Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) is a copolymer consisting of ethylene and vinyl acetate (VA). The different grades of EVA are primarily classified based on the content of vinyl acetate. The percentage of vinyl acetate in EVA can significantly affect the properties of the material, making each grade suitable for different applications. Here’s a general overview of the grades based on VA content:
| VA CONTENT % | PROPERTIES | USES |
| Low (7-15%) | Higher crystallinity High stiffness High strength | Foam Products General Adhesives Packaging Films Rigid Footwear Components Solar Panel Encapsulation Wire and Cable Insulation |
| Medium (15-28%) | Improved clarity Improved flexibility Higher Impact resistance | Agricultural Films Foam Products Hot-Melt Adhesives Injection Molded Articles Tubing and Hoses |
| High ( Above 28%) | Very flexible, Very soft High clarity Lower melting point Better adhesive properties | Photovoltaic Panel Encapsulation Hot-Melt Adhesives Medical Products Toys and Craft Materials Shoe In-Sole foams Flexible Films |
Each increase in vinyl acetate content tends to decrease the melting point and crystallinity of EVA, while increasing transparency, flexibility, and impact resistance. These characteristics make EVA a versatile material across a variety of industries, including automotive, footwear, packaging, and consumer electronics.