Abstract: A process for producing a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate construction board, the process comprising: (i) providing an A-side reactant stream that includes an isocyanate-containing compound; (ii) providing a B-side reactant stream that includes a polyol, where the B-side reactant stream includes a blowing agent that includes a pentane and a blowing agent additive that has a Hansen Solubility Parameter (8t) that is greater than 17 MPa°?5; and (iii) mixing the A-side reactant stream with the B-side reactant stream to produce a reaction mixture.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for collecting cells from a body lumen are described. The system may include a cell collection device and a capsule configured to releasably retain the cell collection device. The cell collection device may comprise a plurality of distinct regions, each region comprising one or more material properties. In some instances, at least one material property of at least one distinct region differs from at least one material property of at least one other distinct region. The distinct regions may comprise different materials or may comprise the same material where at least one of the distinct regions is mechanically or chemically altered to yield the at least one differing material property.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulation element (1) with low electrical conductivity for the electrical insulation of an electrotechnical component in the high voltage range. The insulation element (1) comprises artificial fibres (2) and electrically conductive particles (3) having an electrically non-conductive core (5) and an electrically conductive or semi-conductive cladding (6) surrounding the core (5). Moreover, the insulation element (1) comprises a cationic polymer (4).

Abstract: A method for welding a heat shield during manufacturing of a vehicle component made from a thermoplastic material. The heat shield includes: a reinforcement layer made from a thermoplastic material which is weldable to the thermoplastic material of the vehicle component; and a heat shielding material that differs from the thermoplastic material of the reinforcement layer and is configured to decrease transfer of heat through the reinforcement layer to the vehicle component. The method includes: heating the heat shield to bring the thermoplastic material of the reinforcement layer in a molten state; placing the heated heat shield in a mold; bringing into the mold the thermoplastic material of the vehicle component in a molten state; welding the thermoplastic material of the reinforcement layer being in a molten state to the thermoplastic material of the vehicle component being in a molten state, by blow molding the vehicle component in the mold.

Abstract: A structural panel includes a shell having spaced first and second fiber reinforced polyester (FRP) exterior panels and separate frame members adjacent edges of the FRP panels, and at least one polymeric sheet disposed between the FRP exterior panels and bonded to an adjacent exterior panel. The polymeric sheet is made of a thermoplastic material and has a plurality of openings through its thickness spaced apart by flat wall portions of the polymeric sheet. At least one blast- or ballistic-resistant core layer is disposed adjacent the at least one polymeric sheet. A curable and hardenable foam insulation material fills substantially all the space between the polymeric sheets, frame members, and blast- or ballistic-resistant core layer in the shell interior.

Abstract: Light weight composites with high flexural strength comprise epoxy foam sandwiched between two layers of facing material have high strength and low weight and can be used to replace steel structures. The facing layer may be fibrous material especially glass or carbon fibers, the facing material is preferably embedded into the epoxy matrix. Alternatively they may be matching box structures or concentric metal tubes. The sandwich structures may be prepared by laying up the fiber; coating and/or impregnating the layer with epoxy resin, laying a layer of heat activatable foamable epoxy material, providing a further layer of the fibrous material optionally coated and/or impregnated with epoxy resin on the foamable material and heating to foam and cure the epoxy materials. Alternatively they may be formed by extrusion of the foamable material between the surface layers.

Abstract: A thermoplastic liftgate inner panel construction is provided by using a co-injected injection molding process. In a first phase, a class A surface material is injected into the molds and thereafter in a second phase an inner core of material is injected using a gas-infused reinforced polymer.

Abstract: A two-layer mono-axially oriented film includes a first layer of an opaque beta-nucleated microvoided propylene-based polymer; and a second layer containing a dark pigment that is adapted for use in a thermal printer in which the thermal print-head contacts the exposed surface of the first layer. The dark pigment of the second layer pigment has a color contrasting with the color of the first layer and can contain a carbon black. The first layer includes microvoids and may be made transparent upon the application of heat by collapsing the voids of the first layer or upon the application of ultra-sonic energy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe secured fiber-reinforced aerogels and laminate structures formed therefrom. In one embodiment a laminate comprises at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer adjacent to at least one layer of fiber containing material wherein fibers from said at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer are interlaced with fibers of said at least one fiber-containing material. In another embodiment a laminate comprises at least two adjacent fiber-reinforced aerogel layers wherein fibers from at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer are interlaced with fibers of an adjacent fiber-reinforced aerogel layer.

Abstract: A trim element having a visible side (12) formed of a skin (10), the element includes a skin (10) laid on a plastic foam (24) bonded to the skin by a continuous bonding layer (26) formed spontaneously at the skin-foam interface during the foaming operation, the skin (10) has a preferential rupture initiator comprising at least one scored feature. Throughout the region in which the scored feature lays, the bonding layer (26) is in contact only with the skin (10) and the foam (24), and, at the scored feature and in the direction of the thickness of the skin, the bonding layer (26) is laid over the opening with a thickness very much smaller than the depth of the scored feature.

Abstract: Composites comprising aerogel materials are generally described. Layered aerogel composites may be of great utility for a wide variety of applications including lightweight structures, ballistic panels, multilayer thermal and acoustic insulation, spacecraft reentry shielding, supercapacitors, batteries, acoustic insulation, and flexible garments. Layered aerogel composites may be prepared by combing layers of fiber-containing sheets and multisheet plies with aerogel materials. Composites comprising mechanically strong aerogels and reticulated aerogel structures are described. Various nanocomposite aerogel materials may be prepared to facilitate production of composites with desirable functions and properties.

Abstract: An insulated cavity is provided. The insulated cavity includes a layer of foam material positioned over cracks and around penetrations occurring in portions of the cavity. A layer of insulative material is positioned in contact with the layer of foam material. The layer of insulative material is a mixture of foam material and loosefill insulation material.

Abstract: A multilayer porous membrane formed of an extrudable polymer is provided. The membrane is formed by co-extruding at least two compositions, each of which comprises a heated porogen and polymer while in contact with each other under conditions to minimize or prevent unstable interfacial flow between extruded layers. In a preferred embodiment, the two compositions are different such that the layers have a different average pore size.

Abstract: One or more aspects of the disclosure pertain to an article including a film disposed on a glass substrate, which may be strengthened, where the interface between the film and the glass substrate is modified, such that the article has an improved average flexural strength, and the film retains key functional properties for its application. Some key functional properties of the film include optical, electrical and/or mechanical properties. The bridging of a crack from one of the film or the glass substrate into the other of the film or the glass substrate can be suppressed by inserting a nanoporous crack mitigating layer between the glass substrate and the film.

Abstract: A composite core panel is produced by arranging a plurality of foam strips in adjacent relation and advancing the strips with one or two flexible sheets of porous reinforcement material and adhesive between platens to form a panel. The sheet on one side of the strips is folded between adjacent strips to form double wall pleats which may project either partially or fully between the strips and may have folded end portions overlying the other side of the strips. The second sheet may also form double wall pleats between the strips and be connected to the pleats in the first sheet. The core panel may be cut to form reinforced strips which are connected by adhesive in various arrangements to form other core panels. A core panel may also be formed by wrapping each foam strip longitudinally with a strip of reinforcing material and connecting the strips with adhesive.

Abstract: Porous hybrid inorganic/organic materials comprising ordered domains are disclosed. Methods of making the materials and use of the materials for chromatographic are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer layer structure with ferroelectret properties, comprising a continuous first polymer layer (1) and a continuous second polymer layer (2), the first and second polymer layers (1, 2) being connected to one another to form voids (4) by connecting portions (3) arranged between the continuous polymer layers (1, 2). According to the invention, the polymer layer structure is in the form of an integral extruded structural element.

Abstract: An absorbent structure with a sequence of two layers includes at least one liquid absorption layer, a subsequent liquid storage layer with super absorbent polymer particles and super absorbent polymer fibers, and a subsequent liquid distribution layer. The layers are connected and form a sheet structure. The liquid storage layer has its super absorbent polymer extending from the liquid storage layer into the liquid distribution layer in order to generate a return suction effect for the liquid that has passed through the liquid absorption layer and liquid storage layer into the liquid distribution layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite material having two or more superimposed wood layers. Said layers are joined together by means of a one component polyurethane adhesive containing a prepolymer having free NCO groups and a wood having a volume fraction of libriform fibres in the region of between 50-70% is used.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a composite material having two or more superimposed layers of wood as a support element in structural engineering, nautical, vehicle and aircraft constructions, energy production systems, mining or in the production of furniture. The wood layers are joined together by means of a one component polyurethane adhesive containing a prepolymer with free NCO groups and the wood has a structure having a volume fraction of libriform fibers of between 50%-70%.

Abstract: An apparatus having reduced phononic coupling between a graphene monolayer and a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes an aerogel substrate and a monolayer of graphene coupled to the aerogel substrate.

Abstract: There are provided a vehicle interior finishing laminate sheet in which a polypropylene resin foam board of high foaming extent having interconnected cells is used as a core member, a vehicle interior trim material, a method for manufacturing the vehicle interior finishing laminate sheet, and an apparatus therefor. The present invention relates to a vehicle interior finishing laminate sheet 1 provided with a core member consisting of a polypropylene resin foam board 2. The polypropylene resin foam board 2 is extrusion molded into a plate shape, and has an interconnected cell ratio of 50% or higher and a foaming extent of 10- to 50-fold. A plurality of polypropylene resin foam boards 2, 2 are joined to each other by the hot plate welding method or the laser transmission welding method, whereby a large-size core member of vehicle interior finishing laminate sheet 1, which is used for a roof lining or the like, can be formed.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced core panel is formed from strips of plastics foam helically wound with layers of rovings to form webs which may extend in a wave pattern or may intersect transverse webs. Hollow tubes may replace foam strips. Axial rovings cooperate with overlying helically wound rovings to form a beam or a column. Wound roving patterns may vary along strips for structural efficiency. Wound strips may alternate with spaced strips, and spacers between the strips enhance web buckling strength. Continuously wound rovings between spaced strips permit folding to form panels with reinforced edges. Continuously wound strips are helically wrapped to form annular structures, and composite panels may combine both thermoset and thermoplastic resins. Continuously wound strips or strip sections may be continuously fed either longitudinally or laterally into molding apparatus which may receive skin materials to form reinforced composite panels.

Abstract: A composite structure comprising: a first stack comprising a plurality of plies of composite material and at least one ply of self-healing material, the ply of self-healing material comprising a plurality of containers each containing a curable healing liquid; and a second stack comprising a plurality of plies of composite material, the stacks being joined together at a bond line. By placing a ply of self-healing material in one of the stacks (preferably relatively close to the bond line) the ply of self-healing material can resist the propagation of cracks between the first stack and the second stack. Preferably the global strength of the first stack is greater than the global strength of the second stack.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a polycrystalline diamond compact. In an embodiment, the polycrystalline diamond compact includes a substrate and a polycrystalline diamond table including a first polycrystalline diamond layer bonded to the substrate and at least a second polycrystalline diamond layer. At least an un-leached portion of the polycrystalline diamond table includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions and a metal-solvent catalyst occupying at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oe or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 G·cm3/g or less. The second polycrystalline diamond layer exhibits a second average diamond grain size that is less than a first average diamond grain size of the first polycrystalline diamond layer and/or the first polycrystalline diamond layer includes a tungsten-containing material therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trim element. It relates to a trim element having a visible side (12) formed of a skin (10), the element comprising a skin (10) laid on a plastic foam (24) bonded to the skin by a continuous bonding layer (26) formed spontaneously at the skin-foam interface during the foaming operation, the skin (10) having a preferential rupture initiator comprising at least one scored feature. Throughout the region in which the scored feature lays, the bonding layer (26) is in contact only with the skin (10) and the foam (24), and, at the scored feature and in the direction of the thickness of the skin, the bonding layer (26) is laid over the opening with a thickness very much smaller than the depth of the scored feature. Application to the interior trim of motor vehicles.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for fabricating improved ceramic composite turbine shrouds with abradable seals are disclosed. A high temperature seal with an abradable coating is provided. The seal comprises a three-dimensional, high-density woven composite base structure recessed below the abradable coating, with loops incorporated in and protruding from the base structure. The abradable coating is integrally attached to the base structure via the loops. Additionally, a graded density seal is provided with a three-dimensional, low-density woven composite structure. The low-density structure is abradable. A three-dimensional, high-density woven composite base structure is recessed below the low-density structure, with the low-density structure integrally attached to the base structure via weaving.

Abstract: A baffle is provided that includes a body portion having a first layer and a second layer defining a free space therebetween. A sealer is disposed on the body portion in the space between the first layer and the second layer. The space has a predetermined volume and the sealer is expandable in the space. When placed in a cavity, such as a vehicle cavity, the sealer also expands into the cavity to seal the cavity. The baffle is more light-weight and capable of reducing noise and vibration, especially at higher frequencies than traditional baffles.

Abstract: A composite core panel is produced by arranging a plurality of foam strips in adjacent relation and advancing the strips with one or two flexible sheets of porous reinforcement material and adhesive between platens to form a panel. The sheet on one side of the strips is folded between adjacent strips to form double wall pleats which may project either partially or fully between the strips and may have folded end portions overlying the other side of the strips. The second sheet may also form double wall pleats between the strips and be connected to the pleats in the first sheet. The core panel may be cut to form reinforced strips which are connected by adhesive in various arrangements to form other core panels. A core panel may also be formed by wrapping each foam strip longitudinally with a strip of reinforcing material and connecting the strips with adhesive.

Abstract: Polycrystalline elements comprise a substrate and a polycrystalline table attached to an end of the substrate. The polycrystalline table comprises a first region of superabrasive material having a first permeability and at least a second region of superabrasive material having a second, lesser permeability, the at least second region being interposed between the substrate and the first region. Methods of forming a polycrystalline element comprise attaching a polycrystalline table comprising a first region of superabrasive material having a first permeability and at least a second region of superabrasive material having a second, lesser permeability to an end of a substrate, the at least a second region being interposed between the first region and the substrate. Catalyst material is removed from at least the first region of the polycrystalline table.

Abstract: Methods of forming a polycrystalline element comprise disposing a first plurality of particles comprising a superabrasive material, a second plurality of particles comprising the superabrasive material, and a catalyst material in a mold. The first and second pluralities of particles are sintered to form a polycrystalline table comprising a first region having a first permeability and a second region having a second, greater permeability. Catalyst material is at least substantially removed from the polycrystalline table. The polycrystalline table is attached to an end of a substrate, the at least a second region being interposed between the first region and the substrate. Polycrystalline elements comprise a substrate. A polycrystalline table comprising a superabrasive material and having a first region exhibiting a first permeability and at least a second region exhibiting a second, greater permeability is attached to an end of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the localized working of a structural component that comprises a foam material reinforced by at least one strut at a working location. Firstly, the foam material is selectively removed, while leaving the at least one strut, within a strut connecting zone in the region of the working location. Subsequently, the strut connecting zone is filled with a filling material and the at least one strut is connected to the filling material in the strut connecting zone. From a further aspect, a sandwich component which comprises a foam core is provided. An embedding part is at least partially embedded in the foam core and at least partially surrounded by a layer of filling material. At least one strut is incorporated in the foam material, fastened at one end to the surface of the foam core and integrated at another end in the layer of filling material.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a panel capable of obtaining sufficient strength, weight reduction and sound absorbing performance. A space is formed by an inner thin plate fixed to the inner surface of an outer thin plate, and a foam material is filled in the space. The foam material is preferably a highly foamable rubber sound absorbing material. In the inner thin plate, a perimetrical side part and perimetrical edge part for forming the space, and a concave part for enhancing the strength of the panel are drawn to the side of the outer thin plate. The bottom faces of the perimetrical edge part and concave part of the inner thin plate are bonded to the outer thin plate using a thermosetting adhesive.

Abstract: An optical member is provided which is fabricated at low cost, which has a flat surface, and which allows a larger viewing angle. An optical member (10) includes at least: a first resin layer (3); and a second resin layer (2), the second resin layer (2) containing bubbles (1), the bubbles (1) being present at least at an interface (4) between the first resin layer (3) and the second resin layer (2).

Abstract: An air-permeable cushioning floor mat includes a top surface layer, a middle air permeation layer, and a bottom anti-skid layer. The surface layer can be of various variations, including being made of carpet like materials, fabric like materials, or plastic materials. For fabric like materials, knit fabrics and brushed knit fabric can be used. For plastic materials, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic rubber, or polyvinyl chloride can be used. The surface layer is bonded to the air permeation layer. The air permeation layer includes upper and lower netting portions between which multiple tiny and stiff synthetic fiber yarns are interposed. The anti-skid layer is bonded to the underside of the air permeation layer and the anti-skid layer includes a loop-and-hook type anti-skidding material. As such, the mat offers the advantages of comfortableness, resilient cushioning, and tiredness removal and shows excellent effects of air permeation and skidding resistance.

Abstract: A plastic panel having channels on both sides, and system and method for producing such panel. For example, a panel is comprised of: first and second walls of plastic interconnected with one another by a set of plastic connecting structures; wherein said walls of plastic are generally parallel to one another and generally perpendicular to said plastic connecting structures; wherein at least one of said walls of plastic comprises an at least one indented channel running generally parallel to at least one of said plastic connecting structures without being in contact with any of said plastic connecting structures.

Abstract: Porous nanofiber bearing substrate materials are provided having enhanced surface area for a variety of applications including as electrical substrates, semipermeable membranes and barriers, structural lattices for tissue culturing and for composite materials, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous silicon material comprising one or more pore parts which include a first pore, a second pore, and a third pore. The first pore is formed in an upper side of the silicon. The second pore is formed in a lower side of the first pore and has a diameter that is larger or smaller than a diameter of the first pore. The third pore is formed in a lower side of the second pore and has a diameter that is identical or similar to the diameter of the first pore. The pore part having a double structure is formed in a silicon material. Since different electronic materials can be implanted into different pores of the porous silicon, it is easy to form interfaces of the implanted electronic materials.

Abstract: Thermally stable diamond bonded construction comprise a diamond bonded body including a thermally stable region, comprising a plurality of diamond grains bonded together by a reaction product of the diamond grains with a reactant such as Si, and a polycrystalline diamond region, comprising intercrystalline bonded diamond and a catalyst material. The body further comprises a ceramic compound formed by reaction of an Nb, Zr, Ti, or Mo getter material with a gaseous element generated during HPHT sintering of the diamond bonded body. The diamond bonded body may comprise from 0.1 to 15 percent by weight of the ceramic compound. The diamond bonded body can be formed during a single HPHT process operated at different temperatures when the reactant has a melting temperature above the catalyst material. The construction may include a metallic substrate attached to the diamond bonded body to facilitate use as a wear or cutting element.

Abstract: The foam product includes a foam body, a connection block, an accessory and an adhesive layer. The foam body is formed of expandable polystyrene (EPS). The connection block is formed of a copolymer of expandable polyolefin and expandable polystyrene, and is completely or partially embedded inside the foam body. The accessory is made of non-expandable material and is completely or partially embedded inside the connection block. The accessory and the connection block are bonded by the adhesive layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for removing unwanted materials from the surface of fabrics—such as lint, pills, fuzz, and hair—by contacting the fabric with an open-cell foam or an article of manufacturer comprising an open cell foam and a non-soiling and non-staining benefit agents and/or an auxiliary means for trapping material removed by the fabric exfoliation method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high capacity hydrogen storage material in which a plural mesopore channels and fractal networks of nanopore channels communicating therewith and connecting to the micropores are formed in a microporous material, wherein a plural metal particles are formed on the surface of the mesopore and nanopore channels and of the micropores. In another embodiment, the present invention also provides a method for making the hydrogen storage material through oxidizing the microporous material so as to form a plural mesopore channels and fractal networks of nanopore channels, both of which are connected to the micropores to form a base for the deposition of metal particles capable of decomposing hydrogen molecules into hydrogen atoms. The high capacity hydrogen storage material is capable of increasing the capacity of hydrogen storage, and besides, the oxidizing process for making the hydrogen storage material is simple and has merits of saving cost.

Abstract: Diamond bonded constructions comprise a diamond body attached to a substrate, wherein the body includes a first diamond bonded volume, and a second diamond bonded volume attached thereto. The second volume may be provided in the form of a powder or a presintered mass prior to attachment, and the first volume may be provided in the form of presintered pieces when combined with the second volume. The first volume diamond volume content is greater than about 94 percent, and is the same or greater than that of the second volume. The first volume is sintered during a first HPHT process, and the second volume is sintered and/or attached to the first volume during a second HPHT process. The first HPHT pressure is greater than the second HPHT pressure. The substrate is not an infiltration substrate used to form the first diamond volume. The diamond body may be thermally stable.

Abstract: A foam-fiber composite material is provided that is made up of a monolithic foam structure having a polymer material and a fiber web having a plurality of fibers disposed substantially throughout the foam structure.

Abstract: A reactive foil assembly for the packaging and presenting of a reactive foil. The reactive foil assembly comprising a reactive foil, a film, a flex circuit and an adhesive. The reactive foil is placed above the film such that a portion of the reactive foil does not overlap with the film. The flex circuit is also placed above the film such that the flex circuit is operably coupled to the reactive foil. The reactive foil assembly is placed over a surface such that the film adheres to the surface with the help of the adhesive. The reactive foil is ignited by an energy pulse provided by the power source and delivered by the flex circuit coupled to the power source. An exothermic reaction of the reactive foil is initiated, which provides a molten foil available for joining of two objects.

Abstract: A composite material comprising a support member that has a plurality of pores extending therethrough, a first polymer which durably coats the pores of the support member, the first polymer layer having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties, and a second polymer layer disposed on the surface of the first polymer layer, the second polymer being more hydrophilic than the first polymer layer. A process for preparing the composite material, and its use as a separation medium.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) includes a PCD table having a maximum thickness. At least a portion of the PCD table includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm3/grams (“G·cm3/g”) or less. The PDC includes a substrate having an interfacial surface that is bonded to the PCD table. The interfacial surface exhibits a substantially planar topography. Other embodiments are directed to methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.

Abstract: An interior finish panel for a vehicle may include a panel substrate, at least two pieces of skin disposed over the panel substrate, and a foam layer. The panel substrate may include an inclined portion disposed between a base portion and at least one sealing surface. The at least two pieces of skin may include an upper skin and a lower skin joined together at a seam, wherein the seam may be at least partially disposed over the inclined portion. The seam may be sealed to a vertex of the inclined portion between the inclined portion and the sealing surface. The foam layer may be disposed between the at least two pieces of skin and the panel substrate. The foam layer may taper from the base portion towards the vertex of the inclined portion and terminate along the inclined portion before the vertex of the inclined portion.

Abstract: A case comprised of a metal-resin composite body having a connector including a terminal fitting, the connector being integrated with an opening of a wall of a case main body so that the connector sandwiches an edge of the wall.

Abstract: A foamed composite armor laminate comprising interleaved combinations of ballistic resistant fabrics, and ceramic and/or metallic plates or sheets in a polymeric foam matrix. The foamed composite armor can be fabricated by inserting polymer powder or sheets between layers of fabric and/or ceramic or metallic sheets to form a laminated structure, heating this laminated structure under pressure to form a consolidated panel, and then foaming the polymeric portion of the consolidated panel in an autoclave or pressure vessel by saturating the polymeric portion with inert gas at elevated temperature, rapidly releasing the pressure and controllably cooling the laminated structure to ambient. Alternatively, pre-foamed panels can be laminated to fabric, ceramic and/or metallic sheets using adhesives or the like. Through proper selection of the various elements of the laminate, i.e.