Abstract: A method for producing an improved molded thermoplastic polymeric resinous article comprising: introducing a heat plastified thermoplastic polymeric resinous material into a mold in the presence of a finely divided inorganic material; cooling the heat plastified thermoplastic polymeric resinous material; removing from the mold the cooled mold-shaped thermoplastic polymeric resinous article having finely divided inorganic material incorporated therein.

Abstract: A process for producing a swirl-free, indent-free foamed thermoplastic structural article in which water is utilized as a foaming agent. Water and a melted thermoplastic resin are mixed together in an extruder to form a pressurized foamable mixture. The foamable mixture from the extruder is collected in an accumulator and from there is delivered to a cavity in a mold in a suitable clamping device. The pressure in the cavity is lower than the pressure of the foamable mixture in the accumulator or extruder therefore when the foamable mixture enters the cavity the foaming agent is released and the thermoplastic resin is frothed and expands to completely fill the cavity. The melted foamed thermoplastic resin cools in the mold and solidifies to form a foamed thermoplastic structural article. The quantity of water introduced into the extruder is between about 0.1 weight percent to about 0.5 weight percent of the thermoplastic resin charge in the extruder.