Plastic foaming agents allow polymers to lower their weight and density. Used in EVA, rubber, PVC, among others. Commonly used when producing sandals and mats because they tend to give a smooth surface.
You can achieve a uniform foam by fully reacting the additive. To do this you have to control the relation between temperature and time. A variable outside the recommended range could lead into foam colapse. They are easy to handle and to integrate into the polymer, but never forget to properly disperse the additive to achieve positive results. Also you can add some kickers or catalyzer so that foam temperature can be lower and according to your process.
Those products called AZO (ADA), or by their name Azodicarbonamide, are materials in the form of yellowish powder with a high volume of CO2 gas release and a high decomposition temperature of between 200°C-210°C. It has a strong smell that it emits after its reaction, although this is lost over time. Its exothermic decomposition consists of a mixture of nitrogen, carbon monoxide and very small amounts of ammonium salts.
These materials are used together with our kickers (LOX-0180) to reduce the reaction temperature and prevent products from yellowing.
Particle size is quite important to avoid caverns and cracks.
In addition to the plastic industry, ADA is found in the food industry for cereals and flours, although in recent years it has been replaced by enzymes. There are Kosher grades available.
It is a flammable material for which it is recommended to store at room temperatures and free from any spark or flame. It is a yellow powder that could affect the color of the finished product when it doesn’t fully react. It is recommended to break up any agglomeration to avoid irregular foam and caverns. Prolonged reaction or exposure to very high temperatures can cause the product to collapse. It emits a certain strong smell.
⮚ AC-1000
⮚ AC-3000
⮚ AC-6000
⮚ AC-7000
It is important to maintain recommended processing temperatures to avoid collapse and material waste. When mixing it is recommended to pay attention to temperature to avoid early reaction. Keep stored in dry places.
⮚ Microsphere HH188Q
Microspheres usually react at a lower temperature than ADA ranging from 140°C to 160°C and are colorless. Even though they provide a uniform foam they are temperature sensitive and can easily collapse if temperature is too high, making your end-product weight to increase dramatically. Great product to produce sandals and other foamed products where low-odor is desired.
We have seen very good results when using microsphere with azodicarbonamide as a balance between foam degree and cell structure is realized.
Chemical Additives is a Mexican company that distributes raw materials for the plastic industry both locally and internationally.
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