ISO 21301-2:2019

Overview - ISO 21301-2:2019 (EVAC test specimens & properties)

ISO 21301-2:2019 specifies procedures for the preparation of test specimens and the determination of material properties for ethylene‑vinyl acetate (EVAC) moulding and extrusion materials. The standard defines handling, compression‑moulding conditions, specimen conditioning and the suite of mechanical, thermal, rheological, electrical and flammability test methods used to produce reproducible, comparable data for EVAC compounds.

Keywords: ISO 21301-2:2019, EVAC, ethylene‑vinyl acetate, test specimens, compression moulding, conditioning, material properties, MFR, tensile, DSC.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Specimen preparation: Specimens shall be produced by compression moulding (ISO 293) and machined or stamped to dimensions in ISO 20753. Consistent procedures and processing conditions are required for reproducible results.
• Material handling: Test material must be stored in moisture‑proof containers; moisture content for filled/reinforced compounds is reported as a percentage of total mass.
• Compression‑moulding parameters: Table 1 gives specific conditions (e.g., average moulding temperatures: ≈155 °C for ≤10 % vinyl acetate, ≈125 °C for >10 % vinyl acetate; full pressure typically ~5 MPa; preheating 5–15 min depending on mould type).
• Conditioning: Test specimens conditioned per ISO 291 for at least 16 h at 23 °C ± 2 °C (standard atmosphere generally 23 °C ± 2 °C and 50 ± 10 % RH unless otherwise stated).
• Property determination: Test methods are selected from ISO 10350‑1 and other referenced standards. Core properties include:
  • Rheological: MFR/MVR (ISO 1133‑1)
  • Mechanical: tensile modulus/yield/stress/strain (ISO 527 series), flexural modulus (ISO 178), impact (ISO 179‑1, ISO 8256)
  • Thermal: melting temperature (DSC, ISO 11357‑3), deflection temperature (ISO 75), coefficient of linear thermal expansion (ISO 11359‑2)
  • Electrical & flammability: permittivity, resistivity (IEC/ISO electrical standards), burning behaviour (IEC 60695, ISO 4589‑2)
  • Composition: vinyl acetate content (ISO 8985), viscosity number (ISO 1628‑3)

Practical applications - who uses this standard

• Materials and polymer engineers developing EVAC grades
• Quality control and testing laboratories verifying production lots
• Product designers and specifiers selecting EVAC compounds for consumer goods, packaging, cables, footwear or foams
• Regulatory and procurement teams requiring comparable, certified material data

ISO 21301‑2 ensures consistent specimen preparation and testing so manufacturers and users can compare EVAC properties reliably.

Related standards

Relevant referenced documents include ISO 21301‑1 (designation system), ISO 10350‑1, ISO 293, ISO 291, ISO 1133‑1, ISO 527 series, ISO 178, ISO 11357‑3, ISO 8985, IEC 60250, IEC 60695 and others cited in the standard.