Gas barrier layers and composites contain a low gel sheet produced from a
composition containing a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a hydroxyl
functional copolymer, and a gel reducing additive. The gel reducing
additive has functional groups that can react with isocyanate groups to
reduce gel formation during the processing of blends of urethane
containing polymers and hydroxyl functional polymers. Multilayer
composites containing the low gel sheets can be made into inflatable
membranes for containing an inflationary gas. In a particularly preferred
embodiment, the membranes are used as bladders of cushioning devices in
the soles of shoes, particularly athletic shoes.