Abstract: Mesoporous hexagonal, cubic or wormhole aluminosilicates derived from zeolite seeds using an ionic structure directing agent are described. The aluminum in the structures is stable so that the framework of the structures does not collapse when heated in the presence of water or water vapor (steam). The steam stable aluminosilicates can be used as acid catalysts for hydrocarbon conversions, including the fluidized bed catalytic cracking and the hydrocracking of petroleum oils, and other cracking of organic compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new mesoporous inorganic solids in the form of primary and/or secondary inorganic particles of D10≧1 &mgr;m and D50≧3 &mgr;m, preferably from D10≧2 &mgr;m and D50≧10 &mgr;m the size of which can go up to 10 mm, wherein the microporous volume (pores of size less than or equal to 2 &mgr;m) represents at most 10% of the total porous volume up to 300 nm.

Abstract: There is provided an improved ceramic foam filter for use in filtering molten metals, metal prepared from a ceramic slurry containing silicon carbide, a colloidal silica binder and at least 10 percent of fumed silica. The filter has enhanced strength properties.

Abstract: A mesoporous ceramic material is provided having a pore size diameter in the range of about 10-100 nanometers produced by templating with a ceramic precursor a lyotropic liquid crystalline L3 phase consisting of a three-dimensional, random, nonperiodic network packing of a multiple connected continuous membrane. A preferred process for producing the inesoporous ceramic material includes producing a template of a lyotropic liquid crystalline L3 phase by mixing a surfactant, a co-surfactant and hydrochloric acid, coating the template with an inorganic ceramic precursor by adding to the L3 phase tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) or tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and then converting the coated template to a ceramic by removing any remaining liquids.

Abstract: The porous sound-absorbing material manufactured is light and has excellent heat resistance to be applicable to the exhaust nozzle etc. of a jet engine, can effectively absorb noise as that from a jet engine, over a wide range of frequencies, is free from variations in porosity, and provides stable performance characteristics. An essential feature thereof is the formation of a skeleton of the material, with aggregates 5 containing voids 6.

Abstract: A ceramics structure body having chemical composition of 42 to 56 wt % of SiO2, 30 to 45 wt % of Al2O3 and 12 to 16 wt % of MgO, crystalline phase mainly composed of cordierite, a porosity of 55 to 65%, an average pore size of 15 to 30 &mgr;m; and the total area of pores exposed on surfaces of partition walls constituting the honeycomb ceramics structure body being 35% or more of the total area of partition wall surfaces. Fifteen to 25 wt % of graphite and 5 to 15 wt % of a synthetic resin are added as a pore forming agent to a cordierite-forming raw material; the resultant is kneaded and molded into a honeycomb shape; and the resultant is dried and fired to produce above-mentioned honeycomb ceramics structure body. According to this honeycomb ceramics structure body, a low pressure loss and a high collection efficiency can be attained.

Abstract: A homogeneous bulky porous ceramic material is provided, the average pore diameter D50 of which is less than 4 &mgr;m and the closed porosity of which is less than 2 &mgr;m, and having a bubble point that matches the pore diameter measured on the material. A hollow fiber based on the material and a module employing such fibers together with a paste constituting a precursor for the material and including a pore-forming agent are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing porous inorganic solids on the basis of an aqueous dispersion of particles that are composed of a polymer and finely divided inorganic solids.

Abstract: An improved porous article and a method for forming such porous article are provided. A mixture of ceramic or metal particles and pliable organic hollow spheres is prepared in a liquid, typically as a suspension. The article is formed by pressing, slip casting, extruding or injection molding the mixture. The article is dried to remove the liquid, and then is fired so that the particles are bonded such as by sintering, and the organic spheres are eliminated, resulting in a strong porous article having uniformly spaced interconnected voids.

Abstract: An improved method for preparing low density ceramics is described wherein the process incorporates paper residuals which are a by-product of the paper recycling process. The method for making a low density-ceramic comprises the steps of: a) providing a paper residual comprising from about 0.5 to about 99 percent, by weight, of at least one filler, from about 0 to about 20 percent, by weight, of a dye, from about 0 to about 10 percent, by weight, of an ink, from about 0.5 to about 99.5 percent, by weight, of paper fiber, and from about 0 to about 30 percent, by weight, of other components, based on a dry weight of the residual; b) admixing a ceramic material with the paper residual, the ceramic material comprising up to about 90%, by weight, of the admixture, based on a dry weight of the admixture; c) forming the admixture into a desired shape; and d) firing the admixture to a temperature ranging from about 1850° F. to about 2900° F.

Abstract: A method of forming a porous ceramic matrix for use in an infrared heating unit comprises the steps of mixing ceramic fibers, organic binders and particulate material capable of infrared emissivity with an ionic wetting agent to form a moldable ceramic mixture, and molding the mixture to a desired shape. A ceramic matrix with infrared emissivity particles substantially uniformly distributed through the matrix is formed which results in a high intensity, high thermal efficiency matrix for use in an infrared heater. In a further aspect, the matrix can be formed using at least two different compositions of ceramic fibers each composition having a different melting temperature. During operation of the matrix in a heater unit over normal operating temperatures, melting and re-crystallization of the ceramic fibers with the lower melting temperature occurs resulting in the creation of crystalline bond regions between the two fiber compositions.

Abstract: A porous grog with a body composition of water, clay and combustible material. Further, an earthenware water purification filter utilizing the porous grog in the body composition of the filter. A water purification system incorporating said filter, said water purification system capable of removing about 99% of all particles not less than 1.0 micron is size.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a porous ceramic body, which process is based on a negative replica method. The invention further relates to a ceramic body obtainable by said method and to its use as a scaffold for tissue engineering.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for treating various kinds of drain water and waste liquid which treatment now becomes a problem, for example, drain water and waste liquid containing hardly removable phosphorus and nitrogen, waste liquid containing organochlorine compounds such as tetrachloroethylene, etc., excretive drain water from a piggery containing organonitrogen compounds at a high level, waste liquid containing heavy metals such as lead, hexavalent chromium, cadmium and the like, drain water from dairy product plants, fishery processing plants, slaughterhouses, etc. which contains water soluble protein at a high level, drain water from pulp plants, photo developing waste liquid, car wash drain water containing a mixture of car polishing wax and detergent and the like by the use of porous ceramics provided with amorphous pore surfaces.

Abstract: A structure made predominately of an NZP-type phase having the general formula RxZ4P6−ySiyO24, where 0≦x≦8, 0≦y≦6, R is Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Y, and/or lanthanides, and Z is Zr, Ti, Nb, Ta, Y, and/or lanthanidess, and optionally a sintering additive. The structure has an open porosity of at least 20% by volume, median pore diameter in micrometers of at least a value defined by the quantity [10−0.10(% open porosity)], both as measured by mercury porosimetry, and four-point modulus of rupture as measured on a solid rod of circular cross section, of at least 300 psi. Method of making the structure involves forming a mixture of NZP-forming raw material powders that are metal oxide sources capable of reacting to form an NZP-type reaction product, and/or pre-reacted powder having the above general formula.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a porous ceramic body, which process is based on a negative replica method. The invention further relates to a ceramic body obtainable by said method and to its use as a scaffold for tissue engineering.

Abstract: A plasticizable raw material batch mixture for forming a silicon carbide honeycomb structure comprising the following components: (1) powdered silicon metal; (2) a carbon precursor comprising a water soluble crosslinking thermoset resin having a viscosity of less than about 1000 centipoise (cp), and preferably less than about 500 cp; (3) a powdered silicon-containing filler; and, (4) a water soluble thermoplastic binder. Optionally, the batch mixture can include either, or both, an organic fibrous filler and a pore-forming filler comprising either a graphitic or a thermoplastic pore-forming filler.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing macro-porous synthetic ceramics designed in particular for bone substitution. The invention also concerns macro-porous synthetic ceramics comprising pores of controlled dimensions, distributed in number and in surface in a predetermined manner, the interconnection between the pores thereof being controlled.

Abstract: Silicon carbide foam useful as a catalyst support has a BET specific surface area of at least 5 m2/g, and a compression strength exceeding 0.2 MPa. The foam is prepared by impreganting an organic foam with a suspension of silicon in a resin containing a cross-linking agent, incompletely cross-linking the resin, carbonizing the foam and resin, and carburizing the silicon.

Abstract: An improved porous ceramic article and a method for forming such porous ceramic article. A mixture of ceramic particles and pliable organic hollow spheres is prepared in a liquid, typically as a suspension. The article is formed by pressing, slip casting, extruding or injection molding the mixture. The article is dried to remove the liquid, and then is fired so that the ceramic particles are bonded such as by sintering, and the organic spheres are burned off, resulting in a strong porous ceramic article having uniformly spaced interconnected voids.

Abstract: A method of producing a mesoporous silica material, including reacting, with stirring, a liquid mixture containing a tetraalkyl orthosilicate, a linear alkylamine, an inorganic acid and water, and drying and thermally treating the thus obtained solid product, wherein the amounts of the inorganic acid, alkylamine and water are 0.05-0.6 mol, 0.2-1.0 mol and 10-100 mol, respectively, per mol of the tetraalkyl orthosilicate. Mesoporous silica hard spheres having an average pore diameter of 1.5-4 nm and a volume average diameter of 40-80 &mgr;m. The mesoporous silica hard spheres may contain metal components other than silica.

Abstract: A large-format fireclay refractory brick for use as bottom block in a tin bath and a method for its manufacture, said brick formed of material of the Al2O3—SiO2 system filling material and opening material. The preferred embodiment of the brick has an upper and a lower layer with the filling and/or opening material contained only in the lower layer. The brick has an open porosity of 20 to 25 percent by volume, a gas permeability of less than 3 nPm and an H2-diffusion of less than 150 mm H2O, resulting in a brick with improved resistance to alkali attack and decreased caloric conductivity.

Abstract: The production of open-celled porous inorganic sintered products comprises the stepsa) introducing a flowable mixture comprising an aqueous polymer dispersion, sinterable inorganic powder and dispersant into a precipitation bath in which the polymer precipitates or coagulates to form a non-flowable product comprising polymer, inorganic powder and dispersant,b) removing the product from the precipitation bath and drying the product,c) heating the product to remove polymer and dispersant and sintering the product.The porous open-celled sintered products comprising sintered inorganic powder have a pore volume of from 50 to 95%, a surface area of from 0.1 to 50 m.sup.2 /g and an at least bimodal pore size distribution having maxima in the ranges from 0.02 to 5 .mu.m and from 20 to 500 .mu.m.

Abstract: The invention comprises devices composed of at least one microscopic hollow tube having a wall of single or multiple layers with a thickness of at st one nanometer and a diameter of at least 5 nanometers. The walls of the tubes can be formed from a wide variety of materials, some of the preferred materials include metals, polymers, carbon, ceramics, glasses. If the space between the tubes is filled, the tubes become channels in a monolithic or composite body. The channels can have a random or ordered orientation. The interior of the tube walls can be coated with a desired material such as a catalyst and also may have depressions or elevations therein that were imparted to the fibers upon which the tubes are formed. The wall layers may be porous for the purpose of removing the fiber therethrough. Microtubes and microtube devices may be interfaced with the macroscopic world in a number of ways.

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on a method for combining a mixture of hydroxide and hydride functional siloxanes to form a polysiloxane polymer foam, that leaves no residue (zero char yield) upon thermal decomposition, with ceramic and/or metal powders and appropriate catalysts to produce porous foam structures having compositions, densities, porosities and structures not previously attainable. The siloxanes are mixed with the ceramic and/or metal powder, wherein the powder has a particle size of about 400 .mu.m or less, a catalyst is added causing the siloxanes to foam and crosslink, thereby forming a polysiloxane polymer foam having the metal or ceramic powder dispersed therein. The polymer foam is heated to thermally decompose the polymer foam and sinter the powder particles together. Because the system is completely nonaqueous, this method further provides for incorporating reactive metals such as magnesium and aluminum, which can be further processed, into the foam structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for treating various kinds of drain water and waste liquid which treatment now becomes a problem, for example, drain water and waste liquid containing hardly removable phosphorus and nitrogen, waste liquid containing organochlorine compounds such as tetrachloroethylene, etc., excretive drain water from a piggery containing organonitrogen compounds at a high level, waste liquid containing heavy metals such as lead, hexavalent chromium, cadmium and the like, drain water from dairy product plants, fishery processing plates, slaughterhouses, etc. which contains water soluble protein at a high level, drain water from pulp plants, photo developing waste liquid, car wash drain water containing a mixture of car polishing wax and detergent and the like by the use of porous ceramics provided with amorphous pore surfaces.

Abstract: This present invention relates to microporous oxidic solids based on organofunctional compounds of metals, transition metals and semiconductor elements, preferably elements of the third and fourth main group and/or the fourth sub-group of the periodic system of elements, which are produced by tempering and calcining said compounds in an oxygen or ozone-containing gas atmosphere, and their use as adsorbent, for substance separation, as catalyst or as catalyst carrier material. The solids have a pore size of 0.3 to 2 nm, a pore volume of 0.05 to 0.9 ml/g and a BET surface of 10 to 1,000 m.sup.2 /g.

Abstract: The production of open-celled porous inorganic sintered products comprises the stepsa) introducing a flowable mixture comprising an aqueous polymer dispersion, sinterable inorganic powder and dispersant into a precipitation bath in which the polymer precipitates or coagulates to form a non-flowable product comprising polymer, inorganic powder and dispersant,b) removing the product from the precipitation bath and drying the product,c) heating the product to remove polymer and dispersant and sintering the product.The porous open-celled sintered products comprising sintered inorganic powder have a pore volume of from 50 to 95%, a surface area of from 0.1 to 50 m.sup.2 /g and an at least bimodal pore size distribution having maxima in the ranges from 0.02 to 5 .mu.m and from 20 to 500 .mu.m.

Abstract: SiC foam-based catalyst carrier in the form of a moulded part having walls reinforced with a SiC skin having mechanical characteristics higher than those of the foam, this skin allowing the carrier to be handled and used without damage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixture for producing a heat-insulating molding, comprising from 20% to 99% by weight of microporous, oxidic inorganic material, from 0% to 50% by weight of opacifier, from 0% to 50% by weight of fiber material and from 0% to 15% by weight of inorganic binding material, and from 1% to 20% of a combustible component which on heat treatment burns with virtually no residue leaving behind pores in the finished molding. The invention also relates to a process for producing the molding.

Abstract: A method for producing engineered materials from salt/polymer aqueous solutions in which an aqueous continuous phase having at least one metal cation salt is mixed with a hydrophilic organic polymeric disperse phase so as to form a metal cation/polymer gel. The metal cation/polymer gel is then treated to form a structural mass precursor, which structural mass precursor is heated, resulting in formation of a structural mass having predetermined characteristics based upon the intended application of the structural mass.

Abstract: The present invention provides for amorphous, nanoporous, ceramic material having a surface area in excess of 70 m.sup.2 /gm and characterized by a high content of open microporous cell structure wherein the micropores have a mean width of less than 20 Angstroms and wherein said microporous structure comprises a volume of greater than about 0.03 cm.sup.3 /gm of the ceramic. The invention also provides a process for the preparation of such nanoporous ceramics wherein a ceramic precursor polymer or oligomer is gradually heated in the presence of an inert gas or vacuum up to a maximum temperature in the range of greater than 400.degree. C. up to about 650.degree. C. Optionally, the process may also include a crosslinking step conducted prior to the heating step wherein the precursor polymer or oligomer is heated in the presence of a crosslinking agent capable of undergoing addition or substitution reactions with backbone atoms present in said precursor material, at an intermediate temperature of about 100.

Abstract: A dental material comprising a porous ceramics formed into an artificial tooth, an inlay, an onlay, a crown, a crown bridge or into a block shape suitable for CAD/CAM, sintered, having communicating holes, and impregnated with a resin. A porous ceramics formed from a network-forming oxide is applicable, and an intermediate oxide and a network-modifying oxide may also be adopted. The porous ceramics should preferably have a porosity within a range of from 0.5 to 70%. The resin should preferably a polymer of a monomer and/or oligomer containing at least an ethylenic double bond. Prior to impregnation of the porous ceramics with the resin, the porous ceramics should preferably be subjected to a coupling treatment.

Abstract: A method for making multi-channel structures suitable for use as filters, catalyst carriers or the like. A composite rod comprising an outer shell and an inner core is formed of respective mixtures of powders. The mixture for the outer shell comprises a sinterable powdered structural material such as ceramics, metals, intermetallics, and a powdered binder. The inner core comprises a powdered carbon channel-forming filler material such as graphite or amorphous carbon, and a powdered binder. The composite rod may be deformed, as by extrusion, to reduce its diameter. A bundle of composite rods is assembled and deformed, as by extrusion, to reduce the diameter of the bundle and of its component composite rods. Further bundles of the reduced diameter bundles of composite rods may be likewise deformed by extrusion to reduce further the diameter of the component composite rods of the successive bundles, thereby also increasing the number of such rods per given cross section area of the bundle.

Abstract: A process for preparing an inorganic porous material, includes the steps of forming a solution of a hydrolyzable inorganic compound with a non-ionic surfactant having organic molecules; inducing growth and condensation of a solid composition comprising an inorganic composition in intimate contact with said organic molecules; and extracting said organic molecules from said inorganic composition so as to provide said inorganic porous material having wall portions defining mesopore-sized channels having a mean diameter of between about 15 .ANG. to about 100 .ANG. and a narrow diameter distribution of less than or equal to about 30 .ANG., said material having a void volume from said mesopore-sized channels of at least about 0.1 cc/g.

Abstract: A method for making multi-channel structures suitable for use as filters, catalyst carriers or the like.A composite rod comprising an outer shell and an inner core is formed of respective mixtures of powders. The mixture for the outer shell comprises a sinterable powdered structural material such as ceramics, metals, intermetallics, and a powdered binder such as paraffin, wax or polymer. The inner core comprises a powdered channel-forming filler material such as melamine or polymers, or soluble inorganic compounds or a metal that can differentially be removed from the structural material of the shell.The composite rod may be deformed, as by extrusion, to reduce its diameter. In any event, a bundle of composite rods is assembled and deformed, as by extrusion, to reduce the diameter of the bundle and of its component composite rods.

Abstract: Mechanically strong and reduced friction porous silicon carbide sintered shaped articles, well adapted for the production, e.g., of leaktight mechanical packings and rotating bearing seals, have a total pore volume ranging from 4% to 18% thereof, the pores of which having an average diameter of the spherical closed pores ranging from 40 to 200 .mu.m.

Abstract: According to the present invention, ceramics which are prepared by calcining a composition comprising raw ceramic materials and a microorganism and/or culture fluid thereof, wherein the microorganisms is capable of producing an antioxidation material. The ceramic of the present invention possesses a variety of activities of, for instance, improving the soil, decomposing sewage or sludge, and deodorizing an unpleasant odor.

Abstract: Silicon carbide sintered bodies having controlled porosity in the range of about 2 to 12 vol %. in which the pores are generally spherical and about 50 to 500 microns in diameter, are prepared from raw batches containing a polymer fugitive. Sintered bodies in the form of mechanical seal members exhibit lower power consumption at low PV and, in addition, lower wear rates at high PV in comparison to commercially available silicon carbide seal members.

Abstract: An antibacterial ceramic contains an antibacterial material produced by loading an antibacterial metal such as silver on a calcium ceramic carrier and an inorganic material such as cordierite, and has a bulk density of 0.6-1.2 g/cm.sup.3. An antibacterial ceramic filter contains an antibacterial material produced by loading an antibacterial metal such as silver on a calcium ceramic carrier, an aggregate such as mullite, and a binder such as frit, and has a porosity of 20% or more. The light-weight antibacterial ceramic is suitably applicable to a roof garden or the like. The antibacterial ceramic filter can remove and extirpate various bacteria and suspensions.

Abstract: Mechanically strong and reduced friction porous silicon carbide sintered shaped articles, well adapted for the production, e.g., of leaktight mechanical packings and rotating bearing seals, have a total pore volume ranging from 4% to 18% thereof, the pores of which having an average diameter ranging from 40 to 200 .mu.m.

Abstract: Methods have been developed to make porous ceramic membranes having macroscopic channels therethrough. The novel membranes are formed by temporarily supporting the sol-gel membrane precursor on an organic support which is ultimately removed from the interior of the membrane, preferably by pyrolysis or by chemical destruction. The organic support may also include an inorganic metal portion that remains on destruction of the organic portion, providing structural support and/or chemical reactivity to the membrane. The channels formed when the organic support is destroyed provide the ability to withdraw small catalytic products or size-separated molecules from the metal oxide membrane. In addition, the channel-containing membranes retain all of the advantages of existing porous ceramic membranes.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor has alumina porous layer on a surface of a solid electrolyte to cover electrodes and the alumina porous layer is simultaneously baked with the solid electrolyte. The alumina porous layer has baking contraction percentage which is the same range of the solid electrolyte. Alumina powder which is a starting material of the alumina porous layer includes 0.3 to 0.5 .mu.m of a 50% grain size, 0.4 to 1.1 .mu.m of a 70% grain size, and 0.8 to 4.0 .mu.m of a 90% grain size in a grain size distribution of weight integration frequency and further a specific surface area according to a BET method is approximately 8.5 to 11.0 m.sup.2 /g. It is preferable that the baking contraction percentages of the solid electrolyte and alumina porous layer are approximately 16 to 22%.

Abstract: Hollow microspheres of ceramic material are formed by a sol-gel technique involving forming and stabilizing an emulsion of an aqueous sol of the ceramic material in an organic phase, followed by dehydration of the stabilized emulsion droplets by extraction using a water-absorbing organic liquid, to form hollow gelled spheres, and finally recovery, drying and calcination of the spheres to the final product. The separation of the emulsion formation and dehydration steps into two distinct stages results in the ultimate formation of microspheres with improved uniformity and size distribution.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a heat-insulating refractory material, which does not contain environmentally and hygienically undesirable ceramic heat-insulating fibers, but only contains organic fibers to the extent necessary to improve adhesive rate upon spraying, and which can nevertheless achieve a specified heat-insulating effect. The heat-insulating refractory material includes a mixture containing 2-50 wt % of a foaming raw material foamed by heat at a temperature from 400.degree. to 1500.degree. C. and 50-98 wt % of a refractory powder, and a liquid binder which is added to the mixture in an amount of 20-250 wt % on the basis of the weight of the mixture.

Abstract: Silicon carbide sintered bodies having controlled porosity in the range of about 2 to 12 vol %. in which the pores are generally spherical and about 50 to 500 microns in diameter, are prepared from raw batches containing a polymer fugitive. Sintered bodies in the form of mechanical seal members exhibit lower power consumption at low PV and, in addition, lower wear rates at high PV in comparison to commercially available silicon carbide seal members.

Abstract: Ceramic beads having a bimodal pore distribution are prepared by a process involving a) formation of a ceramic particle slurry, b) adding a foamable prepolymer to the slurry to form a mixture, c) dispersing the mixture as beads in a second liquid, d) polymerizing and foaming the prepolymer, e) recovering the beads and firing them to remove the polymer and bond the ceramic particles. The beads can optionally be joined by sintering. Beads with a monodal pore distribution can be made by using a non-foaming prepolymer.

Abstract: Ceramic precursor materials bound together by a product of a condensation reaction between a first reactant that has at least one reactive hydroxyl moiety, such as a carbohydrate, and a second reactant that has at least one reactive nitrogen-containing moiety, such as melamine, and dried or dried and calcined, form porous aggregates that resist crushing or disintegration during processing through various reactor apparatus.

Abstract: This invention offers a unique method to fabricate unique, straight, curved, or coiled tubes as small as 5 nanometers in diameter with wall thicknesses starting at about 1 nanometer. These tubes can be made from many materials such as polymers, ceramics and metals that can be applied to a surface of carbon, glass, or other tube forming fibers and then made to withstand the environment used to remove the fiber.

Abstract: The inorganic foam body consists of an at least partially open-cell foam formed by thermally foaming and hardening a mixture comprising an alkali water glass and a filler from the group of aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, aluminous cement, crushed rocks, graphite or mixtures thereof. It is produced by heating a mixture comprising an alkali water glass and a filler from the group of aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, aluminous cement, crushed rocks, graphite with a blowing agent, and preferably azodicarbonamide, at temperatures of at least 180.degree. C., and preferably of from 200.degree. C. to 300.degree. C. The foam body has a bulk density within the range of from 50 to 500 kg/m.sup.3, and preferably of from 50 to 400 kg/m.sup.3.