How to Choose Between Hard Foam Surfactants and Soft Foam Surfactants?

Surfactants used for foam stabilization, also known as foam stabilizers, are a crucial additive in the production of polyurethane foam plastics. When selecting surfactants, what factors should be considered?

Surfactants can be divided into two types: soft foam surfactants and hard foam surfactants. Let's examine each:

Soft Foam Surfactants:

During the initial foaming stage, soft foam surfactants can dissolve to form polyurea, and in the later stages, they can assist in cell opening and bursting. Therefore, when selecting soft foam surfactants, the following factors need to be considered:

1. The activity of the surfactant;

2. The relationship between the operating range of the surfactant and the required dosage range;

3. The impact of the various components of the surfactant on the operating range.

Hard Foam Surfactants:

Hard foam surfactants have a higher degree of cross-linking, making bubbles more stable. They are commonly used for molded products or foaming in restricted cavities. When selecting hard foam surfactants, the following factors need to be considered:

1. Strong emulsification capability of the raw material components;

2. Ability to control the size of the foam cells effectively;

3. Ability to improve material flowability and ensure uniform density distribution.

Surfactants not only play a role in foam stabilization but also affect foam density, elasticity, tensile strength, and other properties. Therefore, when choosing surfactants, factors such as the activity of the raw materials, operating conditions, and foaming process need to be considered.