EVA foam

What is EVA foam?

EVA foam has a fine uniform cell structure that allows it to be processed like other thermoplastics. EVA foam is an environmentally friendly plastic-foam material that has good cushioning, shock resistance, thermal insulation, moisture resistance, chemical resistance… And perhaps most importantly, it is non-toxic and does not absorb water. EVA foam products are designed to be later processed and formed as desired, and their shock resistance is superior to traditional foam materials such as polystyrene, and meets environmental protection requirements, making it the best choice for export. almost all products. Compared to shock-resistant packaging, it can be cut and shaped. Due to the large difference in density, it can have a wider range of uses.

In short, EVA plastic is turned into foam by injection or compression processes. In both processes, bubbles and high heat are added to the mixture, creating a closed-cell structure that makes EVA foam very usable.

1. EVA foam and its characteristics

Below we will list the main properties that make EVA foam outstanding. We could add more but, in the interest of space, we thought we’d give you the properties our engineers love the most.

• Incredible flexibility and versatility – EVA foam can be made to be rigid or flexible, making it extremely easy to customize.
• High coefficient of friction – This means that the foam does not slide on the surface it is placed on, it has a great grip and things do not move on it.
• Noise absorbent – EVA foam also absorbs noise very well.
• Resistance at low temperatures – EVA foam will remain flexible in temperatures as low as -70 degrees. That is why it is often included in the preparation of such as Antarctic expeditions.
• Resistance to stress – this is related to its flexibility. Basically, this means that EVA foam is very difficult to destroy.
• Weather and UVA resistance – This means that EVA foam can withstand anything it is exposed to.
• Sulfur free and has a faint odor – These are great properties because they mean you won’t get a migraine every time you linger too long near EVA foam.
• High chemical resistance – This characteristic makes EVA foam excellent for all types of toxic situations. It is highly resistant to diluted acids, diluted bases, oils and fats, aliphatic hydrocarbons and alcohols. However, one major drawback in this area is that it has poor resistance to aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons.
• Superior shock and vibration absorption – We (and so do our customers) love this feature as it provides incredible protection for even the most fragile cargo.
• Buoyancy and low water absorption – Not only does it float, but it protects everything in it from water damage.
• Easy to clean – EVA foam is easy to clean and resistant to chemicals, making it ideal for sweaty gyms or playrooms.

2. The three types of EVA foam

EVA is a copolymer, which means that it is created by combining two different plastics – vinyl acetate and ethylene. The ratio of that plastic in the EVA product is what creates its stiffness. The lower the amount of vinyl acetate in the mixture, the more brittle the product. There are three formulations:

• Low percentage vinyl acetate – When EVA copolymer has a low percentage of vinyl acetate (usually up to 4%), sometimes called modified polyethylene vinyl acetate. This formulation is the most fragile.
• Middle percentage vinyl Acetate – When copolymer has a medium percentage of vinyl acetate (usually between 4 % and 30%), sometimes called thermoplastic copolymer ethylene-vinyl acetate. This formulation is more flexible than the previously mentioned low percentage vinyl acetate.
• High percentage of vinyl acetate – When the ratio of vinyl acetate is greater than 40%, the product is called ethylene-vinyl acetate rubber. This is the most flexible and the most versatile formulation.

3. What is made of EVA foam

The extraordinary versatility of EVA foam is, of course, our favorite of its properties. It’s been used for years to make everything from high-end Nike running shoes to fishing rods. Here is the list some others things made from this one material:

• Handles for almost anything you can think of
• Flexible hoses for vacuum cleaners, industrial machines, etc.
• EVA foam stickers for kids
• Costumes – special effects for big-budget films are sometimes obtained in this way
• Shipping boxes for biomedical medicines
• All kinds of sports equipment, such as a table are ski shoes, bicycle seats, hockey shoes pads, gloves for the crowd martial arts skill and helmets
• EVA foam is the material for crystalline silicon solar cells
• Production shoes
• EVA foam is a substitute material for cork

You can often find products that creative people make themselves from EVA foam, and we encourage you to try your hand at creating New Year’s decorations, toys for children, etc. You can read more about it here.

Conclusion

EVA foam offers an excellent combination of durability, comfort, usability and customization. It is an attractive and affordable choice for any surface that requires cushioning, transport, easy cleaning or safety. Call us and order EVA foam according to your specifications!