EVA foam, EPE pearl cotton, and sponge are three different foaming materials. What are the differences between these three materials? What are the differences in the occasions of use? How should we distinguish them? Below, Toptape – professional foam manufacturer will take you to learn more.
EVA Foam
First of all, EVA is made by copolymerization of ethylene (E) and vinyl acetate (VA), referred to as EVA. EVA is characterized by good softness, rubber-like elasticity, good flexibility at -50°C, good transparency and surface gloss, good chemical stability, good anti-aging and ozone resistance, and non-toxicity. It has good miscibility with fillers, and good coloring and molding processability. EVA can be molded by injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, calendering, rotational vacuum thermoforming, foaming, coating, heat sealing, welding and other molding processes. It can be used as a building material for waterproofing, fireproofing, sound insulation and other functions.
EPE Pearl Cotton
EPE (Expandable Polyethylene) is expandable polyethylene, also known as pearl cotton. It is a non-cross-linked closed-cell structure. It is a high-foam polyethylene product produced by extruding low-density polyethylene (LDPE) as the main raw material. It is composed of countless independent bubbles produced by physical foaming of low-density polyethylene resin. It overcomes the shortcomings of ordinary foamed rubber, which is fragile, deformable, and poor in resilience. It has many advantages such as waterproof and moisture-proof, shockproof, soundproof, heat-insulating, good plasticity, strong toughness, recycling, environmental protection, strong impact resistance, etc. It also has good chemical resistance.
Sponge
Sponges are mostly synthesized with polyisocyanate and polyol as raw materials. The basic reaction is that polyol and polyisocyanate react to form polyurethane. The sponges commonly used in life are also called polyurethane soft foam rubber. This polyurethane is the most common polymer material in our daily life. It is widely used to make various “sponge” products, and is used as an elastic material for shock absorption and friction reduction.
The Main Differences Between the Three are as Follows
- You can distinguish them with the naked eye. Sponges are generally slightly yellow, very elastic, and relatively lighter than the three. EVA is a bit hard and is the heaviest of the three. EPE pearl cotton is generally white and can be easily distinguished from sponges. Sponges can return to their original shape no matter how you press them, but EPE pearl cotton will make a popping sound when you press it hard, and the place where you press it will be concave.
- EPE pearl cotton has wavy patterns, and it looks like there are a lot of foams stuck together, which is very light. EVA is solid, with different concentrations, and is heavier.
- The use fields of the other three materials are different. EVA foam is mainly used for shoes, sports goods, electronic product packaging, toys, building materials, etc. Be sure to pay attention to the difference when purchasing.
- In terms of product characteristics and applicable fields, EVA foam has excellent elasticity and wear resistance, and is widely used in insoles, sports equipment, etc. It has high density, adjustable hardness, and good impact resistance, which is suitable for occasions that require cushioning and protection.
- EPE pearl cotton is light in texture, has good cushioning and shock resistance, and is often used for packaging and protection. It is environmentally friendly, recyclable, and easy to process and shape, suitable for protective packaging materials of various shapes.
Sponge is soft and light, with strong water absorption, and is mostly used for cleaning and filling. - It has good elasticity and is suitable for occasions with high comfort requirements, such as furniture, mattresses, etc. There are many types of sponges, and different densities and hardness can be selected according to needs.
Three Material Selection Suggestions
When choosing materials, EVA foam is often used in situations that require high impact protection, such as sports equipment and electronic product packaging, due to its excellent elasticity and wear resistance. EPE pearl cotton has good shock resistance and cushioning properties, and is lightweight and environmentally friendly. It is an ideal packaging material and is widely used in the protection of home appliances, glass products and instruments. Sponge is known for its softness and water absorption, and is suitable for filling and sound insulation in cleaning, medical treatment and daily life. Choosing the right material according to specific needs can maximize its characteristics and ensure the best results.
In summary, the three materials are very different, and the needs in different fields are also different. As a professional manufacturer in China, Toptape mainly produces a variety of foam products, including EVA Foam, polyethylene Foam, polyurethane Foam, and more foam tapes, etc. Our factory welcomes your call at any time!
