Development of high‐performance <scp>EGMA</scp>/<scp>EVA</scp>‐bamboo powder composite foams with enhanced stability, strengthening and toughening for sustainable applications

Abstract Commercial ethylene vinyl acetate co‐polymer (EVA) foam is already an important part of everyday life thanks to its weather resistance and stability. However, the large amount of inorganic fillers present in commercial EVA foams is the main obstacle to their full carbon recovery. In this work, high‐performance ethylene‐acrylic ester‐glycidyl methacrylate/EVA‐bamboo powder (EGMA/EVA‐BP) composite foams with multiple cross‐linked network structures were successfully prepared by introducing a bio‐based filler, BP, and using EGMA as a partial replacement of the foaming matrix. Influenced by the multiple cross‐linked networks, the EGMA/EVA‐BP foam shows increased strength and toughness. Compared with EVA foams, the stability of EGMA/EVA‐BP foam is greatly improved by the introduction of BP and dispersion of EGMA, with tensile toughness and compressive modulus reaching 7.20 kN/m 3 and 1.05 MPa. Meanwhile, the EGMA/EVA‐BP foam still retains the advantages of light weight (density of 0.175 g/cm 3 ), high resilience (52%) and good thermal stability and durability (more than 400 cycles at 20% compression). In particular, BP enables the foam fully carbon‐degradable, making it easier to achieve sustainability in commercial polymer foams. This cost‐effective strategy offers an easily scalable solution for high‐performance, eco‐friendly commercial foam production. Highlights Bio‐based bamboo powder reinforces the foam to improve strength and toughness. Multi‐crosslinking network design improves foam stability. Lightweight, flexible, and durable foam. Eco‐friendly foam: combination of renewable energy and advanced polymers.