Foaming Agents | McMaster-Carr

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Cell Structure

REACH

Color

Melting Temperature

Minimum Gas Evolution

30 cm³/g

65 cm³/g

95 cm³/g

Activation Temperature

310° F

325° F

400° F

DFARS Specialty Metals

Exempt

Export Control Classification Number (ECCN)

EAR99

U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) Qualifying

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4 Products

Foaming Agents for Plastic Molding Machines

Commonly used in molding applications such as injection molding and extrusion, these foaming agents reduce weight, warpage, and sinks in finished parts. Mix them into resin as 0.5-1.5% of the total mixture—by decreasing the amount of resin needed to make a part, they help reduce costs. They also lower the melt viscosity of resin so that it can be processed at low temperatures, which reduces cooling times, cycle times, and the risk of heat degradation. These foaming agents are compatible with most plastic and rubber resins.

Microfine Cell—Microfine cell agents produce smaller bubbles and a tighter cell structure than other foaming agents. They improve the appearance of your final product and keep its mechanical properties consistent throughout. They’re often used to create parts that have thin walls.

Fine Cell—Fine cell agents produce more gas than microfine agents. Use them to ensure uniform foaming when molding bigger parts.

310° F Activation Temperature and 325° F Activation Temperature—Agents with a 310° F or 325° F activation temperature are for use with low-melt-temperature resins such as polyolefins, polystyrenes, and thermoplastic elastomers.

400° F Activation Temperature—Agents with a 400° F activation temperature are for use with high-melt-temperature resins such as polycarbonates and polyamides.

FDA Compliant 21 CFR 174.5—All are FDA compliant for direct contact with food.

	Melting Temp., ° F	Min. Gas Evolution	Color	Container Type	Food Industry Std.		Each
Microfine Cell



	325	250	30 cm³/g	White	Cardboard Box	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 174.5	5469N13	0000000


	325	250	65 cm³/g	White	Cardboard Box	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 174.5	5469N12	000000
	400	350	30 cm³/g	Off-White	Cardboard Box	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 174.5	5469N14	000000


	Fine Cell



			310	310	95 cm³/g	White	Cardboard Box	FDA Compliant 21 CFR 174.5	5469N11	000000