Polymeric materials having a plurality of cells formed therein are
described. The polymeric materials include a foamed layer comprising a
plurality of uniform microcells, nanocells or combinations thereof in a
closed cell network, a transition layer positioned adjacent to the foamed
layer, and at least one unfoamed outer layer positioned adjacent to the
transition layer. The foamed layer may be present in a volume ranging
from about 80 to about 99 percent based on the volume of the polymeric
material, the transition layer may present in a volume ranging from about
0 to about 10 percent based on the volume of the polymeric material, and
the at least one outer layer may be present in a volume ranging from
about 0.01 to about 10 percent based on the volume of the polymeric
material. Methods of making such polymeric materials are also described,
as are apparatus for providing foamed polymeric materials.