Abstract: Flattened, padded, envelopes for dispatch packages, comprising a rectangular inner paper liner and a rectangular outer paper sheet and a rectangular thin layer of macerated paper positioned therebetween. The rectangular, macerated paper layer is of such a size that the edges thereof lie away from the edges of the inner paper liner and the outer paper sheet. The edges of the inner paper liner and the outer paper sheet are affixed together in a non-folded manner. The inner paper liner, the outer paper sheet and the macerated layer of paper are folded so as to form the rectangular envelope having a chamber for shipping material. The envelope has a front wall and a back wall. The two ends of the envelope are shorter than the top of the envelope. Each of the ends of the envelope are formed by the ends of the facing front wall and back wall of the envelope, which are affixed together in a non-folded manner. The front wall of the envelope extends beyond the back wall of the envelope so as to form a top flap.

Abstract: Objects of thermoplastic polymer foam such as, e.g., sheeting of polyolefins such as polyethylene, are treated at elevated temperatures effective to rapidly purge the foam of a substantial portion of the residual blowing agent. Significant economies are achieved by reducing the amounts of residual blowing agents (such as flammable, toxic or environmentally hazardous gases) to levels presenting no fire hazard or other safety hazards in times substantially less than required in conventional aging under ambient conditions. The processes can be carried out in ovens or other heating zones which form continuations of the basic production line, with the extracted blowing agents recycled or disposed of by combustion.

Abstract: Moldable foam beads comprising a silane-crosslinked polyolefin foam are produced by mixing a composition comprising a silane-modified polyolefin (such as a silane-grafted polyethylene) and a silanol condensation catalyst in an extruder to produce a melt, then injecting a blowing agent into the melt at a rate effective to produce a desired foam density in the extrudate; extruding and cutting the melt to form foam beads; and exposing the foam beads to moisture to produce silane crosslinking of the polyolefin foam.