Description
Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) is a formal copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol. The copolymer is obtained by polymerising ethylene and vinyl acetate. EVOHs with a high ethylene content have lower extrusion temperatures. EVOH is commonly used as an oxygen barrier in food packaging.
Properties and features
EVOH is renowned for its superior gas barrier properties. It is extremely effective at keeping oxygen out and aromatic compounds in, making it particularly suitable for food packaging applications.
EVOH is highly resistant to solvents and oils, retaining its form and function even under difficult conditions.
Despite its thin structure, EVOH has excellent tensile strength and flexibility, making it suitable for use in a variety of demanding applications.
Green asset
- Excellent oxygen barrier: extends food shelf life and reduces waste (major environmental impact).
Applications
Food packaging
Due to its high oxygen and gas barrier properties, food packaging manufacturers use EVOH in their packaging structures to extend the shelf life of food products.
Medical
EVOH is used in a liquid embolic system in interventional radiology, for example in Onyx. Dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and mixed with a radiopaque substance, the ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer is used to embolise blood vessels.
