EVA is a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate with 10-50% vinyl acetate content. Low-VA (up to 4%) EVA is a thermoplastic with gloss and flexibility. Medium-VA (4-30%) EVA is a thermoplastic elastomer with rubber-like properties. High-VA (over 60%) EVA is a rubber-like material
Lamination combines multiple layers to enhance properties like strength and insulation. Materials can be laminated using heat, pressure, welding, or adhesives. Various coating machines and presses are utilized for the process
Pure materials have single melting point, while mixtures have solidus and liquidus temperatures. Solidus is temperature below which material is completely solid. Liquidus is temperature above which material is completely liquid. Solidus and liquidus temperatures can differ, forming freezing range
TPU is a block copolymer with alternating hard and soft segments. Contains crystalline areas for high elasticity and flexible chains for elongation. Properties include high abrasion resistance, low-temperature performance, and transparency
Silicone is a polymer composed of repeating siloxane units. Typically colorless oils or rubber-like substances. Exhibits low thermal conductivity and chemical reactivity. Resistant to water, oxygen, UV light, and microorganisms
Hardness indicates material's resistance to plastic deformation. Three standard scales: Brinell, Rockwell, and Vickers. Brinell depends on indentor diameter and indentation. Rockwell uses indentation depth measurements. Vickers is broadest scale, independent of indentor size