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Azodicarbonamide is a chemical compound mainly used as a blowing agent in rubber and plastic industries. When incorporated in certain processes, this compound creates a cellular structure by releasing gas, making the material lighter and more usable.
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Masterbatch
In EVA masterbatches, azodicarbonamide acts as a blowing agent, enhancing the flexibility and ultraviolet light resistance of rapid foams. It lightens the foams without losing density. This makes them suitable for shoe soles, heat-insulating foams, and mats.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) Masterbatch
EPDM rubber, widely used in automotive seals and roofing materials, benefits from azodicarbonamide inclusion. When azodicarbonamide is added to EPDM masterbatch, it is thermoset and foamed during curing. This produces a lightweight structure with excellent weather and ozone retardance.
Polyurethane Foams
A azodicarbonamide masterbatch is included in flexible and rigid polyurethane foams. When added to flexible foams, azodicarbonamide improves comfort, reducing the transfer of pressure. In rigid foams, it enhances thermal insulation properties.
Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) Masterbatch
Azodicarbonamide incorporation in NBR masterbatch forfoamed rubber products. For example, foamed rubber seals, gaskets, and foams used in automotive and industrial applications. Expansion produced by azodicarbonamide enhances cushioning properties and insulation.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Foams
Plasticized PVC foams are commonly used due to their low cost and favorable properties. In this application, azodicarbonamide serves as a blowing agent for producing lightweight and rigid foam.
Masterbatches containing azodicarbonamide are added to polymers during injection molding to produce expanded rubbery plastic products.
Blowing
Azodicarbonamide is a potent chemical blowing agent used in foamed rubbery plastics. Upon degradation, it liberates gases such as nitrogen and carbon monoxide. This leads to plastic volames in increased volume and becomes lightweight.
Lightweight
One of the major benefits of azodicarbonamide is its ability to produce lightweight materials or products. Owing to this property, the type of masterbatch is utilized in the production of various foamed rubbers. These include shoe soles, insulation materials, and automotive components.
Compatibility
Among other features, azodicarbonamide is highly compatible with various thermoplastics and elastomers like ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), and other rubbers. This means it can readily integrate into a good number of masterbatches without compromising the material properties.
Heat Sensitivity
Azodicarbonamide is a heat sensitive chemical blowing agent. This means that it only decomposes when subjected to specific temperatures. This temperature usually ranges from 180°C to 200°C. Such property makes it easily usable in processing techniques involving heat like injection molding and extrusion.
Foaming
The decomposition of azodicarbonamide liberates gas and creates a cellular structure within the plastic. This enhances texture, surface appearance, and material properties.
Curing Agent
In rubber synthesis, azodicarbonamide functions as a curing agent. During this process, it enhances the stability and elasticity of the end product foamed. Azodicarbonamide masterbatches are commonly used with other curing agents to improve foaming.
Increased Volume
The gases liberated during azodicarbonamide decomposition propel the rubbery plastic. This leads to sizable increments in its volume. Thus, the plastic foam becomes lighter and has greater volume than the previous dense plastic.
Rubber and plastics have a generally wide application in diverse industries. Masterbatches containing azodicarbonamide are mainly used in creating expanded rubbery plastics via injection molding.
Automotive Industry
Foamed thermoplastic elastomer with azodicarbonamide masterbatch is used in the auto industry for manufacturing dashboard cushioning, seals, insulation, and sound absorption materials. Due to its lightweight and enhanced cushioning, azodicarbonamide improves the advanced thermoplastic elastomer foams' insulation properties.
Footwear
In the footwear industry, EVA foams offer comfort and flexibility and are used as insoles and soling materials. NBR and EPDM rubber foams are used to produce long-lasting, comfortable shoes in this industry.
Household Goods
Masterbatches azodicarbonamide are incorporated into foams used in cushions, mattresses, and upholstery furniture. It becomes a compound of lightweight, comfortable, and durable thermoplastic elastomer foams.
Athletic and Recreational Goods
Comfortable and lightweight foam pads for seating, insulating mats, and even buoyancy aids like soft bathtubs and water sports balls are produced using azodicarbonamide and thermoplastic elastomers.
Industrial Applications
The AZFoam process produces thermoplastics that are used for thermal insulation in industries with adverse working conditions. This includes construction and refrigeration.
Construction and Civil Engineering
Building and civil engineering uses thermoplastic elastom in insulating foams. These include expansion joints, roofing membranes, and sealing materials. Their advantages, like lightweight and insulating properties, greatly improve the building's thermal performance and energy efficiency.
Packaging Industry
Foams produced have excellent shock-absorbing and temperature-regulating features. They are used as cushioning materials for fragile goods such as electronic devices, glassware, and sensitive machinery.
Compatibility
One of the factors to consider when choosing azodicarbonamide masterbatch is compatibility. It should be compatible with the specific polymer or elastomer that the manufacturer uses.
For instance, azodicarbonamide should be well compatible with EVA when producing foams from thermoplastic elastomer by injection molding. EPDM rubber also requires a compatible blowing agent for producing lightweight thermoplastic elastomers.
Concentration
The concentration of azodicarbonamide blowing agent in the masterbatch significantly affects the degree of foaming. Different polymers and elastomers require distinct concentrations for optimal performance due to their differing physical and chemical properties.
Regarding this, manufacturers should consider the specific requirements of the application. This includes the desired density, degree of expansion, and mechanical properties.
Quality
Product quality consideration is very vital in choosing azodicarbonamide masterbatch. Substandard masterbatches may contain low-grade azodicarbonamide or impurities that adversely affect the end product's quality.
Such poor-quality azodicarbonamide may also decompose incompletely or erratically. This affects the product's density, surface texture, and mechanical properties.
Manufacturers should source blown agent masterbatches from reputable suppliers. Suppliers who adhere to industry quality standards and include high-grade AZ foaming agents.
Processing Conditions
Processing conditions have a significant role in product quality and performance. Choosing azodicarbonamide masterbatch, manufacturers should consider the processing conditions of the specific polymer or elastomer involved in the production process.
Thermal stability, viscosity, and processing temperatures are some of the factors to consider. They play a significant role in determining the compatibility of masterbatch azodicarbonamide with the polymer.
Color and Additives
When making their choice, manufacturers should consider the color and additives in the azodicarbonamide masterbatch. Some masterbatches may contain additives such as antioxidants and plasticizers. These will help enhance the properties of the end product.
Besides, manufacturers may require specific colors of masterbatch that will be useful in certain applications. These include packaging where color plays a crucial role in the product's appeal and branding.
A1. In rubbery plastics, such as thermoplastic elastomer foams, azodicarbonamide serves as a blowing agent. Notably, it produces nitrogen gas, making the plastic foams lightweight and elastic.
A2. Normally, azodicarbonamide is used in plastics. It facilitates the creation of foams used in diverse applications. Despite the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for use in specific food-related applications, concerns over potential health risks have arisen.
A3. Azodicarbonamide's production and decomposition contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. This raises environmental concerns regarding its use in foams. Nevertheless, the lightweight nature of these foams helps reduce energy consumption in transportation and usage of manufactured products.
A4. Yes, there are various alternatives to azodicarbonamide. These alternatives include blowing agents derived from natural sources, such as baking soda and vinegar. Manufacturers also use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other chemical blowing agents.
