Inventors:
Yong W. Shin - New York NY
International Classification:
B29C 4710
Abstract:
A foamed and expanded low density polyethylene sheet or tube possesses both superior buoyancy and thermal resistance characteristics. The sheet or tube is made by a process including mixing a low density polyethylene with a blowing agent, surface activation agent and, preferably, a separation agent, heating the mixture at different temperatures to first melt the mixture and then gasify the blowing agent to expand the polyethylene cells, cooling the melted mass to partially harden and shrink the expanded cells, further expanding the cells by introducing a second gaseous blowing agent, cutting, extruding and cooling the expanded mass, forming a sheet or tube from the cooling mass, and finally cooling the sheet or tube for at least 24 hours. A buoyant, thermal resistant, water-repellent and moisture resistant sheet or tube results, which can be used, for example, as a liner for garments, including sports, business and military garments and other related equipment.