A formulation for producing a polymeric material including polypropylene, a chemical blowing agent, and optional components as described.

A formulation for producing a polymeric material including polypropylene, a chemical blowing agent, and optional components as described.

Methods of forming a lightweight reinforced thermoplastic core layer and articles including the core layer are described. In some examples, the methods use a combination of thermoplastic material, reinforcing fibers and bicomponent fibers to enhance retention of lofting agents in the core layer. The processes permit the use of less material while still providing sufficient lofting capacity in the final formed core layer.

A recorded matter having a three-dimensional image is produced by a method comprising the steps of: applying, to a recording medium including a substrate and a foaming layer provided thereon, a foam-promoting liquid containing water and a foam-promoting component; and heating the foaming layer. The foaming layer contains a binder resin and a foaming particle which foams as heated, while the foam-promoting component lowers a foaming start temperature of the foaming particle. The foaming particle includes a shell layer containing a thermoplastic resin and a volatile material encapsulated in the shell layer. The binder resin contains a water-insoluble resin, while the foam-promoting component contains a compound having no hydroxyl group.