Abstract: A process produces foam bodies having various properties and containing cellulose-containing materials broken up and/or partially broken up and/or not broken up, and additives, if need be. The cellulose-containing starting materials are first processed further for forming a moist pulp and subsequently subjected to a heat treatment by microwave radiation. The properties of the foam bodies so produced are predetermined by admixing certain substances intensifying the formation of gas in the pulp, increasing the adhesive bond between the particles in the pulp, or which completely or partially convert into a gas either under the influence of heat or of moisture, thus supporting the foaming. Furthermore, other residual and waste materials can be added during the production process, which may be materials of a silicate nature as well, preferably with the objective of reusing such materials in a useful way and of predetermining at the same time certain product properties of the foam bodies.

Abstract: A process for the production of foamed material from waste paper and the like, such as paper, cardboard, waste cardboard or materials with similar properties, are usable in the same way as raw material, either sorted by type of material or as a raw material mixture. First, a liquid-containing pulp is prepared from the raw materials. The foaming and hardening of this pulp takes place under the action of microwave radiation. By using suitable molds permitting an unobstructed access of the radiation to the liquid-containing mass and unhindered expulsion of the resulting vapor, it is possible to manufacture any type of shaped bodies in a continuous or batch-wise process.