Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam is a type of closed-cell foam often employed in the manufacturing of tires, particularly for applications where puncture resistance and lightweight characteristics are paramount. These tires are solid, meaning they do not require inflation and are immune to flats. They are commonly found on strollers, wheelchairs, and some types of children’s bicycles.
The adoption of this material in tire manufacturing stems from its durability, shock-absorbing capabilities, and resistance to environmental factors like UV radiation and ozone. This results in a longer lifespan and reduced maintenance requirements compared to traditional pneumatic tires. The use of this material has a historical basis in applications demanding reliability and low operational overhead, such as in medical equipment and recreational vehicles. It provides consistent performance without the need for air pressure monitoring or inflation equipment.