Abstract: Reaction mixtures, foams prepared from the reaction mixtures, articles containing the foams, and methods of making the foams are provided. The polymeric material in the foam is formed from a polymerizable composition that includes a di(meth)acrylate oligomer and a monomer having a single ethylenically unsaturated group. The foams are highly filled (e.g., at least 60 volume percent of the foam is the filler) and can be thermally conductive. Although the foams contain a large amount of filler, the foams can be compressed at least 40 volume percent with an applied pressure of 50 pounds per square inch (345 kiloPascals).

Abstract: Composite particles are provided including a chemical blowing agent particle encapsulated within a shell including an uncrosslinked thermoplastic material. The uncrosslinked thermoplastic material exhibits at least a certain minimum complex viscosity at a decomposition temperature of the chemical blowing agent particle. Also described are compositions and foam compositions containing the composite particles. Further, articles are provided including the foam compositions, such as a sheet, tape, or hearing protection article. Methods of making and using the foam compositions are additionally described herein.

Abstract: A hearing-protective earplug (1) with a resilient polymeric foam body (10) and with a grippable stem (110) that includes a forward portion (111) with an annular sleeve (112) that at least partially defines an open-ended, front-facing cavity (114) within which a rearward portion (21) of the resilient polymeric foam body resides.

Abstract: Foam compositions are provided including a polylactic acid polymer; second (e.g., polyvinyl acetate) polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of at least 25° C.; and plasticizer. Also described are articles comprising the foam compositions, such as a sheet or hearing protection article. Methods of making and using the foam compositions are further described herein.