Expansion and Decomposition of a Polymer Used To Encapsulate a Blowing Agent by TMA-MS

Introduction

Plastic granules containing a dissolved gas or a chemical blowing agent exhibit unique properties when exposed to heat. In the temperature range 80 to 190 °C, the vapor pressure of the blowing agent increases, and the polymer softens causing the material to expand to a foam. Foamed products exhibit properties such as low density, excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, mechanical damping, low water vapor permeability and reduced moisture absorption. TMA is used to gain information on the nature of the foaming agent, whereas MS determines the composition of the expandable polymer.

Sample: Expandable powder consisting of a small polymer shell encapsulating a gas

Measuring cells: TMA-MS

^{Expansion and Decomposition of a Polymer Used To Encapsulate a Blowing Agent by TMA-MS | Thermal Analysis Handbook No.HB615 | Application published in METTLER TOLEDO TA Application Handbook Evolved Gas Analysis}