The review deals with the detailed discussion on different types of blowing agents - the substances which generate the gas(es) for production of foamed (cellular) polymers. It is suggested the new classification on blowing agents based on inorganic or organic substances, as well as the mixtures. The main characteristics of chemical and physical blowing agents are considered, presented are the chemical and physical considerations for optimal choice of commercial agents for foaming and production of thermoplastic and thermosetting cellular polymers with pre-determined density, close/open cell content and technical properties.
