Abstract: A compostable, biodegradable foam core board has a facing sheet adhered to a foam core sheet made of a foamable biodegradable material selected from a polyvinyl alcohol polymer, a starch-based thermoplastic polymer, a polylactic acid polymer, and other foamable, biodegradable polymers having structural rigidity when foamed. The foam core sheet has selected structural properties including a foam core weight in a preferred range of 30 to 50 lbs/msf, a foam density in a preferred range of 1.5 to 9 lbs/ft.sup.3, and a foam cell size in a preferred range of 0.30 to 0.70 mm. In one example, the foam core material is composed of a mixture of a polyvinyl alcohol polymer and high-melt-index polystyrene as a structural polymer additive. In another preferred example, the foam core material contains a blend of destructurized starch, polyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and glycerol as a plasticizer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and process for the molding of hollow articles such as full length Foley catheters. The apparatus preferably comprises a mold with two lumen forming wires longitudinally disposed therein. A set of two receiving wires are spaced distally from the distal ends of the lumen forming wires and are longitudinally aligned therewith. A first follower is slidably disposed about the lumen forming wires in close abutment with the wires and inside wall of the mold. The first follower is preferably disposed toward the proximal end of the mold and preferably at least two other followers are provided spaced distally of the first follower. One of the other followers preferably bridges the space between the lumen forming wires and receiving wires. Sets of gates are preferably provided along the length of the mold in fluid communication with a source of molding material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the molding of hollow articles such as full length Foley catheters. The apparatus preferably comprises a mold with two lumen forming wires longitudinally disposed therein. A set of two receiving wires are spaced distally from the distal ends of the lumen forming wires and are longitudinally aligned therewith. A first follower is slidably disposed about the lumen forming wires in close abutment with the wires and inside wall of the mold. The first follower is preferably disposed toward the proximal end of the mold and preferably at least two other followers are provided spaced distally of the first follower. One of the other followers preferably bridges the space between the lumen forming wires and receiving wires. Sets of gates are preferably provided along the length of the mold in fluid communication with a source of molding material.