The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as open-cell foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabric completes the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance.

A non-wicking underlayment board and methods for forming the same. The non-wicking underlayment board includes a foam core formed of closed cell foam with reinforcement layers encapsulated within the foam core. Outer facings formed of mineral coated nonwoven fibers are positioned on opposite faces of the non-wicking underlayment panel. The non-wicking underlayment board is useful for efficient and cost effective installation of barriers and surfaces in water-resistant and waterproof environments.

The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as open-cell foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabric completes the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance.

A composite article having an elastomeric composition with a blowing agent having an activation temperature and providing at least one structural member defining a fixed gap. The composition is formed below the blowing agent's activation temperature into a solid elastomeric member approximately the thickness of or larger than the gap. The elastomeric member is assembled into the gap, which may place the elastomeric member in a state of compression in the gap. The elastomeric member is then expanded by heating it above the activation temperature. During expansion, the escape of the gas produced is limited to increase the state of compression of the elastomer in the gap by means of confining any free surfaces or by including a platy filler such as nanoclay in the composition.

A non-wicking underlayment board and methods for forming the same. The non-wicking underlayment board includes a foam core formed of closed cell foam with reinforcement layers encapsulated within the foam core. Outer facings formed of mineral coated nonwoven fibers are positioned on opposite faces of the non-wicking underlayment panel. The non-wicking underlayment board is useful for efficient and cost effective installation of barriers and surfaces in water-resistant and waterproof environments.

External thermal insulation composite systems described herein include a concrete or masonry wall and a multilayer thermal insulation board disposed on the concrete or masonry wall. The multilayer thermal insulation board includes at least one closed cell foam layer comprising polyurethane and polyisocyanurate having an open cell volume of less than 20% by volume according to ASTM D 6226 and at least one open cell foam layer comprising polyurethane and polyisocyanurate having an open cell volume of greater than 80% by volume according to ASTM D 6226.

A heat shield component includes a substrate, and a heat shield film arranged on the substrate. The heat shield film includes a first layer arranged on the substrate, including pores, and having a thermal conductivity of 0.3 W/(m.Math.K) or less and a volumetric specific heat of 1200 kJ/(m.sup.3.Math.K) or less, and a second layer arranged on the first layer to provide closed pores between the first layer and the second layer. The heat shield film has a surface roughness on a top surface which is 1.5 μm Ra or less. The heat shield component can achieve high heat-insulating properties and an improved effect of reducing the emission amount of hydrocarbon in an internal combustion engine, for example.

The invention aims to provide a shoe sole member capable of achieving comfort when using shoes and exhibiting excellent shape-recovering properties after using the shoes. Provided is a shoe sole member formed using a polymer foam, and the polymer foam contains fibers dispersed therein.

A heat shield component includes a substrate, and a heat shield film arranged on the substrate. The heat shield film includes a first layer arranged on the substrate, including pores, and having a thermal conductivity of 0.3 W/(m.Math.K) or less and a volumetric specific heat of 1200 kJ/(m.sup.3.Math.K) or less, and a second layer arranged on the first layer to provide closed pores between the first layer and the second layer. The heat shield film has a surface roughness on a top surface which is 1.5 μm Ra or less. The heat shield component can achieve high heat-insulating properties and an improved effect of reducing the emission amount of hydrocarbon in an internal combustion engine, for example.

External thermal insulation composite systems described herein include a concrete or masonry wall and a multilayer thermal insulation board disposed on the concrete or masonry wall. The multilayer thermal insulation board includes at least one closed cell foam layer comprising polyurethane and polyisocyanurate having an open cell volume of less than 20% by volume according to ASTM D 6226 and at least one open cell foam layer comprising polyurethane and polyisocyanurate having an open cell volume of greater than 80% by volume according to ASTM D 6226.