Example systems and methods are described including backing paper for use with uncured pre-impregnated material. An example system includes a backing paper having a first surface and a second surface. The system also includes a coating material positioned on the first surface of the backing paper. A blowing agent is encapsulated within the coating material.

A method of forming a surface covering includes supplying a surface covering raw material. The surface covering raw material includes a substrate and a foamable layer formed on the substrate. A foaming inhibiting composition is applied in a predetermined pattern to the foamable layer formed on the substrate. The foaming inhibiting composition is a non-aqueous composition.

An integrally-formed nonwoven object manufacturing method includes a raw material mixing step, a roller mixing step, a plastic sheet forming step, a foaming step, an embossing step, and a post-process step to manufacture a nonwoven object from TPU material such that the manufacturing process dispenses with a solvent to thereby effectuate environmental protection and reduce processing steps.

A seal for a vacuum lifter and method of manufacture wherein the seal has a continuous unbroken outer fluid resistant skin of elastomer which forms a boundary around a homogeneous cellular structure with no interior seams or joints.

A process is disclosed for manufacturing at least one wall of a tank and comprises at least a first layer of thermoplastic and a second foam-based layer. The second foam-based layer forms at least part of an anti-slosh device, and the process is characterized in that the first layer and the second layer are molded in the same mold.

A structural reinforcement for an article including a carrier (10) that includes: (t) a mass of polymeric material (12) having an outer surface; and (ii) at least one fibrous composite Insert (14) or overlay (980) having an outer surface and including at least one elongated fiber arrangement (e.g., having a plurality of ordered fibers). The fibrous Insert (14) or overlay (980) is envisioned to adjoin the mass of the polymeric material in a predetermined location for carrying a predetermined load that Is subjected upon the predetermined location (thereby effectively providing localized reinforcement to that predetermined location). The fibrous insert (14) or overlay (980) and the mass of polymeric material (12) are of compatible materials, structures or both, for allowing the fibrous insert or overlay to be at feast partially joined to the mass of the polymeric material. Disposed upon at least a portion of the carrier (10) may be a mass of activatable material (126). The fibrous insert (14) or overlay (980) may include a polymeric matrix that includes a thermoplastic epoxy.

The present invention relates to self-foaming hot melt adhesive compositions and methods of making and using the same. Self-foaming hot melt adhesive compositions are formed by admixing a dispersion concentrate including a chemical blowing agent and a compatible carrier (liquid or molten) with a molten base hot melt adhesive composition at a temperature below the decomposition temperature of the chemical blowing agent. The resolidified material is processed through a device that heats the material above the decomposition temperature of the chemical agent and cools it below such temperature before being dispensed. The device preferably includes sensors and a controller configured to prevent the material from accumulating an adverse thermal history during processing.

A seal for a vacuum lifter and method of manufacture wherein the seal has a continuous unbroken outer fluid resistant skin of elastomer which forms a boundary around a homogeneous cellular structure with no interior seams or joints.

A vehicle structure includes: a framework member; an outer panel disposed at the outer side of the framework member, and that configures a design face of the vehicle; a foamed member disposed as a reinforcing material between the framework member and the outer panel, and that is formed from a material foamed at a first temperature from a precursor state and then solidifies at a second temperature lower than the first temperature; and a reinforcement member that is interposed between the outer panel and the foamed member in a state in which the outer panel and the foamed member are respectively joined together so as to fix the foamed member to the outer panel, and that is configured from a material having a smaller shrinkage ratio than a shrinkage ratio of the foamed member when the temperature is lowered from the first temperature to the second temperature.

A process for making a three dimensional foam article of non-uniform shape employs a two-stage nitrogen autoclave process and a pre-form which has a non-uniform cross- section in at least one dimension.