Abstract: Collapsible radiant barrier void filler, comprising: first and second scored sheets having interior and exterior surfaces and fold lines to attain collapsed and expanded configurations; a cell core being collapsible to a closed cell configuration and expandable to an open cell configuration, the cell core having end portions secured to oppositely disposed portions of the interior surfaces of the scored sheets, and the cell core having oppositely disposed cell side portions; and a radiant barrier having a reflective first side and an opposing second side wherein the second side is disposed upon at least one of the interior surfaces of one of the scored sheets and wherein the first reflective side is juxtaposed adjacent at least one of the oppositely disposed cell side portions in the expanded open cell configuration so as to maintain an air space adjacent the first reflective side that extends into the cell core.

Abstract: An encapsulated bulkhead for use as a void filler to secure and protect cargo loads during transportation, such as in rail cars or trucks, is described. The encapsulated bulkhead includes a bulkhead member and an encapsulation or coating. In one embodiment, the bulkhead member includes two planar parallel deck sheets, a planar peripheral side member, and a honeycomb cell core, which may be made of corrugated paper or other paper. In another embodiment, the bulkhead member is a uniform expanded polypropylene. The coating is a water-resistant material which may be an elastomer, such as a polyurea, polyurethane, or polyurethane/polyurea hybrid. A method for encapsulating a bulkhead member is also provided. The method includes the steps of providing a bulkhead member, spraying the bulkhead member with the components of an elastomer to coat or encapsulate the bulkhead, and allowing the components to cure for a period of time sufficient to form the water-resistant elastomer.