Product Categories of Expancel

• Blowing Agents--Physical Type

  Expancel expandable thermoplastic microspheres used as blowing agents in systems heated to 200-400 F. Microspheres are white, spherical polymeric particles. Thermoplastic shell encapsulates a gas and softens when heated, allowing expansion from the increased internal vapor pressure. Expansion factor is 40-60 times the original volume. Other features include defined cell size, closed-cell structure. Suitable as a blowing agent in plastisols, elastomers, thermosets, and thermoplastics.

• Fillers--Microspheres (Hollow or Solid)

  Thermoplastic microspheres are ultra-lightweight, flexible, and resilient. Average density between 0.025 and 0.060 g/cc; average particle diam. of 20 to 140 microns. Uniform cell structure and compatibility with resins such as PUR, epoxies, PVC, and PE. Also used in polyesters as a lightweight filler that imparts enough flexibility to the composite to reduce cracking and brittleness.

  Available unexpanded for in-situ foaming. RIM applications incorporate Expancel DU (dry, unexpanded) to achieve target densities and reduce shrinkage. PVC plastisols use Expancel DU for uniform, controlled voids in foaming. Grades available at expansion temperatures from 176 to 400 F.

   

• Impact Modifiers

  Expancel expandable thermoplastic microspheres used as blowing agents and low-density fillers also serve as impact modifiers for thermosets and elastomers. Resilient nature of spheres allows deformation without breakage, thereby improving impact resistance and reducing stress. In elastomeric materials, the resiliency of Expancel improves compatibility between filler and matrix material.