Blowing agent

Description

An additive that decomposes to form a gas. Some foaming agents, such dinitroso compounds (dinitroso pentamethylene tetramine) and hydrazides (benzene sulfonyl hydrazide) generate nitrogen upon heating. They are used in fire extinguishers and to produce foamed plastics from polyethylene, silicone, epoxy, and vinyl resins. Other types of foaming agents, such as bicarbonates, produce carbon dioxide.

Synonyms and Related Terms

blowing agent; foaming agents; agent moussant (Fr.)

Authority

• Theodore J. Reinhart, 'Glossary of Terms', Engineered Plastics, ASM International, 1988

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia, Douglas M. Considine (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1976

• Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, http://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000