Polymer foams have low density, good heat insulation, good sound insulation effects, high specific strength, and high corrosion resistance, and are widely used in civil and industrial applications. In this paper, the classification of polymer foams, principles of the foaming process, types of blowing agents, and raw materials of polymer foams are reviewed. The research progress of various foaming methods and the current problems and possible solutions are discussed in detail.

Epoxy resin, which is extensively used in civil and industrial applications, shows excellent comprehensive performance, especially as a polymer matrix used in fiber‐reinforced composites. A thermal latent initiator, used as an epoxy curing agent, has high storage stability and is widely applied in the preparation of epoxy‐based blends and fiber‐reinforced composites. In this review, the basic properties of epoxy resins and commonly used curing agents are discussed while progress on the synthesis of thermal latent initiators is reviewed in detail. Moreover, the curing mechanisms, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of epoxy resins with thermal latent initiators are also discussed.