In this article we have taken the time to discuss the behavior of AZO sparkling wine, or azodicarbonamide, where we present some advice to manufacturers on how this additive behaves, which if not handled properly can produce undesirable results in their finished product.
What is azodicarbonamide?
AZO is a foaming agent used in various industries, including plastics, to reduce the weight of manufactured products and thus impart certain properties to the finished product. It is a yellow powder that, when heated to between 200°C and 210°C, emits a large volume of gas consisting of carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and trace amounts of ammonia. In the food industry, it has been gradually replaced by other types of enzymatic foaming agents due to the minute presence of a compound called semicarbazide, although to date, no direct risks to human health have been proven.
Among the properties that the azodicarbonamide This gives plastic a cost reduction due to the low weight of finished parts, without sacrificing physical and mechanical properties, and allows it to be used as thermal, impact, or sound insulation. The use of azodicarbonamide In polymers, a particle size between 3-7 microns is recommended to reduce the probability of cracking and ensure uniform foaming, although more economical grades with particle sizes up to 18 microns are available.
How is it used?
Usually, adapting the use of azodicarbonamide It is usually a trial-and-error process that not all plant managers want to undertake due to the time and costs involved. The trick is to find a balance between the following variables: time (process speed), temperature, and melting. Usually the azodicarbonamide It imparts a yellow color to the finished product, giving it an undesirable hue for customers, which indicates that the material has not fully reacted. The base polymer and its viscosity are key to determining the processing speed and temperature, since extreme conditions only result in foam collapse, degradation, and an increase in polymer density.
Although the azodicarbonamide It has a reaction temperature of 200°C, and foaming begins at 160°C. With proper process control, the yellow color can be significantly reduced, even resulting in a white foam. Maintaining a low-turbulence process is important, as this generally negatively impacts plant productivity. Reducing temperatures and increasing exposure times will help improve product quality. Adding a small amount of white pigment or titanium dioxide will help mask the yellowish tint.
Many of our customers have concerns about the unpleasant odor emitted by the azodicarbonamide, Therefore, it is recommended that you let your finished product rest to reduce this property. Doing so will considerably reduce this unpleasant odor. Reducing the AZO dosage can also decrease the odor and yellowing, but it will be important to make adjustments to the process to find a foaming equilibrium.
On the other hand, adding the azodicarbonamide In a pre-mixing process involving high friction and temperature, it is not recommended to add it; instead, it should be added later at low temperatures and for a sufficient time to achieve good dispersion within the polymer. If added in pellet form as a finished product, liquid dispersants can be used to improve adhesion to the plastic and enhance dispersion throughout the batch.
Combinations with other additives in the plastics industry
Many customers mix the azodicarbonamide, This is an exothermic reaction agent, combined with other microspheres such as the hydrazide family and/or microspheres. Every benefit comes at a price; these foaming agents, which do not impart odor or color to the finished product, do not emit the same level of gas, making it more difficult to maintain a good foam volume. The combination allows for a better surface finish and a closed foam cell, unlike if only one agent were used. azodicarbonamide.
He azodicarbonamide It can also have inherent problems, such as particle agglomeration that creates cavities during processing. Using a separator screen is a good quality practice to ensure these agglomerations are not lost during processing. It is also recommended to store it in dry, cool climates, as exposure to a spark can ignite it and cause a fire.
Finally, the azodicarbonamide It reacts with other additives you might add to your process. For example, using metal salt complexes will act as catalysts, lowering the reaction temperature and improving the foam's density and appearance. You can ask our specialists for a more personalized recommendation based on our product portfolio; we also offer pre-activated grades of azodicarbonamide to simplify your mixing process. Visit our website. www.chemicaladditives.com.mx to inquire about our additives or also at our sister company www.chemicalcompounds.com.mx where we offer PVC compound in pellet form.