Foaming agent masterbatches for foaming thermoplastic vulcanizates

The present disclosure relates to thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) compositions and foaming agent masterbatches suitable for foaming, as well as foamed TPV compositions, methods of making the foregoing, and applications of various foamed TPV compositions. In particular, the present disclosure provides foaming agent masterbatches having unconventionally lower loading of foaming agent in carrier polymer. The carrier polymer may advantageously comprise or be a plastomer and/or propylene-based elastomer that is also suitable for inclusion in the TPV composition, and foaming the TPV composition may include the use of relatively greater amounts of foaming agent masterbatch. The use of greater amounts of foaming agent masterbatch with lower loading may allow for superior distribution of the foaming agent in the TPV composition during foaming, leading to greater uniformity of extent of foaming (e.g., as may be shown through greater uniformity of specific gravity in the foamed TPV composition).