| HS Code | 453676 |
| Product | ELVAX 3176BFZ |
| Resin Type | Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer |
| Vinyl Acetate Content | 28% |
| Melt Flow Rate | 3.0 g/10 min (190°C, 2.16 kg) |
| Density | 0.950 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 72°C (DSC) |
| Vicat Softening Point | 50°C |
| Tensile Strength At Break | 19 MPa |
| Elongation At Break | 800% |
| Flexural Modulus | 55 MPa |
| Hardness | 40 Shore D |
| Brittleness Temperature | -70°C |
As an accredited ELVAX 3176BFZ Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer factory, we enforce strict quality protocols—every batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure consistent efficacy and safety standards.
| Packing | ELVAX 3176BFZ Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer is packaged as solid pellets in 25 kg polyethylene-lined paper bags. |
| Container Loading (20′ FCL) | 20′ FCL container loaded with ELVAX 3176BFZ EVA copolymer, palletized, secured, and ventilated to prevent damage during transit. |
| Shipping | ELVAX 3176BFZ is shipped as solid ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer pellets in moisture-resistant bags or bulk containers. Non-hazardous under normal transport conditions. Store away from heat, ignition sources, and strong oxidizers. Avoid dust accumulation. Protect from prolonged sunlight and moisture during transit. Standard dry freight handling applies. |
| Storage | Store ELVAX 3176BFZ in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and open flames. Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption and contamination. Avoid stacking pallets excessively. Maintain moderate temperatures, ideally below 30°C, and use within the manufacturer’s recommended shelf life for optimal processing and performance. |
| Shelf Life | Shelf life is typically two years from date of manufacture when stored in original, unopened packaging in cool, dry conditions. |
Hot-melt adhesive compounding with ELVAX 3176BFZ begins from the resin’s nominal 18 wt% vinyl acetate content, 2.5 g/10 min melt mass-flow rate at 190 °C and 2.16 kg load per ISO 1133-1:2022, and density of 0.94 g/cm³ per ISO 1183-1:2022. The vinyl acetate content is high enough to wet polar substrates such as kraft, clay-coated board, and wood veneer, but low enough to limit cold flow. In bookbinding and carton-sealing adhesives, the resin functions as the cohesive backbone, while hydrogenated rosin ester or C9 hydrocarbon tackifier supplies peel adhesion and wax controls set time. Starting-point ratios are 30 wt% to 40 wt% EVA, 35 wt% to 50 wt% tackifier, 10 wt% to 25 wt% paraffinic or Fischer–Tropsch wax, and 0.5 phr to 1.0 phr hindered phenolic antioxidant. Compounding is carried out in a jacketed sigma-blade mixer or a 150 L list kneader with oil jacket temperature 170 °C to 180 °C. A nitrogen blanket is maintained and total batch residence time is held below 45 min to limit deacetylation. Under these conditions, viscosity measured by ASTM D3236-14 at 180 °C remains between 800 mPa·s and 1,500 mPa·s for bookbinding adhesives. Softening point measured by ASTM E28-99 is typically 85 °C to 105 °C. Open time on a 20 °C metal plate falls between 2 s and 8 s, and compression set time is 1 s to 3 s. Production failure modes include char formation at shaft seals when oil temperature overshoots 190 °C and torque variation when tackifier moisture exceeds 0.2 wt%. For food packaging, the finished adhesive must comply with FDA 21 CFR 175.105. Terminal products include perfect-bound books, corrugated carton sealing, and PVC-free edgebanding.
| Application | EVA loading range | Tackifier/wax balance | Key test method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bookbinding spine glue | 30 wt%–40 wt% | 40 wt% hydrogenated rosin ester / 20 wt% Fischer–Tropsch wax | ASTM D3236-14 |
| Carton sealing | 25 wt%–35 wt% | 45 wt% C5/C9 tackifier / 20 wt% paraffin wax | ASTM D3236-14 |
| Edgebanding | 25 wt%–35 wt% | 35 wt% tackifier / 25 wt% wax, plus 5 phr calcium carbonate | ASTM E28-99 |
When ELVAX 3176BFZ is selected as the base polymer for halogen-free flame-retardant cable jacketing, the limiting formulation variable is the combined loading of aluminum trihydrate and magnesium dihydrate. The 18 wt% vinyl acetate content provides sufficient polarity to wet filler surfaces but less polarity than 28 wt% vinyl acetate EVA grades, so the compound reaches processing limitations earlier. Combined ATH/MDH loadings between 120 phr and 180 phr are typical. Below 120 phr, the compound rarely reaches LOI 28% under ASTM D2863-23. Above 180 phr, melt pressure on a 45 mm co-rotating twin-screw extruder with an L/D 40:1 configuration exceeds stable pelletizing limits. The barrel profile is set to 130 °C / 140 °C / 150 °C / 160 °C / 165 °C / 165 °C with die temperature 165 °C and screw speed 250 rpm to 350 rpm. Specific mechanical energy is maintained between 0.20 kWh/kg and 0.25 kWh/kg. At 65 wt% total filler, tensile stress at break measured per ISO 527-2:2012 may fall below 10 MPa, and elongation at break may fall below 150%. A silane coupling agent or surface-coated filler is required at loadings above 160 phr; without it, elongation falls below 100%. The compound must also pass IEC 60332-1-2 vertical flame spread, IEC 60754-2 acid gas generation, and IEC 61034-2 smoke density. Zinc stearate addition above 1.0 phr is avoided because zinc carboxylate accelerates deacetylation above 190 °C, generating acetic acid and reducing melt stability. Resin pre-drying at 50 °C for 4 h is required when ambient relative humidity exceeds 60%. Terminal products include low-voltage power cable sheaths and control cable bedding compounds.
Extrusion lamination lines running ELVAX 3176BFZ as a sealant web require a narrower operating envelope than lines running higher-melt-index EVA grades. The 2.5 g/10 min MFR limits high-speed draw; published data for line speeds above 150 m/min with this specific configuration is limited. The grade is therefore run at 30 m/min to 80 m/min in coextrusion coating and laminating, with a 0.5 mm to 0.8 mm coat-hanger slot die gap and an air gap of 150 mm to 220 mm. Melt temperature is limited to 230 °C to 260 °C; above 270 °C, deacetylation generates volatile acidity and gel formation in the melt curtain. Adhesion to aluminum foil and corona-treated LDPE requires a substrate surface tension of at least 38 mN/m measured by ASTM D5946-17. Seal initiation temperature of a 15 µm EVA sealant layer on PET/foil is measured per ASTM F88/F88M-21 and starts between 80 °C and 90 °C. For food contact, the sealant layer complies with FDA 21 CFR 177.1350 and EU Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, with the vinyl acetate specific migration limit set at 12 mg/kg. Terminal products include retort-stable pouch sealants, medical device pouch lidding, and aluminum foil lamination for aseptic cartons.
| Regulation/Standard | Scope | Condition or limit |
|---|---|---|
| FDA 21 CFR 177.1350 | Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers in food contact | Maximum soluble fraction in n-hexane reflux 5.5 wt% |
| EU Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 | Plastic materials in food contact | Vinyl acetate SML 12 mg/kg; overall migration 10 mg/dm² |
| REACH SVHC | Candidate list screening | No SVHC at or above 0.1 wt% |
Polymer-modified bitumen producers disperse ELVAX 3176BFZ at 2 wt% to 6 wt% into paving-grade bitumen in a rotor-stator high-shear mill at 180 °C to 190 °C for 90 min to 180 min. If the shear rate falls below 3,000 rpm, dispersion is incomplete; if the temperature exceeds 190 °C, thermal degradation reduces polymer molecular weight and lowers the softening point. Below 3 wt%, phase inversion is incomplete and the storage stability test per EN 13399 shows a ring-and-ball softening point difference above 5 °C after 72 h at 180 °C. At 5 wt% loading, the difference typically narrows to 2 °C to 3 °C. The modified binder’s softening point measured per ASTM D36/D36M-14 increases by 15 °C to 25 °C relative to the base bitumen; penetration at 25 °C per EN 1426 decreases from 60 dmm–100 dmm to 40 dmm–60 dmm. Elastic recovery per EN 13398 remains below that of SBS-modified bitumen, so end uses requiring low-temperature elastic recovery below -10 °C are not recommended without blending in an SBS or SEBS modifier. Terminal products include high-temperature-stable road overlays, bridge deck membranes, and polymer-modified roofing bitumen.
Wax compounding with ELVAX 3176BFZ is a low-shear operation in which the copolymer is dissolved into paraffin at 5 wt% to 15 wt%. A jacketed vessel at 130 °C to 150 °C with a low-speed anchor stirrer is sufficient. The congealing point measured per ASTM D938-16 shifts upward by 2 °C to 6 °C, and surface bloom on dyed container candles is reduced after 14 d of cycling between 5 °C and 35 °C. For corrugated board wax coatings, 8 wt% EVA reduces blocking at 50 °C compared with unmodified paraffin. Terminal products include container candles and water-resistant corrugated trays.
In polymer modification and pigment masterbatch carrier applications, ELVAX 3176BFZ is let down at 2 wt% to 5 wt% into LDPE or LLDPE cast film formulations to widen heat-seal range and improve carbon black dispersion. Twin-screw premixing at 140 °C to 160 °C with 20 wt% to 40 wt% pigment loading prevents agglomeration and reduces filter pressure build-up in blown film lines. The resin does not require pre-drying below 60% relative humidity; above that threshold, 4 h at 50 °C in a desiccant hopper is recommended. Processing is less critical than adhesive or cable compounding because the viscosity gap between the carrier and the target polyolefin is wider, allowing stable strand extrusion at 120 °C to 180 °C. REACH SVHC screening and RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU apply; typical heavy metal content is below 100 ppm. Terminal products include agricultural films, stretch wrap, and injection-molded caps with color loadings of 2 wt% to 4 wt%.
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ELVAX 3176BFZ Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer is a thermoplastic EVA resin with a nominal vinyl acetate comonomer content of 28 wt% and a melt flow rate of 6.0 g/10 min measured under ASTM D1238 at 190 °C with a 2.16 kg load. Neat-resin density is typically 0.950 g/cm³ per ASTM D792. The BFZ suffix identifies a controlled additive and regulatory conformance package, and the values cited are typical lot data rather than contractual specification limits.
The grade is specified for cast film, extrusion coating, coextrusion tie layers, hot-melt adhesives, sealants, wax blends, and polymer modification. Relative to an 18 wt% vinyl acetate EVA, the 28 wt% comonomer level reduces crystalline melting point and flexural stiffness while increasing polar adhesion to aluminum foil, paper, and polyolefin surfaces. Relative to a 33 wt% vinyl acetate EVA, the resin retains greater polyethylene crystallinity, providing higher cohesive strength and creep resistance above 40 °C. In extrusion coating, the 6.0 g/10 min melt flow rate supports melt draw-down while controlling neck-in; in adhesive compounding, it permits high tackifier loading without an excessive drop in viscosity. Producers should request lot-specific certificates for vinyl acetate content by ASTM D5594, melt flow rate by ASTM D1238, density by ASTM D792, and moisture content by ASTM D6869 or equivalent.
Thermal stability in EVA is limited by deacetylation of vinyl acetate sequences. Sustained melt temperatures above 230 °C initiate chain scission and release acetic acid, producing odor, die-lip build-up, and reduced adhesion. In production, melt temperature is maintained between 160 °C and 225 °C, and the melt-temperature set point band is held within ±5 °C to avoid gauge fluctuation and edge instability. Barrel profiles from feed to metering are commonly set at 140 °C, 180 °C, and 210 °C, with die zones at 220 °C. Residence time above 200 °C should not exceed 10 min. If a line stops longer than 15 min, purge with a low-vinyl-acetate polyolefin or reduce barrel temperatures. Die and adapter surfaces should be hardened or corrosion-resistant because acetic acid accelerates rust formation on carbon steel. Published data for 3176BFZ in high-speed extrusion coating above 300 m/min is limited; converters should validate melt-temperature override at target line speed.
Cast film conversion with 3176BFZ is run at die temperatures of 210–220 °C and chill-roll temperatures between 10 °C and 20 °C. Vacuum box and air knife settings are adjusted to prevent frost-line instability. At 28 wt% vinyl acetate, the resin has lower melt tension than low-VA grades, so line speeds above 150 m/min may require a higher-molecular-weight blend component or a lower melt-index coextruded skin. Heat-seal initiation of cast film is typically near 80–90 °C, depending on film thickness, seal dwell, and jaw pressure. Blown film use is possible but less common; published data for this specific configuration is limited because the grade is optimized for flat-die and coating processes.
In coextrusion tie-layer construction, 3176BFZ is placed between polyethylene or polypropylene and barrier layers such as polyamide or EVOH. The polar vinyl acetate repeat units improve adhesion to polyamide and foil, but adhesion to polypropylene generally requires an anhydride-modified polyolefin tie layer because the 28 wt% vinyl acetate content alone does not provide sufficient chemical bonding. Peel strength after coextrusion is measured by ASTM D1876; values above 2 N/15 mm are typical for foil-based laminates, but structure-specific validation is required. Air-gap, die-lip opening, and chill-roll temperature interact with melt flow; a die-lip opening of 0.5–0.8 mm and chill-roll temperature below 20 °C are common settings for film clarity and low heat-seal initiation. Published data for 3176BFZ in EVOH coextrusions with retort conditions is limited.
Hot-melt adhesive compounding of 3176BFZ uses hydrocarbon or rosin ester tackifiers and paraffin or Fischer-Tropsch waxes in vertical mixers or twin-screw extruders. The 6.0 g/10 min melt flow rate contributes higher cohesive strength than 43 g/10 min EVA grades but increases mixing torque. Final viscosity is measured by ASTM D3236 with a Brookfield Thermosel at 180 °C; many packaging grades fall between 500 mPa·s and 2,500 mPa·s, and 3176BFZ formulations are generally concentrated at the upper end of that range. Tackifier loading is typically 30–50 wt%, while wax content is kept below 20 wt% to preserve open time and set speed. Phase separation is monitored by cloud point and ring-and-ball softening point per ASTM E28. Amine-functional adhesion promoters should be screened in a torque rheometer; certain amine-bearing silanes can accelerate viscosity build and shorten pot life at 160–180 °C.
For pressure-sensitive adhesive and high-shear adhesive systems, the 28 wt% vinyl acetate content shifts solubility toward polar and hydrogen-bonding components. This improves compatibility with rosin ester tackifiers and polar oils but reduces tolerance for fully aliphatic mineral oils. Addition of 20–30 wt% 3176BFZ can increase shear holding power but may lower loop tack if the system becomes too elastic. Loop tack is tested by ASTM D6195, shear resistance by ASTM D3654, and peel adhesion by ASTM D3330. Formulators adjust tackifier aromaticity and molecular weight to recover tack without sacrificing cohesive strength.
The table compares representative EVA property values at three comonomer contents. The 28 wt% column represents the 3176BFZ class. Values are compiled from general EVA data and do not replace lot-specific certificates.
| Property | 18 wt% VA EVA | 28 wt% VA EVA (3176BFZ class) | 33 wt% VA EVA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl acetate content by ASTM D5594 | 18 wt% | 28 wt% | 33 wt% |
| Melt flow rate by ASTM D1238 | 8 g/10 min | 6.0 g/10 min | 43 g/10 min |
| Density by ASTM D792 | 0.940 g/cm³ | 0.950 g/cm³ | 0.957 g/cm³ |
| Vicat softening point by ASTM D1525 | 69 °C | 64 °C | 52 °C |
| Shore A hardness by ASTM D2240 | 92 | 83 | 70 |
| Tensile strength at break by ASTM D638 | 20 MPa | 16 MPa | 10 MPa |
| Typical application shift | Stiffer film and sealant layers | Flexible packaging, coating, adhesives | High-tack hot-melt and elastomer modification |
The comparison clarifies product differences: the 28 wt% EVA reduces Vicat softening relative to 18 wt% and improves adhesion but remains higher in heat resistance than 33 wt% EVA. The Vicat softening point of 64 °C supports warm-service packaging but is not sufficient for boiling-water pouch or retort structures without crosslinking or a high-temperature tie-layer design.
Substituting 3176BFZ for a high-melt-index EVA changes mixing energy, pot stability, and bond performance. The difference between 6.0 g/10 min and 43 g/10 min melt flow rate raises shear viscosity and melt strength. In case-sealing and carton-sealing adhesives, this improves dead-load resistance and fiber-tearing bond at elevated temperature. The trade-off is a narrower low-temperature application window: nozzle temperatures below 150 °C can produce stringing and incomplete wet-out. Formulators compensate by raising nozzle temperature to 165–185 °C or by adding low-molecular-weight polyolefin. Dynamic mechanical analysis at 60 °C typically shows higher shear storage modulus for the 6.0 g/10 min grade, which indicates better creep resistance but can reduce aggressive tack if open time is short. Pilot-line T-peel testing under ASTM D1876 is required because published data for this specific configuration is limited.
For crosslinkable systems, 3176BFZ can be compounded with organic peroxides for cured foam, wire-and-cable insulation, or crosslinked film. Peroxide selection depends on half-life; dicumyl peroxide is used at 1–3 wt% with cure temperatures of 170–180 °C. The vinyl acetate group reduces crystallinity and allows high filler loading, but residual acetic acid from earlier processing can interfere with peroxide cure. Pre-compounding below 200 °C is therefore critical. Crosslink state is measured by moving die rheometer per ASTM D5289 or by solvent swell ratio. Published data for this exact grade in peroxide-cured systems is limited; cure kinetics must be validated on the specific compound.
For food-contact applications, the resin is expected to fall under FDA 21 CFR 177.1350 for ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers; final compliance depends on finished-article thickness, additive migration, and food type. Under EU Regulation 10/2011, the overall migration limit for the finished plastic article is 10 mg/dm², and the specific migration limit for vinyl acetate monomer is 12 mg/kg under the intended contact conditions. EU supply requires confirmation of REACH registration, and restriction compliance with Directive 2011/65/EU Annex II should be confirmed by supplier declaration because additive-package variation can affect heavy-metal content. The material is not intended for medical implant use and should not be steam sterilized above 121 °C without evaluating acetic acid generation and migration.
Deacetylation rate in EVA increases sharply above 200 °C; therefore, melt temperature and residence time must be controlled together. A single-screw extruder with 25:1 to 30:1 L/D and barrier screw geometry provides adequate mixing at moderate shear. A screen pack of 80/120/80 mesh is used for film coating, and a melt pump after the extruder reduces pressure pulses that cause gauge variation. Pellets exposed to relative humidity above 60% RH should be dried at 60 °C for 2 h in a desiccant dryer before processing. Avoid leaving the resin in the die at melt temperature for more than 30 min; purge with a low-vinyl-acetate polyolefin. On production lines, acetic acid odor at the die is an early indicator of melt-temperature override; screw speed should be reduced and barrel cooling increased before film haze or edge instability develops.
Incoming QC for 3176BFZ typically includes a certificate of analysis with vinyl acetate content by ASTM D5594, melt flow rate by ASTM D1238, density by ASTM D792, and moisture by ASTM D6869. For extrusion coating operations, batch-to-batch melt flow rate variation should be held within ±0.5 g/10 min; larger deviations cause die-lip build-up and gauge variation. The resin is supplied as pellets; dense-phase conveying is preferred to minimize fines and streamers. Reclaimed EVA should be limited to 5–10 wt% unless film clarity and food-contact status are requalified. Capillary rheometry at 190 °C by ASTM D3835 can identify lot changes before production. This incoming inspection sequence is used on film and adhesive production lines to prevent nonconforming film and adhesive lots.
