🧩 EEA – Ethylene Ethyl Acetate
(Flexible, soft, and weldable material with rubbery behavior and good adhesion, used in gaskets, guards, caps, and automotive components requiring elasticity and cold resistance.)
🔹 What is EEA
EEA (Ethylene Ethyl Acetate) is a thermoplastic copolymer resulting from ethylene (PE) and ethyl acetate (EA).
It is very similar to EVA but offers higher elasticity, superior adhesion, and better resistance to thermal aging. EEA behaves like a soft, rubbery plastic, perfect for insulation, gaskets, and flexible automotive caps, where vibration absorption and cold resistance down to –50 °C are required.
🔧 Composition
- Ethylene (PE) – 70–85 %
- Ethyl Acetate (EA) – 15–30 %
- Additives – UV stabilizers, antioxidants, anti-cracking agents.
- Density: 0.93–0.96 g/cm³
- Melting Point: ≈ 90–100 °C.
- Shore A Hardness: 30–80, depending on EA content.
🚗 Where EEA is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Gaskets & Caps | Sleeves, corners, seals | Elastic, excellent adhesion |
| Interior / Comfort | Pads, trays, insulation | Soft, anti-noise, odorless |
| Exterior / Protections | Caps, guards, sensor covers | Cold and impact resistant |
| Industrial / Electrical | Cable insulation, tubes | Good dielectric properties |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 230 – 250 °C | Clean, uniform weld |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 220 – 240 °C | For flat joints |
| Manual Extrusion | 210 – 230 °C | Recommended for high thicknesses |
🔩 What to Weld EEA With (Material Compatibility)
EEA, being olefinic and soft, is compatible with EVA, PE, TPO, and other similar elastic materials.
✅ Compatible:
- EEA ↔ EEA – ideal combination.
- EEA ↔ EVA / EMA / EBA / PE-LD / PE-MD – very good compatibility.
- EEA ↔ TPO / POE / PP+EVA – good compatibility.
❌ Incompatible:
- ABS, ASA, PC, PA, PVC – different melting points, no adhesion.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use EVA or EEA rods at a temperature of 240–250 °C. Heat gradually and apply light pressure for full bonding. For visible surfaces, use a soft scraper for a smooth finish.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- ExxonMobil: Escorene™ EEA
- Dow: Primacor™ EEA
- Arkema: Lotryl® EEA
- SABIC: EEA Copolymer
- LyondellBasell: Evalen® EEA
🧠 How to Identify EEA
- Engraved marking: >EEA<, >PE-EA<, >ETHYLENE-EA<.
- Soft, glossy, rubbery surface.
- Yellow-blue flame, faint sweet (acetate) smell.
- Softens completely at ≈ 240 °C, without smoke.
- Highly flexible, returns to shape after deformation.
🛠️ EEA Welding at ReplastMD:
At our service center in Chisinau (Ciocana sector), ReplastMD performs professional EEA welding for:
- flexible gaskets, caps, and guards;
- automotive seals and corners;
- aesthetic repairs without losing elasticity;
- uniform, soft, and clean finish.