Abstract: An article comprised of a polymeric material bearing a coating. The coating comprises a residual layer formed by applying and allowing to dry a mixture containing from about 7.5 to about 23.5 weight percent of a humidity sensitive antistatic surfactant compound and from about 10 to about 30 weight percent of a water soluble ink. The article possesses an electrostatic potential of from about -5 to about +5 kilovolts as measured at one inch from the coating. A process for producing a formed article which is relatively free from the effects of static electricity. The process includes the steps of topically applying a mixture comprising a humidity sensitive antistatic surfactant compound to a stock comprising a foamed polymeric material, conditioning the foam stock in a humidity-controlled environment effective to reduce electrostatic potential of the stock to between from about -5 to about +5 kilovolts, and thereafter forming the article from the conditioned foam stock.

Abstract: An improved heating method and heating nozzle useful in the forming of a two-piece thermoplastic foam cup assembled from two thermoplastic foam pieces on a cup-forming turret machine. The method and apparatus of the invention prevent premature sticking of the foam bottom piece to the foam sidewall piece and result in better sealing of the foam bottom to the sidewall.