HTChem — Specialty Additive Solutions & Technical Support
HYDROCEROL® Chemical Foaming Agents
Lightweighting, Process Efficiency & Improved Part Quality
HYDROCEROL® can help reduce part weight, improve processing efficiency, and enhance dimensional and surface quality across a wide range of thermoplastic applications.
Lightweighting & Cost ReductionHYDROCEROL® Grade Overview
| Grade / TDS | Physical Form | Recommended Processing Temperature |
Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| HYDROCEROL® BIF |
Endothermic White Powder |
≥ 160°C | Injection molding and extrusion of thermoplastics |
| HYDROCEROL® CF |
Endothermic White Powder |
≥ 220°C |
Injection molding: lightweighting / sink-mark reduction Extrusion: lightweighting Direct gas foaming: nucleation |
| HYDROCEROL® 2029 |
Endothermic White Pellets |
≥ 180°C | Injection molding and extrusion of thermoplastics |
| HYDROCEROL® 2039 |
Endothermic White Pellets |
≥ 220°C | Injection molding and extrusion of thermoplastics |
| HYDROCEROL® 2001 |
Endothermic / Exothermic Yellow Powder |
≥ 170°C |
Extrusion and injection molding; especially recommended for PVC extrusion |
HYDROCEROL® Selection Guide
Find a suitable HYDROCEROL® grade based on your polymer, processing method, and application objective.
| Polymer | Application / Objective | Processing Temperature Range (°C) |
Recommended Grades | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LDPE / EVA | Extrusion / Injection Molding (Lightweighting) |
180–210°C |
2029 — Pellets / Endothermic 2039 — Pellets / Endothermic CF — Powder / Endothermic |
— |
| LDPE | Direct Gas Foaming (Nucleation) |
190–200°C |
2039 — Pellets / Endothermic CF — Powder / Endothermic |
CF powder provides excellent nucleation performance. |
| HDPE / PP | Injection Molding (Sink-Mark Reduction) |
210–230°C |
2029 — Pellets / Endothermic 2039 — Pellets / Endothermic CF — Powder / Endothermic |
— |
| TPE / TPU / TPR | Extrusion / Injection Molding | 170–210°C |
BIF — Powder / Endothermic 2039 — Pellets / Endothermic 2001 — Powder / Endothermic-Exothermic |
— |
| PS | Direct Gas Foaming (Nucleation) |
210–230°C | 2029 — Pellets / Endothermic | — |
| ABS | Injection Molding (Sink-Mark Reduction) |
230–260°C | CF — Powder / Endothermic | — |
| PP | Injection Molding (Foamed Core) |
220–240°C |
2029 — Pellets / Endothermic CF — Powder / Endothermic |
— |
| PS / ABS | Extrusion (Foamed Core) |
210–260°C |
2029 — Pellets / Endothermic CF — Powder / Endothermic |
— |
| PVC | Extrusion | 170–190°C |
BIF — Powder / Endothermic 2001 — Powder / Endothermic-Exothermic |
Grade 2001 is especially recommended for this application. |
FAQ
Q1: Do I need dedicated foaming equipment?
A: No. In general, HYDROCEROL® can be processed using standard injection-molding or extrusion equipment. However, a shut-off nozzle can help prevent premature foaming and improve processing control.
Q2: Which processing parameters should be adjusted when using chemical foaming agents?
A: Several key parameters should be considered:
Processing Temperature
The processing temperature should be equal to or higher than the decomposition temperature of the CFA to ensure complete gas release.
Back Pressure
For injection molding, sufficient back pressure helps prevent premature foaming inside the screw.
Injection Speed
Higher injection speeds are generally recommended to improve surface finish and reduce premature gas expansion at the mold surface.
Holding Pressure
Low or zero holding pressure is generally preferred. Excessive holding pressure can compress the developing cellular structure.
Q3: How should I choose between endothermic and exothermic foaming agents?
A: Endothermic grades such as HYDROCEROL® BIF, CF, and 2029 provide a more controlled reaction and lower risk of discoloration, making them suitable for applications requiring smooth surfaces and accurate color control.
Exothermic foaming agents generally provide higher gas yield but react more aggressively, so mold cooling and heat management require additional attention.
