Bio-based EVA Elastomer Composition for Footwear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial rubber compositions, particularly those used in footwear, require complex formulations and are limited by traditional base materials like SBR and natural rubber, making it difficult to change or reuse them for different applications due to processing challenges and the need for multiple raw materials.
Innovation Solution
Development of a polymer composition using elastomeric ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) with ethylene sourced from renewable carbon, combined with other components like ethylene-alpha olefin copolymers, polyorganosiloxane, and fillers, and incorporating peroxide agents for curing, to create bio-based rubber alternatives with reduced component complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rubber compositions (SBR, natural rubber) are used, then good elasticity and abrasion resistance are achieved, but formulation complexity and processing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary additives and complex formulation components from traditional rubber compositions. By using bio-based EVA as a base material that inherently provides the required elastomeric properties, the formulation is simplified to contain fewer components while maintaining good elasticity and abrasion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The bio-based EVA copolymer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the base elastomeric structure, delivers required mechanical properties (elasticity, abrasion resistance), and enables simplified processing. This multi-functional material reduces the need for separate additives and complex formulation adjustments.
2Reliability
If traditional rubber compositions are used, then adequate performance is achieved, but adaptability for different applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of formulation properties by using bio-based EVA as a versatile base material. The composition can be easily modified for different applications by adjusting additive types and concentrations, allowing the same base material to adapt to various performance requirements across different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The formulation allows for parameter changes in composition and processing conditions while maintaining performance. The bio-based EVA base material responds well to variations in curing agents, fillers, and processing parameters, enabling the same composition framework to be adapted for different applications through parameter optimization.
3Reliability
If complex formulations with multiple additives are used, then required performance attributes are achieved, but processing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary additives and simplifies the formulation structure while retaining essential performance attributes. The bio-based EVA base material inherently provides good elastomeric properties, reducing the number of additives needed and simplifying the mixing and processing operations.
4Reliability
If traditional rubber base materials are used, then good mechanical properties are achieved, but environmental sustainability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of carbon source from fossil-based to bio-based while maintaining mechanical properties. The bio-based EVA copolymer provides equivalent elastomeric performance to traditional rubbers but with reduced environmental impact, as the carbon originates from renewable biomass rather than petroleum.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The bio-based EVA compositions offer a sustainable alternative with improved properties such as softness, elasticity, and reduced environmental impact, suitable for various applications including shoe soles, while maintaining performance and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating peroxide agents for curing
Implementation Method 2
polymerizing ethylene at least partially obtained from a renewable source of carbon with vinyl acetate to produce an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer
Data Source
AI summary
A polymer composition may include an elastomeric ethylene-vinyl acetate, in which at least a portion of ethylene from the elastomeric ethylene-vinyl acetate is obtained from a renewable source of carbon. A curable polymer composition, an expandable polymer composition, articles, cured articles, and expanded articles may include or be formed from such polymer composition. A process for producing a polymer composition may include polymerizing ethylene at least partially obtained from a renewable source of carbon with vinyl acetate to produce an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer; and mixing the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer with an elastomeric polyolefin to produce an elastomeric ethylene-vinyl acetate.