EVA and POE: Selecting Polyolefin Elastomers for Solar Film, Footwear and Modified Compounds

Both EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) and POE (polyolefin elastomer) are polyolefin-based elastic/plastic materials. Thanks to their light weight, weatherability and easy processing, their use in new energy, footwear and modified plastics is growing rapidly.

EVA: The Workhorse for Solar Encapsulant Film and Shoe Foam

EVA properties are adjusted by VA (vinyl acetate) content: the higher the VA content, the better the transparency, flexibility and adhesion. High-VA transparent EVA is the mainstream choice for solar module encapsulant film; medium- and low-VA EVA is used for shoe foam (midsole of sports shoes), hot-melt adhesives, wires and cables, and agricultural film. Photovoltaic-grade EVA has extremely high requirements for light transmittance, crosslinking degree and PID resistance.

POE: Toughening Modifiers and Premium Encapsulation

POE is a metallocene-catalysed copolymer of ethylene and alpha-olefins. Its atactic structure and long branches give it high elasticity, low crystallinity and excellent weatherability. It is widely used in modified PP/PE (toughening of automotive bumpers and appliance housings), POE/EPE solar film (better PID resistance), footwear and wires/cables. POE is often blended with EVA to balance cost and performance.

Selection Points

For EVA, look at VA content, melt flow rate (MFR), density and light transmittance; for POE, look at density, melt flow rate, tensile and flexural modulus. Photovoltaic and footwear applications demand strict cleanliness and consistency, so grade and batch stability should be verified. Haiyu Zhonglong supplies EVA, POE and other polyolefin elastomers with selection support. Submit an Online Inquiry or Contact Us; see the product list in the Product Centre.