Absorbent, extruded thermoplastic foams

A process for making an extruded open-cell thermoplastic foam of about 50 percent or more open cell content, the process comprising extruding and expanding an expandable thermoplastic gel comprising a mixture of a thermoplastic material and a blowing agent out of an extrusion die to form an expanding extrudate which expands to form the foam, the improvement being elongating the extrudate as it exits the extrusion die and expands to an extent sufficient to make the average cell size about 25 percent or more larger in the dimension of elongation than the average cell size in either or both of the other dimensions.

The method for enhancing the absorbency of an open cell thermoplastic foam, comprising:

• a) providing the foam, b) applying a surfactant to an exposed surface of the foam whereby the surfactant remains at the surface and does not infiltrate a substantial distance into the foam.

A meat tray capable of receiving and retaining meat therein, the meat tray comprising a tray and an insert, the insert comprising an extruded, open-cell thermoplastic foam and tray positioned within the tray, the foam having an open cell content of about 50 percent or more, the foam being an average cell size of up to about 1.5 millimeters, the foam being a structure of substantially cell walls and struts, the foam having liquid absorbing capacity which is about 50 percent or more of its theoretical volume capability, the foam has a thickness of less than 0.375 inch (0.95 cm).

A diaper for bodily use, the diaper comprising a flexible sheet foam, the foam having an open cell content of about 50 percent or more, the foam being an average cell size of Lup to about 1.5 millimeters, the foam being a structure of substantially cell walls and struts, the foam having liquid absorbing capacity which is about 50 percent or more of its theoretical volume capability.