Abstract: This invention relates to a biodegradable foam product and composed of paper fibers or other cellulosic biodegradable material with a superabsorbent polymer and shaped into any desired shape and size and to processes for making same. The foam product is made by blending fibers with up to 25% by weight of a superabsorbent polymer, adding water to the blend allowing it to expand by letting the superabsorbent polymer soak up excess water and drawing off water. Upon drying, the foam product gives off water and the polymer shrinks to its original size leaving voids between the fibers while maintaining the expanded dimensions. The foam product is a soft material especially suited as a cushioning material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for successively forming foam filled bags or cushions of the type wherein a foamable composition is deposited in a plastic bag. The method and apparatus includes advancing a pair of plastic webs along a substantially horizontal path of travel and through the nip of a pair of drive rollers, while heat sealing the opposing longitudinal side edges of the webs together. Periodically, a predetermined amount of the foamable composition is deposited between the advancing webs from a position offset from the center of the pair of plastic webs and the heat sealing along the side edges is periodically and momentarily interrupted to form side edge openings for the subsequent escapement of gases generated during foaming. The advance of the webs is momentarily terminated, and a heated wire then engages the webs to sever the formed bag, while forming a sealed top edge of the formed bag and a sealed bottom edge for the next succeeding bag.