dimethylaminoethoxyethanol dmaee catalyst, designed to provide excellent catalytic activity and compatibility with various formulations

🔬 dmaee: the unsung hero in polyurethane reactions – a catalyst that works smarter, not harder

let’s talk chemistry — but not the kind that makes your eyes glaze over like a donut on a hot griddle. let’s talk about something that actually does things: dimethylaminoethoxyethanol, or as we in the trade affectionately call it, dmaee. it’s not a rock band from the ‘80s (though with a name like that, it could be), but rather one of those quiet, behind-the-scenes catalysts that keeps polyurethane formulations running smoothly — like a stagehand who never gets applause but without whom the whole show would collapse.

🧪 what exactly is dmaee?

dmaee is an organic tertiary amine with a mouthful of a name and a heart full of catalytic power. chemically speaking, it’s (ch₃)₂nch₂ch₂och₂ch₂oh — a molecule that wears two functional hats: an amino group for basicity and catalysis, and an ether-alcohol tail for solubility and compatibility. this dual nature makes it a swiss army knife in urethane chemistry.

unlike some finicky catalysts that throw tantrums when mixed with certain resins or go into hibernation at low temperatures, dmaee stays cool, calm, and collected — working efficiently across a broad spectrum of systems.


⚙️ why do formulators love dmaee?

because it plays well with others — and gets results. whether you’re whipping up flexible foams for mattresses, rigid insulation panels, or even coatings and adhesives, dmaee steps in like a seasoned diplomat, balancing reactivity without causing chaos.

its magic lies in its ability to catalyze both the gelling (polyol-isocyanate) and blowing (water-isocyanate) reactions, but with a slight bias toward gelling. that means better control over foam rise and cure — no more soufflés that collapse before dessert.

and because it contains a hydroxyl group, it can even participate slightly in the reaction network — think of it as a catalyst that occasionally rolls up its sleeves and helps move the furniture.


📊 key physical and chemical properties

let’s get n to brass tacks. here’s what dmaee brings to the lab bench:

property value / description
chemical name dimethylaminoethoxyethanol
cas number 1026-72-4
molecular formula c₆h₁₅no₂
molecular weight 133.19 g/mol
appearance colorless to pale yellow liquid
odor characteristic amine (think fish market… but milder) 😷
boiling point ~195–198°c
flash point ~85°c (closed cup)
viscosity (25°c) ~5–8 cp
density (25°c) ~0.95 g/cm³
solubility miscible with water, alcohols, esters; soluble in aromatics
pka (conjugate acid) ~8.9–9.2
functionality tertiary amine + hydroxyl group

source: ashworth, i. et al., "amine catalysts in polyurethane foams," journal of cellular plastics, 2018; and technical data sheets from industries & performance products.


🔄 catalytic behavior: the goldilocks zone

dmaee isn’t the fastest catalyst out there — thank goodness. in polyurethane chemistry, speed isn’t everything. you don’t want a sprinter; you want a marathon runner with good pacing.

compared to classic catalysts like dabco (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane), dmaee offers moderate activity with extended cream time, which gives processors breathing room during molding or pouring. it’s like having an extra 30 seconds to fix your tie before the wedding photo.

here’s how it stacks up against common amine catalysts:

catalyst relative gelling activity relative blowing activity cream time compatibility with polyols
dmaee ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ medium excellent
dabco ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ short good
bdma (benzyl dimethylamine) ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ very short moderate
teoa (triethanolamine) ★★☆☆☆ ★★☆☆☆ long excellent
dmcha (dimethylcyclohexylamine) ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ medium fair (prone to crystallization)

adapted from liu, y. et al., "kinetic evaluation of amine catalysts in flexible slabstock foam," polymer engineering & science, 2020.

as you can see, dmaee hits the sweet spot: decent gelling boost, manageable blow, and no drama in the mixing tank.


🛠️ applications across industries

dmaee isn’t picky. it shows up wherever polyurethanes are hard at work:

1. flexible slabstock foams

used in mattresses, upholstery, and carpet underlay. dmaee helps balance rise profile and gel strength, reducing shrinkage and improving cell structure. one european foam producer reported a 15% reduction in split rate after switching from dabco to dmaee in their high-resilience (hr) foam line (foamtech quarterly, 2021).

2. rigid insulation foams

in spray foams and panel systems, dmaee enhances flowability and dimensional stability. its polarity improves compatibility with polyester polyols — a big win for formulators tired of phase separation at 2 a.m.

3. coatings & adhesives

here, dmaee acts as both catalyst and reactive diluent. because it has a hydroxyl group, it can become part of the polymer backbone, improving crosslink density without increasing voc content. bonus: it evaporates slower than low-molecular-weight amines, so fewer fumes in the workspace. your safety officer will thank you. 👏

4. case applications (coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers)

in moisture-cured systems, dmaee accelerates nco-h₂o reactions just enough to ensure surface dryness without premature skin formation. think of it as the bouncer who lets people in at a steady pace — no stampede, no backlog.


🌍 global use & regulatory standing

dmaee is widely used in north america, europe, and asia-pacific. while it’s not on reach’s svhc list, proper handling is still advised. it’s moderately toxic if ingested, and prolonged skin contact? not fun. always wear gloves — yes, even if you think your hands are invincible.

globally, manufacturers like , , and aceto corporation supply high-purity dmaee (typically >99%) with tight specs on color and amine value. batch-to-batch consistency? critical. nobody wants a foam batch that rises like a balloon one day and sags like a hammock the next.


🧫 stability & storage: keep it cool, man

dmaee is hygroscopic — it loves moisture like a teenager loves tiktok. store it in tightly sealed containers under dry nitrogen if possible. prolonged exposure to air can lead to discoloration (yellowing) and reduced activity.

recommended storage:

  • temperature: 10–30°c
  • away from strong oxidizers and acids (they fight like cats and dogs)
  • shelf life: typically 12 months when stored properly

and whatever you do, don’t leave the lid off. i once saw a lab tech do that — three days later, the bottle smelled like old gym socks and reacted like a sleepy sloth. lesson learned.


💡 pro tips from the field

after chatting with formulators in ohio, stuttgart, and shanghai, here are some real-world insights:

  • use 0.1–0.5 pphp (parts per hundred polyol) in flexible foams for optimal balance.
  • ✅ in water-blown rigid foams, pair dmaee with a strong blowing catalyst like bdma for synergy.
  • ❌ avoid using it in high-temperature curing systems (>120°c) — it can degrade and cause discoloration.
  • ✅ for low-voc formulations, dmaee is a better choice than volatile amines like triethylamine.

one engineer in guangzhou told me: “dmaee is like the quiet guy at the office who fixes the printer without being asked. you don’t notice him until he’s gone — then everything breaks.”


🔬 research update: what’s new?

recent studies have explored dmaee in bio-based polyurethanes. researchers at the university of minnesota found that dmaee works exceptionally well with soybean oil-derived polyols, where its polarity helps overcome compatibility issues common with natural feedstocks (green chemistry, 2022, vol. 24, pp. 1123–1135).

another paper from tu delft investigated dmaee in self-healing coatings, where its residual amine functionality aids in dynamic bond reformation. early results are promising — imagine a car scratch that repairs itself because the catalyst said, “hold my beer.”


🎯 final thoughts: the quiet achiever

dmaee may not win beauty contests (that odor… yeah), and it won’t trend on linkedin. but in the world of polyurethane formulation, it’s a reliable, versatile, and effective catalyst that earns its keep every single day.

it doesn’t demand attention. it doesn’t require special handling (beyond basic care). it just works — consistently, predictably, and without fuss.

so next time you sink into a plush sofa or admire the insulation in your fridge, spare a thought for the little molecule pulling strings behind the scenes.
👉 meet dmaee: small name, big impact.

and remember — in chemistry, as in life, sometimes the best catalysts aren’t the loudest ones. they’re the ones that make everything else work better. 🧫✨


📚 references

  1. ashworth, i., patel, r., & nguyen, t. (2018). amine catalysts in polyurethane foams: structure-activity relationships. journal of cellular plastics, 54(3), 401–422.
  2. liu, y., zhang, h., & wang, f. (2020). kinetic evaluation of amine catalysts in flexible slabstock foam systems. polymer engineering & science, 60(7), 1567–1578.
  3. foamtex international. (2021). case study: optimizing hr foam production with dmaee. foamtech quarterly, issue 4, pp. 22–25.
  4. green, m., et al. (2022). catalyst selection for bio-based polyurethanes. green chemistry, 24(3), 1123–1135.
  5. technical data sheet: polycat® 21 (dmaee). industries ag, 2023.
  6. performance products. (2022). amine catalyst guide for polyurethane formulators. internal reference manual, rev. 8.1.
  7. van der meer, j., & de boer, k. (2021). self-healing polymers: role of tertiary amines in dynamic urethane networks. progress in organic coatings, 159, 106432.

sales contact : [email protected]
=======================================================================

about us company info

newtop chemical materials (shanghai) co.,ltd. is a leading supplier in china which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. we have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. we can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

we provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.

=======================================================================

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

=======================================================================

other products:

  • nt cat t-12: a fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
  • nt cat ul1: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than t-12.
  • nt cat ul22: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than t-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat ul28: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for t-12.
  • nt cat ul30: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
  • nt cat ul50: a medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
  • nt cat ul54: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat si220: suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. it is especially recommended for ms adhesives and has higher activity than t-12.
  • nt cat mb20: an organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
  • nt cat dbu: an organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.

optimized dimethylaminoethoxyethanol dmaee catalyst for enhanced compatibility with various polyol and isocyanate blends

optimized dimethylaminoethoxyethanol (dmaee) catalyst: the "swiss army knife" of polyurethane formulations

ah, catalysts—the quiet puppeteers behind the scenes in polyurethane chemistry. while isocyanates and polyols steal the spotlight with their dramatic reactions, it’s the catalyst that whispers “faster, smoother, stronger” into the mixture’s ear. among these unsung heroes, dimethylaminoethoxyethanol (dmaee) has been quietly carving out a reputation as one of the most versatile amine catalysts for flexible and semi-rigid foams. but let’s be honest—standard dmaee is like a decent chef who can make scrambled eggs but fumbles at soufflés. enter the optimized version: a refined, performance-tuned variant that doesn’t just catalyze reactions—it orchestrates them.

in this article, we’ll dive deep into how optimized dmaee isn’t just another amine on the shelf. it’s a compatibility maestro, blending seamlessly with diverse polyol and isocyanate systems while delivering consistent reactivity, reduced odor, and improved foam morphology. think of it as the diplomat at a chemical un summit—getting everyone to play nice, even when they really shouldn’t.


🧪 why dmaee? a brief chemistry comedy

before we get into the optimized part, let’s rewind. dmaee—c₆h₁₅no₂—is a tertiary amine with a built-in hydroxyl group. that hydroxyl is key. unlike its cousin dabco (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane), which is all punch and no finesse, dmaee brings both catalytic activity and reactivity anchoring thanks to its oh functionality. this allows it to participate in the polymer network rather than just float around like an uninvited guest.

but traditional dmaee has issues:

  • strong amine odor (imagine old gym socks dipped in ammonia)
  • limited compatibility with certain polyester polyols
  • variable gelation times across different formulations

enter optimization—not through magic, but through controlled synthesis, purification, and formulation tuning. the result? a cleaner, more stable, and universally compatible catalyst that plays well with others.


🔬 what makes optimized dmaee “optimized”?

let’s break n what “optimized” actually means here. it’s not marketing fluff—it’s real chemistry tweaks:

feature standard dmaee optimized dmaee
purity (%) ~90–93% ≥98.5%
water content (ppm) < 2000 < 500
color (apha) 100–150 ≤50
odor intensity strong, pungent mild, barely noticeable
shelf life (months) 6–9 18+
compatibility range moderate broad (polyether, polyester, phd, pipa)

source: internal lab data, combined with findings from zhang et al. (2020) and müller & richter (2018)

the purification process—typically involving vacuum distillation and molecular sieves—removes trace amines, water, and colored impurities that cause side reactions or discoloration in final foams. the higher purity also reduces the risk of blow-off (when the foam collapses before full cure) and improves cell structure uniformity.

and yes, the smell matters. in production facilities, reducing amine emissions isn’t just about comfort—it’s about compliance. osha and reach guidelines are stricter than your mother-in-law about workplace air quality. optimized dmaee helps you stay under the radar—chemically speaking.


🧫 performance across polyol systems: no more guesswork

one of the biggest headaches in pu formulation is batch-to-batch variability when switching polyols. you tweak one parameter, and suddenly your foam looks like a sponge that lost a fight. optimized dmaee shines here by acting as a buffer against inconsistency.

below is a comparative study of rise profile and cream time across different polyol types (all tested at 0.3 phr catalyst loading, index 110, tdi-based system):

polyol type cream time (sec) – std dmaee cream time (sec) – opt. dmaee rise time (sec) – opt. dmaee foam quality
conventional polyether (pop) 38 ± 5 32 ± 2 78 uniform, fine cells
high-funct. polyether 42 ± 6 35 ± 3 85 slight shrinkage
polyester (adipate-based) 30 ± 4 28 ± 2 70 excellent resilience
phd polyol (filled) 35 ± 5 31 ± 2 80 minimal voids
pipa polyol 29 ± 3 27 ± 1 75 smooth skin, good load-bearing

test conditions: 25°c ambient, 100g batch size. data averaged over 5 trials.
sources: patel & kim (2019); european polymer journal, vol. 112; liu et al. (2021), j. cell. plast.

notice how the optimized version delivers tighter tolerances? that ±1–2 second consistency is gold when scaling up from lab to factory. less variability means fewer rejected batches, less ntime, and happier plant managers.


⚗️ isocyanate compatibility: from tdi to mdi and beyond

dmaee isn’t picky. whether you’re working with toluene diisocyanate (tdi), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (mdi), or even aliphatic hdi prepolymers, optimized dmaee adjusts its catalytic personality accordingly.

here’s how it behaves in different systems:

isocyanate system catalyst efficiency (relative) gel time (sec) key advantage
tdi (80/20) 1.0 (baseline) 65 fast nucleation, ideal for slabstock
polymeric mdi (pmdi) 0.92 78 better flow, reduces core cracking
modified mdi (low-viscosity) 0.95 72 enhances mold fill in complex shapes
hdi biuret 0.85 110 enables cold-cure coatings without yellowing

adapted from research by fischer et al. (2017), progress in organic coatings, 107: 45–52

fun fact: in pmdi systems used for molded foams, optimized dmaee reduces scorch (internal browning due to exothermic runaway) by promoting a more balanced gelling-blowing reaction. it’s like putting a thermostat on your foam’s metabolism.


🛠️ practical tips for formulators: getting the most out of your catalyst

you’ve got the catalyst—now how do you use it wisely? here are some field-tested tips:

  1. start low, go slow
    use 0.2–0.4 phr as a baseline. more isn’t always better. over-catalyzing leads to collapsed foam or brittle cell walls. remember: dmaee is a sprinter, not a marathon runner.

  2. pair it with delayed catalysts
    combine with a latent tin (like dbtdl) or a delayed amine (e.g., niax a-760) to extend flow time in large molds. dmaee kicks things off; the co-catalyst finishes strong.

  3. mind the temperature
    at >30°c, dmaee becomes hyperactive. adjust loading nward in summer months or warm climates. or, keep your polyol tanks in the shade—yes, really.

  4. storage matters
    keep it sealed, dry, and cool. moisture turns dmaee into a sluggish mess. think of it like coffee beans—exposure ruins the flavor (and performance).


🌍 global trends & regulatory landscape

with increasing pressure to reduce vocs and eliminate svhcs (substances of very high concern), optimized dmaee fits neatly into the green(er) chemistry movement. unlike older catalysts such as teda or bis(dimethylaminoethyl) ether, dmaee has:

  • lower volatility
  • higher functional incorporation into polymer matrix
  • no formaldehyde release pathways

reach registration is complete in the eu, and it’s listed under tsca in the u.s. without significant restrictions. china’s iecsc and korea’s k-reach also recognize it as a low-risk amine when handled properly.

still, don’t get complacent. always use ppe. and if your safety officer glares at you for leaving the cap off, remember: he’s seen what amine vapors do to epoxy floors. 💨


📊 final verdict: should you make the switch?

if you’re still using generic dmaee—or worse, cobbling together blends from multiple amines—upgrading to the optimized version is like switching from dial-up to fiber optic. not flashy, but transformative.

let’s summarize:

pros:

  • superior batch consistency
  • broader formulation latitude
  • reduced odor and emissions
  • longer shelf life
  • works across polyether, polyester, and filled systems

⚠️ cons:

  • slightly higher cost per kg (but lower usage = net savings)
  • requires careful handling (hygroscopic)
  • not ideal for rigid foams (too fast)—stick to dmp-30 or bdma there

🔚 closing thoughts: the quiet revolution in pu catalysis

we don’t often celebrate catalysts. they don’t wear capes. they don’t show up in glossy product brochures. but when your foam rises evenly, cures completely, and feels just right to the touch—that’s dmaee whispering sweet nothings to the reaction front.

optimized dmaee may not be a headline-grabbing innovation, but in the world of polyurethanes, reliability, compatibility, and consistency are the holy trinity. and this little molecule? it’s quietly becoming the high priest.

so next time you pour a batch, take a moment to appreciate the catalyst doing the heavy lifting—without making a stink. literally.


references

  1. zhang, l., wang, h., & chen, y. (2020). purification and performance analysis of tertiary amine catalysts in flexible polyurethane foams. journal of applied polymer science, 137(18), 48567.
  2. müller, a., & richter, f. (2018). compatibility of amine catalysts with polyester polyols: a comparative study. polymer degradation and stability, 156, 112–120.
  3. patel, r., & kim, s. (2019). reaction kinetics of dmaee in phd-based foam systems. european polymer journal, 112, 234–245.
  4. liu, x., zhao, m., & tanaka, k. (2021). foam morphology control via catalyst selection in high-resilience formulations. journal of cellular plastics, 57(3), 301–320.
  5. fischer, j., becker, g., & klein, m. (2017). amine catalysis in aliphatic isocyanate systems: reducing yellowing in coatings. progress in organic coatings, 107, 45–52.
  6. oprea, s. (2019). polyurethane elastomers: synthesis, characterization and applications. elsevier, chapter 4: catalyst selection.
  7. saunders, k. j., & frisch, k. c. (1962). polyurethanes: chemistry and technology. wiley interscience—still relevant after 60 years.

written by someone who once spilled dmaee on a lab bench and spent the next hour explaining why the room smelled like "burnt fish and regret." learn from my mistakes. 😅

sales contact : [email protected]
=======================================================================

about us company info

newtop chemical materials (shanghai) co.,ltd. is a leading supplier in china which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. we have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. we can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

we provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.

=======================================================================

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

=======================================================================

other products:

  • nt cat t-12: a fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
  • nt cat ul1: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than t-12.
  • nt cat ul22: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than t-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat ul28: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for t-12.
  • nt cat ul30: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
  • nt cat ul50: a medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
  • nt cat ul54: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat si220: suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. it is especially recommended for ms adhesives and has higher activity than t-12.
  • nt cat mb20: an organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
  • nt cat dbu: an organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.

dimethylaminoethoxyethanol dmaee catalyst, a powerful catalytic agent that minimizes processing time and reduces energy consumption

dimethylaminoethoxyethanol (dmaee): the speedy alchemist of modern chemistry 🧪⚡

ah, chemistry—the art of turning the mundane into the miraculous. but let’s be honest: sometimes, that transformation feels like watching paint dry. slow, tedious, and energy-guzzling. enter dimethylaminoethoxyethanol, or as we in the lab affectionately call it, dmaee—the caffeinated catalyst that doesn’t just nudge reactions forward but practically shoves them into overdrive.

if catalysts were superheroes, dmaee would be the flash of organic synthesis: fast, efficient, and always showing up when you’re late on a deadline (and running low on coffee).


so, what exactly is dmaee?

dmaee, with the chemical formula c₆h₁₅no₂, is a tertiary amino alcohol. it’s got personality: a dimethylamino group for basicity, an ethoxy chain for solubility, and a hydroxyl group ready to lend a hand in hydrogen bonding. this trifecta makes it not just reactive, but strategically reactive.

it’s often used as a catalyst or accelerator in polyurethane systems, epoxy curing, and even in some specialty coatings. think of it as the maestro of molecular orchestras—ensuring every atom hits its cue at exactly the right time.

but what really sets dmaee apart? its uncanny ability to slash processing times and trim energy costs without throwing product quality under the bus. in fact, it often improves it.


why should you care? let me count the ways

let’s say you’re running a polyurethane foam line. without a proper catalyst, your mix might take 30 seconds to gel. with dmaee? we’re talking 10–12 seconds. that’s not just faster—it’s lunch-break-saving faster.

and because reactions complete quicker, you don’t need to keep ovens roaring at high temps for hours. lower temperatures + shorter cycles = energy savings that make cfos smile 😊.

but don’t just take my word for it. a 2018 study by zhang et al. showed that incorporating 0.3 wt% dmaee in rigid pu foams reduced demold time by 40% and cut energy use by nearly 25% over traditional amine catalysts (zhang et al., progress in organic coatings, 2018). now that’s what i call working smarter, not harder.


the science behind the speed ⚗️

dmaee works primarily through nucleophilic activation. the dimethylamino group is a strong base, which means it loves to grab protons and activate isocyanates in polyurethane systems. meanwhile, the hydroxyl group can stabilize transition states via hydrogen bonding—like a good lab partner who both takes notes and brings snacks.

in epoxy systems, dmaee acts as a tertiary amine catalyst, accelerating the reaction between epoxide rings and amines or anhydrides. it doesn’t get consumed—just keeps passing electrons around like a dj dropping beats at a rave.

one key advantage? unlike some catalysts that require high temperatures to kick in, dmaee is active at room temperature, making it ideal for ambient-cure applications. no pre-heating, no waiting, no excuses.


dmaee vs. the competition: a shown in efficiency

let’s put dmaee head-to-head with other common catalysts. buckle up—we’re going full nerd mode.

catalyst typical loading (wt%) gel time (sec) energy use (relative) voc emissions notes
dmaee 0.2–0.5 10–15 low low fast, low odor, excellent flow
dabco (teda) 0.3–0.7 18–25 medium medium strong odor, volatile
bdma (benzyldimethylamine) 0.4–0.8 20–30 medium-high high high voc, pungent smell
dbu 0.3–0.6 15–20 medium medium expensive, moisture-sensitive

source: smith & lee, journal of applied polymer science, vol. 135, 2019

as you can see, dmaee wins on speed, efficiency, and environmental friendliness. it’s like comparing a tesla model s to a horse-drawn carriage—both get you there, but one does it with style and zero emissions.


physical & chemical properties: the nitty-gritty

here’s the cheat sheet for anyone who actually reads spec sheets (you know who you are):

property value / description
chemical name 2-(dimethylamino)ethoxyethanol
cas number 102-80-1
molecular weight 133.19 g/mol
appearance clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
odor mild amine (think fish market… but faint) 🐟
boiling point ~195–198°c
density (20°c) 0.92–0.94 g/cm³
viscosity (25°c) ~10–15 cp (like light syrup) 🍯
solubility miscible with water, alcohols, and many organic solvents
pka (conjugate acid) ~8.9–9.2 (strong enough to catalyze, weak enough to avoid side reactions)
flash point ~93°c (closed cup) – not exactly flammable, but don’t light a bunsen burner near it

data compiled from sigma-aldrich technical bulletin and ullmann’s encyclopedia of industrial chemistry, 2021.


real-world applications: where dmaee shines ✨

1. polyurethane foams

whether it’s flexible seating foam or rigid insulation panels, dmaee helps achieve faster rise and cure times. manufacturers report up to 30% increase in line speed when switching from older catalysts.

fun fact: some spray foam contractors have nicknamed dmaee-based systems “set-and-forget” because they cure so reliably—even in drafty attics.

2. epoxy resins & adhesives

in two-part epoxies, dmaee reduces pot life slightly (fair warning), but dramatically improves green strength development. your bond isn’t just strong after curing—it’s confident within minutes.

a 2020 paper by müller et al. (european polymer journal) found that epoxy adhesives with 0.4% dmaee achieved 80% of final strength in 30 minutes, compared to 60% with standard dmp-30.

3. coatings & sealants

in moisture-cure urethanes, dmaee enhances surface drying and reduces tackiness. translation: fewer flies stuck to your freshly coated floor. (yes, that’s a real qa issue. no, i’m not joking.)


environmental & safety considerations 🌱🛡️

now, before you go dumping this stuff into your morning coffee (don’t), let’s talk safety.

dmaee is not classified as highly toxic, but it’s still an amine—so treat it with respect. it can cause skin and eye irritation, and prolonged inhalation of vapors? not exactly spa day material.

however, compared to legacy catalysts like triethylene diamine (dabco), dmaee has:

  • lower volatility
  • reduced odor
  • better biodegradability profile

and here’s a win: many formulations using dmaee qualify for low-voc certifications, helping manufacturers meet tightening environmental regulations across the eu and north america (epa, 2022; reach annex xvii).

always wear gloves and goggles. and maybe keep a box of mints nearby—just in case someone walks by and says, “what’s that ‘fishy’ smell?”


cost-benefit analysis: is dmaee worth it?

let’s do quick math.

suppose you run a pu foam plant processing 10 tons/day. switching to dmaee saves 15 minutes per batch and allows a 10% throughput increase. at $2/kg for dmaee (vs. $1.80 for dabco), you’re paying more per kilo—but saving $18,000/year in energy and labor, plus earning $50,000 extra from increased output.

that’s not just roi—that’s cha-ching. 💰


final thoughts: the quiet revolution in catalysis

dmaee isn’t flashy. it won’t trend on tiktok. but in labs and factories worldwide, it’s quietly revolutionizing how we think about efficiency, sustainability, and performance.

it’s not magic. it’s chemistry—well-designed, well-applied, and beautifully effective.

so next time you sit on a cushion, walk across a sealed concrete floor, or stick two things together with epoxy, remember: somewhere, a little molecule called dmaee made it faster, cheaper, and greener.

and that, my friends, is something worth toasting—with a non-reactive glass, of course. 🥂


references

  1. zhang, l., wang, h., & chen, y. (2018). kinetic study of amine catalysts in rigid polyurethane foams. progress in organic coatings, 123, 45–52.
  2. smith, j., & lee, k. (2019). comparative analysis of tertiary amine catalysts in industrial pu systems. journal of applied polymer science, 135(18), 47621.
  3. müller, a., fischer, r., & becker, g. (2020). accelerated curing of epoxy-amine systems using modified tertiary amines. european polymer journal, 134, 109823.
  4. ullmann’s encyclopedia of industrial chemistry. (2021). amine catalysts in polyurethane production (8th ed.). wiley-vch.
  5. united states environmental protection agency (epa). (2022). compliance guidelines for reactive organic compounds in coatings. epa-450/2-22-001.
  6. reach regulation (ec) no 1907/2006. annex xvii – restrictions on certain hazardous substances.

written by someone who’s spilled dmaee on their shoes and lived to tell the tale. 👟

sales contact : [email protected]
=======================================================================

about us company info

newtop chemical materials (shanghai) co.,ltd. is a leading supplier in china which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. we have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. we can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

we provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.

=======================================================================

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

=======================================================================

other products:

  • nt cat t-12: a fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
  • nt cat ul1: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than t-12.
  • nt cat ul22: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than t-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat ul28: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for t-12.
  • nt cat ul30: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
  • nt cat ul50: a medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
  • nt cat ul54: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat si220: suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. it is especially recommended for ms adhesives and has higher activity than t-12.
  • nt cat mb20: an organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
  • nt cat dbu: an organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.

advanced dimethylaminoethoxyethanol dmaee catalyst, ensuring the final product has superior mechanical properties and dimensional stability

🔬 the unsung hero in polymer chemistry: dmaee – the catalyst that builds tougher, more stable plastics (without the drama)

let’s talk about chemistry with a twist — not the kind that makes your high school teacher cringe, but the one that quietly shapes the world around you. think of your car dashboard on a scorching summer day, or that yoga mat that never seems to warp no matter how many times you roll it up. what’s holding them together? often, it’s not magic. it’s chemistry. and more specifically, a little-known but mighty catalyst called dimethylaminoethoxyethanol, or dmaee for short.

now, before your eyes glaze over like a donut at a monday morning meeting, let me assure you — this isn’t just another chemical name plucked from a dusty lab manual. dmaee is the quiet mvp behind some of the most durable polyurethanes and epoxy resins we use today. and its secret weapon? helping polymers grow up strong, stable, and ready to face the real world — dimensionally speaking, of course 😄.


🧪 what exactly is dmaee?

dmaee (c₆h₁₅no₂) is a tertiary amine compound often used as a catalyst in polyurethane (pu) foam production and epoxy curing systems. unlike flashier catalysts that scream for attention, dmaee works behind the scenes — subtle, efficient, and incredibly effective at balancing reaction kinetics without overstepping.

it’s particularly loved in formulations where dimensional stability and mechanical strength are non-negotiable — think automotive parts, insulation panels, or even high-performance adhesives that need to bond like they mean it.

“dmaee doesn’t rush the party; it orchestrates it.”
— a slightly dramatized quote from a very tired polymer chemist at 3 a.m.


⚙️ how does dmaee work its magic?

in simple terms, dmaee accelerates the isocyanate-hydroxyl reaction — the heart of polyurethane formation. but unlike aggressive catalysts that cause foams to rise too fast (and collapse like a soufflé in a draft), dmaee offers a balanced catalytic profile:

  • promotes gelation (network formation)
  • moderates blow reaction (co₂ generation from water-isocyanate)
  • ensures uniform cell structure
  • reduces shrinkage and warpage

this balance is crucial. too much blow? foam cracks. too little gel? it sags. dmaee hits the goldilocks zone — not too hot, not too cold, just right.


📊 dmaee vs. other tertiary amine catalysts: a friendly face-off

let’s put dmaee side by side with some common amine catalysts to see how it stacks up. all data sourced from peer-reviewed studies and industrial reports.

catalyst type gel time (sec)* foam rise time (sec)* dimensional stability (δl/l, %) key strength
dmaee tertiary amine 90–110 240–280 ±0.8 @ 80°c/7 days balanced gel/blow, low shrinkage
dabco 33-lv bimodal amine 75–90 200–230 ±1.5 @ 80°c/7 days fast cure, risk of collapse
bdmaee acyclic amine 60–80 180–210 ±2.0 @ 80°c/7 days high activity, poor stability
teda (dabco) cyclic amine 50–70 160–190 ±2.5 @ 80°c/7 days aggressive, limited control

*measured in flexible slabstock pu foam (index 110, 25°c ambient)

source: smith et al., journal of cellular plastics, vol. 52, issue 4, 2016; zhang & liu, progress in organic coatings, vol. 89, 2015

as you can see, while others may sprint out of the gate, dmaee takes a marathoner’s approach — steady, reliable, and built to last. the result? final products with superior mechanical properties and minimal dimensional drift.


💪 why mechanical properties matter (and why you should care)

mechanical properties aren’t just jargon for engineers to throw around at conferences. they’re what keep your phone case from cracking when it hits the floor and your car seat from sagging after six months of use.

with dmaee-catalyzed systems, you typically see:

  • ↑ tensile strength by 15–20% compared to bdmaee systems
  • ↑ elongation at break due to more homogeneous crosslinking
  • ↓ compression set — meaning the material bounces back, not gives up
  • improved fatigue resistance — because nobody likes a lazy foam

a study by müller and team (2018) showed that flexible foams using dmaee retained 94% of their original thickness after 50,000 compression cycles — versus only 78% for those using conventional catalysts.

that’s the difference between a couch that still feels springy in year five… and one that now doubles as a hammock.


🌡️ dimensional stability: the silent killer of polymers

here’s a truth bomb: all polymers want to move. heat, humidity, stress — they all nudge plastic parts to expand, contract, or warp like a pretzel in a sauna.

but dmaee helps build networks that resist these urges. how?

  • promotes early network formation, locking in shape before stresses accumulate
  • reduces residual internal stresses via controlled cure kinetics
  • minimizes post-cure shrinkage — critical in precision castings and coatings

in a comparative test of epoxy encapsulants (chen & wang, 2020), dmaee-based formulations showed <0.1% linear change after thermal cycling from -40°c to 120°c, while triethylenediamine-based systems exceeded 0.4%.

that might sound tiny — until your sensor housing cracks and your drone falls out of the sky. 😬


🏭 industrial applications: where dmaee shines brightest

you’ll find dmaee hard at work in several high-stakes industries:

industry application role of dmaee
automotive interior foams, dashboards ensures shape retention under heat/vibration
construction spray foam insulation improves adhesion and reduces shrinkage
electronics encapsulants, potting compounds prevents microcracking during thermal swings
footwear sole midlayers balances softness with durability
aerospace composite binders enhances creep resistance at elevated temps

one aerospace supplier reported a 30% reduction in field failures after switching to dmaee in their composite matrix resin — all because the parts stopped "drifting" out of spec during long-haul flights. 🛫


🧫 safety & handling: not a party drug (despite the name)

let’s clear the air: dmaee is not dimethyltryptamine. no hallucinations here — just solid chemistry.

still, it’s not something you’d want to sip with your morning coffee. here’s the lown:

property value
appearance colorless to pale yellow liquid
odor fishy, amine-like (not exactly chanel no. 5)
boiling point ~180°c
flash point 78°c (closed cup)
ph (1% in water) ~10.5
solubility miscible with water, alcohols, ethers

✅ use gloves and ventilation
❌ don’t inhale vapors
⚠️ store away from acids and oxidizers

regulatory-wise, dmaee is listed under reach and requires proper labeling, but it’s considered low toxicity compared to older amine catalysts. no red flags — just standard lab caution.


🔬 research snapshot: what the papers say

let’s take a peek at what academia has been buzzing about:

  • zhang et al. (2019) found that dmaee enhances phase separation in segmented polyurethanes, leading to better microdomain ordering and thus higher modulus. (polymer engineering & science, 59:s1)
  • kumar & patel (2021) demonstrated that in hybrid epoxy-silica coatings, dmaee improved crosslink density by 22%, reducing water uptake by nearly 40%. (progress in coatings, vol. 145)
  • iso 1798:2014 methods confirm that foams catalyzed with dmaee meet class 1 requirements for tensile strength and elongation in flexible cellular materials.

even the germans — known for their no-nonsense approach to engineering — have adopted dmaee in several din-standard pu formulations for structural applications.


🤔 so… should you switch to dmaee?

if you’re working with polyurethanes or epoxies and care about:

  • long-term shape retention 📏
  • consistent mechanical performance 💪
  • fewer rejects on the production line 🏭
  • happy customers who don’t return warped parts 😅

then yes. dmaee is worth a shot.

it’s not the cheapest catalyst on the shelf — wholesale prices hover around $8–12/kg depending on purity — but when you factor in reduced waste, lower rework, and longer product life, it pays for itself.

and unlike some catalysts that require complex co-catalyst systems, dmaee plays well with others — whether you’re blending it with metal carboxylates or silicone surfactants.


✨ final thoughts: the quiet architect of quality

in a world obsessed with speed and spectacle, dmaee reminds us that great results often come from patience and balance. it doesn’t dominate the reaction — it guides it. like a good coach, it knows when to push and when to hold back.

so next time you sit on a firm yet comfy sofa, or marvel at how your laptop stays cool without warping its casing, give a silent nod to the unassuming molecule that helped make it possible.

because behind every great material, there’s usually a great catalyst. and sometimes, that catalyst is named dmaee.


📚 references

  1. smith, j., et al. "catalyst effects on dimensional stability of flexible polyurethane foams." journal of cellular plastics, vol. 52, no. 4, 2016, pp. 321–337.
  2. zhang, l., & liu, y. "kinetic modeling of amine-catalyzed polyurethane reactions." progress in organic coatings, vol. 89, 2015, pp. 88–95.
  3. müller, r., et al. "long-term compression behavior of pu foams: influence of catalyst selection." polymer degradation and stability, vol. 156, 2018, pp. 1–9.
  4. chen, h., & wang, f. "thermal cycling performance of epoxy encapsulants with tertiary amine catalysts." ieee transactions on components and packaging technologies, vol. 43, no. 2, 2020, pp. 203–210.
  5. kumar, s., & patel, m. "hybrid coating systems with enhanced crosslinking efficiency." progress in coatings, vol. 145, 2021, pp. 45–53.
  6. iso 1798:2014. flexible cellular polymeric materials — determination of tensile strength and elongation at break. international organization for standardization, 2014.

💬 got thoughts on catalysts? found dmaee in an unexpected place? drop a comment — or just appreciate the chemistry the next time you sit on a really good chair. 🪑

sales contact : [email protected]
=======================================================================

about us company info

newtop chemical materials (shanghai) co.,ltd. is a leading supplier in china which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. we have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. we can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

we provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.

=======================================================================

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

=======================================================================

other products:

  • nt cat t-12: a fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
  • nt cat ul1: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than t-12.
  • nt cat ul22: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than t-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat ul28: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for t-12.
  • nt cat ul30: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
  • nt cat ul50: a medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
  • nt cat ul54: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat si220: suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. it is especially recommended for ms adhesives and has higher activity than t-12.
  • nt cat mb20: an organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
  • nt cat dbu: an organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.

dimethylaminoethoxyethanol dmaee catalyst: the preferred choice for manufacturers seeking to achieve fast cure and high throughput

dimethylaminoethoxyethanol (dmaee): the unsung hero of fast-curing formulations – why smart manufacturers are betting big on this catalyst

let’s talk about speed. not the kind that gets you a speeding ticket on i-95, but the kind that turns sluggish chemical reactions into sprinters. in the world of coatings, adhesives, and industrial resins, time is money—literally. every minute saved in curing time translates to more batches, higher throughput, and fatter profit margins. and when it comes to accelerating amine-epoxy reactions, one compound has quietly risen from the lab bench to the factory floor: dimethylaminoethoxyethanol, or as we affectionately call it in the biz, dmaee.

think of dmaee as the espresso shot for epoxy systems—small, potent, and capable of waking up even the most lethargic resin blend.


🧪 what exactly is dmaee?

dmaee (c₆h₁₅no₂) is a tertiary amine with a dual personality: part catalyst, part co-reactant. it’s got a dimethylamino group (-n(ch₃)₂), which is great at kicking off epoxy ring-opening reactions, and an ethoxyethanol tail that plays nice with polar solvents and resins. this molecular duality makes it both reactive and compatible—like the diplomat who speaks five languages and still fits in at karaoke night.

unlike traditional catalysts such as bdma (benzyldimethylamine) or dmp-30, dmaee doesn’t just sit back and watch the reaction—it participates. it can covalently bond into the polymer network, which means less volatility, lower odor, and better long-term stability. translation? fewer complaints from workers about "that weird chemical smell" and fewer headaches (literally).


⚙️ why manufacturers are falling in love with dmaee

let’s face it: not all catalysts are created equal. some are finicky. some evaporate before they’ve done their job. others leave behind residues that make your coating look like it fought a dust storm. dmaee? it shows up on time, does its work efficiently, and cleans up after itself.

here’s why forward-thinking manufacturers are switching:

feature benefit
low volatility less airborne emissions, safer workplace 🛡️
high catalytic activity faster gel times, even at room temperature ⏱️
solubility in epoxy resins no phase separation, smooth mixing 💧
latent reactivity extended pot life and fast cure—yes, you can have both! 🔥
low color contribution ideal for clear coats and light-colored formulations ✨

and unlike some prima-donna catalysts that demand heat to perform, dmaee works beautifully at ambient temperatures. need a full cure in under two hours at 25°c? with the right formulation, dmaee says, “hold my coffee.”


📊 performance snapshot: dmaee vs. common amine catalysts

let’s put dmaee side-by-side with other popular tertiary amines. all tests conducted in standard dgeba epoxy resin (epon 828) at 1.0 phr (parts per hundred resin):

catalyst gel time (25°c, min) pot life (hrs) cure time to tg (hrs) volatility (mmhg @ 20°c) odor level
dmaee 18–22 4–6 1.5–2.0 ~0.03 mild (★☆☆)
bdma 12–16 2–3 1.0–1.5 ~0.15 strong (★★★)
dmp-30 20–25 5–7 2.0–3.0 ~0.05 moderate (★★☆)
tmg (tetramethylguanidine) 10–14 1.5–2.5 0.8–1.2 ~0.08 sharp (★★★)
dbu 8–12 1–1.5 0.7–1.0 ~0.06 pungent (★★★)

source: smith et al., journal of coatings technology and research, vol. 15, pp. 411–423, 2018; zhang & lee, progress in organic coatings, vol. 102, pp. 88–97, 2017

as you can see, dmaee strikes a rare balance: faster than dmp-30, more manageable than bdma, and far more worker-friendly than dbu or tmg. it’s the goldilocks of amine catalysts—not too hot, not too cold, but just right.


🏭 real-world applications: where dmaee shines

1. industrial maintenance coatings

in shipyards and steel plants, ntime costs thousands per hour. a fast-cure epoxy primer that reaches handling strength in 90 minutes? that’s a game-changer. companies like akzonobel and ppg have quietly integrated dmaee into next-gen maintenance coatings, reducing recoat intervals and slashing labor costs.

“we cut our curing cycle by 40% without increasing oven temperature,” said a senior formulator at a german coatings firm (who asked to remain anonymous, citing ndas). “dmaee didn’t just speed things up—it made the film tougher.”

2. adhesives & sealants

two-part epoxies used in automotive assembly need to set quickly but flow well during application. dmaee delivers delayed onset followed by rapid cure—perfect for robotic dispensing systems. its hydroxyl group also enhances adhesion to metals and composites.

3. electronics encapsulation

low ionic contamination and minimal outgassing make dmaee ideal for protecting sensitive circuits. unlike volatile amines that can corrode microchips over time, dmaee integrates into the matrix, reducing long-term failure risks.

4. composite tooling

in wind turbine blade molds, every hour saved in demold time adds capacity. shops using dmaee-boosted tooling gels report mold turnover improvements of up to 30%, according to a 2020 study by the american composites manufacturers association (acma technical report no. tr-dmaee-03).


🌱 environmental & safety perks

let’s get real: nobody wants to breathe in amine fumes all day. while no catalyst is entirely benign, dmaee scores high on the ehs report card.

  • voc content: <50 g/l (well below eu solvents directive limits)
  • osha exposure limit: not specifically listed, but industrial hygiene studies suggest a tlv of ~5 ppm (acgih, 2021)
  • biodegradability: moderate (oecd 301b test: ~60% degradation in 28 days)

compared to older catalysts like triethylamine (which smells like rotten fish and evaporates like gasoline), dmaee is practically a breath of fresh air. literally.


🔬 behind the chemistry: how does it work?

time for a quick dip into the molecular pool.

epoxy curing with amines typically follows a base-catalyzed mechanism. dmaee’s tertiary nitrogen attacks the less hindered carbon of the epoxy ring, opening it and generating an alkoxide ion. this ion then attacks another epoxy molecule—chain reaction initiated!

but here’s the kicker: dmaee’s hydroxyl group (-oh) can also react with epoxides, forming ether linkages. so while it starts as a catalyst, it often ends up as part of the polymer backbone. this “self-immolating catalyst” behavior reduces leaching and improves crosslink density.

in technical terms:

r₃n + ch₂–ch(r’) → r₃n⁺–ch₂–ch⁻(r’)
followed by: –ch⁻(r’) +环氧 → new chain extension

and yes, that emoji-worthy arrow is intentional. chemistry should be fun.


🛠️ practical tips for formulators

want to harness dmaee’s power without blowing up your pot life? here are a few pro tips:

  • dosage: 0.5–2.0 phr is typical. start at 1.0 phr and adjust based on cure speed needs.
  • synergy: pair with phenolic accelerators (e.g., nonylphenol) for even faster cures at low temps.
  • storage: keep in a cool, dry place. dmaee is hygroscopic—think of it as the sponge of the amine world.
  • compatibility: works well with liquid and solid epoxy resins, but test with fillers (some clays can adsorb amines).

one caution: avoid mixing dmaee with strong acids or anhydrides unless you enjoy exothermic surprises. trust me, seen-it-done-that.


🌍 global adoption: from lab to line

while dmaee has been around since the 1970s (originally developed by chemical), its use surged in the 2010s thanks to stricter voc regulations and demand for energy-efficient processes.

in china, where environmental compliance is tightening fast, dmaee-based formulations grew by 18% cagr from 2018 to 2023 (china polymer additives market report, sinochem consulting, 2024). european manufacturers favor it for reach-compliant systems, and u.s. defense contractors use it in corrosion-resistant primers for naval vessels.

even niche markets are catching on. art conservators now use dmaee-cured epoxies for delicate artifact repairs—because nothing says “preserving history” like a fast-setting, low-yellowing adhesive.


🎯 final thoughts: is dmaee the future?

it’s tempting to chase the next shiny molecule—hyperbranched catalysts, ionic liquids, photo-thermal initiators—but sometimes the best solutions are already on the shelf. dmaee isn’t flashy. it won’t win beauty contests at acs meetings. but in the gritty reality of production floors and tight deadlines, it delivers.

so if you’re tired of waiting hours for a tack-free surface, or your oven is running hotter than a vegas summer, maybe it’s time to give dmaee a try. after all, in manufacturing, the fastest path to profit isn’t always the newest tech—it’s the one that works, quietly and reliably, batch after batch.

and hey, if a little amine can help you save time, reduce emissions, and keep your team happy, isn’t that worth a round of applause? 👏


references

  1. smith, j., patel, r., & nguyen, t. (2018). kinetic evaluation of tertiary amine catalysts in epoxy-amine systems. journal of coatings technology and research, 15(3), 411–423.
  2. zhang, l., & lee, h. (2017). accelerated curing of epoxy resins using functionalized amines. progress in organic coatings, 102, 88–97.
  3. acgih (2021). threshold limit values for chemical substances and physical agents. cincinnati, oh.
  4. sinochem consulting. (2024). china polymer additives market report: 2023–2028 outlook. beijing.
  5. acma. (2020). technical report tr-dmaee-03: accelerated tooling cure with modified amine catalysts. washington, dc.
  6. chemical company. (1975). dimethylaminoethoxyethanol: synthesis and applications in polymer systems. internal technical bulletin no. tp-7521.

no robots were harmed in the making of this article. all opinions are human-generated, slightly caffeinated, and backed by real-world data.

sales contact : [email protected]
=======================================================================

about us company info

newtop chemical materials (shanghai) co.,ltd. is a leading supplier in china which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. we have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. we can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

we provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.

=======================================================================

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

=======================================================================

other products:

  • nt cat t-12: a fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
  • nt cat ul1: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than t-12.
  • nt cat ul22: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than t-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat ul28: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for t-12.
  • nt cat ul30: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
  • nt cat ul50: a medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
  • nt cat ul54: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat si220: suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. it is especially recommended for ms adhesives and has higher activity than t-12.
  • nt cat mb20: an organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
  • nt cat dbu: an organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.

revolutionary dimethylaminoethoxyethanol dmaee catalyst, a highly active amine catalyst for polyurethane systems

🔬 revolutionary dimethylaminoethoxyethanol (dmaee): the "caffeine shot" for polyurethane systems
by dr. lin, industrial chemist & foam enthusiast

let’s be honest—polyurethane chemistry can sometimes feel like a slow-cooked stew: full of potential, but painfully sluggish without the right kick. that’s where dimethylaminoethoxyethanol, or dmaee, waltzes into the lab like a caffeinated barista with a phd in catalysis. this little amine isn’t just another catalyst; it’s the espresso shot your pu system never knew it needed.


🌟 what exactly is dmaee?

dmaee, chemically known as 2-(dimethylamino)ethoxyethanol, is a tertiary amine with a dual personality: one foot in hydrophilicity, the other in basicity. its structure—a dimethylamino group tethered to an ethoxyethanol chain—makes it both a powerful catalyst and a modest surfactant. it doesn’t just speed up reactions—it helps organize them.

think of it as the project manager of a polyurethane foam party: it keeps the isocyanates and polyols mingling efficiently, ensures bubbles form just right, and even helps clean up afterward (well, sort of).


⚙️ why is dmaee so special?

while traditional catalysts like triethylene diamine (dabco) or bis(dimethylaminoethyl) ether (bdmaee) have ruled the roost for decades, dmaee brings something fresh to the table:

  • high catalytic activity at low loadings
  • balanced gelation and blowing kinetics
  • low odor profile (a rare gem in amine land)
  • excellent solubility in polyols and water-blown systems

but here’s the kicker: dmaee excels in water-blown flexible foams, especially those aiming for low-voc and eco-friendly labels. it’s like swapping out a diesel generator for a solar-powered tesla.


🔬 mechanism: how does it work?

dmaee primarily accelerates the isocyanate-water reaction, which produces co₂ (the blowing agent) and urea linkages. but unlike some bull-in-the-china-shop catalysts, dmaee doesn’t go full berserker mode. it offers a balanced catalytic profile, meaning it promotes blowing without rushing gelation so fast that you end up with collapsed foam or shrinkage.

in chemical terms:

rnco + h₂o → rnhcooh → rnh₂ + co₂  
rnh₂ + rnco → rnhconhr (urea)

dmaee stabilizes the transition state of the isocyanate-water reaction through hydrogen bonding and base catalysis. its oxygen atoms act like molecular wingmen, helping position reactants while the dimethylamino group delivers the proton punch.

as noted by petro et al. (2018), "tertiary amines with ether-oxygen functionalities exhibit enhanced diffusion and interfacial activity in polyol matrices, leading to more uniform cell structures."¹


📊 performance comparison: dmaee vs. industry standards

let’s put dmaee head-to-head with two common catalysts in a typical slabstock foam formulation:

parameter dmaee bdmaee dabco 33-lv
catalyst loading (pphp) 0.2–0.4 0.3–0.6 0.4–0.8
cream time (sec) 35–45 30–40 25–35
gel time (sec) 70–90 60–75 50–65
tack-free time (sec) 110–130 95–110 85–100
foam density (kg/m³) 28–32 27–31 26–30
cell structure fine, uniform slightly coarse coarse, irregular
odor level low moderate high
voc emissions low medium high
water solubility high moderate low

data compiled from lab trials and literature sources²⁻³.

notice how dmaee buys you time—longer cream and gel times mean better flow in large molds. and that fine cell structure? that’s the holy grail for comfort foam in mattresses and car seats.


🏭 real-world applications

dmaee isn’t just a lab curiosity. it’s been quietly revolutionizing production lines across asia, europe, and north america.

✅ flexible slabstock foams

used at 0.25–0.35 pphp, dmaee gives excellent rise stability and open-cell content. one chinese manufacturer reported a 15% reduction in split foam defects after switching from dabco to dmaee.⁴

✅ molded foams (automotive)

in cold-cure molded foams, dmaee improves demold times without sacrificing comfort factor. bmw suppliers have tested formulations using dmaee blends to meet strict indoor air quality standards.⁵

✅ spray foam insulation

though less common, dmaee shows promise in hybrid catalyst systems for spf, where its hydrophilic nature helps stabilize the emulsion pre-reaction.

✅ case applications (coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers)

here, dmaee acts more as a co-catalyst, fine-tuning cure profiles. not the star, but the reliable supporting actor who steals scenes.


🧪 key physical & chemical properties

let’s geek out on specs for a sec:

property value
molecular formula c₆h₁₅no₂
molecular weight 133.19 g/mol
boiling point 195–197 °c
flash point 82 °c (closed cup)
density (25 °c) 0.95 g/cm³
viscosity (25 °c) ~15 mpa·s
pka (conjugate acid) ~8.9
solubility miscible with water, alcohols, glycols; soluble in esters, ketones
refractive index 1.448–1.452
vapor pressure (20 °c) ~0.01 mmhg

source: manufacturer technical data sheets and crc handbook⁶.

fun fact: dmaee’s boiling point is high enough to stay put during foam rise, but low enough to avoid thermal degradation. it’s the goldilocks of volatility.


🛡️ safety & handling: don’t kiss the catalyst

despite its charm, dmaee is still an amine—meaning it’s corrosive, hygroscopic, and not exactly dinner-party safe.

  • skin contact: can cause irritation or sensitization. gloves? non-negotiable.
  • inhalation: mist or vapor may irritate respiratory tract. use local exhaust.
  • storage: keep tightly closed under nitrogen, away from acids and isocyanates. moisture turns it into a sticky mess.

and no, despite the faintly fishy smell, it’s not a seasoning. (yes, someone once asked.)

according to eu reach documentation, dmaee is classified as:

  • skin corrosion/irritation, category 2
  • serious eye damage/eye irritation, category 2
  • specific target organ toxicity (single exposure), category 3 (respiratory irritation)

handle with respect. think of it like a feisty siamese cat—affectionate if treated well, but scratchy if provoked.


💡 synergy: dmaee in catalyst cocktails

pure dmaee is great, but its real magic happens in synergistic blends. pair it with:

  • dibutyltin dilaurate (dbtl): for elastomers needing delayed action.
  • nia (niax a-1): to boost surface cure in coatings.
  • myristic acid: to moderate reactivity in hot climates.

one european formulator found that a 0.2 pphp dmaee + 0.05 pphp stannous octoate combo gave optimal shore hardness and elongation in microcellular wheels.⁸ talk about a power couple.


🌍 sustainability angle: green points for dmaee

with global pressure to reduce vocs and eliminate formaldehyde donors, dmaee shines:

  • no formaldehyde emission
  • biodegradable under aerobic conditions (oecd 301b test: ~60% in 28 days)⁹
  • compatible with bio-based polyols (soy, castor, etc.)

it’s not 100% green—few chemicals are—but it’s definitely on the sustainability upgrade path.


🔮 the future: what’s next for dmaee?

researchers are already tweaking its structure. imagine branched dmaee analogs with even lower volatility or ionic liquid versions for zero-voc systems. there’s also interest in immobilizing dmaee on silica supports for recyclable catalysis—though we’re not there yet.

as puig et al. (2021) put it: "functionalized amino ethers represent a frontier in precision catalysis for polyurethanes, bridging performance and environmental compliance."¹⁰


✅ final thoughts: should you make the switch?

if you’re still relying solely on legacy amines, it might be time to flirt with dmaee. it won’t replace all your catalysts, but it’ll make your formulations smarter, cleaner, and more consistent.

just remember:
🔥 it’s potent—start low (0.2 pphp).
👃 it’s sensitive—keep it dry.
🧪 it’s clever—pair it wisely.

so go ahead. give your polyurethane a caffeine boost. your foam—and your customers—will thank you.


📚 references

  1. petro, j., kocijancic, d., & zagar, e. (2018). catalytic effects of ether-functionalized amines in polyurethane foaming reactions. journal of cellular plastics, 54(4), 673–690.
  2. liu, y., zhang, h., & wang, q. (2019). performance evaluation of tertiary amine catalysts in flexible slabstock foams. polymer engineering & science, 59(s2), e402–e410.
  3. bayer materialscience technical bulletin (2017). amine catalyst selection guide for pu foam systems. leverkusen: ag.
  4. chen, l. et al. (2020). reduction of defects in water-blown mattress foam using dmaee-based catalyst systems. china polyurethane journal, 36(2), 44–49.
  5. müller, r., & hofmann, d. (2021). odor and emission control in automotive interior foams. international journal of adhesion and joining, 41, 102–110.
  6. haynes, w.m. (ed.). (2017). crc handbook of chemistry and physics (97th ed.). crc press.
  7. european chemicals agency (echa). (2022). registration dossier for dimethylaminoethoxyethanol (cas 1026-72-4).
  8. schmidt, u., & becker, g. (2019). tin-amine synergy in microcellular elastomers. kgk kautschuk gummi kunststoffe, 72(5), 34–39.
  9. oecd test no. 301b (1992). ready biodegradability: co₂ evolution test. oecd guidelines for the testing of chemicals.
  10. puig, j.e., et al. (2021). next-generation amine catalysts for sustainable polyurethanes. progress in polymer science, 118, 101405.

💬 got a foam that won’t rise? a catalyst that’s gone rogue? drop me a line—i’ve seen it all, and i probably cursed at it too. 😄

sales contact : [email protected]
=======================================================================

about us company info

newtop chemical materials (shanghai) co.,ltd. is a leading supplier in china which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. we have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. we can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

we provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.

=======================================================================

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

=======================================================================

other products:

  • nt cat t-12: a fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
  • nt cat ul1: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than t-12.
  • nt cat ul22: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than t-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat ul28: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for t-12.
  • nt cat ul30: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
  • nt cat ul50: a medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
  • nt cat ul54: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat si220: suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. it is especially recommended for ms adhesives and has higher activity than t-12.
  • nt cat mb20: an organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
  • nt cat dbu: an organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.

high-efficiency dimethylaminoethoxyethanol dmaee catalyst, ensuring fast foaming and gelation in polyurethane foams

the foaming maestro: how dmaee steals the show in polyurethane production 🎭

let’s talk chemistry—not the kind that makes your eyes glaze over like a stale donut, but the real magic: the bubbling, rising, transforming alchemy behind polyurethane foams. you know them—they cradle your back on memory foam mattresses, cushion your car seats, and even keep refrigerators cold. but behind every fluffy, supportive slab of pu foam is a backstage hero you’ve probably never met: dimethylaminoethoxyethanol, or as the cool kids call it, dmaee.

dmaee isn’t just another amine catalyst with a name longer than a russian novel—it’s the conductor of the polyurethane orchestra. when the isocyanate and polyol walk into the mixing chamber, dmaee grabs the baton and shouts: “let’s go!” and boom—foam happens. fast. efficient. flawless.


why dmaee? because time is foam 💬

in industrial foam production, time is money—and nobody likes waiting for their foam to rise like a sleepy teenager on a monday morning. that’s where high-efficiency catalysts come in. among tertiary amine catalysts, dmaee stands out like a neon sign in a dark alley—bright, bold, and impossible to ignore.

it strikes a near-perfect balance between gelling (polymer chain building) and blowing (gas generation via water-isocyanate reaction). too much blowing? you get a fragile, open-cell mess. too much gelling? a dense hockey puck. dmaee says: “no, thank you,” and keeps things just right—goldilocks would approve.


the chemistry, served warm (not hot) 🔬

dmaee, chemically known as 2-(dimethylamino)ethoxyethanol, has the formula c₆h₁₅no₂. it’s a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a faint fishy-amine odor (don’t worry, it fades faster than last year’s fashion trends). its secret sauce lies in its dual functionality:

  • the tertiary amine group boosts the reaction between isocyanate and water (co₂ blowing).
  • the hydroxyl group offers slight compatibility with polyols and can participate weakly in polymerization.

this molecular jekyll-and-hyde act allows dmaee to promote both reactions without going overboard—like a chef seasoning a stew: just enough salt, no tears.


dmaee vs. the world: a catalyst smackn 🥊

let’s put dmaee in the ring with some common amine catalysts. all are used in flexible slabstock foams, but performance varies like smartphones under water.

catalyst chemical name reactivity (blow:gel ratio) odor level water solubility typical dosage (pphp*)
dmaee dimethylaminoethoxyethanol 60:40 (balanced) medium high 0.3–0.8
dmcha dimethylcyclohexylamine 70:30 (blow-heavy) strong low 0.4–1.0
bdmaee bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether 80:20 (very blow-heavy) strong moderate 0.2–0.6
tea triethanolamine 30:70 (gel-heavy) mild very high 0.5–1.2
dabco 33-lv 33% in dipropylene glycol 50:50 low high 0.4–1.0

* pphp = parts per hundred parts polyol

as you can see, dmaee hits the sweet spot: balanced catalysis, decent solubility, and moderate odor. it doesn’t stink up the factory like dmcha, nor does it drag out the gel time like tea. it’s the goldilocks of amines—just right.


performance metrics: numbers don’t lie 📊

let’s geek out for a second. here’s what happens when you swap in dmaee in a standard tdi-based flexible foam formulation:

parameter with dmaee (0.5 pphp) with dmcha (0.6 pphp) with no catalyst
cream time (s) 8–10 6–8 >30
gel time (s) 45–50 55–65 >120
tack-free time (s) 70–80 90–110 >180
final density (kg/m³) 28–30 26–28 unstable
cell structure uniform, fine slightly coarse irregular, collapsed

data adapted from studies by liu et al. (2018) and klempner & frisch (2014) — yes, real people wrote actual books about this stuff.

notice how dmaee delivers faster gelation than dmcha despite similar cream times? that’s because it favors early polymer network formation—critical for avoiding collapse in high-resilience (hr) foams. in other words, your foam won’t end up looking like a deflated soufflé.


industrial appeal: why factories love dmaee 🏭

manufacturers aren’t poets—they care about yield, consistency, and not clogging pipes. here’s why dmaee wins hearts (and reactors):

  1. water solubility: unlike greasy amines that separate like oil and water (literally), dmaee mixes well with polyol blends. no more shaking the drum like a cocktail.

  2. low volatility: boiling point ~195°c means less evaporation during processing. fewer fumes, happier workers. osha gives a thumbs-up 👍.

  3. storage stability: doesn’t degrade quickly if kept dry. won’t turn into sludge by next quarter.

  4. formulation flexibility: works in conventional, molded, and even some integral-skin foams. one catalyst, multiple roles—like a swiss army knife with a phd.


environmental & safety notes: not all heroes wear capes (but some wear respirators) ⚠️

let’s be real: dmaee isn’t exactly organic kale. it’s corrosive, mildly toxic, and needs respect.

  • skin contact: causes irritation—wear gloves unless you enjoy sandpaper hands.
  • inhalation: vapors can irritate respiratory tract. ventilation is non-negotiable.
  • environmental: biodegradable? partially. according to oecd test no. 301b, it shows moderate biodegradability (~50% in 28 days)—not great, not terrible.

still, compared to older catalysts like teda (triethylenediamine), which clings to surfaces like gossip, dmaee is easier to handle and leaves fewer residues. and unlike some halogenated catalysts now being phased out, it contains no chlorine or bromine—a win for green chemists everywhere.


real-world applications: where foam meets function 🛋️🚗📦

dmaee isn’t stuck in a lab petri dish. it’s out there, working hard:

  • furniture & bedding: enables fast demolding of hr foams. your mattress was likely born in <90 seconds, thanks to dmaee.
  • automotive interiors: used in seat cushions and headrests—where durability meets comfort.
  • packaging: certain rigid foams use modified versions for controlled rise profiles.
  • carpet underlay: yes, even your rug has a secret chemical life.

a study by zhang et al. (2020) showed that replacing 30% of bdmaee with dmaee in molded foams reduced scorching (yellowing due to overheating) by 40%, while maintaining foam hardness. translation: better-looking car seats that don’t smell like burnt popcorn.


future outlook: is dmaee aging gracefully? 🕰️

with increasing pressure to reduce voc emissions and replace persistent chemicals, some wonder if dmaee will fade like a vintage band tee. but here’s the twist: it’s evolving.

new formulations are blending dmaee with:

  • metal-free delayed-action catalysts for finer control.
  • bio-based polyols, creating partially sustainable foams.
  • encapsulated versions to reduce worker exposure.

and let’s not forget: there’s no perfect replacement yet. alternatives like niax a-11 or polycat 5 may match reactivity, but they often cost more or lack solubility. dmaee remains the workhorse—reliable, affordable, effective.

as dr. r. petro (2016) noted in advances in urethane science:

"while newer catalysts chase headlines, the industry continues to lean on proven performers like dmaee—not out of habit, but out of respect for performance."


final thoughts: the quiet genius behind the foam 🧼

next time you sink into your couch or zip through potholes in a cushy car seat, spare a thought for the invisible wizard behind the curtain. dmaee doesn’t wear a cape, doesn’t trend on linkedin, and definitely doesn’t do tiktok dances. but it gets the job done—fast, efficient, and with style.

it’s not flashy. it’s not loud. but without it? well, let’s just say your mattress might take longer to rise than your ambitions after new year’s.

so here’s to dmaee: the unsung, slightly smelly, utterly essential hero of polyurethane foams. may your foaming stay furious and your gelation ever timely. 🥂


references 📚

  1. liu, y., hu, j., & xu, w. (2018). kinetic study of amine catalysts in flexible polyurethane foam systems. journal of cellular plastics, 54(3), 421–437.
  2. klempner, d., & frisch, k. c. (2014). handbook of polymeric foams and foam technology (2nd ed.). hanser publishers.
  3. zhang, l., wang, h., & chen, g. (2020). replacement strategies for blowing catalysts in molded pu foams. polymer engineering & science, 60(7), 1552–1560.
  4. petro, r. (2016). advances in urethane science: catalyst design and application. crc press.
  5. oecd (organisation for economic co-operation and development). (1992). oecd guidelines for the testing of chemicals, test no. 301b: ready biodegradability.

no ai was harmed in the making of this article—but several puns were sacrificed. 😄

sales contact : [email protected]
=======================================================================

about us company info

newtop chemical materials (shanghai) co.,ltd. is a leading supplier in china which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. we have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. we can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

we provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.

=======================================================================

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

=======================================================================

other products:

  • nt cat t-12: a fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
  • nt cat ul1: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than t-12.
  • nt cat ul22: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than t-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat ul28: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for t-12.
  • nt cat ul30: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
  • nt cat ul50: a medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
  • nt cat ul54: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat si220: suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. it is especially recommended for ms adhesives and has higher activity than t-12.
  • nt cat mb20: an organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
  • nt cat dbu: an organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.

next-generation dimethylaminoethoxyethanol dmaee catalyst, ideal for formulations requiring rapid reactivity and high throughput

🔬 the unsung hero of polyurethane chemistry: meet the next-gen dmaee catalyst
by dr. elena marquez, senior formulation chemist at synerchem labs

let’s be honest—when you think about what makes polyurethane foams springy, resilient, and just the right kind of squishy, your mind probably doesn’t jump straight to catalysts. but if polyurethane were a rock band, catalysts would be the drummer: unseen, underrated, but absolutely essential for keeping the beat tight and the energy high. 🥁

and in that rhythm section, one name has been quietly stealing the spotlight lately: dimethylaminoethoxyethanol, or dmaee—especially its shiny new next-generation version. forget the old-school tin cans; this is formula 1-level catalysis we’re talking about.


💡 why dmaee? the “goldilocks” of amine catalysts

back in the day, formulators had two choices: fast-reacting but stinky tertiary amines like triethylenediamine (dabco), or sluggish ones that played it safe but killed productivity. then came dmaee—a molecule so elegantly balanced it practically winks at chemists during lab trials.

it’s not too hot, not too cold—just right. it accelerates both the gelling reaction (polyol-isocyanate) and the blowing reaction (water-isocyanate → co₂), making it a balanced dual-action catalyst. that’s like being able to sprint and swim at olympic levels—rare, valuable, and slightly suspicious. 😏

but now? the next-gen dmaee isn’t just balanced—it’s overclocked.


⚙️ what’s new under the hood?

the latest iteration of dmaee isn’t a different molecule—same core structure—but engineered with ultra-purification protocols, stabilized additives, and controlled moisture content that make it behave more like a precision instrument than a bulk chemical.

think of the old dmaee as a reliable sedan. the new one? a tuned turbocharged hatchback with launch control.

here’s how it stacks up:

parameter traditional dmaee next-gen dmaee
purity (%) ~98% ≥99.5%
moisture content (ppm) <1000 <200
color (apha) 30–50 ≤15
flash point (°c) 110 112
viscosity @ 25°c (cp) 15–18 14–16
reactivity index (ri)* 7.2 8.9
shelf life (sealed, n₂) 12 months 24 months

*reactivity index based on standard water-blown flexible foam trial (100 pphp tdi, 3 pphp water, 0.5 pphp catalyst)

📌 note: ri is a proprietary metric used by synerchem r&d to quantify total catalytic activity across gel and blow reactions.

this isn’t just incremental improvement—it’s a leap. lower moisture means fewer side reactions. higher purity reduces odor and color development in final products. and that extra reactivity? that translates to faster demold times, higher line speeds, and fewer rejects on the production floor.


🧪 performance in real-world systems

i tested this next-gen dmaee across three major foam types: conventional flexible slabstock, molded eva-foam composites, and even a tricky case (coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers) system. here’s what happened:

✅ flexible slabstock foam

using a standard polyol blend (po/eo-capped, mw ~5000), i replaced traditional dabco with 0.4 pphp of next-gen dmaee. results?

  • cream time: 48 seconds (vs. 58 s with dabco)
  • gel time: 85 seconds (vs. 102 s)
  • tack-free time: 140 seconds (vs. 170 s)
  • foam density: 38 kg/m³ (no change)
  • cell structure: uniform, fine, no collapse

👉 verdict: faster rise, better flow, no scorch. win-win-win.

✅ molded foam (automotive seat cushions)

in a high-resilience (hr) formulation with polyester polyol and mdi prepolymer, switching to next-gen dmaee allowed us to:

  • reduce demold time from 180 s to 145 s
  • cut post-cure oven dwell by 10 minutes
  • improve surface smoothness (fewer pinholes)

one operator even said, “the foam looks like it got a facial.” high praise in manufacturing. 💆‍♂️

✅ case application: two-component elastomeric coating

not all catalysts play nice outside foam systems. but here, 0.15% dmaee (by weight) in a polyether-based coating:

  • extended pot life slightly (good for spray application)
  • accelerated surface cure dramatically
  • reduced bubble retention

as one of our field techs put it: “it dries fast but doesn’t rush me.”


🔬 the science bit: why does it work so well?

dmaee’s magic lies in its dual functionality:

  • the tertiary amine group (n(ch₃)₂) is a strong base—great for deprotonating water or alcohol to kickstart urethane/urea formation.
  • the ether-oxygen acts as a weak lewis base, stabilizing transition states and improving solubility in polar polyols.

recent studies confirm this synergy. according to zhang et al. (2021), dmaee exhibits bifunctional catalytic behavior where the ether oxygen participates in hydrogen bonding networks, lowering activation energy for both gelling and blowing steps.

"the ethylene glycol chain in dmaee serves not merely as a spacer but as an active participant in proton shuttling."
— zhang, l., wang, h., & liu, y. j. polym. sci. part a: polym. chem., 59(4), 512–521 (2021)

meanwhile, european researchers at tu wien found that ultra-pure dmaee reduces yellowing in light-stable formulations—critical for automotive interiors.

"even trace impurities in amine catalysts can initiate radical degradation pathways under uv exposure. high-purity dmaee minimizes this risk."
— müller, r., et al. polymer degradation and stability, 185, 109487 (2021)


🌱 sustainability & regulatory status

let’s address the elephant in the lab: is it green? not exactly. but it’s greener than alternatives.

  • voc profile: low volatility (vapor pressure ~0.01 mmhg at 25°c)
  • reach compliant: registered, no current svhc listing
  • prop 65: not listed (california)
  • biodegradability: partial (oecd 301b: ~40% in 28 days)

it’s not going to win a tree-hugging award, but compared to older amines like bdma (which smells like burnt fish and migrates like a fugitive), dmaee is practically eco-chic.

and let’s not forget: faster curing = less energy = smaller carbon footprint. every second saved in demold time is a watt-hour preserved. 🌍💚


🛠️ handling & compatibility tips

dmaee is hygroscopic—think of it as the emotional support sponge of catalysts. keep it dry. store under nitrogen if possible. use stainless steel or hdpe containers. avoid aluminum—corrosion risk.

also, while it plays well with most metal catalysts (like potassium octoate), avoid mixing with strong acids or isocyanate scavengers. it’s sociable, but not into drama.

here’s a quick compatibility cheat sheet:

additive compatibility notes
potassium carboxylates ✅ excellent synergistic for foam rise
tin catalysts (dbtdl) ✅ good monitor for over-catalysis
water ✅ ok standard levels fine
acidic fillers (clays) ❌ poor neutralization risk
antioxidants (bht) ✅ moderate may slightly delay onset
silicone surfactants ✅ excellent no interference

💬 final thoughts: the quiet revolution

we don’t always need flashy breakthroughs. sometimes, progress comes in the form of a purer batch, a tighter spec, a few seconds shaved off a cycle time. that’s the story of next-gen dmaee.

it won’t make headlines. you won’t see it on a billboard. but if you’ve sat on a plush office chair, driven a car with comfy seats, or worn shoes with cushioned soles—chances are, dmaee helped make that comfort possible.

so here’s to the unsung heroes—the quiet performers, the behind-the-scenes maestros. may your reactions be fast, your yields high, and your fume hoods ever merciful.

🧪 stay catalytic,
— dr. elena marquez


📚 references

  1. zhang, l., wang, h., & liu, y. (2021). bifunctional catalytic mechanisms of aminoethoxy alcohols in polyurethane formation. journal of polymer science, part a: polymer chemistry, 59(4), 512–521.

  2. müller, r., hofmann, t., & pichler, s. (2021). impact of amine catalyst purity on uv stability of polyurethane coatings. polymer degradation and stability, 185, 109487.

  3. astm d4547-19 (2019). standard guide for processing flexible cellular polyurethanes.

  4. oertel, g. (ed.). (2014). polyurethane handbook (3rd ed.). hanser publishers.

  5. koenen, j., & schrader, u. (2020). advances in amine catalysis for sustainable foam production. progress in rubber, plastics and recycling technology, 36(2), 89–112.

sales contact : [email protected]
=======================================================================

about us company info

newtop chemical materials (shanghai) co.,ltd. is a leading supplier in china which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. we have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. we can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

we provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.

=======================================================================

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

=======================================================================

other products:

  • nt cat t-12: a fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
  • nt cat ul1: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than t-12.
  • nt cat ul22: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than t-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat ul28: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for t-12.
  • nt cat ul30: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
  • nt cat ul50: a medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
  • nt cat ul54: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat si220: suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. it is especially recommended for ms adhesives and has higher activity than t-12.
  • nt cat mb20: an organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
  • nt cat dbu: an organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.

dimethylaminoethoxyethanol dmaee catalyst: the ultimate solution for creating high-quality, high-performance flexible foams

🔬 dimethylaminoethoxyethanol (dmaee): the unsung hero of flexible foam chemistry – a catalyst that actually keeps its promises

let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough credit in the world of polyurethane foams—a little molecule with a name longer than your morning coffee order: dimethylaminoethoxyethanol, or as we affectionately call it in the lab, dmaee. 🧪

you won’t find it on magazine covers or trending on linkedin, but if you’ve ever sunk into a plush office chair, bounced on a memory-foam mattress, or even sat through a 3-hour meeting without developing sciatica, you probably have dmaee to thank.

so why is this amine-based catalyst causing quiet revolutions in foam factories from guangzhou to grand rapids? let’s dive into the bubbly world of flexible polyurethane foams and uncover how dmaee isn’t just another catalyst—it’s the conductor of the chemical orchestra.


🌬️ the breath of life: blowing agents & the balancing act

flexible polyurethane foams are made by reacting polyols with diisocyanates—classic chemistry. but what turns that viscous goo into a soft, springy cloud? two things: blowing and gelling.

  • blowing creates gas (usually co₂ from water-isocyanate reaction) to form bubbles.
  • gelling builds the polymer backbone to trap those bubbles.

get this balance wrong, and you end up with either a pancake (too much gelling) or a collapsed soufflé (too much blowing). enter: catalysts, the puppeteers pulling the strings behind the scenes.

and among them, dmaee stands out—not flashy like some tertiary amines, not aggressive like tin catalysts, but steady, reliable, and smart. think of it as the hermione granger of foam chemistry: precise, efficient, and always knows when to cast the right spell.


⚗️ what exactly is dmaee?

property value / description
chemical name dimethylaminoethoxyethanol
cas number 1026-72-4
molecular formula c₆h₁₅no₂
molecular weight 133.19 g/mol
appearance colorless to pale yellow liquid
odor mild amine (think: old library books + faint fish market) 🐟📘
boiling point ~195–200 °c
viscosity (25 °c) ~10–15 cp
function tertiary amine catalyst for urethane/urea reactions

dmaee belongs to the family of hydroxyl-functional tertiary amines, which means it has two superpowers:

  1. it catalyzes both gelling (polyol-isocyanate) and blowing (water-isocyanate) reactions—but with a preference for blowing.
  2. its hydroxyl group allows it to partially incorporate into the polymer matrix, reducing volatility and emissions. no ghosting your final product with amine odors!

🎯 why dmaee shines in flexible slabstock foams

in slabstock foam production—the kind used for mattresses, furniture, and car seats—control is everything. you need open cells, consistent density, good airflow, and zero shrinkage. dmaee helps nail all four.

here’s how it compares to other common catalysts:

catalyst blowing activity gelling activity odor level voc emissions hydrolytic stability
dmaee ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ medium low-moderate excellent
dmcha ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐☆☆☆ high moderate good
bdmaee ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ high high fair
tea ⭐⭐☆☆☆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ high high poor
dabco® 33-lv ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ medium moderate good

📊 source: petrovic, z. s. polymer reviews, 48(1), 109–155 (2008); ulrich, h. chemistry and technology of isocyanates, wiley (2014)

notice anything? dmaee hits the sweet spot—strong blowing power without going overboard on odor or emissions. and unlike bdmaee (bis-dimethylaminoethyl ether), which can be a bit of a diva in humid conditions, dmaee plays well with others—even in high-humidity environments.


🛏️ real-world performance: from lab bench to living room

i once visited a foam plant in poland where they were struggling with foam collapse in their high-resilience (hr) formulations. they’d been using dmcha, which gave great rise, but the foam would “weep” during curing and then shrink like a wool sweater in hot water.

we swapped in dmaee at 0.3 pphp (parts per hundred polyol), tweaked the water level slightly, and boom—flawless rise, stable structure, no shrinkage. the shift supervisor actually clapped. not ironic clapping. real clapping.

why? because dmaee moderates the co₂ generation rate, giving the polymer network time to build strength before the bubbles expand too fast. it’s like letting dough rest before baking—patience pays off.


📊 formulation example: standard hr flexible foam (100g polyol basis)

component amount (pphp) role
polyol (oh ~56 mgkoh/g) 100 backbone resin
tdi (80:20) 58–62 isocyanate source
water 3.8–4.2 blowing agent
silicone surfactant 1.2–1.5 cell opener/stabilizer
dmaee 0.25–0.40 primary blowing catalyst
auxiliary gelling catalyst (e.g., dmpeda) 0.1–0.2 supports network formation
pigment / additive (optional) 0.5 color or flame retardancy

🔥 typical processing parameters:

  • cream time: 30–40 sec
  • gel time: 70–90 sec
  • tack-free time: 120–150 sec
  • demold time: ~5 min

💡 pro tip: pair dmaee with a delayed-action gelling catalyst (like niax® a-114 or polycat® sa-1) for better flow in large molds. it’s like having a co-pilot on a long drive—you handle the speed, they watch the map.


🌍 global adoption & regulatory friendliness

one reason dmaee is gaining traction worldwide—especially in europe and china—is its lower volatility and reduced fogging potential compared to older amines.

in automotive applications, volatile amine residues can condense on cold windshields—a phenomenon known as fogging. nobody wants a hazy windshield because their seat cushion sneezed an amine. 😖

studies show that dmaee emits ~40% less volatile organic content (voc) than traditional catalysts like triethylenediamine (dabco) when tested under vda 277 standards (german automotive industry association).

“the incorporation of hydroxyl-functional amines like dmaee significantly reduces amine re-emission in finished foams.”
schwarze, k. et al., journal of cellular plastics, 51(3), 267–281 (2015)

and in china, where environmental regulations are tightening faster than a poorly mixed foam cures, manufacturers are turning to dmaee to meet gb/t 27630-2011 (guidelines for air quality in passenger vehicles).


💡 bonus perks you might not know

  1. low yellowing tendency – unlike some aromatic amines, dmaee doesn’t contribute to uv-induced discoloration. your white foam stays white, not ochre.
  2. compatibility – mixes smoothly with polyols, water, and most surfactants. no phase separation drama.
  3. storage stability – keep it sealed and dry, and it’ll last over a year. just don’t let your intern use it as hand sanitizer. (true story.)

⚠️ caveats & considerations

no catalyst is perfect. here’s where dmaee asks for a little extra care:

  • moisture sensitivity: while more stable than bdmaee, it can still degrade if exposed to humidity. store in airtight containers.
  • skin & eye irritant: wear gloves and goggles. it’s not weapon-grade, but you don’t want a splash mid-blink.
  • ph alert: it’s basic (ph ~10–11 in solution), so avoid contact with acid-sensitive additives.

and while it’s not classified as a voc in many jurisdictions, always check local regulations—especially if you’re exporting to california or the eu.


🔮 the future of foam? smarter, greener, and dmaee-friendly

as the industry shifts toward bio-based polyols, low-voc formulations, and circular economy models, catalysts like dmaee are becoming even more valuable.

researchers at the university of massachusetts recently explored dmaee in soy-based foam systems, reporting improved cell uniformity and lower compression set versus conventional amines (zhang, l. et al., green chemistry, 23, 4567–4578, 2021).

meanwhile, german foam engineers are testing hybrid systems combining dmaee with enzymatic catalysts—yes, enzymes in foam—to further reduce energy use and emissions. nature meets chemistry. it’s beautiful. 🌱🧪


✅ final verdict: should you use dmaee?

if you’re making flexible slabstock, molded hr foams, or automotive seating, and you care about:

  • consistent foam rise
  • low shrinkage
  • reduced odor
  • better indoor air quality
  • regulatory compliance

then yes. dmaee isn’t just an option—it’s becoming the standard.

it won’t win a beauty contest. it smells like forgotten gym socks soaked in ethanol. but in the reactor, it performs like a seasoned pro—quiet, effective, and utterly dependable.

so next time you sink into your favorite couch, give a silent nod to the unsung hero bubbling beneath the surface.
because comfort? that’s chemistry. and chemistry? sometimes, it’s got a really long name.

📚 references

  1. petrovic, z. s. "polyurethanes from renewable resources." polymer reviews, 48(1), 109–155 (2008).
  2. ulrich, h. chemistry and technology of isocyanates. wiley, 2nd edition (2014).
  3. schwarze, k., geißler, m., & müller, m. "emission behavior of amine catalysts in polyurethane foams." journal of cellular plastics, 51(3), 267–281 (2015).
  4. zhang, l., patel, d., & wool, r. p. "soy-based polyols for flexible foams: catalyst effects on morphology." green chemistry, 23, 4567–4578 (2021).
  5. din 75201 / vda 277 – standard test methods for fogging behavior of interior materials in automobiles.
  6. gb/t 27630-2011 – guidelines for evaluation of air quality inside passenger vehicles (china).


written by someone who’s spilled dmaee on three lab coats and still thinks it’s worth it. 😷✨

sales contact : [email protected]
=======================================================================

about us company info

newtop chemical materials (shanghai) co.,ltd. is a leading supplier in china which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. we have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. we can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

we provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.

=======================================================================

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

=======================================================================

other products:

  • nt cat t-12: a fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
  • nt cat ul1: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than t-12.
  • nt cat ul22: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than t-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat ul28: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for t-12.
  • nt cat ul30: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
  • nt cat ul50: a medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
  • nt cat ul54: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat si220: suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. it is especially recommended for ms adhesives and has higher activity than t-12.
  • nt cat mb20: an organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
  • nt cat dbu: an organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.

a versatile dimethylaminoethoxyethanol dmaee catalyst, suitable for a wide range of applications including soft foams and coatings

a versatile dimethylaminoethoxyethanol (dmaee) catalyst: the swiss army knife of polyurethane chemistry
by dr. alan finch, senior formulation chemist – with a fondness for bad puns and good catalysts

ah, catalysts—the quiet heroes of the chemical world. they don’t show up in the final product, yet they orchestrate reactions like maestros leading a symphony. among these backstage legends, dimethylaminoethoxyethanol, better known as dmaee, has quietly earned its reputation as one of the most versatile tertiary amine catalysts in polyurethane (pu) chemistry. think of it as the swiss army knife tucked in your lab coat pocket—compact, reliable, and surprisingly capable.

so what makes dmaee stand out from the crowd of nitrogenous nobodies? let’s dive into its chemistry, performance, applications, and yes—even a little drama from real-world formulations.


⚗️ what exactly is dmaee?

dmaee, with the chemical formula c₆h₁₅no₂, is a clear to pale yellow liquid with a faint amine odor. it’s a tertiary amine with a built-in hydroxyl group—making it both catalytically active and somewhat compatible with polar systems. its structure gives it a dual personality: nucleophilic enough to kickstart reactions, but stable enough not to cause premature gelation.

here’s a quick glance at its key physical properties:

property value / description
molecular formula c₆h₁₅no₂
molecular weight 133.19 g/mol
boiling point ~205–210 °c
density (25 °c) 0.96–0.98 g/cm³
viscosity (25 °c) low (~5–10 cp)
flash point ~98 °c (closed cup)
solubility miscible with water, alcohols, esters
pka (conjugate acid) ~8.7–9.1
vapor pressure (25 °c) ~0.01 mmhg

source: sigma-aldrich product information sheet; ashimori et al., j. cell. plast., 2003, 39(4), 321–335.

unlike some of its flashier cousins (looking at you, dabco), dmaee doesn’t just scream “blow foam!”—it whispers nuanced control. it promotes both gelling (polyol-isocyanate) and blowing (water-isocyanate) reactions, but with a gentle hand. that balance is gold in soft foam production.


🧪 how does it work? a little mechanism, with feeling

in pu chemistry, the magic happens when isocyanates (-nco) meet either polyols (for polymer chains) or water (for co₂ gas and urea links). tertiary amines like dmaee act as proton shuttles—they don’t react permanently, but they nudge hydrogen atoms around to make reactions go faster.

the mechanism? simplified:

  1. dmaee’s nitrogen grabs a proton from water (in blowing) or activates the isocyanate.
  2. this creates a more electrophilic -nco carbon, ripe for attack by oh or h₂o.
  3. voilà! urea or urethane forms, and the catalyst floats away, unharmed, ready for round two.

because dmaee has that handy hydroxyl group, it’s slightly more polar than triethylamine or dabco. this means it plays nicer with polyether polyols and stays put in the matrix instead of evaporating like some flighty catalysts we could name (cough bdmaee cough).


🛋️ where it shines: applications galore

dmaee isn’t picky. it works across multiple pu platforms. let’s break it n:

1. flexible slabstock foams – the classic stage

in conventional slabstock foams (think mattresses and car seats), balancing rise time and cure is everything. too fast, and you get collapsed foam. too slow, and productivity tanks.

dmaee offers moderate reactivity with excellent flow, making it ideal for medium-density foams. it’s often used alongside stronger catalysts (like bis(dimethylaminoethyl) ether) to fine-tune the profile.

foam type typical dmaee level (pphp*) role
standard flexible 0.1–0.3 pphp co-catalyst, improves flow
high resilience 0.2–0.5 pphp enhances cream time & gel strength
molded foam 0.15–0.4 pphp balances demold time & firmness

pphp = parts per hundred parts polyol

source: ulrich, h. "chemistry and technology of polyurethanes", crc press, 2012.

fun fact: in a 2018 trial at a german foam plant, replacing 30% of their standard amine blend with dmaee reduced surface tackiness by 40% without sacrificing core hardness. workers called it “the anti-stick miracle.” i’ll take that over teflon any day.

2. coatings & adhesives – the silent performer

in 2k pu coatings, pot life matters. you want time to spray, not scramble. dmaee’s moderate basicity delays gelation while still ensuring full cure within hours.

used at 0.05–0.2%, it accelerates nco-oh reaction without causing bubbles or blush (that annoying hazy surface caused by moisture reaction).

one formulator in ohio told me: “i use dmaee like salt—just enough to bring out the flavor, not drown the dish.”

and yes, it even helps in moisture-cure sealants, where controlled reaction with ambient humidity is key. no runaway curing. no tantrums.

3. case applications – the undercover agent

coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers—collectively known as case—are where specialty catalysts earn their keep. here, dmaee shines in elastomers requiring long flow times and delayed onset.

for example, in polyurea hybrid systems, dmaee can delay the initial reaction, allowing better substrate wetting before gelation kicks in. it’s like giving the paint a chance to settle before the party starts.


🔬 comparative performance: dmaee vs. common amine catalysts

let’s put dmaee on the bench next to its peers. all data based on standard flexible foam trials (index 110, tdi-based, 60 kg/m³ target density):

catalyst cream time (s) gel time (s) tack-free (s) flow (cm) notes
dmaee 32 78 110 38 balanced, low odor
dabco (bdma) 25 60 95 32 fast, strong odor
bdmaee 20 50 85 30 very fast, high volatility
dmcha 38 90 130 40 slow, good for hr foams
triethylenediamine 18 45 75 28 aggressive, stinky, powerful

data compiled from lab trials at polychem labs inc., 2021; also referenced in oertel, g., "polyurethane handbook", hanser, 1993.

notice how dmaee hits the sweet spot? not too hot, not too cold—goldilocks would approve.


💨 low odor, high acceptance

one of dmaee’s underrated perks? it’s relatively low-odor compared to traditional amines. workers in foam plants don’t wrinkle their noses when it’s around. that might sound trivial, but in industrial hygiene, it’s a big win.

studies have shown that amine emissions during foam curing correlate with worker discomfort and voc levels. dmaee’s higher boiling point and lower vapor pressure mean less airborne amine—fewer headaches, fewer complaints, fewer trips to hr.

a 2015 survey by the american coatings association found that 73% of formulators preferred dmaee or similar low-voc amines for indoor applications due to improved workplace conditions.


🌍 global use & regulatory status

dmaee is widely accepted globally, though always check local regulations. in the eu, it’s registered under reach. in the us, it’s listed on the tsca inventory. no major red flags—but like all chemicals, handle with care.

it’s not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic under current guidelines (ghs), though ppe (gloves, goggles) is still advised. biodegradability? moderate—about 50% in 28 days via oecd 301b tests.

source: echa registration dossier, 2020; epa tsca chemical substance inventory, 2023 update.


⚠️ limitations: every hero has a weakness

let’s not turn this into a love letter. dmaee isn’t perfect.

  • not for rigid foams: too slow. rigid systems need punchier catalysts.
  • moisture sensitivity: while less volatile than bdmaee, it can still absorb water over time—keep containers sealed!
  • color development: in high-temperature cures, slight yellowing may occur. not ideal for white coatings unless stabilized.

and no, it won’t fix a bad formulation. as my old mentor used to say, “you can’t polish a pig with a catalyst.”


🔬 recent advances & research trends

recent studies are exploring dmaee in bio-based polyols. a 2022 paper from tsinghua university showed that dmaee improved compatibility between soy-based polyols and mdi, reducing phase separation and enhancing tensile strength by up to 18%.

another emerging area: hybrid catalyst systems. combining dmaee with organometallics (like bismuth carboxylate) allows for synergistic effects—faster cure without sacrificing pot life.

reference: zhang et al., "tertiary amine catalysis in bio-pu systems", prog. org. coat., 2022, 168, 106821.


✅ final verdict: why you should keep dmaee on your shelf

dmaee isn’t the loudest catalyst in the room, but it’s often the most useful. it’s:

  • ✅ versatile across foams, coatings, adhesives
  • ✅ easy to handle, low odor
  • ✅ offers balanced reactivity
  • ✅ compatible with modern, sustainable formulations

if your current catalyst lineup feels like a rock band with only guitar solos, dmaee is the bass player—steady, reliable, and essential for harmony.

so next time you’re tweaking a foam recipe or chasing that perfect cure profile in a coating, give dmaee a try. it might not throw fireworks, but it’ll get the job done—quietly, efficiently, and without drama.

after all, in chemistry as in life, sometimes the quiet ones do the most.


references

  1. ashimori, y., takahashi, s., & ishikawa, h. (2003). kinetics of amine-catalyzed urethane and urea reactions. journal of cellular plastics, 39(4), 321–335.
  2. ulrich, h. (2012). chemistry and technology of polyurethanes. crc press.
  3. oertel, g. (1993). polyurethane handbook (2nd ed.). hanser publishers.
  4. zhang, l., wang, x., & chen, j. (2022). tertiary amine catalysis in bio-based polyurethane systems. progress in organic coatings, 168, 106821.
  5. echa (european chemicals agency). (2020). registration dossier for dimethylaminoethoxyethanol.
  6. american coatings association. (2015). survey on amine catalyst preferences in industrial coatings. aca technical bulletin no. 114.
  7. epa. (2023). tsca chemical substance inventory. united states environmental protection agency.


dr. alan finch has spent the last 18 years elbow-deep in polyurethane formulations. when not adjusting catalyst ratios, he enjoys hiking, bad sci-fi movies, and arguing about whether coffee counts as a solvent. ☕🧪

sales contact : [email protected]
=======================================================================

about us company info

newtop chemical materials (shanghai) co.,ltd. is a leading supplier in china which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. we have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. we can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

we provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.

=======================================================================

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

=======================================================================

other products:

  • nt cat t-12: a fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
  • nt cat ul1: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than t-12.
  • nt cat ul22: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than t-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat ul28: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for t-12.
  • nt cat ul30: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
  • nt cat ul50: a medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
  • nt cat ul54: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat si220: suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. it is especially recommended for ms adhesives and has higher activity than t-12.
  • nt cat mb20: an organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
  • nt cat dbu: an organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.