A method of producing a foamed composite molded product includes fixing an exposed part of an insert material on a fixing part provided in a mold, the insert material being inserted in an in-mold foamed molded product made of a thermoplastic resin; introducing a polyurethane liquid into the mold; and producing the foamed composite molded product by foaming the polyurethane liquid in the mold. The foamed composite molded product includes an in-mold foamed molded product unit including the insert material and the in-mold foamed molded product; and a polyurethane foam. At least part of the insert material is exposed to an outside of the in-mold foamed molded product, and the in-mold foamed molded product unit and the polyurethane foam are integrated.

Polymeric multilayer material includes an adhesive layer having first and second opposed major surfaces. A first foam layer is joined to the first major surface and includes a first plurality of expandable microspheres. A first skin layer is attached to the first foam layer and is free of the first plurality expandable microspheres. A second foam layer is joined to the second major surface of the internal adhesive layer and includes a second plurality of expandable microspheres dispersed therein. A second skin layer is attached to the second foam layer and is free of the second plurality of expandable microspheres. A portion of the first expandable microspheres of the first foam layer and of the second foam layer is at least partially embedded within the adhesive layer. Embodiments, of polymeric multilayer materials described herein are useful, for example, as wearable medical or athletic support components. The materials can also be used as protective wrappings. For example, the materials can be wrapped around a sharp corner of an article, building, etc.

In a handrail including a carcass, a stretch inhibitor within the carcass, and a sliding layer bonded to the carcass, at least a portion of the carcass has a gas phase dispersed in a solid polymer matrix. The gas phase can reduce a density of the carcass by at least 5% or 10%, or about 15%, as compared to a density of the polymer matrix. The carcass can have a generally uniform distribution of gas bubbles in the polymer matrix, which can define a generally closed cell structure in the polymer matrix. The gas phase can be formed of particles of a syntactic foam dispersed in the polymer matrix. The handrail can further include a cover. The carcass and the cover can be formed of thermoplastic materials, and the cover can represent between 10 and 30% of the overall TPU required for the handrail.

A thermally expandable sheet includes a base, a thermally expansive layer, and a color adjustment layer. The thermally expansive layer is provided on a first side of the base and includes a thermally expandable material that distends in accordance with an amount of heat absorbed, the heat being generated from a thermal conversion layer that includes a thermal conversion material that converts electromagnetic waves to heat. The color adjustment layer is provided on at least one of the thermally expansive layer and a second side of the base and includes a color adjusting agent. When the thermal conversion layer is provided on the color adjustment layer, the color adjustment layer reduces a visual difference in color between a first region where the thermal conversion layer is provided and a second region where the thermal conversion layer is not provided.

A resin molded sheet includes: a base material made of resin; a first thermal expansion layer including a thermally expandable material and provided on a first surface of the base material; and a second thermal expansion layer including a thermally expandable material and provided on a second surface of the base material, wherein the first thermal expansion layer is provided at least on a first region, where the base material is deformed by the first thermal expansion layer, on the first surface of the base material, and the second thermal expansion layer is provided at least in a second region, where the base material is deformed by the second thermal expansion layer, on the second surface of the base material.

Biodegradable insulating structures and panel systems, and methods for producing and assembling the biodegradable insulating structures are provided. The biodegradable insulating structures include biodegradable foam panels formed from biobased polymer foam beads which include polylactic acid. The biodegradable foam panels have edges that form a seal with adjacent biodegradable foam panels to restrict thermal energy transfer at the edges.

Manufacturing systems for expandable components may include a controller, a heat and/or pressure source, and a transfer line. For example, the expandable components may be configured to transform from a compressed configuration to an expanded configuration upon application of heat and/or pressure. In addition, the controller may activate the heat and/or pressure source to release heat and/or gases that are directed to the expandable components via the transfer line. Further, the manufacturing system may also include an igniter, a manifold, and a valve to further control the release of heat and/or gases. Moreover, at least a portion of the heat and/or gases may be recaptured in a closed chamber and redirected to additional expandable components in other closed chambers. Furthermore, various post-processing may be performed on the components in their expanded configurations.

Floor panel for forming a floor covering, where the floor panel includes a carrier on the basis of a thermoplastic material and a top layer provided on the carrier. The thermoplastic material is free from plasticizers or includes a plasticizer in an amount up to maximum 20 phr, where the thermoplastic material is foamed or expanded, and where the carrier is provided with a reinforcement layer.

A hot press cushioning material includes: a fiber material comprised of a multiplicity of randomly oriented fibers (1); rubber (2) present in voids between the fibers (1) of the fiber material; and independent pores (3) dispersedly present in the rubber (2).

Systems and methods for developing a composite material are disclosed. The system can include a plurality of particles and a plurality of filaments. The plurality of particles can generate mechanical force in response to changing relative humidity, and the plurality of filaments can transfer the mechanical force throughout the composite material.