Abstract: Disclosed are methods to form ionomer coatings on a substrate, the ionomer composition comprising an ethylene acid copolymer comprising about 18 to about 30 weight % of copolymerized units of acrylic add or methacrylic add, based on the total weight of the parent add copolymer, the add copolymer having a melt flow rate from about 200 to about 1000 g/10 min., wherein about 50% to about 70% of the total carboxylic add groups of the copolymer are neutralized to carboxylic add salts comprising sodium cations, potassium cations or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A layered insulation apparatus and method of making that contains a multiple layer insulation that has a top outside moisture barrier layer, followed by a first flame retardant layer, followed by a metal layer, followed by a second flame retardant layer, and finally followed by a bottom moisture barrier outside layer. A sound abatement layer may optionally be layered on top of the first moisture barrier layer.

Abstract: A multifunctional fully integral panel system design, a unique material configuration, and a process for fabricating a net shape (or nearly net shape) panel in one production cycle. The panel may comprise a base facing with an outer perimeter, a decorative film applied to the exterior of the base facing, an aft facing having an outer perimeter fused to the base facing, and a reinforcement core disposed between the unfused portions of the base and aft facings, which reinforcement core also acts as acoustic insulation (i.e., a noise attenuator). Alternatively or additionally, a foam core or blanket having thermal and/or acoustic insulation properties is attached to the external surface of the aft facing. The fabrication process involves the application of different heat treatments to panel components having different forming temperature or rubbery/elastic plateaus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structure constructed of carbon fiber that is compatible with Magnetic Resonance imaging and other radiofrequency technologies. The structure is comprised of carbon fiber elements as well as insulating elements that are substantially x-ray translucent (radiolucent). These elements are arranged in such a way that the structure can be used in modalities such as Magnetic Resonance imaging where carbon fibers typically cannot be used due to image distortion and localized heating. At the same time, the structures are designed to maintain radiolucency that is significantly homogeneous.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to relates to foamed thermoplastic material objects and articles of manufacture having an internal layered cellular structure, as well as to methods of making the same. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a multi-layer foamed polymeric article of manufacture, comprising: a non-laminated multi-layer thermoplastic material sheet, wherein the multi-layer thermoplastic material sheet has first and second discrete outer layers sandwiching a plurality of discrete inner foamed layers, and wherein the two outer layers and plurality discrete inner foamed layers are integral with one another. The thermoplastic material may be a semi-crystalline polymer such as, for example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEEK (polyetheretherketone), PEN (polyethylene napthalate), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PLA (polyactide), polyhydroxy acid (PHA), thermoplastic urethane (TPU), or blends thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet excellent in waterproof property (water stopping property) and impact resistance. The present invention relates to a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet including a polyolefin foam substrate and an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on both. surfaces of the polyolefin foam substrate, wherein the polyolefin foam substrate has a volume percentage of closed cells of 70% or more and a degree of crosslinking of from 3 to 60 wt %, and the acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is formed from a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition containing: an acrylic polymer formed from a component including, as an essential monomer component thereof an alkyl. (meth)acrylate having a linear or branched alkyl group; and a tackifying resin.

Abstract: A void-containing resin molded product consisting of a polymer having crystallinity, wherein the void-containing resin molded product has elongated voids whose longitudinal directions are aligned in one direction, wherein the elongated voids satisfy the expression h(avg)>T/100, where h(avg) denotes an arithmetic average of h(i)s which each denote a distance from a surface of the void-containing resin molded product to a center of each of 10 voids whose centers are closer to the surface of the void-containing resin molded product than are centers of any other voids in a cross-section of the void-containing resin molded product that is perpendicular to a direction in which the voids are aligned, the 10 voids being selected from voids in a region defined by one straight line which is parallel to a thickness direction of the void-containing resin molded product and another straight line which is parallel to and distant by 20×T from the one straight line; and T denotes an arithmetic average thickness of the cro

Abstract: Polymeric foam and polymeric foam products that contain a foamable polymer material, at least one blowing agent, an additive blend of polyethylene oxide and a copolymer of polystyrene and maleic anhydride, and optionally, an infrared attenuating agent, are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the polyethylene oxide is ethoxylated polyethylene oxide. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the blowing agent includes at least one hydrofluorocarbon blowing agent. The blend of ethoxylated polyethylene oxide and copolymer of polystyrene and maleic anhydride provides a water vapor permeability of 1.1 perm inch or greater in the extruded foam product and increases the average cell size of the foam product without detrimentally affecting physical or thermal properties of the product. Additionally, the additive acts as a cell enlarger, a water vapor permeability enhancer, a plasticizer, and a processing aid. A method of forming an extruded foam product is also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a composition as well as a set of compositions and method for producing cellular or foamed or blown fluoropolymers such as perfluoropolymers and other thermoplastics articles allowing for the creation of a lower cost communications cable, conductor separator, conductor support-separator, jacketing, tape, wire insulation and in some cases a conduit tube as individual components or combined configurations that exhibit improved electrical, flammability and optical properties. Specifically, the foamable or blown fluoropolymer such as a perfluoropolymer cellular insulation composition comprises; talc and the selected fluoropolymer such as perfluoropolymers. Compounded pellets or products resulting in cellular or foamable products using these pellets has also been realized by providing the melt combination in the pellets of only talc and a perfluoropolymer.

Abstract: The invention provides a polishing pad by which optical materials such as lenses, reflecting mirrors etc., or materials requiring a high degree of surface planarity, as in the polishing of silicone wafers, glass substrates or aluminum substrates for hard disks, or general metal polishing, can be flattened with stability and high polishing efficiency. The invention also provides a polishing pad for semiconductor wafers, which is superior in planarizing characteristic, is free from scratches and can be produced at low cost. There is provided a polishing pad which is free from dechucking error so that neither damage to wafers nor decrease in operating efficiency occurs. There is provided a polishing pad which is satisfactory in planarity, within wafer uniformity, and polishing rate and produces less change in polishing rate. There is provided a polishing pad which can make planarity improvement and scratch decrease compatible.

Abstract: A flexible slate veneer architectural panel includes a slate veneer and a flexible closed cell foam backing The panel exhibits high flexibility permitting the panel to be attached to curved building structures with an adhesive or with mechanical fasteners if desired. The panel further provides an interface between the building surface to which it is attached and the slate veneer that is capable of absorbing different thermal expansions and contractions of the slate veneer and the building surface thereby preventing delamination of the panel from the building surface and preventing cracking of the slate veneer.

Abstract: The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabrics complete the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance.

Abstract: A garage door display and decorative article include a first closed cell foam layer having a thickness of at least 0.1 inches having a front face and a rear face. A rare earth metal magnet is fused to previously melted and presently solidified portions of the first closed cell foam layer on the rear face. A decorative piece is fused to previously melted and presently solidified portions of the first closed cell foam layer on the front face.

Abstract: A structural composite laminate and method of making the same are provided. The laminate includes first and second skins or laminas, and a core positioned between the first and second laminas. The core contains thermoplastic and/or substantially inelastic polymeric particles with inter-particle interstices between the polymeric particles. Optionally, the polymeric particles are arranged discontinuously to establish gaps between adjacent particles along at least one dimension of the laminate.

Abstract: An example of a nanoballoon thermal protection system includes a refractory ceramic foam having carbide balloons. The foam has a closed cell structure not allowing liquid to penetrate through the foam. Each of the carbide balloons is hollow and has a diameter greater than 0 nm and less than 900 nm. Each of the carbide balloons includes a refractory carbide. In addition, a vehicle with thermal shield includes a surface and a first and second nanoballoon closed cell foam coatings. Each of the foam coatings has a melting point temperature greater than 1000° C. and a density less than 85%. Each of the foam coatings has hollow balloons having a diameter less than 900 nm. Each of the foam coatings includes a closed cell structure not allowing liquid to penetrate through the respective coating. Methods for manufacturing a nanoballoon system and a nanoballoon thermal protection system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite article having an elastomeric composition with a blowing agent having an activation temperature and providing at least one structural member defining a fixed gap. The composition is formed below the blowing agent's activation temperature into a solid elastomeric member approximately the thickness of or larger than the gap. The elastomeric member is assembled into the gap, which may place the elastomeric member in a state of compression in the gap. The elastomeric member is then expanded by heating it above the activation temperature. During expansion, the escape of the gas produced is limited to increase the state of compression of the elastomer in the gap by means of confining any free surfaces or by including a platy filler such as nanoclay in the composition.

Abstract: A refractory ceramic material possessing a solidus temperature between 2500° C. and 2800° C., having a compactness greater than 85%, and a microstructure such that the material is composite of: (a) hafnium dioxide HfO2 grains having a monoclinic structure (1); (b) hafnium dioxide HfO2 grains having a cubic structure (2) which is stabilized by yttrium oxide Y2O3, the yttrium oxide Y2O3 representing 0.5 mol % to 8 mol % relative to the total number of moles of hafnium dioxide HfO2; (c) closed pores (3); (d) non-interconnected open pores. The process of manufacturing the material and a structural part incorporating the material are also set forth.

Abstract: A layered insulation panel including a rigid polyisocyanurate foam layer and, adhered to at least one surface thereof, a facing material. The two materials are adhered by a two-component polyisocyanurate adhesive, and both the polyisocyanurate adhesive and the polyisocyanurate foam layer undergo polymerization concurrently and in place. The result is that the tensile bond strength between the polyisocyanurate foam layer and the facing surface is improved, due to interaction between the polymerization occurring at the surface of the foam layer and the polymerization of the polyisocyanurate adhesive.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a low dielectric sheet which is used for 2-D communication, can be used in a sheet structure for 2-D communication, and has the lowest dielectric constant and dielectric loss tangent to date; a production method therefor; and a 2-D communication structure using the dielectric sheet for 2-D communication. Specifically disclosed is a low dielectric sheet which is used for 2-D communication and is characterized by having a density of 0.01 to 0.2 g/cm3 and a dielectric constant of no more than 1.6. In particular, a foam that comprises cells and has a dielectric loss tangent of no more than 0.01 is preferred.

Abstract: Methods and system for detecting wear in imaging devices. The system includes an outer wearable layer. An inner layer fused to the outer layer. The inner layer is made of multiple microcapsules including odiferous oils. Wearing off of the outer layer, over time, exposes the inner layer. Subsequently, with added pressure on the inner layer, the microcapsules crack, giving off a particular scent. By detecting the smell, customers can identify worn components of the imaging devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a versatile multi-layer elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer based thermal and/or sound insulation material with improved fire retardant properties together with low smoke generation, the process for manufacturing of such material and the use of such material and resulting composites.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a flexible protective sheet. In a first aspect, the invention provides a flexible protective sheet comprising a carrier and a foam-structure, wherein said foam-structure is composed of a plurality of expanded foam units attached to said carrier sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal and/or sound insulation system or material with resistance to elevated temperatures (>300° C.) due to a controlled self-ceramifying/self-glassing/self-hardening effect which also leads to low or no combustibility, the process for manufacturing of such system or material and the use of such system or material.

Abstract: A self-tearing wrap and methods for its manufacture are disclosed, the wrap being useful for incorporation onto interior trim panels. The wrap includes an unscored skin such as leather affixed to a foam layer made of an open or closed cell foam material having specific properties. Interior trim panels including the self-tearing leather wrap may include weakened substrates operable to facilitate the deployment of an airbag.

Abstract: A substrate for forming cultures of organic cells, comprising the following a spatial body, the cross section of the body comprises a plurality of at least first pores, wherein the pre size of a majority thereof is =1000 ?m, preferably 10-500 ?m, more preferably 10-200 ?m, most preferably 10-100 ?m t; the first pores are fluidically connected to each other: at least the first pores whose pore size is in the region of 500 ?m have a cell-growth promoting property and at least one part of the first pores arranged close to at least one free surface of the body are open towards the outer environment. Preferably, the substrate is an open-pored foam material body made of a synthetic material. The substrate enables spatial cell cultures to be formed.

Abstract: A white film including polymer film wherein both the thermal shrinkage rate in the longitudinal direction and that in the transverse direction of the film are not less than ?0.2% and not more than 0.5% at 90° C., and a backlight for liquid crystal displays using such a white film. Since the white film hardly suffers from undulation or rise in its end portions, it is most suitable as a reflection film for backlights of liquid crystal displays. Since a backlight for liquid crystal displays using this white film can be used for a long time, it is applicable to liquid crystal displays of various electrical/electronic devices.

Abstract: A multilayer radiant-barrier structure is formed on one or both sides of a substrate that can be attached to an insulating layer to produce a reflective insulating material. The metallized layer is protected from environmental degradation without interfering with flammability properties that are critical for radiant and reflective insulation materials used in housing applications. The metal layer is modified to insulate enclosures without blocking cellular communications and the protective functional layer in modified to minimize emissivity, create a hydrophobic and/or oleophobic surface, and/or prevent mold, fungi and bacteria growth. Solutions are provided to solve occupational-hazard problems associated with the use of these materials in enclosures that include power wires.

Abstract: A material for clinging to smooth, impervious surfaces and supporting other objects thereon. The material includes a body of foamed polyvinyl chloride, having a foam cellular structure of about 80% closed cell foam and up to about 20% open cell foam. A flexible skin is formed on one side, the skin being unfoamed polyvinyl chloride, and having surface imperfections comprising small cavities. An adhesive layer may be formed on the opposite side to secure the body to objects mounted by the material on a smooth surface. The material bears a load in addition to the weight of the material itself when the flexible skin adheres to a vertical surface, such as a mirror or stainless steel refrigerator door.

Abstract: A polyurethane composite is disclosed comprising rigid polyurethane and foamed thereupon a flexible integral skin (surface pore closed) polyurethane foam, wherein the rigid polyurethane having a density range of 600 kg/m3 to 1200 kg/m3, a Shore A hardness range of 90 to 99, a Shore D hardness range of 40 to 80, a tensile strength range of 10MPa to 60 MPa, a flexural strength range of 20 MPa to 60 Mpa, a elastic flexural modulus range of 800 MPa to 2500 Mpa, an elongation rate at break of 10-100% and an elongation at break of 25-150%; wherein the flexible integral skin (surface pore closed) polyurethane foam having a density range of 60 kg/m3 to 200 kg/m3, a tensile strength of 60 kPa to 250 kPa, an elongation at break of 70-180%, a tearing strength of 130-220 N/m, a resilience of falling ball of 40-70%, IFD25% of 200-600 N and IFD65% of 600-1800 N.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fire resistant material based on an elastomeric foam. The invention further comprises a system for sealing off, at least during a fire taking place adjacent the wall, in an at least virtually entirely fire-tight manner, an open extending through that wall through which a transporting device comprising for instance a cable, duct or pipe has been fed, the system being provided with elements manufactured from a fire resistant material which expands under the influence of temperature increase. In addition, the invention extends to a wall in which such a system has been incorporated and a method for scaling off an opening extending through a wall through which at least one transporting device such as a cable, duct or pipe has been fed.

Abstract: Composite cushioning structures with spatially variable cushioning properties and related materials and methods for producing same are disclosed. In one embodiment, gradient property foam (GPF) is provided and comprised of a two or more phase composite cushioning structure comprised of a spatially variable disposition of one or more second non-solid phase cushioning component into a first solid phase cellular cushioning component to control the local cushioning properties of the final composite cushioning structure. The second cushioning component(s) can be selected to exhibit other cushioning properties when in solid form from the cushioning properties of the first cellular cushioning component in this embodiment. In one embodiment, the second cushioning component(s) can undergo a transition from the non-solid phase into a solid phase within the first cellular cushioning component to form a bond with the first cellular cushioning component to form the composite cushioning structure.

Abstract: Multilayer foam-film composite structures in which the cells of at least one foam layer have an anisotropic orientation exhibit at least one enhanced property of toughness, tear resistance and puncture resistance in comparison with a foam-film composite structure alike in all aspects except for the anisotropic orientation of the cells of at least one foam layer.

Abstract: This invention discloses three-layer rotomoulded motorboats having excellent floatability prepared from foamed polyethylene.

Abstract: To be provided is a foam waterproofing material superior in waterproofness and flexible enough to be compatible with further minute clearance. The foam waterproofing material according to the present invention is a waterproofing material including a foam having a thickness of 0.1 to 1.0 mm, characterized in that the foam has a micro cell structure with an average cell diameter of 10 to 60 ?m and an apparent density of 0.01 to 0.050 g/cm3. In the foam waterproofing material, the repulsive load when compressed to 0.1 mm (0.1 mm-compressive repulsion force) of the foam is preferably 0.01 to 0.1 MPa. The foam preferably has a closed-cell structure or a semi-open and semi-closed-cell structure. In addition, the foam may have a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on one or both faces thereof. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is preferably formed on the foam via a film layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer insulation based on expandable and crosslinkable elastomeric material with improved low temperature resistance and flexibility, the process for manufacturing of such material and system, and the use of such material and system.

Abstract: This assembly comprises a first component (9), a second component (3), and a connecting device (19) for connecting these two components together, this device (19) being of the type that maintains the integrity of the surface of said second component (3), and the assembly being noteworthy in that said connecting device (19) comprises a structural skin (21) fixed to said first component (9) and a porous material (23) attached to this structural skin and fixed by contact to said second component (3).

Abstract: An improved energy absorbing member comprising, an thermoplastic cellular polymer in contact with a structural element such as a metal guard rail or automotive door, wherein the cellular polymer has an average cell size of at least about 0.75 mm and at least one of CE/CT, CV/CT and CH/CT is about 0.25 to about 0.4 said one of CE/CT, CV/CT and CH/CT having a compressive efficiency of at least 70% at a 60% strain, CE, CV and CH being the compressive strength of the cellular polymer in each of three orthogonal directions E, V and H where one of these directions is the direction of maximum compressive strength in the foam and CT equals the sum of CE, CV and CH.

Abstract: It comprises three layers: a first layer of plastic material that provides the whole with mechanical strength, a second intermediate layer of foam forming a union between the first and second layer, and a third layer of impermeable plastic material and is characterized in that the first layer (2) is mase on an elastomeric polyolefin of high strength and elasticity, in that the second layer (3) is of closed-cell, physically or chemically cross-linked polyethylene foam, and in that the third layer (4) is of polyolefin with high tear resistance. A light waterproofing sheet is obtained which withstands extreme meteorological conditions, is resistant to chemical agents, while it also has optimum mechanical properties at a lower thickness thanks to the material of which the first layer is comprised and unlike other sheets existing it has no ageing limit, which means that once the sheets have been fitted they do not have to be replaced.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-layered polylactic acid resin foamed body of a crystalline polylactic acid resin which has good appearance and excellent mechanical strength such as bending strength and compressive strength and which is capable of being imparted with excellent heat resistance, and to provide a multi-layered polylactic acid resin foamed molded article having excellent appearance, heat resistance and mechanical strengh. The multi-layered polylactic acid resien foamed body of the present invention is a laminate having a polylactic acid resin foamed layer and a thermoplastic resin layer provided at least one side of the foamed layer, wherein the foamed layer has a cell shape satisfying specific conditions, wherein the difference (?Hendo:2° C./min??Hexo:2° C./min) between an endothermic calorific value (?Hendo:2° C./min) and an exothermic calorific value (?Hexo:2° C.

Abstract: The joint-sealing tape of flexible foam material (2) capable of recovery after compression is saturated with an impregnate and provided with a plurality of notches or recesses (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d), which serve to accept and to distribute the impregnate in the foam (2).

Abstract: In some embodiments, a foamed polymer sheet comprises: a polymeric material and cells located in the polymeric material. The cells have a size distribution, D90 of greater than or equal to 300 ?m and the sheet has a light transmission of greater than or equal to about 5%. In another embodiment, the cells have an average diameter, as measured along a major axis, of about 1 mm to about 4 mm, and the sheet has a light transmission of greater than or equal to about 5%. In another embodiment, a method of making a foamed polymeric sheet comprises: combining a blowing agent with a polymeric material to form a mixture, nucleating bubbles in the mixture, and cooling the mixture. The mixture is at a sufficient temperature and the cells have a sufficient cell size such that the sheet has a light transmission of greater than or equal to 10%.

Abstract: The invention is directed in part to an article that includes a polymer foam having a surface with surface microstructures, the surface microstructures have at least one extent or dimension of about 10 microns or more, preferably 50 microns or more. A maximum extent (unless it is a continuous rib-like structure) the microstructure is about 300 microns or less, preferably 200 microns or less, and generally a maximum height of 1000 microns or less, preferably 750 microns or less and a minimum height of 200 microns or more, preferably 300 microns or more. The foamed article may be provided in a variety of shapes, including a rod, a cylinder, a sheet, etc. In a preferred embodiment where the foam is provided in the form of a sheet, the foam has a pair of major surfaces, one or both of which can be provided with surface microstructures.

Abstract: A method of forming a panel is disclosed. The method includes forming a flexible skin (22); coupling a compressible material (24) to the skin (22); positioning the skin (22) and compressible material (24) in a mold; and forming a rigid substrate (20) around the skin (22) and compressible material (24) providing a first soft region (12) wherein the compressible material (24) is disposed between the skin (22) and the substrate (20) so that a first soft region (12) is defined by the compressible material (24).

Abstract: A crosslinked, closed cell polyolefin foam sheet has exceptional softness, haptics, moldability, thermal stability and shear strength as well as a laminate and uses thereof.

Abstract: A process for producing porous structures from polyamide by dissolving the polyamide in an ionic liquid and precipitating or coagulating the dissolved polyamide by contacting the solution with a liquid precipitant medium. Fibers are produced from the dissolved polyamide in a wet-spinning process by precipitation in protic solvents, in particular water, a C1-4-alkanol or mixtures thereof, and subsequent freeze-drying. Foils, films or coatings are produced by blade coating the dissolved polyamide onto a substrate surface, optionally spraying with protic solvent, in particular water, a C1-4-alcohol or mixtures thereof, dipping into a precipitation or coagulation bath, freeze-drying of the resulting foil, of the film or of the coated substrate. Molded parts are prepared by extracting the dissolved polyamide with protic solvents, preferably water, a C1-4-alcohol or mixtures thereof, wherein the dissolved polymer is transformed to a solid or wax-like state by cooling and extracted after subsequent moulding.

Abstract: A device to make annotations on a removable or fixed background is described, over which it is desirable to make annotations leaving it intact; When the background is removable, the device comprises an upper transparent and smooth film, with closed pores to make annotations with dry erase markers and a back cover attached to the upper film leaving an inlet through which the background is inserted, such as pre-printed sheets or radiographies. When the background is fixed, the device also has a mounting tab to be placed on said background.

Abstract: A composite material having numerous uses is disclosed. The composite material contains an insulating media combined with a foam. In one embodiment, the foam comprises a polyurethane foam. The polyurethane foam holds the insulating media together and allows for the product to be molded as desired. The resulting composite product can be used as insulation or, alternatively, can be molded into various useful articles.

Abstract: A nano-cellular polymer foam is disclosed, which has an average pore size from about 10 nanometers to about 500 nanometers; and a foam density that is from about 1 percent to about 50 percent of the bulk density of the material of the nano-cellular foam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image receiver element comprising a single low density layer, wherein the single low density layer comprises non-crosslinked aliphatic polyester containing non-interconnected void space, and wherein the single low density layer does not absorb more than 3 weight % moisture at 80% RH and 21.3° C. as compared to the weight % moisture of said single low density layer at 20% RH and 21.3° C. The invention relates to a method of forming such an image receiver element, a printing system comprising an imaging material and the image receiver element, and a method of printing comprising obtaining an imaging material comprising a colorant layer; obtaining the image receiver element; superposing the colorant layer with the receiver element; and transferring colorant from the imaging material to the image receiver element.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flexible, impact-resistant material includes the steps of providing a sheet of a closed-cell foam material and cutting the sheet into at least two tessellating patterns, preferably by a cutter. The tessellating patterns are then differentially moved relative to one another such that the surface of one of the tessellating patterns stands proud of the surface of the other tessellating patterns. A first, flexible layer of material is then bonded to the surface of the tessellating pattern standing proud of the rest. Preferably, a block arrangement is located in the cutter that causes the tessellating patterns to move relative to one another after the sheet of foam material has been cut.