LEVAPREN®
PRODUCT PORTFOLIO
Ethylene-vinyl acetate rubber from ARLANXEO is thecost-effective EVM-specialty for demanding applications
as floorings and cables
www.arlanxeo.com

LEVAPREN®
PRODUCT PROPERTIESPolymer properties
ARLANXEO offers its customers a comprehensive rangeof synthetic rubber products, with specialties such as­Levapren®. Whereever conventional polymers reach theirlimits, Levapren®, a polymer with very good heat and weathering resistance, is a suitable alternative.
Levapren® is produced by copolymerization of e­thyleneand vinyl acetate. In principle Levapren® consists ofmethylene units forming a saturated polymer backbone­
with ­
pendant a­cetate groups. These rubber-like co­polymers are d­ esignated ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer(EVM)(1) ac­cord­ing to ISO 1629:2015 (E) nomenclature. The­presence of a fully saturated main chain already indicatesthat L­ evapren® is a particularly stable polymer. Degradation­generally only occurs at very high temperatures and eventhen very slowly.
Chemical structure of Levapren®
Ethylene

Vinyl acetateO+O

Ethylene-vinyl acetatecopolymer

On

Influence of the VA-content on morphology
Temperature (°C)

Crystallinity (%)

60

2035151010-155-40304050607080901000Vinyl acetate content (%)
Tg (°C)Tm (°C)

Crystallinity (%)

Tg = Glass transition temp

Tm = Melting temp

The higher the vinyl acetate content in the copolymer, thestronger the regularity of the ethylene chain is interrup­ted.
Crystallization is reduced and becoming entirely absent at
a vinyl acetate content of approx. 60 wt.%. Hence copolymers with a high vinyl acetate content are amorphous.

Om

Our ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers are used as synthetic rubbers, or as modifiers in thermoplastics, specificallyPVC. The adhesive raw materials are sold under the brandname Levamelt®. The main differences between the grades
are the vinyl acetate content and the copolymer viscosity.
The general property profile of the copolymers produced
from ethylene and vinyl acetate is determined in the first
instance by the ratio of the two components. The reactivity of the two monomers is almost similar so that they arestatistically distributed throughout the copolymer chain,­which is perfect for rubber applications.

2

1

In accordance with ISO 1043-1:2016, the abbreviation E/VAC is to beused for thermoplastics. The abbreviation EVA is also frequently used.

3

LEVAPREN®
VULCANIZATE PROPERTIESHalogen free and flame retardant non corrosive (FRNC)Classification of elastomers based on their hot air and oil resistance (in accordance with ASTM D 2000/SAE J 200)

Levapren® is the material of choice wherever flame retar­dancy has to be achieved. It features the ­advantages ofbeing halogen free and of burning with non-­corrosiveemissions. Flame retardancy is achieved by adding highamounts of specialized fillers, such as aluminium hydroxideor magnesium hydroxide.

250

FPM

Heat resistance (°C)

225

200

MVFQ

175

90 % VAMVQ

EVM (Levapren®)
ACM

AEM

HNBR
Therban®

49 % VA

150

40 % VA

21% VACM
CO / ECO

EPDM
Keltan®

(H)IIRCSM

X_Butyl®

125
NBR

48 % VA100

FRNC materials are particularly suitable for use in heavily
frequented areas such as:

18% VAKrynac® Perbunan®
EUCRBaypren®

AUSBRKrylene® Krynol®

7550BRBuna® CBTaktene®
0102030

406080100120140NR

no requirements

Oil resistance (maximum change of volume after swelling in ASTM Oil # 3 in %)The very good heat resistance is outperformed only by­silicone rubber and fluoroelastomers and is equivalent tothat of acrylate rubber.
The above figure shows how L­ evapren® can be classified
in relation to other polymers. At 40 to 90 wt.% vinyl acetate
content, Levapren® covers the range from low to very goodoil resistance.
Well protected Levapren® vulcanizates can serve up to 1,000hrs at 175 °C. Even over a period of 20,000 hrs ­Levapren®
can withstand temperatures up to 137 °C.

department stores
hospitals
museums
airports
railway stations
buses and trains
Additionally, disposal of old halogen free rubber products
has less of an environmental impact.

Determination of heat resistance of Levapren®
(in accordance with VDE 0304)

The higher the content of the vinyl acetate, the higher isthe limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the resulting material andtherefore the lower the flammability.
Effect of the VA content /aluminium ­hydroxide(ATH 190 phr) on the LOI5550454035304050607080

Vinyl acetate content (wt.%)

105
Time until elongation becomes <50 % (h)If properly compounded, Levapren® vulcanizates display
excellent aging resistance and also continue to function­over extended periods of stress at elevated temperatures.
The heat resistance of Levapren® vulcanizates is conside­
rably better compared to most other common elastomers.

4Based on laboratory flame tests, properly compounded­Levapren® displays lower smoke evolution than competitivematerials. Smoke evolution during an actual fire may impair visibility and obscure escape routes. By ­proper compounding FRNC materials complying even with DIN 4102/
Fire Class B1 can be produced.(1)The flame-retardant properties of Levapren® vulcanizates
are not only affected by the amount and kind of filler in thecompound, but also by the vinyl acetate content of the EVM
grade used.

LOI (Limiting Oxygen Index)

Hot air and oil resistance

20,000 hrs
104

103

137 °C
100200190

180

150 140
160
170
Temperature (°C)

130120(1) Proper compounding assumed, flammability results are based on smallscale laboratory tests for purposes of relative comparison and are notintended to reflect the hazards presented by this or any other material
under actual fire conditions.

5LEVAPREN®
VULCANIZATE PROPERTIES
Weathering, UV and ozone resistanceA light-colored Levapren®-based FRNC compound was protected with 10 phr titanium dioxide and 1 phr UV s­ ­tabilizer.
The changes in elongation at break are depicted in the next
figure and are compared with the values obtained from asimilar compound based on EPDM showing a clear advantage for Levapren®.

-10Different Levapren® grades can be blended, thus delivering an elegant way to produce materials with ­tailor-made­dynamic mechanical properties.

Frequency dependance of the complex shear moduli at 20 °C of raw polymers(Mettler DMA / STDA861e and Rheometer Physica MCR300)

-20
-30
-40

109

109

-50

108

108

-60

107

107

-70
-80
-90

0

1,000

2,000

3,000
Time [h]Levapren®

EPDM

4,000

5,000

Storage modulus (Pa)

Similar positive results were obtained in the laboratory after
trials involving UV radiation in a xenon tester.

0Loss modulus (Pa)

Levapren® vulcanizates show none of these effects after
outdoor weathering tests conducted over a 2-year period.
The samples were still useable at the end of the trial.

The high VA content Levapren® grades (Levapren® 800 andLevapren® 900) provide high damping at room temperature
whereas the low VA content grades (Levapren® 400 and­Levapren® 500) show an extremely elastic behavior.

Xenon Test DIN 53387:
Relative change of elongation at break (%)

Relative change in elongation at break (%)

UV radiation, ozone, rain and industrial waste gases cansignificantly deteriorate the properties of elastomers. Theeffects are described according to their appearance as­ozone cracking, crazing (non-oriented tear cracking), chalking, softening or hardening. Vulcanizates with light-coloredfillers in particular are sensitive to these influences.

Mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties

106
105
104
103

106
105
104
103

102

102

101

101

100

1E-13

1E-10 1E-07 1E-04 1E-01 1E+02 1E+05 1E+08 1E+11 1E+14

100

1E-13

Frequency (Hz)Levapren® 400

Levapren® 500

1E-08

1E-03

1E+02

1E+07

1E+12

Frequency (Hz)Levapren® 800

Levapren® 900

Colored profiles

67

LEVAPREN®
APPLICATIONSThe Levapren® product range consists of r­ubbers that cancope with the continuously more demanding requirementsfor:automotivemachinerybuilding / construction
wire and cable
sporting goods

CablesSensor cables

The high flame resistance of Levapren®-sheeted cables is
one of the reasons for the great success of this EVM brandof ARLANXEO.

Due to its unique polymerization process, the molecularweight distribution of Levapren® is in particular wide. The
gel-free product has a positive effect on the processability of the material and the quality of the end product suchas the sensor cables produced by Prysmian. Gel particles
would impact the function of the cables and therefore cause
safety problems.

For instance, Levapren® vulcanizates satisfy the stringent
requirements of such applications in terms of thermal stability, flame retardancy, and good resistance to ozone, UV lightand industrial waste gases.

Seals
Due to its long-term heat stability and its good resistance
to automotive fluids, Levapren® is used in seals, e. g., forrocker head covers.
     

Whereever flame retardance has to be achieved: Levapren®

Floorings
Floorings based on Levapren® can not only fulfill FRNC
­requirements(1), they also give benefits like good resistanceto wear, abrasion, ozone, weathering and they offer outstanding color stability.
Rocker head cover seal based on Levapren®

Hoses

Sensor cables produced by PrysmianCables

Translucent articles

Due to the high flame retardancy and the heat and chemical resistance of FRNC Levapren® vulcanizates, cables are
one of the key applications of Levapren®. Many cables inbuildings, ships and mass transit or rolling stock are madeof FRNC Levapren® compounds.

Flexibility in design without compromising in properties is
one of the common challenges in the industry. Levapren®
enables designers to create translucent articles with very
good weather and UV resistance which in most cases canonly be achieved with carbon-black-filled rubber articles.
Reinforced with glass fibers, this material, called Vitroflex®,is used, for example, for the flex bellows in buses, allowing
more light to pass inside.

Levapren® is used as base material for flame-retardant andchlorine-free hose covers like in the fuel hoses for AUDI produced by Veritas.

Floor coverings made of Levapren®

At home under the hood: fuel hose cover made ofhigh performance EVM Levapren®

8(1) Proper compounding assumed, flammability results are basedon smallscale laboratory tests for purposes of relative comparison and are not intended to reflect the hazards presented
by this or any other material under actual fire conditions.
(2) Vitroflex® is a registered trademark ofContiTech AG

FRNC Levapren® vulcanizates are used in high-speed trainsVitroflex® (2) made of Levapren® (© ContiTech AG)

9LEVAPREN®
APPLICATIONSLEVAPREN®
PRODUCT RANGE

Foams

Product range and typical properties

Interep produces foams out of Levapren® which are formulated for more favorable combustion behavior than compe­
titive materials. These foams are used in many applications
where human safety has highest priority or where significant
material assets exist. Typical applications are in ships, railways and buses.

ProductVinyl acetate
content(weight in %)MooneyViscosity ML(1+4) 100 °C

Density

Levapren 400

40 ± 1.5

20 ± 4approx. 0.98

Levapren® 45045 ± 1.5

20 ± 4approx. 0.99

Levapren® 500

50 ± 1.5

27 ± 4approx. 1.00®

Levapren 600

60 ± 1.5

27 ± 4approx. 1.04

Levapren® 650 VP(2)65 ± 2.0

27 ± 4approx. 1.05

Levapren® 700

70 ± 1.5

27 ± 4approx. 1.07

Levapren® 800

80 ± 2.0

28 ± 6approx. 1.11

Levapren® 900

90 ± 2.0

38 ± 6approx. 1.15

Levapren® 500 XL VP(2)50 ± 1.555 ± 10approx. 1.00

Levapren® 600 XL VP(2)60 ± 1.555 ± 10approx. 1.04

Levapren® 700 XL VP(2)70 ± 1.560 ± 10approx. 1.07

80 ± 2.055 ± 10approx. 1.11

Levapren 500 PXL VP

50 ± 1.560 ± 5approx. 1.00

(2)

Levapren 600 PXL VP

60 ± 1.560 ± 5approx. 1.04

Levapren® 700 PXL VP(2)70 ± 1.560 ± 5approx. 1.07

Levapren 800 PXL VP

80 ± 2.0

60 ± 5approx. 1.11®

Levapren foam with more favorable combustion behavior®

Packaging(g/cm³)25 kg bags(1) on ­pallet,1000 kg net

25 kg bags (1) in ­cardboard­boxes on ­pallet, 1000 kg netTrial products, precrosslinked

Levapren 800 XL VP®
®
®

LEVAPREN®
SUPPLY FORM
The numbers of the Levapren® nomenclature are used todifferentiate the grades. The first two digits indicate thevinyl acetate content. Trial products are designated VP(VP = Versuchsprodukt in German). Some products are precrosslinked in a controlled manner in an additional process
stage (XL and PXL grades).
Levapren® is dispatched as almost colorless granules in
25 kg bags or big bags on pellets. The polyethylene (PE)based bags should always be removed.
Storage conditions:Store under moderate temperatures and dry conditions inoriginal packaging. Avoid exposure to the light. Do not stack
pallets/boxes at storage. The temperature for ­storage shall®

(2)
(2)

(2)

25 kg polyethylene bags,in ­cardboard boxes on­pallet, 750 kg net

25 kg polyethylene bags,in ­cardboard boxes on­pallet, 1000 kg net(1) film based on EVA-Copolymer resin, melting point 93 °C, film thickness 0.13 mm(2) VP = Versuchsprodukt = trial productnot exceed +40°C and only if flowability of the g­ ranules is
no keyfactor. Keep storage to a minimum. Granules tends
to block at temperatures above + 25 °C if stored improperly.
For this reason, the flowability of this product is explicitly not warranted. If flowability is an important keyfactor foryour process, ask your ARLANXEO customer contact forother product solutions.
Shelf life:
36 month from date of production warranted under theabove mentioned storage conditions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
PLEASE CONTACT US
Make use of our experienceYour contact to Levapren® experts

Inventing the future together
Research and development plays a key role at ­ARLANXEO.
The High Performance Elastomers (HPE) business unit has
research and technical centers with testing facilities on­almost every continent. Whether you are looking for bettercompounding ideas or are thinking about developing a newproduct, our experts will be happy to support you.

levapren@arlanxeo.com

For direct information, please contact our technical s­ upportservice. Our Levapren® experts are looking forward to­answering your questions.
1011

Trial product:(VP = Versuchsprodukt = trial product). The information contained herein is merely
preliminary. Testing as to properties and applications is not final. Further information,including data which could change or add hazards with use, may be developed by
the manufacturer, the user or a third-party institute. Such information may be needed
to properly evaluate or use this product. Use is undertaken at the sole risk of the user.
Quality & Environmental Management:
Levapren® is produced under strict control regarding safety, environmental protection and quality. The whole supply chain, from production to customer service, iscovered by ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification.
Product Safety:
Relevant safety data and references as well as the possibly necessary warning labels
are to be found in the corresponding safety data sheets.
Food contact:
Information concerning FDA and BfR compliance can be obtained on request fromthe Health, Safety, Environment and Quality department (HSEQ) of ARLANXEO.
Health and Safety Information:
Appropriate literature has been assembled which provides information concerning the health and safety precautions that must be observed when handling the­ARLANXEO products mentioned in this publication. For materials mentioned which
are not ARLANXEO products, appropriate industrial hygiene and other safety precautions ­recommended by their manufacturers should be followed. Before working
with any of these products, you must read and become familiar with the available­information on their hazards, proper use and handling. This cannot be overemphasized. ­Information is available in several forms, e.g., material safety data sheets and­product labels. Consult us through your ARLANXEO representative or the Health,Safety, Environment and Quality Department (HSEQ) of ARLANXEO.

Portfolio/Edition 2018
© 2018 ARLANXEO. All rights reserved.

ARLANXEO Deutschland GmbHAlte Heerstraße 241540 Dormagen, Germany
www.arlanxeo.com
www.levapren.com
levapren@arlanxeo.com

Regulatory Compliance Information:
Some of the end uses of the products described in this publication must comply withapplicable regulations, such as the FDA, BfR, NSF, USDA and CPSC. If you haveany questions on the regulatory status of these products, contact your ARLANXEOrepresentative.
The manner in which you use and the purpose to which you put and utilize ourproducts, technical assistance and information (whether verbal, written or by wayof production evaluations), including any suggested formulations and recommendations, are beyond our control.
Therefore, it is imperative that you test our products, technical assistance and­information to determine to your own satisfaction whether they are suitable for yourintended uses and applications. This application-specific analysis must at least­include testing to determine suitability from a technical as well as health, safety, andenvironmental standpoint. Such testing has not necessarily been done by us. Unless
we otherwise agree in writing, all products are sold strictly pursuant to the terms of
our standard conditions of sale, which can be found at the ARLANXEO homepage.
All information and technical assistance is given without warranty or guarantee andis subject to change without notice. It is expressly understood and agreed that you
assume and hereby expressly release us from all liability, in tort, contract or otherwise, incurred in connection with the use of our products, technical assistance andinformation.
Any statement or recommendation not contained herein is unauthorized and shallnot bind us. Nothing herein shall be construed as a recommendation to use any
product in conflict with patents covering any material or its use. No license is implied
or in fact granted under the claims of any patent.