| abstract |
An energy absorbing article having a direction in which impact resistance is desired is formed of extruded thermoplastic foam exhibit anisotropic compressive strength. The extrusion direction of the thermoplastic foam is aligned substantially parallel with the direction in which impact resistance is desired to provide an energy absorbing article exhibiting a high ratio of compressive strength to weight. In accordance with a particular aspect of this invention, the thermoplatic foams may be prepared by the extrusion foaming of a molten thermoplastic composition utilizing a die including a mulitiplicity of orifices. In additon to coextrudates comprising coalescend strand foams having foam strands of two or more different densities, the extruded thermoplastic foams exhibiting antisotropic strength properties which may be utilized in accordance with the principles of this invention include coextrudates including foam strands and a unitary (integral piece) interleaving profile of an unfoamed thermoplastic. |