Abstract: A method of making a molded article includes the steps of providing a first sheet member and a second sheet member that are made of a fiber composite material and that are different in shape. The method further includes laminating the first and second sheet members into a main body that has a thick region and a thin region having a thickness smaller than that of the thick region and forming and bonding a molded body on the main body by a molding technique so as to obtain the molded article.

Abstract: A composite material includes a porous substrate covered by thermoplastic foil. The porous substrate has a top side, a bottom side, and a plurality of gaps connecting the top side with the bottom side. The thermoplastic foil covers the top side and the bottom side, and fills the gaps. A method for preparing the composite material includes the steps of preparing a porous substrate having a top side, a bottom side, and a plurality of gaps connecting the top side with the bottom side. A top foil is placed on the top side and a bottom foil is placed on the bottom side, and a force is then applied to the top foil at a predetermined temperature, thereby filling the gaps with the top foil or the bottom foil.