ADVANCELL™ consists of microspheres that expand upon heating, forming precise hollow spheres within a material. Before expansion, they are supplied as uniform powders or masterbatches and disperse easily into diverse substrates. This enables seamless integration into processes such as extrusion, injection molding, and coating without substantial modifications.
As particles expand during heating, they form uniform, closed cells that reduce weight while preserving surface integrity. Compared to traditional foaming, this structure minimizes cell-size variation and enhances smoothness. For best results, select the grade matched to your substrate, processing temperature, and performance targets.
ADVANCELL™ particles have a thermoplastic polymer shell containing a volatile hydrocarbon. On heating, the shell softens, and the core inflates, producing hollow microballoons. The initial size typically ranges from 15–40 µm, and the volume increases by roughly 50–80 times, generating substantial volume growth.
This regulated expansion forms fine, consistent closed-cell structures. This delivers reduced density and imparts flexibility, thermal insulation, and acoustic or vibration damping. Because the microcell structure is fine and consistent, ADVANCELL™ is well-suited for applications that demand high surface quality.
ADVANCELL™ can be applied to a wide range of materials, including PVC, EVA, PE, PP, ABS, EPDM, and TPE, as well as coatings, adhesives, and other formulations. It is compatible with multiple processing methods, including extrusion, injection molding, press molding, and coating, making it easy to integrate into existing manufacturing workflows.
In automotive applications, ADVANCELL™ can deliver critical weight reduction and boost noise and vibration damping in interior components, seals, and gaskets, giving your designs a competitive edge. For construction materials, it elevates thermal insulation and enhances surface quality. ADVANCELL™ is also the smart choice for shoe soles, synthetic leathers, coatings, and adhesives, where lightness, softness, cushioning, and premium texture set your products apart.
When selecting a foaming material, consider not only the expansion ratio but also cell size, uniformity, surface appearance, and compatibility with your process and substrate. Conventional chemical foaming agents generate gas during heating to create foam, which can sometimes lead to uneven cell structures and surface defects.
In contrast, ADVANCELL™ particles expand into individual hollow microballoons, achieving fine, uniform closed-cell structures. This reduces concerns like surface roughness, pinholes, or inconsistent appearance. ADVANCELL™ is ideal for visually demanding applications or where standard foaming methods are inadequate. Contact us for support in selecting the most suitable grade for your needs.
Q. What is ADVANCELL™?
A. ADVANCELL™ is a thermally expandable microsphere that forms hollow microballoons when heated. When dispersed into resins, rubber, or coatings, it enables weight reduction while adding functions such as flexibility, thermal insulation, and sound and vibration damping.
Q. What materials can I use it with?
A. ADVANCELL™ is compatible with many resins, rubbers (including PVC, EVA, PE, PP, ABS, EPDM, TPE), coatings, adhesives, and more. Evaluate processing conditions for best performance.
Q. How does it differ from chemical foaming agents?
A. Chemical foaming agents generate gas, while ADVANCELL™ expands into closed-cell microballoons. This helps achieve finer, more uniform cells and a smoother surface appearance.
Q. Are forms other than powder available?
A. Yes, masterbatch and powder grades are available. Masterbatch simplifies dispersion and reduces dust, making integration easier.
Q. How should I select the right grade?
A. Selection depends on factors such as substrate, processing temperature, expansion characteristics, particle size, target weight reduction, surface appearance, and final properties. By carefully evaluating these points, you ensure optimal performance and a truly competitive product. Expert consultation is recommended to maximize your results.
Q. What applications are suitable?
A. ADVANCELL™ is suitable for automotive, construction, footwear, synthetic leather, coatings, adhesives, and any application needing weight reduction and added functionality.
Q. What information should I provide when requesting samples?
A. Please provide details such as application, base material, processing method, product thickness, processing temperature, current foaming agent, challenges, and target properties. The more information you provide, the more precisely our experts can deliver recommendations for your success.
