agents and color masterbatches
• Direct injection molding for shape-forming outsole units
• Sheet extrusion followed by die cutting and heat pressing for midsoles and insole production
• Crosslinking via batch vulcanization or thermal compression

Final product types

• Sneaker and sports shoe midsoles
• Flip-flop and sandal outsoles
• Children’s foam footwear
• Industrial safety boot inserts

4. Wire and Cable Insulation Sheaths

Cable manufacturers employ KE-10 EVA as a flexible matrix in insulation and jacketing compounds, targeting consistent dielectric properties and environmental stress crack resistance. It is incorporated into wire extrusion lines, particularly in low-voltage power, telecommunication, and automotive wiring harnesses where performance and regulatory compliance are critical.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 60502-1 (Power cables with extruded insulation)
• UL 758 (Appliance wiring material)
• RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU
• REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 for phthalates and heavy metals

Typical usage ratio

• 30-75% EVA by blend weight with inorganic flame retardants, antioxidants, and colorants; adjusted for flexibility and insulation thickness depending on cable type and voltage class.

Downstream process integration

• Dry blend with fire retardant fillers and antioxidants
• Twin-screw compounding extrusion for pellet preparation
• Continuous melt extrusion onto copper or aluminum wire cores
• Cooling, sizing, and coiling for cable finalization

Final product types

• Low voltage power cables
• Flexible appliance wires
• Automotive wiring sheaths
• Signal and communication cables

5. Foam Sheets for Sport, Leisure, and Construction

Foam processors integrate KE-10 EVA for closed-cell foam sheets and blocks, benefitting from its resilience and cushioning performance in applications such as floor underlays, yoga mats, protective pads, and construction expansion joint fillers. It supports varied foam densities and thicknesses through well-controlled extrusion and crosslinking.

Industry compliance standards

• EN 71-3 (Toy safety—migration of certain elements) for play mats and children’s sports gear
• ISO 14021 (Environmental labeling) for recycled content claims
• REACH and RoHS compliance for restricted substances
• ASTM F1637 (Floor safety standards) for construction matting

Typical usage ratio

• 85-100% EVA as the major foam polymer; loading rates depend on the degree of hardness, with added blowing agents and pigment ranging 1-5% of formulation.

Downstream process integration

• Dry blending with chemical foaming agents and crosslinkers
• Sheet extrusion or molding under controlled pressure and temperature
• In-line or batch crosslinking (thermal or irradiation)
• Post-extrusion cutting, thickness calibration, and die-shaping

Final product types

• Yoga mats and exercise flooring
• Playground safety tiles
• Shock-absorbing pads and helmets
• Expansion joint fillers for construction