The Aerosol Can

Regardless if it’s a consumer or professional product, the basic components of an aerosol can are essentially the same. “It’s the material inside the can, that is the difference,” consulting entomologist Jeff Tucker says. An aerosol can is made up of several key components. A brief description of each follows:

The Head Space: When the can is filled, there is space left at the top to allow for some of the propellant to remain a gas.

The Gaseous Propellant: The same chemical propellant which is in liquid form mixed with the product, but at the top the propellant remains in gaseous form, which maintains a constant pressure inside the can (until you press the button).

The Product: The liquid part is a combination of propellant, product and inert ingredients. The product – also known as the “active ingredient” you see on the label – is dissolved in the liquid form of the propellant, using a combination of inert ingredients which are used to suspend the product in the liquid propellant. Once sealed inside the can, the product is completely sterile, safe from evaporation or contamination.

The Curved Base: It’s not just for looks. The unusual concave bottom of the can helps to counteract the high pressure inside the can, and also conveniently ensures that the dip tube you see pictured can reach every last drop of the product.
 
(Source: www.AboutAerosols.com)