The Fascinating History of EVA Foam
From Lab to Global Industry: The Fascinating History of EVA Foam EVA foam, short for ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer foam, has become a staple material in industries ranging from footwear to renewable energy. But how did this versatile material evolve from a laboratory discovery to a global industrial revolution? Let's dive into its intriguing history, technical breakthroughs, and modern-day applications. 1. The Birth of EVA Foam: A 1970s Laboratory Breakthrough The Science Behind the Synthesis In 1972, chemist David Schwaber at DuPont pioneered the synthesis of EVA resin using high-pressure copolymerization. By combining ethylene and vinyl acetate (VA), he created a material with unique properties: softness, elasticity, and excellent shock absorption. The VA content (typically 10-40%) became the key to tuning its flexibility—higher VA meant more rubber-like resilience, while lower VA offered plastic-like rigidity. First Steps into Commercial Use The first major application came i...