Blowing agents.

AMERICHEM INC.

Custom-formulated concentrates for most thermoplastics can include a nontoxic blowing agent for food-contact applications and can contain color and other additives. Supercell modified azo compounds reportedly permit improved control of gas generation.

AMPACET CORP.

LDPE-based foaming-agent concentrates specially designed for thin blown, cast, or coextruded films. Grade 10123 is for LDPE, HDPE or PP homopolymers. Universal 10349 concentrate is for engineering resins, polar or nonpolar.

ARKEMA INC.

Isotron line of HCFCs used as physical blowing agents for PUR, PS, and PE.

BERGEN INTERNATIONAL

Foamazol chemical blowing agents for use in most application such as structural foam, wire and cable, profile and sheet, blown and extruded films, blow molded containers, injection molding, and PP ribbon extrusion. Products offered in 100% active free-flowing powders and pelletized rnasterbatches.

Endothermic and exothermic formulations available as well as blends. Masterbatches in a range of base resins for improved compatibility with resins such as PP, PE, copolymers, PS, PPE, ABS and PVC. Processing temperatures from 300-500 E Custom formulations available.

BIDDLE SAWYER CORP.

Distributes azodicarbonamide exothermic products from Otsuka Chemical Co. of Japan for producing foams from PVC, PE, PP, EVA and rubber. Azofoam Ultra product line has superior dispersibility, very low dusting, and does not cake.

In addition to these exothermic products, a separate line of endothermic blowing agents is available. OBSH, TSSC and TSH also available.

CHEMTURA CORP.

Manufactures Celogen azodicarbonamide foaming agents used to foam plastics to impart a cellular structure into the resin via processing techniques such as injection molding, extrusion or PVC expanded materials. Main products include Celogen AZ types and OT. Products may be used to reduce weight, improve softness and resilience, simulate the appearance and behavior of wood, and for cosmetic surface effects. Products cover a process temperature range of 284 F and higher.

Also offers a range of Celogen modified azos such as Celogen FF that provide clean, trouble-free products in extrusion, injection molding and calendering. Products contribute to uniform cell formation and smooth surfaces. FF grades do not generate foaming agent plateout. Celogen 125FF is a 3-4 micron particle size most often used for thermoplastics processing in the 380-400 F temperature range. Celogen 60/14FF (9.5-13 microns) is suitable when greater thermal stability and a slower rate of decomposition are desirable. It is especially suited in the molding of PP, HDPE, ABS and PPO materials.

Celogen 780 modified azo is for use in both plastic and rubber applications where a low decomposition temperature and fast rate of gas release are desirable. Plastics that can be foamed with this include standard and metallocene polyolefins, various thermoplastic elastomers, and soft and low-melting PVC formulations.

Company also offers Expandex 5-PT (5-phenyltetrazole), suitable for foaming higher temperature polymers such as PC, nylon 6/6, PBT and PET. The inert decomposition products from Expandex 5-PT help to avoid chemical degradation and molecular weight loss with hydrolysable polymers such as PC and thermoplastic polyesters.

CHROMA CORP.

Dry powders or compounding of blowing agent masterbatches from 25 lb to truckloads in all resin systems and additives combined with colorants to provide multifunctional concentrates.

CLARIANT ADDITIVE MASTERBATCHES

Wide range of Hydrocerol chemical blowing agents and nucleating agent masterbatches can be used for foaming most all commonly used thermoplastic resins and blends. Available in exothermic and endothermic formulations.

In extrusion or injection molding masterbatches can reduce weight, improve performance, reduce manufacturing costs and create special surface effects.

In wood/plastic composites Hydrocerol can improve mechanical properties and processing characteristics, reduce weight, cut costs and make the composites easier to fabricate.

Custom masterbatches are also available, along with masterbatches that combine active ingredients with selected pigments and dyestuffs.

CYLATEC INC.

Cylacell is a predictable, environmentally safe, and equipment-friendly inorganic sodium silicate endothermic blowing agent for thermoplastics, rubber, silicone, and thermoset polyester bulk molding compounds. It contains bound water, which causes particles to expand into closed-cell spheres at temperatures above 300 E Fume- and odor-free, it will not discolor resins or postblow. Molded parts do not exhibit outgassing, and painting can be done immediately.

Compared with some fluorocarbon, hydrocarbon, or other liquid physical foaming agents, Cylacell reportedly can show improved cell structure, lighter foam densities, and sometimes higher flame retardancy and smoke suppression. It can also obviate the need for nucleating agents. Tests have shown that Cylacell can increase useful life of foams by eliminating any potentially reactive blowing-agent byproducts that can degrade elastomers.

THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY CHLORINATED ORGANICS

Methylene chloride urethane grade is a modified methylene chloride for flexible PUR slabstock foam. Contains an inhibitor that minimizes foam oxidation and scorching. Can be used as sole auxiliary blowing agent. Reportedly offers high volatility, low flammability, low raw-material and handling costs, and low toxicity and is said to be nonpolluting.

For PS foam sheet, Dow licenses technology for using 100% C[O.sub.2] to produce foam sheet in thicknesses up to 0.25 in. and densities comparable to those produced with hydrocarbon or HCFC-22 blowing agents (2-10 pcf). It requires retrofitting of existing extrusion lines.

DUPONT PACKAGING & INDUSTRIAL POLYMERS

Line of fluorochemical blowing agents includes Formacel Z-2 (HFC-152a), FDA approved for use in PS food service and packaging foams; Formacel S (HCFC-22) used in closed-cell polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams; and Formacel Z-4 (HFC-134a) for polyurethane systems and appliance foams, and in PS insulating board.

ENDEX INTERNATIONAL

Endex endothermic chemical foaming and nucleating agents, and endothermic/exothermic synergistic hybrids for thermoplastic foams generate fine closed-cell structures. Products improve flow, compatibilize mixed/ cycled polymers, reduce molding cycle or increase extrusion rates, and are used for sink mark elimination and improved weld-line strength.

Endex ABC 2750, a 50% active pelletized endothermic chemical foaming agent, is compatible with almost all thermoplastic polymers, including commodity polymers, engineering polymers such as ABS, acetal, PC, modified PPO/PPE, and polyolefin elastomers.

Endex ABC 100, a 100% active powder endothermic chemical foaming agent is also an effective nucleating agent in physical foaming processes.

Endex PBS 2610 and Endex PBS 2625 concentrates designed for use in engineering polymers, which are moisture sensitive such as PET and PC. Products may be used in extrusion or injection molded structural foam for weight reduction, and also to remove problem sink marks. The combination of low use levels, typically 0.5-2%, and good physical property retention in the finished part, make these products very cost effective.

Endex 1040 is a concentrate based on OBSH in PE carrier resin. It is designed for use in the processes using temperatures in the range 150C to 175C (300F to 350F). It produces very fine cell structures, with a combination of carbon dioxide and nitrogen gases.

EPI ENVIRONMENTAL PLASTICS INC.

Endothermic, exothermic, and endothermic/ exothermic chemical blowing agents in powders and resin concentrates. Concentrates come with compatible resin carriers for polyolefins, PS, ABS, PPO, PPE, PET, PVC, nylon, and PC. Concentrate activity levels from 30% to 70%.

EPIcor endothermic chemical blowing and nucleating agents reportedly offer better dispersion and physical properties, faster cycle times and extrusion rates, higher gas volumes, smooth surfaces, and fine cell structure with thick skins.

EPIcell exothermic chemical agents include OBSH concentrates, azodicarbonamide, and non-plateout grades.

POLYcor endothermic/exothermic hybrid chemical blowing agent is compounded in one pellet. Offered in structural-foam molding grades for high-temperature resins such as PPO, PC, and PC/ABS alloys. POLYcor combines surface property benefits of EPIcor and higher gas pressure typical of EPIcell along with fast degassing and part paintability. Various grades provide finer cell structures and smooth surfaces.

EXPANCEL

Expancel expandable thermoplastic microspheres used as blowing agents in systems heated to 200-400 E Microspheres are white, spherical polymeric particles. Thermoplastic shell encapsulates a gas and softens when heated, allowing expansion from the increased internal vapor pressure. Expansion factor is 40-60 times the original volume. Other features include defined cell size, closed-cell structure. Suitable as a blowing agent in plastisols, elastomers, thermosets, and thermoplastics.

FERRO CORP. RIGID POLYMER APPLICATIONS

Spectraflo liquid chemical exothermic and endothermic blowing-agent dispersions produce higher volumes of nitrogen gas per unit of additive than conventional blowing agents while improving structural uniformity and processing control. They are said to improve sink mark removal and reduce weight while preserving structural properties of ABS, LDPE, HDPE, and PP parts injection molded and extruded/coextruded.

Endothermic formulations require no gas-off period, allowing painting of parts immediately after molding. Custom formulations available to gas-off at specific temperatures. Liquid vehicle reportedly allows higher loading of active ingredients than is possible with solid carriers.

FOAM SUPPLIES, INC.

Company offers Ecomate 0-ODP, 0-GWP and VOC exempt blowing agent for urethane foam systems.

HITECH POLYMERS, INC.

Pelletized concentrates of blowing agents can be incorporated into a variety of elastomers, engineering thermoplastics, and commodity polymers.

HONEYWELL FLUORINE PRODUCTS

Sole North American manufacturer of HFC245fa, sold as Enovate 3000, the dominant zero ozone-depletion potential (ODP) blowing agent for rigid polyurethane foams used in pour-in-place appliance insulation (refrigerators and water heaters). Also a leading choice in rigid spray-foam insulation for walls, roofs and spas.

INGENIA POLYMERS, INC.

Offers IP1890 and IP1893 CBA (patent-pending) endothermic chemical-foaming agent compounds with an extremely small cell structure. This allows compounds to be used in industrial blown film and sheet applications.

IP1890 is a 100% active masterbatch, based on company's proprietary Superblend TM technology. IP1893 is a PE-based masterbatch specifically targeting the PE film, sheet and thermoforming, injection molding and blow molding processes.

Targeted applications include protective packaging, decorative packaging where the micro-bubbles create a pearlescent effect in three-layer film applications, directional easy-tear applications, industrial packaging and insulation.

IP1890/IP1893 add value through weight reduction, enhanced opacity, increased stiffness, elongation and insulation. Recommended letdown ratio is 1 to 5 % depending on the application.

Materials made with the compounds can be recycled. Compounds are compliant with CONEG and FDA regulations and are heavy-metal free.

Company provides toll compounding and grinding services.

LANXESS CORP.

Porofor ADC azodicarbonamide chemical blowing agents for rigid and flexible vinyls, crosslinked PE foam, ABS and PS.

PMC SPECIALTIES GROUP DIV. PMC INC.

Chemical blowing agents reportedly produce no corrosive by-products. KemTec 500 is for nylon, polyesters, ABS, and PC.

POLYCHEM ALLOY, INC.

CloCell 6004 masterbatch contains 40% physical blowing agent, eliminating the need for modifying an existing extruder for injection molded parts. The agent does not escape through molten PE or PP, thus achieving a homogeneously dispersed 100% close cell foam part.

POLYFIL CORP.

New endothermic chemical foaming agent concentrate CFAC-5050MT for use in PE, PS and PP. Product designed for use in food-contact applications such as foamed PE cap liners where azodicarbonamide is not permitted.

CFAC-5050MT activates at lower temperatures than traditional endothermic formulations, especially in terms of weight reduction and cost-effectiveness in structural foam molding and extrusion applications. According to the company, a 70% weight reduction has been achieved in an automotive structural foam application and in PE profile and sheet extrusions. Applications for use include foamed wood composites. A PVC compatible version also available.

POLYONE CORP. ENGINEERED MATERIALS

Wil-Foam chemical blowing-agent concentrates (solid or liquid) for vinyls, polyolefins, styrenics, acrylics, polyesters, and nylons. Custom-made, multicomponent concentrates feature high concentration and superior dispersion. Also concentrates, which can contain colors and other additives, for wire and cable, fibers, film, sheet, profile extrusions, injection and blow molding, and structural foam.

OnCap PolyFoam chemical blowing-agent masterbatches with an expanded temperature range of 360 to 600 F are designed for polyolefins, styrenics, and engineering thermoplastics such as ABS, PC, PPS, PPO and some nylons.

POLYVEL INC.

Custom-formulated blowing-agent concentrates for thermoplastics:

* BA20T for EVA and LDPE foamed at 290 to 340 E

* BA210 for LDPE, HDPE, and PS foamed at 350 to 400 E

* BA20 for PP, PE, PS, PPE alloys, and ABS foamed at 380 to 440 E

* BA205PT for nylon, polyester, PC, and PPE alloys foamed at 440-540 E

* BA2575 for high-temperature polymers foamed at 700 E

POLYVISIONS, INC.

Endothermic chemical-foaming agent concentrates available using a variety of polymeric carriers to generate CO2 foam structures in extrusion and injection molded applications. When used at low levels, the product, called polyFoam, produces a fine gas bubble size that reduces part weight and improves dimension tolerance in thick-walled parts.

REEDY INTERNATIONAL CORP.

Safoam and Saftec endothermic chemical nucleating and blowing agents for thermoplastics. Available as free-flowing powders or concentrates. Fast outgassing concentrates in various activity levels contain special carrier resins that improve melt flow, tensile strength, and impact properties in extrusion and injection molding. Products help to decrease weight and improve process time. A microcellular structure is created that reduces internal stress, eliminates sink marks, and provides uniformity to cells.

Compatible thermoplastics include ABS, PS, EVA, HDPE, LDPE, and PPO/PPE alloys and others. Also grades for flexible and rigid PVC and moisture-sensitive resins such as nylon, PET, PC and PC/ABS blends. Cost savings have been reported in the manufacture of PVC and ABS foam pipe, using Safoam/Saftec concentrates. Company is ISO 9001 certified.

RIT-CHEM CO. INC.

Cellcom exothermic products include azodicarbonamide, modified azodicarbonamide, OBSH, RA (TSS), and 5PT (phenyl tetrazole). Uses include crosslink polyolefin foams, profile and sheet extrusion, PVC flooring and carpet underlay, wire and cable, injection molding as well as most other rubber and plastic applications.

Kycerol sodium bicarbonate-based endothermic products for structural foam, profile and sheet extrusion and injection molding applications.

Cellcom Cap expandable microspheres for plastisol screen links, automotive underbody coating and interior trim, sealants and other industrial applications.

ROWA GROUP USA, LLC

Develops and manufactures Tramaco chemical foaming agent concentrates for a variety of plastics. Included are endothermic foaming-agent masterbatches for polyolefins, which are said to provide finer cell structure than competitive products. Endothermic-exothermic foaming-agent concentrates are for rigid PVC profiles, boardstock and pipe including PVC/ wood composites, and for general-purpose PS foaming and nucleation of thermoformed containers.

SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS LNP SPECIALTY COMPOUNDS

Foam concentrates include Foam-Kon 20 for resins processed below 450 F, such as ABS, SAN, PP and acetal; and Foam-Kon 28 for resins processed above 450 F, such as nylons, PPS, polysulfone, and polyethersulfone.

A. SCHULMAN, INC.

Polybatch additive concentrates include different carriers and other additives as required.

SEKISUI CHEMICAL

Advancell EM is a range of thermo-expandable microspheres, which expand at various temperatures ranging from 120 C to 220 C depending on the grade and application. Typical applications are as blowing agents for injection molding, extrusion, synthetic wood, wallpapers, plastisols, etc.

Advancell microspheres produce a true closed-cell micro-structure without large voids because each cell has its own shell, so cells cannot coalesce.

TECHMER PM, LLC

Complete line of blowing agents for most polymers and applications.

Offers AccelMax endothermic chemical blowing agent concentrates including products for PE rotomold parts: BA-RM pellets can be mixed with PE powder to foam the core of a multilayer product, while BA-RMP powder can be mixed with powdered PE to foam monolayer walls.

TEKNOR COLOR CO. DIV. OF TEKNOR APEX CO.

Chemical blowing-agent dispersions in concentrates, liquids, or dry-powders. Up to 12.5% azo and hydrazide active ingredients in a universal carrier permit letdowns from 100:1 to 40:1.

Products are suitable for injection molding and extrusion of all polyolefins and styrenics.