Azodicarbonamide (Chemical Abstract Service Registry No 123.77.3) is an organic low molecular weight agent used for blowing and foaming plastics. Finely ground azodicarbonamide can be a pulmonary and sometimes a cutaneous acute sensitiser. Four cases of work related asthma are reported.

A prevalence study of occupational asthma was carried out by questionnaire in 1980 among a group of 151 workers who had been exposed to azodicarbonamide dust in the process of its manufacture. Twenty-eight (18.5%) people without previous asthma gave a history of episodes of late onset asthma after exposure to azodicarbonamide. Re-exposure caused repetition and worsening of symptoms. Immediate r...

Abstract Self-blowing lignin-furanic foams were produced using formulations comprising Kraft lignin and furfuryl alcohol as the major components. Diethyl ether, Tween 85 sulphuric acid used blowing agent, surfactant catalyst. The influence of components ratio to was investigated with regard foam density, mechanical properties, water absorption, thermal fire behaviour. Depending on formulation, ...

Whether it be foamed aluminium in the A-pillar of a passenger car, Ytong autoclaved aerated concrete, Elastolit PU rigid foam or Semperform EPDM window profile – whatever the class of materials, there will inevitably be foamed versions. Some of these are new while others have been established for decades, and they are used in a wide range of industrial and consumeroriented applications. Defined...

The rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) have been fabricated from high functional crude 4,4’-di-phenylmethane diisocyanate (CMDI) and polypropylene glycols (PPGs) for a wide range of surfactant concentration with an environmently friendly blowing agent (HFC 365mfc). Cream time, gel time, and tack-free time increased with the addition of surfactant. Foam density decreased rapidly to a minimum at 0....