ADC foaming agent(Azodicarbonamide ADC), is widely used in the plastics and rubber industries. It releases gases through thermal decomposition, thus forming a uniform microporous structure inside the material to achieve the foaming effect. Due to its high efficiency, homogeneity, and thermal stability, the blowing agent ADC has also been successfully used in many other fields.
In this article, you will see the basic information, working principles, and applications of ADC foaming agents in detail.
Basic Information
Chemical Structure and Molecular Formula
Chemical name: azodicarbonamide
Chemical formula: C2H4N4O2
Molecular weight: 116.08 g/mol
CAS No.: 123-77-3
Physical Properties
Appearance: crystalline powder (from yellow to orange)
Melting point: 200-225°C
Density: 1.65g/cm³
Solubility: insoluble in water; slightly soluble in alcohols and ketone solvents
Chemical Properties
Thermal decomposition
Temperature: When the decomposition temperature of the ADC foaming agent is 200-220°C, the gas starts to be released.
Products: mainly N2, CO, CO2, NH3 and other organic volatiles
Foaming volume: ADC foaming agent has a large foaming volume. Each gram can produce about 220-250 ml of gas.
Thermal Stability
ADC foaming agents can maintain good thermal stability during the heating process, which is not easy to decompose.
Temperature control: During the foaming process, it needs to be precisely controlled that the blowing agent ADC is within the appropriate temperature range.
Compatibility
Polymer compatible: ADC foaming agents are compatible with too many polymer materials, such as PVC, EVA, PE, PP, PS, and rubber.
Additive compatible: To optimize the foaming effect, it can also be used with processing aids, stabilizers, and plasticizers.
Working Principles
ADC foaming agents decompose when heated, generating large amounts of gas.
These gases form tiny bubbles inside the material, which cause it to expand and form a porous structure finally.
Here is the process:
Heating: When the temperature reaches the melting point, the ADC foaming agent starts to decompose.
Release of gas: Gases(like N2, CO and CO2) are released at this time.
Formation of bubbles: The released gases form bubbles inside the material, making it expand in volume.
Curing: After the material cools down, the bubbles are fixed inside, forming a uniform porous structure.
Applications
ADC foaming agent is widely used in the following fields due to its excellent foaming performance:
Plastic
Foamed PVC: heat-insulating boards, foamed floors, pipes, etc
Foamed EVA: shoe soles, sports mats, toys, etc
Foamed PE: packaging materials, heat insulation materials, etc
Rubber
Foamed rubber: shoe materials, sealing strips, shock-absorbing materials, etc
Construction
Foamed sheet: heat insulation boards, sound insulation boards, and other building materials
Decorative materials: lightweight decorative panels, imitation wood products, etc
In general, the ADC foaming agent is currently the largest gas generation and the most superior performance among blowing agents. It can be widely used in plastics, rubber, construction materials, and other industries. With adjustable decomposition temperature, it's still stable, non-flammable, non-toxic and odourless. Moreover, it will not corrode moulds and stain products. Whether it is normal pressure foaming or pressurised foaming, ADC foaming agent can achieve even foaming uniformity and ideal fine pore structure.
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