Market
Shitong supplies PVC leather foaming agents for manufacturers of synthetic leather, artificial leather and PVC-coated leather materials. During thermal processing, the chemical blowing agent releases gas within the PVC layer to create a controlled cellular structure, helping manufacturers achieve the required thickness, softness, cushioning and leather-like hand feel.
Different PVC leather formulations require different decomposition temperatures, gas generation rates and cell structures. Shitong can recommend suitable blowing agent solutions according to the PVC plastisol formulation, processing temperature, coating thickness and required foam performance.
First, the basic concept of leather foaming agent
Leather foaming agent is a chemical additive that can form a foam in water and be controlled. It is mainly composed of active substances, additives and stabilizers, which can be added to the leather treatment solution during the treatment process. The main function of leather foaming agent is to produce foam and improve the texture, feel and softness of leather.
Second, the role of leather foaming agent
1. Improve leather texture
Adding a leather blowing agent can increase the oxygen inside the leather and make the leather product produce bubbles and pores. These bubbles and pores can improve the softness of the leather and increase the elasticity and smoothness of the leather. At the same time, it can also improve the look and feel of the leather, making it softer and smoother.
2. Increase the whiteness of leather
Leather foaming agent is a white powder that increases the whiteness of leather. After the foaming agent is mixed into the leather treatment liquid, the color of the leather products can become brighter and softer, and the appearance effect of the leather can be improved.
3. Increase leather thickness
The addition of leather foaming agent can also increase the thickness of the leather, improve the wear resistance and acid resistance of the product. In addition, the leather foaming agent also controls the pH of the leather treatment solution, thereby improving the preservation ability of the leather.
The foam layer is an important part of many PVC artificial leather structures.
A properly controlled cellular structure gives the material greater volume and softness while maintaining relatively low weight. Foam performance can also influence embossing, surface appearance, flexibility and the overall tactile properties of the finished synthetic leather.
If the blowing agent does not match the processing conditions, manufacturers may experience:
● Large or uneven foam cells
● Insufficient expansion
● Excessive foam expansion
● Cell collapse
● Uneven leather thickness
● Rough surfaces
● Poor hand feel
● Unstable production between batches
For this reason, decomposition temperature and gas-release behavior should be matched with the PVC formulation and production process.
Foamed PVC leather is widely used for sofas, chairs, cushions and other upholstered products.
The foaming layer helps provide the thickness, softness and cushioning required for a more comfortable surface.
PVC artificial leather can be used in automotive seats, interior panels and decorative surfaces.
For these applications, manufacturers generally require controlled cell structures and consistent foam density to maintain stable appearance and physical performance.
Foamed PVC synthetic leather can be used in shoe uppers, linings and other footwear materials where flexibility, thickness and hand feel are important.
Artificial leather for bags, cases and accessories may use a foamed PVC layer to provide a fuller appearance and softer touch while controlling material weight.
PVC foam leather is also used for decorative coverings, protective surfaces and various consumer products where a leather-like appearance and flexible structure are required.
During PVC leather production, the blowing agent is dispersed into the PVC plastisol or compound together with other formulation components.
As the coated material passes through the heating and gelation process, the blowing agent reaches its decomposition temperature and begins releasing gas.
The gas forms cells within the PVC layer. As the PVC matrix gels and solidifies, these cells are retained to form the final foam structure.
Good synchronization between PVC gelation and blowing-agent decomposition is therefore important.
If gas is released too early, the PVC matrix may not have enough strength to retain the cells. If decomposition occurs too late, sufficient expansion may not be achieved.
There is no single blowing agent suitable for every synthetic leather formulation.
PVC leather manufacturers should consider:
● PVC resin or plastisol type
● Processing and oven temperature
● Gelation temperature
● Required decomposition temperature
● Coating thickness
● Target foam thickness
● Target density
● Required cell size
● Desired expansion ratio
● Stabilizer and activator system
● Surface and embossing requirements
● Odor requirements of the finished product
Providing these production parameters helps Shitong recommend a more appropriate blowing agent rather than selecting a grade based only on price.
A blowing agent and a foaming regulator perform different functions.
| Additive | Main Function |
|---|---|
| PVC Leather Foaming Agent | Generates gas to create foam cells |
| Foaming Regulator | Controls melt strength and helps stabilize foam cells |
| Processing Aid | Improves fusion and processing behavior |
| Heat Stabilizer | Protects PVC against thermal degradation |
The correct additive combination depends on the PVC leather formulation and production process.
Chemical blowing agents are used to generate the foam layer in PVC synthetic leather. The appropriate type depends on processing temperature, PVC formulation, required cell structure and finished-product performance.
The main purpose is to create a cellular structure inside the polymer layer, helping increase thickness, reduce density and provide a softer, more leather-like hand feel.
For PVC synthetic leather, the blowing agent is normally incorporated into the PVC formulation rather than being used simply to create foam in water. It decomposes during heating and generates gas inside the PVC layer.
Large or irregular cells can result from unsuitable decomposition behavior, excessive blowing-agent dosage, poor dispersion, insufficient melt strength or a mismatch between PVC gelation and gas release.
Yes. Shitong OBSH Blowing Agent is suitable for artificial and synthetic leather applications, particularly where fine foam texture and controlled foaming performance are required.
Selection should be based on your PVC formulation, processing temperature, foam thickness, target density, desired cell size and finished-product requirements. Providing your current formulation and production conditions will help us recommend a suitable grade.
Shitong supplies PVC leather foaming agents and synthetic leather blowing agent solutions for artificial leather manufacturers.
Tell us your PVC formulation, processing temperature, required foam thickness and current foaming problem. We can recommend a suitable blowing agent for sample testing and production evaluation.
Contact Shitong for technical specifications, samples and PVC leather foaming agent recommendations.
