Adding chemical foaming agents during the processing of plastics can create a wide range of benefits, such as:

• Weight reduction
• Savings in raw materials
• Improved flow characteristics
• Prevention of shrinkage
• Less downtime
• Savings in energy
• Reduction in cycle time
• Form stability

Chemical foaming agents are added at the plastics processing stage. Thermal activation of the foaming agent produces gases in the polymer matrix. When the pressure drops, as the molten polymer enters the injection mould or exits the extrusion head, a foam structure develops in the plastic.