 EVA ( 18 % VA, density : 0.938 g/cm3 , MFI : 2.

5 g/10 min )
 TPU ( density :1.18 g/cm3 )
 EVA-g-MAH ( graft percent of MAH : 1.2 % , MFI : 1.2 g/10 min )
 MDA (4,4’ diamino diphenyl methane )
 Azodicarbonamide (AC) (blowing agent, degradation temperature range :
202±3°C )
 Dicumyl peroxide (DCP) (cross-linking agent )
 Zinc oxide (ZnO) ( activator )
 Stearic acid (St) ( lubricant )
 Zinc stearate (ZnSt) ( a foaming coagent )
 EVA, EVA-g-MAH and MDA were added in an internal mixer at 100°C for 10
min at a screw speed of 30 r/min (Table 1).
 TPU was added, and the above step was repeated.
 3 phr of EVA, AC,1.1 phr DCP, 2 phr ZnO, 1.1 phr ZnSt and 0.8 phr St, were
mixed into the system at 100°C for 10 min at a screw speed of 30 r/min.
 The compounds were taken out from the mill to form a sheet by a twin roll mill
 The sheet was stored at room temperature for over 5 h.
 The foamed sample was obtained by a flat-panel curing press at 180°C under a
pressure of 10 MPa for 550 s.
 After the pressure was removed, the samples were allowed to expand.

Materials :
 Dicumyl peroxide (DCP), Maleic anhydride (MA), EVA.
 Solvents : Xylene, Acetone

Synthesis and purification of EVA-g-MAH :

MAH and DCP were premixed proportionally in acetone and then mixed with EVA under
vigorous stirring. After hours of acetone volatilization, the mixer was molten-reacted in
HAAKE Rheocord at 175 °C with the rotor speed of 40 rpm and a reaction time of 10 min.

EVA/MAH reactant was refluxed in xylene for 2 h to get rid of insoluble solids. The mixture
in xylene was then dropped into acetone to deposit EVA-g-MAH and the unreacted EVA. The
unreacted monomers and maleic anhydride homopolymer were dissolved in acetone. Deposit
was washed several times with acetone. After this, the residues were dried under vacuum at
50 C for 24 h.
Alfa reinforced fiber preparation

To prepare the alfa reinforced fibers (AF), alfa stems were subjected to alkali treatment
using ...M NaOH –water for … hours at …..°C, with stems/NaOH -water ration of ..g/..mL .
The fibers then washed with tap water and dried in a oven at ...°C for ...hours. Dried fibers
were then grinded, and sifted (< ….. µm) .