Handbook of Foaming and Blowing Agents

This new edition of Handbook of Foaming and Blowing Agents includes the most current information on these additives, foaming technology, and guides users on the proper selection of formulation, which is highly dependent on the mechanisms of action of blowing agents and foaming agents, as well as dispersion and solubility of foaming agents and foam stabilization requirements.

The book includes properties of 23 groups of blowing agents and the typical range of technical performance for each group, including general properties, physical-chemical properties, health and safety, environmental impact, and applications in different products and polymers, information that is compiled based on data for over 300 commercial additives. Here, average values for each group are included, distinct from the companion Databook of Blowing and Auxiliary Agents, where full information for individual additives is presented.

Other chapters in the book look at foaming mechanisms with the use of solid blowing agents, which are decomposed to the gaseous products by application of heat, production of gaseous products by chemical reaction, and foaming by gasses and evaporating liquids. All information is illustrated by chemical reactions and diagrams. Dispersion of solid foaming agents and solubility of liquid and gaseous products is covered, emphasizing the uniformity of foam produced and the foaming processes' parameters, as is the influence of the amount of blowing agent, clamping pressure, delay time, desorption time, and more. Foam stabilization methods, foam efficiency measures, production of foam by different methods of plastic processing such as blown film extrusion and calendaring are also covered. The book concludes with chapters discussing selection and processing of foaming agents, the influences of additives, the effects of foaming on 24 parameters of physical-mechanical properties of foams, exclusive analytical techniques, and health and safety and environmental impacts of foaming processes.