Aging modifiers for extruded LDPE foam

Aging modifiers help to regulate the isobutane/air interchange in LDPE foams. In the absence of sufficient modifier, the foam will shrivel and collapse. Several glycerol esters are evaluated at four use-levels for dimensional stability of the foam, antistatic properties, and additive “rub-off.” Stearamide is compared at one-use level. Only the glycerides provided antistatic protection, and a distilled monoglyceride made from fully hydrogenated tallow had the best overall performance.