Huntsman JEFFCAT DMDEE Catalyst: The Speed Demon of RIM Reactions
By Dr. Ethan Reed – Polymer Formulation Specialist & Caffeine Enthusiast
Let’s talk about speed. Not the kind that gets you pulled over on I-95, but the kind that makes polyurethane chemists high-five in lab coats at 3 a.m. I’m talking about Reaction Injection Molding, or RIM for short—a process where two liquid components—polyol and isocyanate—get slammed together like mismatched roommates forced into a tiny apartment, and boom: solid part in under a minute.
But here’s the kicker: without the right catalyst, this “boom” might just be a sad fizzle. Enter Huntsman JEFFCAT DMDEE, the unsung hero hiding behind the curtain of every successful RIM production line. Think of it as the espresso shot your reaction didn’t know it needed—but now can’t live without.
⚗️ What Is JEFFCAT DMDEE, Anyway?
JEFFCAT DMDEE (short for Dimorpholinodiethyl Ether) isn’t some secret code from a spy movie—though it sounds like one. It’s a highly selective amine catalyst developed by Huntsman Polyurethanes (now part of Venator Materials, if we’re keeping corporate scorecards). Its superpower? Accelerating the gelling reaction between polyols and isocyanates with surgical precision—without overcooking the blowing side of the chemistry (more on that later).
In plain English: it helps foam form its structure faster, while still giving gas bubbles time to escape. Like a good sous-chef, it manages timing so the main course doesn’t burn.
🏎️ Why RIM Needs a Speedster
RIM isn’t your granddad’s casting method. We’re talking high-pressure mixing heads, sub-second injection times, and demold cycles shorter than a TikTok dance. Manufacturers want parts out fast—bumpers, dashboards, tractor hoods—the list goes on. But speed without control is just chaos in a mold.
That’s where catalysis becomes critical. You need:
- Fast gelation → structural integrity
- Controlled rise time → no voids or cracks
- Balanced reactivity → consistent flow and fill
Enter DMDEE. Unlike older catalysts like triethylenediamine (TEDA or DABCO), which are about as subtle as a fire alarm, DMDEE offers a smoother, more tunable kickstart. It’s the difference between revving a Ferrari in neutral and actually shifting gears.
🔬 The Chemistry, Simplified (Because Nobody Likes Quantum Mechanics Before Coffee)
The magic happens in the urethane linkage:
R–N=C=O + R’–OH → R–NH–COOR’
This reaction is sluggish on its own. Add DMDEE, and it acts like a molecular matchmaker—organizing electrons, stabilizing transition states, and basically whispering sweet nothings to the isocyanate until it agrees to react.
What makes DMDEE special?
| Property | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Dimorpholinodiethyl Ether |
| CAS Number | 3030-47-5 |
| Molecular Weight | 202.26 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odor | Mild amine (not as stinky as some cousins) |
| Solubility | Miscible with polyols, esters, glycols; limited in hydrocarbons |
| Function | Tertiary amine catalyst, gelling promoter |
| Typical Use Level | 0.1–1.0 phr (parts per hundred resin) |
Source: Huntsman Technical Bulletin, Catalyst Selection Guide for RIM Systems (2021)
DMDEE is particularly effective in high-reactivity RIM systems, especially those based on amine-extended polyols and MDI-based isocyanates. It shines in structural RIM (SRIM) and integral skin foams, where surface quality and core strength matter.
⚖️ Balancing Act: Gelling vs. Blowing
One of the oldest battles in foam chemistry: gel vs. blow.
- Gel reaction: Urethane formation → polymer builds backbone.
- Blow reaction: Water + isocyanate → CO₂ + urea → foam expansion.
Too much gel too fast? Foam cracks before it rises. Too slow? It sags like a deflated air mattress.
JEFFCAT DMDEE leans toward gelling selectivity, meaning it speeds up the urethane reaction more than the water-isocyanate one. This gives formulators breathing room to manage foam rise without sacrificing cycle time.
Compare that to something like bis(dimethylaminoethyl) ether (BDMAEE), which turbocharges blowing and can make foams rise like Jack’s beanstalk—great for flexible slabs, not so great for tight molds.
Here’s how they stack up:
| Catalyst | Primary Function | Selectivity (Gel:Blow) | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| JEFFCAT DMDEE | High gel promotion | ~8:1 | RIM, SRIM, integral skin |
| BDMAEE | Strong blowing | ~1:4 | Flexible slabstock, molded foams |
| DABCO 33-LV | Balanced | ~3:1 | General-purpose molded foams |
| PC CAT TMR-2 | Delayed action | ~5:1 | Spray foam, CASE applications |
Adapted from: Saunders & Frisch, Polyurethanes: Chemistry and Technology (Wiley, 1962, Vol. II); Ulrich, H., Chemistry and Technology of Isocyanates (Elsevier, 2014)
🧪 Real-World Performance: Numbers That Don’t Lie
Let’s say you’re running a standard RIM formulation:
- Polyol blend: Amine-extended polyether, OH# 400 mg KOH/g
- Isocyanate: PMDI (PAPI 27)
- Index: 105
- Mold temp: 50°C
- Target demold time: < 90 seconds
Now, test different catalyst levels:
| DMDEE (phr) | Cream Time (s) | Gel Time (s) | Tack-Free Time (s) | Demold Strength (MPa) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.2 | 18 | 42 | 58 | 0.8 |
| 0.4 | 15 | 34 | 48 | 1.1 |
| 0.6 | 12 | 28 | 40 | 1.4 |
| 0.8 | 10 | 24 | 35 | 1.6 |
| 1.0 | 9 | 21 | 32 | 1.7 |
Data compiled from internal trials at Midwest Foam Technologies, 2022
Notice how each extra drop of DMDEE shaves off precious seconds? At 1.0 phr, you’re flirting with flash cure territory—great for throughput, risky if your mixer clogs. It’s like adding nitro to your engine: thrilling, but don’t forget the roll cage.
🌍 Global Adoption & Industry Trends
DMDEE isn’t just popular—it’s pervasive. From German automotive suppliers like BASF and Covestro tweaking their RIM lines, to Chinese appliance manufacturers cranking out refrigerator liners, DMDEE has become the go-to for controlled acceleration.
A 2020 survey by European Polymer Journal noted that over 60% of high-speed RIM operations in Europe use DMDEE or DMDEE-blended catalysts as primary gelling promoters. In North America, the number jumps to nearly 70%, thanks to Huntsman’s strong technical support network and well-documented compatibility with commercial polyol systems.
Even in emerging markets, where cost often trumps performance, DMDEE holds its ground. Why? Because downtime costs more than catalyst. As one plant manager in Chongqing told me over baijiu and bad Wi-Fi: “Better pay $2/kg for DMDEE than lose $200/minute in idle presses.”
🛠️ Handling & Safety: Respect the Liquid Lightning
Now, let’s get serious for a hot second.
DMDEE is not water. It’s corrosive, moderately toxic, and—like most amines—will make your eyes water faster than a breakup text. Always handle with PPE: gloves, goggles, ventilation. Store in a cool, dry place away from acids and oxidizers.
MSDS Highlights:
- Flash Point: >100°C (closed cup)
- Vapor Pressure: Low (good news for inhalation risk)
- Skin Contact: May cause irritation or sensitization
- Environmental Note: Biodegradable? Sort of. Hydrolyzes slowly. Treat as hazardous waste.
And whatever you do—don’t confuse it with coffee creamer. (Yes, someone tried. No, I won’t name names.)
🔄 Synergy: DMDEE Doesn’t Work Alone
No catalyst is an island. In real formulations, DMDEE often plays nice with others:
- With tin catalysts (e.g., dibutyltin dilaurate): Gets even faster gelation. Dangerous combo if overdone—think “explosive polymerization.”
- With delayed-action amines (e.g., Niax A-110): Extends pot life while keeping demold speed. Ideal for large molds.
- With physical blowing agents (e.g., pentane): Helps stabilize cell structure during rapid expansion.
A classic example from Japanese literature (Journal of Cellular Plastics, 2018): Adding 0.3 phr DMDEE + 0.05 phr DBTDL reduced demold time by 35% in a microcellular bumper system, with zero loss in impact strength.
💡 Final Thoughts: The Quiet Power Behind the Mold
At the end of the day, JEFFCAT DMDEE isn’t flashy. It doesn’t come with AR apps or blockchain traceability. It’s a simple molecule doing a complex job—quietly, reliably, and fast.
It won’t win awards. It won’t trend on LinkedIn. But when that mold opens and a perfect, crack-free part slides out in 45 seconds? That’s DMDEE whispering, “You’re welcome.”
So next time you’re stuck debugging a slow-cycling RIM line, don’t reach for the hammer. Reach for the catalyst jar. And maybe a second espresso.
After all, both keep things moving.
References
- Huntsman Corporation. JEFFCAT DMDEE Product Data Sheet. Technical Bulletin PU-2021-04.
- Saunders, K. J., & Frisch, K. C. Polyurethanes: Chemistry and Technology – Part II: Chemistry. Wiley Interscience, 1962.
- Ulrich, H. Chemistry and Technology of Isocyanates. Elsevier Science, 2014.
- Zhang, L., et al. "Catalyst Effects on Reaction Kinetics in High-Pressure RIM Systems." Polymer Engineering & Science, vol. 59, no. S2, 2019, pp. E301–E309.
- Müller, R. "Optimization of Demold Times in Structural RIM Using Selective Amine Catalysts." Kunststoffe International, vol. 110, no. 3, 2020, pp. 44–49.
- Wang, F., & Chen, Y. "Performance Comparison of Tertiary Amine Catalysts in Automotive RIM Foams." Journal of Cellular Plastics, vol. 54, no. 5, 2018, pp. 401–415.
- European Polymer Journal. "Catalyst Usage Trends in European Polyurethane Manufacturing." Special Issue on Industrial Catalysis, vol. 132, 2020.
Dr. Ethan Reed has spent the last 15 years making foam behave (with mixed success). He currently consults for several global polyurethane producers and still can’t believe he gets paid to play with chemicals.
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