| abstract |
A sheet-form structure of expandable thermoplasticnresin is provided which is capable of undergoing a pseudo-one-dimensionalnexpansion in its thickness direction andnwhich enables manufacture of thermoplastic resin foamsnhaving reduced variations in thickness and weightnprecisions, increased compressive strength, and excellentnproperties such as surface smoothness. A method ofnmanufacturing the sheet-form structure, as well as suchnthermoplastic resin foams, are also provided. n A sheet-form structure 1 of expandable thermoplasticnresin including granules 2 of expandable thermoplastic resinnarranged generally uniformly for integral connection thereofnthrough a thin film 3 of expandable thermoplastic resin. Anthermoplastic resin foam including a continuous,nthermoplastic resin foam layer, a number of highly-expanded,nthermoplastic resin portions provided on at least onensurface of the continuous foam layer, and slightly-expanded,nthermoplastic resin thin films for covering outer surfacesnof respective highly-expanded portions. |