Characterization of ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA)/modifed starch expanded compounds for outsole material

Abstract

The use of non-biodegradable material in shoe components has negative impacts on environmental sustainability when disposed into landflls due to poor biodegradability. This study prepared ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA)/modifed starch expanded compounds as outsole material to overcome environmental pollution. This research aimed to investigate the effects of EVA/modifed starch ratio on the properties of the compound. Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer was blended with a modifed cassava starch in various amounts (10-50 phr) using a two-roll mill. Effect of modifed starch content was characterized its tensile strength, elongation at break, tearing strength, 50% permanent set, density, abrasion resistance, flex resistance, biodegradability, and morphology. The optimum value of tensile strength (61.33 kg/cm²), elongation at break (895%), and tear strength (16.62 N/mm) were obtained for samples containing 20 phr modifed starch. The EVA compound containing 30 phr of starch showed the optimum 50% permanent set (4.85%) and the highest abrasion resistance with the smallest volume loss of 439.99 mm³. The addition of modifed starch up to 50 phr provided good flexural resistance to 150000 number of cycles. The morphology image showed that distribution of modifed starch particles was not homogeneously dispersed in the EVA/modifed starch expanded compound. Incorporation of modifed starch in EVA compound was improving its biodegradability.

Keywords

• biodegradability
• eva
• modifed starch
• morphology
• outsole
• physical properties