PVC Additives / Foaming Regulator
ACR Foaming Regulator
High molecular weight acrylic processing aid engineered to build melt strength and control cell structure in rigid PVC foam. The additive that decides whether a foam board comes out uniform and dimensionally stable, or coarse and warped.
Request a quotation Browse all 9 gradesWhat a foaming regulator actually does
In a rigid PVC foam formulation the blowing agent generates gas, but gas alone does not make a usable board. The melt has to be strong and elastic enough to hold that gas in closed, evenly distributed cells while the extrudate leaves the die and cools. Untreated PVC melt is not — the cells coalesce, rupture at the surface and the board loses density control.
A foaming regulator is a very high molecular weight acrylic copolymer that dissolves into the PVC matrix and raises melt viscosity and elongational strength. It is dosed alongside the blowing agent and the stabiliser system, and it is the component that converts gas generation into a controlled cell structure.
Three functions in one additive
Melt strength
Raises elongational viscosity so cell walls resist rupture during expansion. This is what sets the achievable density floor of the formulation.
Cell structure
Promotes fine, uniform, closed cells instead of coarse coalesced voids — driving surface quality, screw-holding strength and cutting behaviour.
Fusion promotion
Accelerates gelation of the PVC compound so the melt reaches processing viscosity before the blowing agent decomposes, keeping the two in step.
Typical specification
| Property | Typical value | Method / note |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White free-flowing powder | Visual |
| Volatile matter | ≤ 2.0 % | 105 °C, 2 h |
| Bulk density | 0.35 – 0.55 g/cm³ | Apparent |
| Sieve residue | ≤ 2 % on 40 mesh | Dry sieve |
| Base polymer | Acrylic copolymer (MMA based) | High molecular weight |
| Compatibility | PVC, CPVC | Fully miscible in the melt |
Values are indicative of the product family. Exact figures differ by grade — a grade-specific technical data sheet is issued with every quotation.
Dosage guide
| Application | Target density | Typical dosage | Primary objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC free foam board | 0.4 – 0.6 g/cm³ | 6 – 10 phr | Maximum melt strength, low density |
| Celuka foam board | 0.5 – 0.7 g/cm³ | 5 – 8 phr | Hard skin, fine core cells |
| Foam profile / trim | 0.6 – 0.9 g/cm³ | 4 – 7 phr | Dimensional stability |
| WPC foamed sheet | 0.7 – 1.0 g/cm³ | 3 – 6 phr | Fusion under high filler load |
Dosage interacts with the blowing agent level, the Ca-Zn stabiliser system and the internal/external lubricant balance. Trial confirmation on your own line is expected.
Where it is used
Rigid PVC foam board for furniture and cabinetry, advertising and signage panels, construction formwork, wall cladding and ceiling panels, foamed profiles and foamed WPC sheet. Any line where cell structure, not just expansion, determines whether the product passes.
Because performance is formulation-dependent, we quote against your density target, line speed and existing stabiliser system rather than against a catalogue number.
Packing, storage and supply
Packing
25 kg kraft paper bag with inner PE liner. Palletised and stretch-wrapped, or supplied loose-loaded on request.
Container loading
Approx. 16 – 18 MT per 20’FCL palletised, up to 20 MT loose-loaded, subject to bulk density of the grade supplied.
Storage
Cool, dry, ventilated warehouse away from direct sunlight. 24 months shelf life in unopened original packaging.
Documentation issued with every shipment: technical data sheet, safety data sheet, certificate of analysis, and non-hazardous declaration where applicable.
Frequently asked by buyers
Is a foaming regulator the same as a processing aid?
Chemically related — both are acrylic processing aids — but formulated differently. A foaming regulator is built for much higher molecular weight and is optimised for melt strength in expanded systems, while a general processing aid targets fusion and surface finish in solid extrusion.
Can it replace part of the blowing agent?
No. It regulates how the gas is retained, not how much gas is produced. The two are dosed together and balanced against your target density.
What is the minimum order quantity?
One pallet for trial quantities, one 20’FCL for production supply. Mixed containers with stabilisers, impact modifiers and lubricants are accepted.
Can you match a grade we already use?
Yes. Send us the current data sheet, your density target and line conditions, and we will propose an equivalent grade with a comparison of the key parameters.
Available grades
9 foaming regulator grades are published with full specification, dosage, packing and documentation details.
Open the grade listNeed a foaming regulator matched to your density target?
Send us your formulation constraints and target board density. We reply with a grade recommendation, technical data sheet and a landed-cost quotation.
Request a quotation