Abstract: A method of converting saturated aliphatic chlorinated hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and hydrogen chloride which comprises contacting a pre-heated mixture of the hydrocarbon, oxygen and, where necessary, water with a molecular sieve catalyst at temperatures of from about 180.degree. to about 400.degree. C. Simple chlorinated hydrocarbons can thus be completely converted to HCl and CO.sub.2 at low temperatures without the production of undesired by-products.

Abstract: Low density, lightweight foam articles may be provided with certain portions or regions thereof, that are reinforced, having higher density and strength, obtained by compression of the foam in these locations, during or after formation of the foam. Such locations may be made sufficiently strong and dense to allow the article to be attached in place by fastening means, imbedded therein. The increase in density can be as much as from 5 pcf to 10 pcf or higher, depending upon the particular application.Many foam materials, capable of being molded, extruded, or otherwise shaped to a predetermined configuration, may be made with this combination of high and low density, including foams of styrenic polymer or copolymer compositions, urethanes, vinyls, and even non-thermoplastic based materials, such as phenolic foams.