Azodicarbonamide

The principal use of azodicarbonamide is in the production of foamed plastics as an additive. The thermal decomposition of azodicarbonamide results in the evolution of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and ammonia gases, which are trapped in the polymer as bubbles to form a foamed article. Common examples of this application are window and door gaskets, padded floor mats, gym/exercise mats, shoe soles, etc.

It is important to mention that azodicarbonamide in the use of plastics, synthetic leather and other uses can be pure or modified. This is important because modification affects the reaction temperatures. Pure azodicarbonamide generally reacts around 200 degrees C, but there are some products that the reaction temperature must be lower, depending on the application. In the plastic, leather and other industries, modified azodiarbonamide (average decomposition temperature 170 degrees C) contain additives that accelerate the reaction or react at lower temperatures.