blowing agent

chemistry

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June 22, 2026

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A blowing agent is a substance used to create gas that expands rubber or other materials into a cellular or spongy product. These agents are crucial in the production of foamed plastics, which have lower thermal conductivity and greater rigidity than solid polymers.12

One method of creating foamed plastics involves incorporating a material that decomposes to release gas when heated. This material, the blowing agent, should decompose at the plastic's molding temperature, release a significant volume of gas, and be safe to use. Examples of polymers that can be foamed using blowing agents include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene.2

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are a class of compounds used as blowing agents. While they have zero ozone depletion potential, they are potent greenhouse gases.3

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foamed plastic
…are produced by incorporating a blowing agent that decomposes at the fusion point of the plastic, releasing gas bubbles that are trapped during the gelling. Foams with an open-cell structure are produced by incorporating an inert gas into the resin under pressure and then releasing the mixture to the atmosphere…
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…are produced by incorporating a blowing agent that decomposes at the fusion point of the plastic, releasing gas bubbles that are trapped during the gelling. Foams with an open-cell structure are produced by incorporating an inert gas into the resin under pressure and then releasing the mixture to the atmosphere…
Read More

major industrial polymers
Polyurethane foams
…gas, referred to as the blowing agent, is trapped as bubbles in the increasingly viscous polymer. The principal uses of flexible foam are in upholstery, bedding, automobile seats, crash panels, carpet underlays, textile laminates, and sponges.
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…gas, referred to as the blowing agent, is trapped as bubbles in the increasingly viscous polymer. The principal uses of flexible foam are in upholstery, bedding, automobile seats, crash panels, carpet underlays, textile laminates, and sponges.
Read More