AC blowing agent usually refers to azodicarbonamide, also called ADC or ADCA, a chemical blowing agent used to create fine, closed or semi-closed cellular structures in polymers, rubber, and selected industrial materials. When heated, it decomposes and releases gas that expands a softened compound during extrusion, molding, or vulcanization. The material is commonly identified by CAS No. 123-77-3, molecular formula C2H4N4O2, and a molecular weight of approximately 116.08 g/mol. The correct grade depends on the polymer, processing temperature, required cell structure, regulatory requirements, and the buyer’s supply-chain conditions.
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AC blowing agent is a solid, organic chemical blowing agent that decomposes under controlled heat. The released gas forms bubbles inside a polymer or rubber matrix, reducing density and helping produce foam products. In commercial production, formulators normally combine it with a base resin or elastomer, processing aids, activators, and other additives.
Pure azodicarbonamide generally decomposes at a high temperature, often reported around 200°C to 210°C, although the actual activation temperature depends on particle size, formulation, activators, and product grade. During decomposition, commercial ADC grades are commonly described as generating approximately 220 to 240 mL of gas per gram under specified test conditions. These values are indicative only; buyers should confirm the exact decomposition profile and gas yield in the supplier’s technical data sheet.
The identity and basic chemical information for azodicarbonamide can be checked through the PubChem Compound Summary for Azodicarbonamide, maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Regulatory status and permitted uses can differ by country and application, so a current safety data sheet and local compliance review are necessary before commercialization.
The primary function of AC blowing agent is to reduce the apparent density of a finished product. Gas generated during thermal decomposition expands the compound and creates a cellular structure. Lower density can reduce material consumption per part, but excessive expansion may reduce dimensional stability or mechanical strength.
ADC can help produce a fine and relatively uniform cell structure when the decomposition rate matches the viscosity and cooling behavior of the polymer. Particle size, dispersion, nucleation, and processing pressure all influence cell size. A grade that performs well in one resin may not provide the same surface quality in another resin.
Manufacturers may use activators or blending strategies to lower the effective decomposition temperature. This can improve compatibility with polymers processed below the decomposition temperature of unmodified ADC. However, lowering the activation temperature too aggressively may cause premature gas release, uneven expansion, or processing instability.
Application suitability depends on more than the name of the polymer. The buyer should compare the resin’s melt behavior, processing temperature, residence time, pressure, cooling rate, and required density. A laboratory trial is particularly important when the product has strict requirements for surface finish, compression set, dimensional tolerance, or odor.
Standard ADC is generally selected for processes that can reach its normal decomposition range. It may be suitable for higher-temperature plastics and rubber compounds. The key evaluation points are decomposition temperature, gas yield, particle-size distribution, purity, and dispersion behavior.
Activated grades are designed to decompose at a lower effective temperature than standard ADC. Activation may be achieved through formulation technology or the use of suitable activator systems. These grades can be useful for EVA, PVC, and other materials processed at lower temperatures, but the buyer should verify whether the grade requires a separate activator.
Fine-particle grades can support improved dispersion and may help reduce visible defects in thin or surface-sensitive products. Fine particle size does not automatically guarantee better foam quality because agglomeration, mixing energy, and compound viscosity remain important. Ask for the supplier’s particle-size specification and test method rather than relying only on the term “fine powder.”
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Some applications require improved odor control, lower residue, or compatibility with specific regulatory requirements. Modified grades may address one or more of these needs, but performance and compliance must be confirmed for the intended market. Buyers should request a current SDS, technical data sheet, composition information where legally available, and application guidance.
| Specification | Why It Matters | What to Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Decomposition temperature | Determines compatibility with the processing window | Test method, onset temperature, and peak decomposition temperature |
| Gas yield | Influences expansion and dosage calculations | mL/g value, test conditions, and whether the result is theoretical or measured |
| Particle size | Influences dispersion and surface quality | D50, maximum particle size, and agglomeration control |
| Purity and residue | Can affect color, odor, deposits, and product consistency | Specification limits and batch-testing practice |
| Moisture | May affect storage stability and processing behavior | Maximum moisture value and recommended storage conditions |
| Packaging | Protects powder quality during transport and storage | Bag size, liner material, palletization, and shelf-life guidance |
For reference, the PubChem record identifies azodicarbonamide with a molecular weight of approximately 116.08 g/mol and CAS No. 123-77-3. The European Chemicals Agency provides regulatory and substance information through its chemical database, but buyers must still confirm the rules applicable to their own product category and destination market. A supplier specification should always take priority over a general industry range when the two differ.
Start with the exact resin or elastomer, processing equipment, melt temperature, residence time, and pressure profile. Record whether the process is extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, calendaring, or rubber vulcanization. This information helps determine whether standard ADC, activated ADC, or another blowing technology should be evaluated.
Define the required density, expansion ratio, cell size, surface appearance, hardness, compression behavior, and dimensional tolerance. A low-density target may require a different gas yield and dosage strategy than a dense structural foam. The formulation should be evaluated as a complete system rather than by blowing-agent price alone.
Check the rules for the final article, not only the raw material. Food-contact products, toys, footwear, building materials, automotive parts, and consumer goods may have different restrictions. Review the SDS, technical data sheet, applicable regional chemical inventories, worker-handling requirements, and any customer-specific restricted-substance list.
Use a small laboratory or pilot trial to compare expansion, cell structure, odor, color, surface finish, and dimensional stability. Keep resin grade, mixing sequence, temperature, screw speed, and cooling conditions consistent during comparison. Record the dosage in phr or weight percentage and document the test conditions so that results can be reproduced.
Price per kilogram is only one part of the purchasing decision. Buyers should also compare minimum order quantity, packaging format, production lead time, sample availability, payment terms, shipping route, shelf life, and technical support. A lower-cost product may create a higher total cost if it requires more dosage, causes process waste, or produces inconsistent foam quality.
Before approving a supplier, request a representative sample, current SDS, technical data sheet, certificate of analysis for shipped batches where available, packaging photographs, and a written specification. Ask whether the supplier can support repeat orders, custom particle-size requirements, activator matching, and export documentation. These checks help reduce quality variation between trial material and commercial shipment.
At Shitong, I approach AC blowing agent sourcing as a formulation and supply-chain evaluation rather than a simple product purchase. Our team can review your polymer, processing temperature, target density, dosage range, packaging requirement, and destination market before recommending a suitable product direction. Where the information is not yet complete, I prefer to identify the missing parameters instead of making an unsupported grade recommendation.
For an initial inquiry, please provide the application, base polymer, processing method, operating temperature in °C, target density, estimated monthly quantity in kg, packaging preference, and destination country. We can then discuss sample requirements, technical documents, commercial terms, and a practical trial plan. Final suitability should be confirmed through your own formulation and production testing.
AC blowing agent is a practical chemical blowing technology for producing lightweight cellular polymers and rubber products, but the correct grade must match the material and process. Buyers should compare technical specifications, regulatory documentation, trial performance, and total supply cost before placing a production order. The next step is to define your polymer, processing temperature, target density, dosage range, and annual or monthly demand. Share those details with Shitong, and we can help organize a focused product evaluation and quotation process.
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