Ethylene vinyl acetate

Description

A thermoplastic, elastomeric copolymer. Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA) are commonly used in packaging applications replacing Polyvinyl chloride as the most used resin. EVA copolymers require no curing or Plasticizer and have no odor. They can be molded and extruded into many shapes and are available as films, sheeting and tubing. EVA copolymers are clear, tough, crack resistant and retain flexibility at low temperatures. Depending on the proportions of each polymer, EVAs soften at about 70C. They are used in paper coatings, shrink-wrap, and hot-melt adhesives. As hot melts, EVAs have been used in the fabrication of storage and travel cases (Hatchfield 2002).

Synonyms and Related Terms

E/VAC; ethylene-vinyl acetate (AAT); EVA; VAE; polyethylene/polyvinyl acetate; poliacetato de vinilo-polietileno (Esp.); Airflex (formerly Aircoflex) [Air Products and Chemicals]; Dur-O-Set; Elvace [DuPont]; BEVA; Ultrathene [USI]; Vinnapas [Wacker Chemie]; Mowilith [Hoechst]; Evazote® [Zotefoams];

Personal Risks

Fisher Scientific: [Datasheet]

Collection Risks

May release acetic acid, especially at elevated temperatures.

Physical and Chemical Proerties

FTIR

Comparisons

General Characteristics of Polymers

Physical Properties for Selected Thermoplastic Resins

Sources Checked for Data in Record

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• Pam Hatchfield, Pollutants in the Museum Environment, Archetype Press, London, 2002

• Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia, Douglas M. Considine (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1976

• Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, http://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000