Development of EVA Foam Using Corn Pith as a Sustainable Filler

This research explores the development of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam incorporating corn pith as a filler material. EVA, a widely used thermoplastic elastomer derived from non-renewable petrochemical resources, raises environmental concerns due to its limited biodegradability. Corn pith, a lightweight and porous agricultural by-product, serves as a potential sustainable filler. This study investigates the effects of varying corn pith filler concentrations (10%, 20%, and 30%) on the mechanical and physical properties of EVA foam. The foam formulation involved mixing EVA, corn pith, and a physical blowing agent in a twin-screw extruder to ensure uniform material dispersion. The resulting compound was processed using compression molding, where heat and pressure facilitated expansion. Experimental results show that incorporating corn pith reduces EVA usage while enhancing foam flexibility and lightweight properties, as evidenced by decreased hardness and density compared to conventional EVA foam. Additionally, corn pith improves compression strength and expansion ratio, making the foam suitable for cushioning and lightweight applications. A filler percentage of 10% to 20% optimizes foaming properties while promoting material sustainability. This study demonstrates that corn pith is a viable filler, reducing reliance on synthetic polymers and promoting the use of agricultural waste in foam production.