Typically, formamide may be present in foam mats as a plasticizer for ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), as a decomposition product of blowing agents used in the manufacture of foam products, or as a residual solvent from EVA resin manufacture. According to the French Agency for Food Safety, Environment, and Labor (ANSES), in the case of puzzle mats, children can inhale the chemical emitted by the mats into the air.
EVA is also used in biomedical engineering applications as a drug-delivery device. The polymer is dissolved in an organic solvent (such as dichloromethane). Powdered drug and filler (typically an inert sugar) are added to the liquid solution and rapidly mixed to obtain a homogeneous mixture. The drug-filler-polymer mixture is then cast into a mold at −80 °C and freeze-dried until solid. These devices are used in drug delivery research to slowly release a compound. The polymer does not biodegrade within the body, but is quite inert and causes little or no reaction following implantation.
Formamide is a colorless liquid that is commonly used as a solvent and a softening agent in various industries. It is also used in the production of Eva Foam as it helps to break down the polymer chains and make the foam more pliable and easier to work with.
Yes, it is possible to make Eva Foam without using formamide. There are alternative solvents and softening agents that can be used in the production process, such as dimethylformamide or dimethyl sulfoxide.
Yes, there are some health and environmental concerns associated with using formamide. It is classified as a potential reproductive toxin and can also be harmful to aquatic life. Therefore, it is important to handle and dispose of formamide properly.
The quality of Eva Foam made without formamide can be comparable to that made with formamide. However, the absence of formamide may result in a slightly stiffer foam and may require different processing techniques to achieve the desired level of flexibility.
Yes, there are some benefits to using formamide-free Eva Foam. It eliminates the potential health and environmental risks associated with formamide and may also be more cost-effective in the long run as alternative solvents may be cheaper and more readily available.