406 Expansion Agent/Microsphere Foaming Agent

Expandable Microsphere Foaming Agent

Expandable microsphere foaming agent is a novel specialty foaming agent produced by Nippon Oil & Fat Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. It consists of off-white spherical plastic particles with a diameter of 10–30 micrometers.

When heated to a certain temperature, the volume of the foaming agent can rapidly expand to dozens of times its original size, thereby achieving a foaming effect.

When heated to a specific temperature, the thermoplastic shell softens, and the gas inside expands, allowing the volume of the foaming agent to increase up to dozens of times its original size. The core-shell structure remains intact, resulting in an effective foaming process.

1. Structure of Expandable Microsphere Foaming Agent

This unique foaming agent features a core-shell structure: the shell is made of thermoplastic acrylic polymer, and the core consists of hydrocarbon gas. These spherical plastic particles typically have a diameter of 10–30 micrometers, with a polymer shell thickness of 2–15 micrometers. The shell exhibits excellent elasticity and can withstand significant pressure. Even after thermal expansion, the foaming agent does not rupture and retains its superior properties.

2. Expansion Principle of Expandable Microsphere Foaming Agent

When heated, the polymer shell softens, and the internal gas expands. The hydrocarbons inside the shell rapidly inflate to 20–70 times their original volume. The expanded microspheres remain intact without shell rupture, maintaining a complete sealed spherical form. These microspheres demonstrate high resilience and are easily compressible; upon pressure release, they return to their original volume.

3. Performance Characteristics of Expandable Microsphere Foaming Agent:

★ Excellent Mechanical Properties:

Unlike other types of foaming agents, expandable microsphere foaming agents lack cellular structures, avoiding issues such as uneven cells, cell rupture, and poor resilience. The intact spherical structure ensures outstanding mechanical performance.

★ Foaming Temperature Range from 70°C to 200°C:

Depending on various processing temperatures and technical requirements, the most suitable microsphere type can be selected.

★ Superior Elasticity:

The thermoplastic shell offers exceptional pressure resistance, capable of withstanding up to 300 kg/cm² of surface pressure. Its excellent resilience allows it to endure multiple cycles of compression and decompression without rupture.

★ Outstanding Foaming Performance:

It can achieve an independent expansion effect of 20–70 times its original volume. After expansion, it remains a complete sealed entity, delivering foaming results unmatched by traditional chemical foaming agents.

★ Environmental Performance:

★ Diverse Options Available:

Customers can choose products based on their specific foaming requirements.

4. Application Fields of Expandable Microsphere Foaming Agent:

★ 3D Patterns: Ink printing, drawing, braille embossing, textiles, etc.

★ Matte and Suede Effects: Wallpaper, artificial leather

★ Anti-Slip Additives: Carpets, cardboard, synthetic fiber products, etc.

★ Cushioning Protective Coatings: Leather coating base, automotive interiors, textiles, paper, etc.

★ Density Reduction Additives: Ceramics, polyurethane materials, engineering rubber materials, etc.

★ Performance Modifiers: Artificial marble, battery electrodes, abrasive bodies, etc.

★ Other Applications

5. Usage of Expandable Microsphere Foaming Agent

The expandable microsphere foaming agent is easy to use. Simply add it to the formulation and mix thoroughly. No adjustments to the original process are required. The typical addition amount ranges from 1% to 3%, depending on the industry and desired effects.

The above are reference prices; for detailed pricing, please contact us via phone.