EMA FOAM
Grade
FOAM = crosslinkable / chemically foamed EMA compound
For soft closed-cell foams (footwear midsole, gaskets, sports mats) where EVA-like feel with better thermal stability is wanted.
Values for the FOAM condition
Other EMA grades and fills
EMA is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at EMA.
Compare all 7 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FOAMThis page Crosslinkable / chemically foamed EMA compound | For soft closed-cell foams (footwear midsole, gaskets, sports mats) where EVA-like feel with better thermal stability is wanted. | — | 2 | 220 | 9 Shore D |
High melt flow (MFR 20–500) hot-melt / masterbatch carrier grade | Use where very low melt viscosity is required: hot-melt adhesives, high-loading pigment carriers, wax blends. | 4 | 5 | 550 | 27 Shore D |
Extrusion-coating / tie-layer adhesive resin grade | Select for high-speed extrusion coating and coextrusion bonding to foil, PET, PA, EVOH and paper. | 5 | 8 | 720 | 29 Shore D |
High methyl acrylate (25–35 %), elastomeric soft grade | Pick for maximum softness, tack and polarity — soft-touch films, asphalt/bitumen and rubber-like compounds. | — | 6 | 900 | 22 Shore D |
MA20Default Unfilled natural, medium methyl acrylate (18–24 %), MFR ~6 | General-purpose EMA for tie layers, soft films, hot melts and impact modification. | — | 9 | 750 | 30 Shore D |
Halogen-free flame-retardant EMA compound | EMA-based LSZH cable jacket/insulation compound where 55–65 % mineral loading and V-0 behaviour are required. | 9 | 11 | 160 | 45 Shore D |
Low methyl acrylate (6–12 %), stiffer film/blend grade | Choose when higher stiffness, higher Vicat and better film handling are needed while keeping polarity. | — | 13 | 700 | 42 Shore D |
What is EMA FOAM?
EMA FOAM is EMA in the FOAM grade — for soft closed-cell foams (footwear midsole, gaskets, sports mats) where EVA-like feel with better thermal stability is wanted. EMA FOAM has a tensile strength of 2 MPa (0.218 ksi), weaker than 85% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 220% and the elastic modulus is 0 GPa (5.8×10⁻⁴ Msi). EMA FOAM has a density of 0.18 g/cm³ (0.0065 lb/in³), lighter than 85% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is -35°C (-31 °F). MA20 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; FOAM is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 2.6 kg CO₂/kg, better than 89% of polymer grades
- Lightweight — 0.18 g/cm³ (0.0065 lb/in³), better than 85% of polymer grades
- Forms and bends easily — 85/100, better than 81% of polymer grades
- Low moisture uptake — 0.07%, better than 81% of polymer grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 220%, better than 77% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Low stiffness — 0 GPa (5.8×10⁻⁴ Msi), worse than 91% of polymer grades
- Limited service temperature — 60°C (140 °F), worse than 87% of polymer grades
- Poor heat conductor — 0.05 W/m·K (0.0289 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 84% of polymer grades
- Difficult to machine — 35/100, worse than 84% of polymer grades
- Hard to polish — 30/100, worse than 82% of polymer grades
EMA FOAM properties
Typical room-temperature values for EMA FOAM; 19 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are EMA reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical7
EMA FOAM has a density of 0.18 g/cm³ (0.0065 lb/in³), lighter than 85% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is -35°C (-31 °F).
Mechanical9
EMA FOAM has a tensile strength of 2 MPa (0.218 ksi), weaker than 85% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 220% and the elastic modulus is 0 GPa (5.8×10⁻⁴ Msi).
Thermal10
EMA FOAM is rated for continuous service to 60°C (140 °F). It conducts heat at 0.05 W/m·K (0.0289 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 84% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 200 µm/m·K (111.1 µin/in·°F).
Electrical5
EMA FOAM is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 28 kV/mm (711.2 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹³ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (85/100), better than 65% of polymer grades. UV resistance is fair.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of EMA FOAM takes about 82 MJ of energy and emits 2.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 83% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability8
EMA FOAM's machinability is fair (35/100, worse than 84% of polymer grades); weldability good (65/100); formability excellent (85/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with EMA FOAM
Is EMA easy to machine?
Rarely machined — too soft and gummy; use sharp die-cutting, water-jet or chilled/cryogenic cutting for film and sheet.
Can EMA be welded?
Excellent heat sealing, impulse and hot-plate welding at 100–160 °C; also bonds well by extrusion lamination without primer.
Can EMA be formed, bent or molded?
Extrudes as blown/cast film, extrusion coating (up to ~315 °C melt, thermally stable, no acetic acid odor) and injection molds at 150–230 °C with cool molds; feed section cooling helps because pellets are tacky.
What surface finishes work on EMA?
Not painted or plated; corona/flame treatment raises surface energy further for printing, and its inherent polarity gives good ink and adhesive anchorage.
EMA chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| methyl acrylate (comonomer)MA content defines stiffness, Tm and polarity | 6 – 35 | 21 |
| antioxidant / slip / antiblock additivesgrade-dependent additive package | 0 – 1 | 0.3 |
| ethylenerandom copolymer, high-pressure autoclave/tubular process | balance | — |
EMA FOAM — frequently asked
What is EMA FOAM used for?
EMA FOAM is typically used for multilayer film tie layers, hot melt adhesives, impact modifier additive, foamable compounds and coextruded packaging films. In short: thermally stable EVA alternative; no acetic-acid odor; high-elongation tie-layer resin.
What is the tensile strength of EMA FOAM?
EMA FOAM has a typical tensile strength of 2 MPa (0.218 ksi) — weaker than 85% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is EMA FOAM easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (35/100, worse than 84% of polymer grades). Rarely machined — too soft and gummy; use sharp die-cutting, water-jet or chilled/cryogenic cutting for film and sheet.
Can EMA FOAM be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (65/100). Excellent heat sealing, impulse and hot-plate welding at 100–160 °C; also bonds well by extrusion lamination without primer.
What surface finishes work on EMA FOAM?
Not painted or plated; corona/flame treatment raises surface energy further for printing, and its inherent polarity gives good ink and adhesive anchorage.
Can EMA FOAM be formed, bent or molded?
Extrudes as blown/cast film, extrusion coating (up to ~315 °C melt, thermally stable, no acetic acid odor) and injection molds at 150–230 °C with cool molds; feed section cooling helps because pellets are tacky.
What is the maximum service temperature of EMA FOAM?
EMA FOAM is rated for continuous use to about 60°C (140 °F), and briefly to 85°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between EMA MA20 and EMA FR-ATH?
MA20 is the default condition — general-purpose EMA for tie layers, soft films, hot melts and impact modification. FR-ATH: eMA-based LSZH cable jacket/insulation compound where 55–65 % mineral loading and V-0 behaviour are required.
Sources
- Optema EMA copolymer resins — product data — ExxonMobil Chemical (2022)
- Elvaloy AC ethylene methyl acrylate copolymers — Dow (formerly DuPont) (2021)
- ASTM D1238 — Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer — ASTM (2020)
- ASTM D638 / D882 — Tensile properties of plastics and thin sheeting — ASTM (2022)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol.2: Engineering Plastics — ASM International (1988)
- CAMPUS / UL Prospector ethylene copolymer datasheets — CWFG / UL (2024)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.