Abstract: A foamed metal which has an apparent specific gravity of from 0.2 to 0.8 and comprises an aggregate of polygonal closed cells of from 2 to 10 mm in average diameter. The foamed metal is not only light in weight, free of directionality and structurally strong but also excellent in sound-absorbing and electromagnetic shielding properties, and is useful as constructional, structural or functional material. A method for producing the foamed material comprises adding calcium as a thickening agent to molten aluminum or alloy thereof in an amount of from 0.2 to 8% by weight, followed by agitating to adjust the viscosity of the melet, then adding from 1 to 3% by weight of powdered titanium hydride as a foaming agent to the melt, and agitating the melt to effect foaming.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which employ a fibrous, cellular, absorbent organic material in place of asbestos fiber as a reinforcing and thickening additive; a wide variety of compositions including cements, sealants and paints can be made; a particularly preferred fibrous material is a foamed urea-formaldehyde crushed to a fibrous mass.