PVC Foaming Regulators: Function, Selection Guide

PVC foamed products—such as foam boards, WPC foamed panels, foamed sheets and lightweight profiles—require a stable and uniform cell structure to achieve good mechanical strength, lower density and a smooth surface.
To achieve this, manufacturers usually combine foaming agents (e.g., AC foaming agent) with a PVC foaming regulator in the formulation.

1. What Is a PVC Foaming Regulator?

A PVC foaming regulator is an acrylic polymer with very high molecular weight.
It works by:

• Increasing melt strength to prevent bubbles from merging

• Helping PVC plasticize smoothly

• Keeping the melt stable during extrusion

• Improving the final product’s surface and uniformity

It is an essential additive for stable, well-foamed PVC products.

2. How to Choose the Right Foaming Regulator

Different PVC resin K-values require different regulator grades:

• PVC-700

• PVC-800

• PVC-1000

At the same time, the type of final product also influences selection:

• PVC foam board

• Thick or thin foamed sheets

• WPC foamed board

• Lead-free foamed board

• Foamed profiles and pipes

Because foaming regulators also act as processing aids, the lubrication balance of the formula should be adjusted accordingly.

3. International Brands & KRTCHEM Alternatives

Common international brands include:

• Rohm and Haas (USA): K-400P, K-385, K-418 etc

KRTCHEM provides reliable, cost-effective alternatives such as:

• KRT-530

• KRT-100

• KRT-901

These grades are designed for stable melt strength, good cell uniformity and smooth surface quality across a wide range of foamed PVC applications.

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