Abstract: To provide a decorative sheet which has a three-dimensional decorative effect and, in addition, is free from separation of a decorated area upon being exposed to abrasion or impact conditions. A decorative sheet comprising: a substrate (1) formed of a transparent resin composition; and, laminated thereon in the following order, a color layer (2), an expandable layer (3), and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (5).

Abstract: A water-based chipping-resistant paint which comprises 30 to 65 weight percent of solid matter and 0.1 to 10 weight percent of low-temperature volatility solvent as a water-based dispersion substance and wherein the solid matter contains 15 to 75 weight percent of film-formable resin, 0.2 to 25 weight percent of thermoexpandable microspheres, and 20 to 80 weight percent of chipping-resistant material, facilitates vaporization of water at the time of film formation owing to mixing of the low-temperature volatility solvent, can prevent cracking and blistering of a film due to water remaining in the film and vaporization of water remaining after the film formation, and readily form a thick film owing to an expansion effect of the thermoexpandable microspheres at the stage of baking after coating, and therefore is suitable for a chipping resistant underbody coating for automobiles.

Abstract: Layered ceramic coatings in which some layers contain porosity as described as are methods for producing such coatings. The different layers have different compositions and/or are applied under different conditions. As applied, some of the layers have a Zone I structure and some have a Zone II/III type structure (as defined by Movchan). Heat treatment can be used to increase the porosity in the Zone I structure layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support provided with super-absorbent material to be manufactured by causing suitable monomers to polymerize in the presence of a catalyst in order to obtain a polymer solution, adding a cross-linking agent to the polymer solution to obtain a pasty composition, subsequently applying the composition on or in a support and allowing the applied composition to dry and cross-link in order to obtain the support with the super-absorbent material, wherein microspheres are added to the paste.

Abstract: A wear layer is applied to a flooring material to yield a product having superior properties. The wear layer is applied to the flooring material using a coating composition comprising (i) a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, (ii) an acrylic or methacrylic compound and (iii) a radiation-reactive urethane oligomer, which composition is substantially or completely free of internal or external plasticizers, heating to heat-cure the coating composition and irradiating the composition to radiation-cure the coating composition.

Abstract: A method for preparing a nanoporous silicone resin which can be used to form low dielectric constant films useful for electrical insulating coatings on electronic devices comprising (A) contacting a hydridosilicon containing resin with a 1-alkene comprising about 8 to 28 carbon atoms in the presence of a platinum group metal-containing hydrosilation catalyst effecting formation of an alkylhydridosiloxane resin where at least 5 percent of silicon atoms are substituted with at least one group comprising about 8 to 28 carbon atoms and at least 45 percent of silicon atoms are substituted with at least one hydrogen atom and (B) heating the alkylhydridosiloxane resin of step (A) at a temperature sufficient to effect curing and thermolysis of alkyl groups comprising about 8 to 28 carbon atoms from the silicon atoms thereby forming a nanoporous silicone resin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making masking tape is provided. A hot melt or thermoplastic adhesive having no added foaming agents, blowing agents, or surfactants is applied to a paper backing having a moisture content, wherein the adhesive is at a temperature near or below the boiling point of water. The adhesive-coated tape is then advanced to a heating device and heat is applied thereto such that the moisture present in the tape is vaporized and dispersed throughout the adhesive to give the adhesive a foam-like quality.

Abstract: A stainproof treatment agent containing:(A) a fluoroalkyl group-containing copolymer having(I) a repeating unit derived from a monomer having a fluoroalkyl group,(II) a repeating unit derived from a monomer containing no fluorine,(III) a repeating unit derived from vinyl chloride, and(IV) a repeating unit derived from a crosslinking monomer; and(B) an acrylic copolymer containing no fluorine, has durability so that sufficient water- and oil-repellency as well as stainproof properties are maintained before and after cleaning.

Abstract: A method for priming an uneven surface of a blank uses a novel "thermally expansible spray putty". This spray putty is prepared by mixing a priming paint for the blank with thermally expansible micro-capsules in amount of 0.5 to 10 weight % of the solid matter of the priming paint. The thermally expansible spray putty is preferably conditioned with an exclusive thinner to a high viscous state enabling it to be air-sprayed. Shell walls of the micro-capsules soften at a temperature below the setting temperature of a thermosetting paint to be used in finish painting of the blank. After the blank being treated by degreasing, drying and the like, the uneven surface of the blank is coated with the thermally expansible spray putty by spraying. After suitably setting the coated spray putty, it is dried by heating so as to expand the micro-capsules to obtain a substantially smooth surface of the blank.

Abstract: Sheet structural material and leather-like sheet structural material which have a porous layer formed by applying a foamed material having a thixotropy index of 2 to 4 and drying the foamed material and a method of producing the same, are disclosed. The foamed material is prepared by foaming a compound solution containing at least a base resin and a filler. The porous layer has open cells and the diameter of the open cells is in the range from 20 to 250 micrometer. The air permeability of the resulting sheet structural material is 3 to 13 cm.sup.2 /cm.sup.3 /sec.

Abstract: To provide a composition for the formation of insulating films that can form an insulating film having a low dielectric constant. The composition comprises (A) an electrically insulating curable resin selected from the group consisting of electrically insulating curable organic resins and electrically insulating curable inorganic resins; and (B) at least two solvents: (B)(i) a solvent capable of dissolving resin (A) and (B)(ii) a solvent whose boiling point or vapor pressure curve differs from that of solvent (B)(i) or whose affinity for resin (A) differs from that of solvent (B)(i). Also claimed is a method for forming a insulating films that have a dielectric constant of less than 2.7.

Abstract: A thermal insulation is produced by forming aerogels interstitially within a fiber matrix. The resulting composite structures have substantially no fiber--fiber contacts. The insulating product is made by impregnating the fiber matrix with an aerogel forming precursor and supercritically drying the aerogel precursor under pressure. Drying is conducted prior to aging of the aerogel precursor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat transfer printing sheet comprising a substrate sheet, and a thermally-expandable ink layer formed thereon, comprising as an expanding agent a thermally-expandable micro-capsule containing therein an easily-volatilizable hydrocarbon, and a binder resin having a number-average molecular weight of 1,000 to 30,000.The present invention also provides a heat transfer printing sheet comprising a substrate sheet, a release-property-controlling layer and a thermally-expandable ink layer comprising an expanding agent and a binder, in the mentioned order.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substrate provided with super-absorbent material to be manufactured by allowing suitable monomers to polymerize in the presence of a catalyst in order to obtain a polymer solution, adding a cross-linking agent to the polymer solution to obtain a pasty composition, subsequently applying the composition on or in a substrate and allowing the applied composition to dry and cross-link in order to obtain the substrate with the super-absorbent material. The pasty composition further contains other additives. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a substrate. The substrates can be used as sheathing material in cables, in hygiene products such as baby napkins, sanitary towels and incontinence products, in or as packagings and packaging materials and in agricultural substrates. The invention also relates to such products.

Abstract: A non-slip knitted lace fabric has opposed first and second surfaces of yarn and a stretchable tacky layer of cured and foamed, oleophobic and hydrophobic plastisol disposed at least partially on one of the first and second surfaces to provide enhanced frictional engagement of the fabric with a surface adjacent to the tacky layer. Preferably the fabric has a loop-forming yarn knitted therein so as to provide a plurality of loops of the loop-forming yarn as the one surface. The tacky layer extends through the openings of at least some of the loops. Optimally, the loop-forming yarn is elastic and tacky.

Abstract: Disclosed are decorative surface coverings of the "inlaid" type having embossed patterns in register with inlaid patterns. Disclosed methods include the steps of: applying in a pattern on a first surface of a foamable layer an agent for modifying the foaming of said foamable layer to produce a foamable layer having a pattern of relatively nonfoamable areas and relatively foamable areas; applying a first collection of particulate resinous material substantially only to said areas containing said foaming modifier or only to said areas not containing said foaming modifier; and foaming said foamable layer in said relatively foamable areas.

Abstract: An improved process for applying a treating agent in the form of a foam to fibrous material wherein the improvement comprises applying foam having a blow ratio of from about 2:1 to about 6:1 using equipment designed for the application of liquid treating agents is disclosed.

Abstract: Hydrophilic polyurethane gel foams are obtainable from a polyurethane gel defined in the description, from a water-absorbing material and from a non-aqueous foaming agent and can be used in medicine, in particular for the management of deep wounds and wound cavities. Wound dressings are obtainable with a polyurethane sheet as backing and a polyurethane gel foam composed of a polyurethane gel defined in the description, of a water-absorbing material and of a non-aqueous foaming agent.

Abstract: A composite porous membrane is provided which comprises a porous membrane substrate having an average pore size between 0.01 and 10 microns formed of a first polymer which is coated over its entire surface with a crosslinked second polymer. The second polymer is dissolved in a solvent with a free radical polymerization initiator in the absence of a crosslinking agent. The second polymer is crosslinked in situ and rendered insoluble by mild heating and/or exposure to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a micro-bubble textured material includes performing simultaneous implantation of inert gas atoms and plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition. Plasma that contains ions of an inert gas and neutrals necessary for PCVD is produced over a substrate. The substrate being deposited with the material to be textured is then biased with a negative voltage to accelerate the ions from the plasma. Control over the bias voltage determines the penetration depth into the materials and control over the ion current to the substrate determines the fractional atomic density of the implanted gas atoms and the penetration depth. Simultaneous deposition causes the location of the layer of the implanted atoms to move at the deposition rate, resulting in a uniform implantation of the atoms.

Abstract: A method of insulating a substrate or a portion thereof by depositing a syntactic foam by a spraying, dipping or a variety of printing processes. The foam comprises void containing particles in expanded form, unexpanded form, or a mixture of these. The deposited foam is dried to remove solvents and cured to strengthen the binder which restrains the microspheres. Heating may also expand the unexpanded microspheres. A tie coat may be applied to promote adhesion between the substrate and the insulating syntactic foam. Multiple layers of the syntactic foam may be applied to increase the thickness of the resultant layer for providing a controlled amount of increased insulation.

Abstract: Foamable organosiloxane compositions which yield, upon cure, silicone foams having low density and decreased friability, comprising (A) a siloxane base polymer system which is a combination of a high molecular weight hydroxyl-group containing siloxane polymer and a low molecular weight hydroxyl-group containing siloxane polymer; (B) a silicon-containing crosslinker for the siloxane base polymer system, wherein the crosslinker contains at least two --SiH groups per molecule; (C) a platinum group catalyst; (D) a silicone resin copolymer; and optionally (E) a blowing agent; and silicone foams prepared therefrom. A method of weather-stripping a door or window using a silicone foam so prepared.

Abstract: Foamable organosiloxane compositions which yield, upon cure, silicone foams having low density and decrease friability, comprising (A) a siloxane base polymer system which is a combination of a high molecular weight hydroxyl-group containing siloxane polymer and a low molecular weight hydroxyl-group containing siloxane polymer; (B) a silicon-containing crosslinker for the siloxane base polymer system, wherein the crosslinker contains at least two --SiH groups per molecule; (C) a platinum group catalyst; and optionally (E) a blowing agent; and silicone foams prepared therefrom. A method of weather-stripping a door or window using the silicone foam so prepared.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to producing an efflorescence resistant sealer coating on a cementitious substrate, such as, a roof tile. A foamed layer of an efflorescence resistant coating composition is preferably applied on the surface of a wet cementitious substrate. The wet cementitious substrate is then hydrated to produce the cementitious substrate having the efflorescence resistant coating thereon. If desired, the efflorescence resistant coating composition is provided with a pigment to produce a pigmented efflorescence resistant coating on the cementitious substrate or a clear efflorescence resistant coating of the present invention may be applied over pigmented cementitious substrate. The efflorescence resistant coating produced in accordance with the process of the present invention substantially reduces the formation of esthetically unpleasant efflorescent layer on cementitious substrate surfaces.

Abstract: A highly reliable rechargeable battery comprising an anode, a cathode, a separator positioned between said anode and said cathode, and an electrolyte or an electrolyte solution disposed so as to contact with said anode and said cathode, characterized in that said anode is provided with an anode active material-retaining body comprising (a) an electrically conductive material and (b) an insulating or semiconductor material having a property of allowing an ion dedicated for a battery reaction to pass through but not or substantially not allowing an anode active material deposited upon operating charging to pass through, and said anode active material-body having a number of pores distributed therein at a porosity rate of 10% or more.

Abstract: A material, which may have a highly open structure such that it has negligible barrier properties, is treated with expandable particles. These are then caused to expand within the material, reducing its openness and improving its barrier properties. The product may be a porous material. The pores may be modified by an agent applied together with the particles or after the expansion. The particles may be thermoplastic microspheres containing gas. The material may be a network material, with a fiber matrix with many voids.

Abstract: Polyurethane foam backed textiles, particularly polyurethane backed carpets can be prepared using a formulation including a dialkyltin sulfide catalyst. Use of the dialkyltin sulfide catalyst allows for a delayed gellation without substantially increasing the time from gellation to cure. The delay in gellation provides for improved handling and backing quality.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of structural materials intended for operation under conditions of thermal loading in oxidizing media and useful in working units and equipment for petroleum, chemical, aircraft, and metallurgy industries. The invention makes it possible to obtain a material having increased strength properties, heat resistant to oxidizers at a temperature over 1100.degree. C. and ensuring a desired serviceability of parts without additional protective coatings under these conditions. This is attained due to producing a material being a composition of two interpenetrating skeletons: carbon fibers and silicon carbide disposed all through the material structure; the silicon carbide skeleton being the result of interaction between the matrix carbon and silicon self-propagating from outside. The process if characterized by a relatively short production cycle associated with singly conducted operations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to producing a smooth hard coating on a wood substrate. A layer of a foamed polymerized latex emulsion is applied on the surface of a wood substrate, such as an oriented strand board. The layer is dried, crushed and then cured to form the coating. If desired the cured coating may be provided with a post cure heat treatment to improve its hardness. The present invention is also directed to applying and drying the layer of the foamed polymerized latex emulsion on a mat of wood fibers or flakes and then crushing and curing the crushed layer and the mat into a hardboard having a smooth hard coating. The coating of the present invention is useful as a sealer coat on a wood substrate. By adding pigment to polymerized emulsion, the sealer coat can be used to provide a finish coat on the wood substrate.

Abstract: A method of preparing a self-releasing silicone foam in which a composition containing a siloxane polymer, an organohydrogensiloxane, a platinum catalyst, a polyol, and preferably a monofunctional alcohol is foamed, cured, and then post cured at an elevated temperature. A method of reducing the cycle time of preparing a cured silicone foam in which the above composition is applied to a plastic substrate, foamed, cured, post cured at an elevated temperature and then separated from the plastic substrate.

Abstract: Adhesive laminates and their preparation. According to one embodiment, an adhesive laminate comprising a foamed pressure sensitive adhesive layer and a release liner applied thereto is prepared by applying hot pressure sensitive adhesive material in layer form to a release coated surface of a release paper or other release liner. Moisture is transferred from the release liner to the hot molten adhesive layer, causing the latter to foam. According to a second embodiment, a coextrudate comprising a thermoplastic carrier with an adhesive coating on one or both sides thereof is formed by the coextrusion of the adhesive taking place with the carrier over at least a short distance and at a temperature of about 350.degree. F.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an underlayment composition for an artificial playing surface comprised of a butadiene rubber, such as polybutadiene or styrene-butadiene that is commercially available as recycled polycord tires that have been granulized. An inorganic-base moisture-retaining agent such as vermiculite or perlite is also included in the composition in addition to a binder comprised of a mixture of isocyanate polyurethane and an inorganic acid. The present invention also provides a method of making the present composition. The method comprises the steps of mixing thoroughly granulized particles of butadiene rubber in a mixing container, mixing an inorganic-based moisture-retaining component with the butadiene rubber, mixing an acid having a pH .ltoreq.3 with the butadiene rubber and the inorganic-based moisture-retaining component, and mixing an isocyanate polyurethane with the butadiene rubber, the inorganic-based moisture-retaining component and the acid.

Abstract: A method for closing a seam in a paper processing belt having a coating of polymeric resin material requires the use of a viscous paste obtained by mixing a polymeric resin material with a blowing agent. Following installation of the fabric, or belt, on a paper machine by closing its pin seam with a pintle, the seam region on the non-paper side of the fabric or belt is impregnated with the viscous paste. The seam region is then heated to a temperature to activate the blowing agent and to create a foam from the paste. The foam fills voids in the seam region, and may pass out through the slit in the coating over the seam. Raising the temperature further cures the foam and may glue the slit closed. The belt so seamed may be used as a transfer belt or long nip press (LNP) belt, or in other paper processing applications.

Abstract: A glass fiber duct board has longitudinally extending, spaced-apart grooves in a major surface that facilitate the folding of the duct board into an air duct. The major surface, including the grooves, is coated with a polymeric latex coating to encapsulate glass fibers and dust within the surface of the duct board. The polymeric latex coating is applied to the surfaces of the grooves as a foam by application nozzles located downstream of groove cutting tools. The polymeric latex coating applied by the nozzles is distributed over the surfaces of the grooves and set to a predetermined thickness by wiper blades, located downstream of the nozzles, which have edge configurations complementary to the transverse configurations of the grooves being coated.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for making a carpet having a secondary backing which is substantially impervious to liquids. The methods involve applying a repellent finish onto the secondary backing material and drying the finish. The finish may be applied as foam to the secondary backing, against the force of gravity, by means of a press roll. This invention also includes the resultant carpets prepared from these methods.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel polyisocyanate based on polymethylene poly(phenylisocyanate), to a process for the production of a polyurethane backing on a substrate using this novel polyisocyanate to produce the polyurethane backing, and to the polyurethane backed substrate produced by this process. In particular, this novel polyisocyanate has a functionality of less than about 2.4, an isocyanate group content of 25 to 30%, and a urethane content of from about 2 to 6%, and comprises comprising polymethylene poly(phenylisocyanate), from about 5 to 25% of 4,4'-methylene bis(phenyloisocyanate), and from about 20 to 50% of 2,2'- and 2,4'-methylene bis(phenyl-isocyanate). This polyisocyanate can be reacted with a polyol mixture to produce the polyurethane backing on a substrate.

Abstract: A method of making an irregularly porous cloth includes a first process in which the woof threads of a cloth are so woven that the meshes of the cloth are irregular in shape. The cloth is then impregnated with a foaming material. The impregnated and foamed cloth is subsequently heated and rolled to form a shading cloth having irregular patterns and pores.

Abstract: A process for insulating pipes comprises applying at least one layer of a polyisocyanurate plastic and then at least one layer of rigid polyurethane foam to a steel pipe. The foam is covered with an outer layer.

Abstract: A coating composition suitable as an undercoating for cars contains vinyl-chloride-polymer-based plastisol and expandable thermoplastic microspheres. The expandable thermoplastic microspheres have a substantially halogen-free polymer shell which comprises a copolymer of halogen-free monomers and, in an amount of at least about 80% by weight, nitrile-containing monomers. Preferably, the polymer shell of the thermoplastic microspheres contains from about 85% by weight to about 97% by weight of nitrile-containing monomer. A method for spray-coating a surface with the coating composition by airless spraying is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of applying a polyurethane foam to a fabric and the product produced thereof. This method involves (a) coating the fabric with a silicone surfactant dissolved in water, and (b) expanding the polyurethane foaming mixture in contact with the coated portion of the fabric.

Abstract: The invention is a rigid polyurethane foam to which a base stock lubricating oil made of at least 55 weight percent paraffinic carbons and less than 10 weight percent aromatic carbons has been added as a hydrophobic agent protecting the polyurethane foam from reacting with environmental moisture. The foam is useful for deposit in railroad spike holes or any structural member having a cavity and where moisture within or on the cavity would otherwise react with the isocyanate to produce an uncontrollable foaming mass.

Abstract: Rigid, closed cell polyisocyanurate foams are prepared by reacting together a polyisocyanate and a polyester polyol or a mixture of a polyester polyol and at least one other isocyanate-reactive compound in the presence of (a) a hydrogen-containing blowing agent or a mixture of a hydrogen-containing blowing agent and at least one co-blowing agent and (b) a catalyst mixture comprising (i) a carboxylate salt of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal or mixtures thereof, (ii) a tertiary amine, and (iii) a quaternary ammonium carboxylate salt, wherein the mole ratio of carboxylate metal salt: tertiary amine is a value less than about 2:1, and the total moles of quaternary ammonium carboxylate salt are less than the combined moles of the carboxylate metal salt and the tertiary amine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of a polyurethane cushion backing on a substrate. In particular, the polyurethane to be used in the process is produced by the reaction of an isocyanate and a polyol mixture, wherein the isocyanate is based on polymethylene poly(phenylisocyanate) and having a monomer content of less than 55%, a 2,2'- and 2,4'-methylene bis(phenylisocyanate) content of less than 3%, a functionality of less than 2.5, an isocyanate group content of 25 to 30%, and a urethane group content of about 2 to 6%.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing fire retardant cellulose fibers. The method comprises mixing limestone with shredded cellulosic fibers, mixing an acidic agent with the fibers, and depositing water on the mixture of fibers, limestone and acidic agent. A chemical reaction results from the limestone and the acidic agent being combined in a sufficiently moist environment. The reaction liberates carbon dioxide gas which causes a mechanical foaming action, thereby breaking down and distributing the produced particles of the chemical reaction. The preferred acidic agent is ammonium sulfate combined with boric acid. The method preferably includes the application of an anti-static agent in the step that includes mixing the limestone with the fibers. The water deposited preferably comprises an amount substantially in a range from 6%-16% of the weight of the fibers.

Abstract: A method of making an absorbent product in which pressure sensitive adhesive is used to attach the product to a user's undergarment. The product does not require release paper to protect the adhesive from unintended contact prior to use. The product is made by forming depressions in a fluid impervious barrier so as to create raised areas in the barrier that protect the adhesive. The depressions may be formed in the garment facing surface of the barrier and the adhesive applied within the depressions so that the raised areas adjacent the depressions protect the adhesive. Alternatively, the depressions may be formed in the surface of the barrier opposite the garment facing surface so as to create raised areas in the garment facing surface and the adhesive applied adjacent the raised areas.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of repairing existing manholes and similar structures by applying a fast-curing elastomeric material using spray techniques whereby a homogeneous, non-porous, and monolithic coating or lining is formed. The fast-curing elastomeric material can be applied directly to existing substrates, which may comprise of concrete, brick, tile, mortar, and metal surfaces normally found in sewer manholes and catch basins, sewer and drainage pipes, parking decks, bridge piers and footings, holding ponds, bridge trusses, culverts, gratings, and the like and does not require any formwork. More preferably, the substrate surfaces are first cleaned and primed to improve the bond of elastomeric coating to the substrate. The most preferred primer is an aqueous solution of silane, preferably containing 10% to 30% silane.

Abstract: A method of forming a substrate for electronic devices by forming a mixture of a liquid vehicle, crystalline glass powder and carbon powder into a slurry. The slurry is then formed into a desired shape and heated in an oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature less than 900.degree. C. for a time sufficient to oxidize the carbon powder and partially sinter the crystalline glass to form the porous substrate having closed porosity.

Abstract: A method of coating to produce a two-layer, vibration-absorbing and anti-corrosive, abrasion-resistant coating for rigid substrates, in particular for sheet metals in the underbody region of motor vehicles, for reducing the noise caused by impacting particles, comprises an inner layer, facing the substrate, of a polymer A and a plasticizer P.sub.1, and a covering layer of a polymer B and a plasticizer P.sub.2, such that either the polymers A and B have a different chemical composition and the polymer A is essentially incompatible with the plasticizer P.sub.2 and the polymer B is essentially incompatible with the plasticizer P.sub.1, or both layers contain essentially the same concentration of one plasticizer (P.sub.1 =P.sub.2), so that there is no risk of one layer being impaired by the plasticizer from the other layer.

Abstract: A method of depositing metal oxides on substrates which is indifferent to the electrochemical properties of the substrates and which comprises forming ammine complexes containing metal ions and thereafter effecting removal of ammonia from the ammine complexes so as to permit slow precipitation and deposition of metal oxide on the substrates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of insulating a surface or enclosure by applying to the surface or enclosure a polymeric foam structure of a polymer material and carbon black. The carbon black is generally uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix in the form of discrete particles substantially free of agglomeration. A preferred carbon black is thermal black. The carbon black provides a number of advantages over those previously employed commercially. Further disclosed is a process for making the foam structure. Further disclosed is an extruded, insulative foam structure of the type described above.