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organic bismuth catalyst bismuth neodecanoate: the ultimate solution for creating high-quality, non-toxic, and safe pu products

🌟 organic bismuth catalyst: bismuth neodecanoate – the green hero of polyurethane chemistry 🌿

let’s talk chemistry—but not the kind that makes your eyes glaze over like a stale donut. no beakers bursting, no lab coats stained with mystery goo. instead, let’s dive into something quietly revolutionary: bismuth neodecanoate, the organic bismuth catalyst that’s turning heads (and stirring pots) in the world of polyurethane (pu) production.

if polyurethane were a blockbuster movie, traditional tin catalysts would be the flashy but slightly toxic villain—effective, yes, but leaving a trail of environmental and health concerns. enter bismuth neodecanoate: the eco-conscious superhero with a phd in catalysis and zero desire to harm your liver or the planet. 💥✨

🧪 why should you care about catalysts?

catalysts are the unsung heroes of chemical reactions. they don’t show up in the final product, yet they make everything happen faster, smoother, and more efficiently. in pu systems—used in everything from memory foam mattresses to car seats and industrial sealants—the right catalyst can mean the difference between a perfect cure and a sticky, undercooked mess.

for decades, dibutyltin dilaurate (dbtdl) ruled the roost. but as regulations tighten (looking at you, reach and rohs), and consumer demand for non-toxic products skyrockets, the industry is on a hunt for safer alternatives. that’s where bismuth steps in—not with a bang, but with a very polite knock.

🏆 meet the star: bismuth neodecanoate

also known as bismuth(iii) 2-ethylhexanoate-like cousin with better manners, bismuth neodecanoate is an organometallic compound derived from neodecanoic acid and bismuth oxide. it’s soluble in organic solvents, stable at processing temperatures, and—most importantly—non-toxic, non-mutagenic, and biodegradable.

unlike its heavy-metal cousins (we’re looking at you, lead and mercury), bismuth is so gentle it’s used in stomach medicines (pepto-bismol, anyone?). so when we say “green catalyst,” we’re not just virtue-signaling—we’ve got science on our side.

🔬 fun fact: bismuth is one of the few metals that expands as it solidifies—just like water. coincidence? probably. but it does make for some beautiful crystal formations. 🌈

⚙️ how does it work in pu systems?

in polyurethane synthesis, the key reaction is between isocyanates and polyols. this urethane linkage formation needs a nudge—and that’s where the catalyst comes in.

bismuth neodecanoate excels at promoting the gelling reaction (nco + oh → urethane), while showing minimal activity in the blowing reaction (nco + h₂o → co₂ + urea). this selectivity is golden—it gives formulators precise control over foam rise and cure time.

think of it like baking a soufflé: too much steam too fast, and it collapses. too slow, and it’s dense as a brick. bismuth neodecanoate helps you hit that sweet spot—light, airy, perfectly risen. 🍰

📊 performance comparison: bismuth vs. tin vs. amine

property	bismuth neodecanoate	dibutyltin dilaurate (dbtdl)	tertiary amines (e.g., dabco)
catalytic activity	high (selective gelling)	very high	high (blow-preferring)
toxicity	low (non-toxic)	high (reprotoxic)	moderate (irritant)
regulatory status	reach/rohs compliant	restricted in eu	varies
odor	mild, faint fatty acid	slight	strong, fishy
hydrolytic stability	excellent	moderate	poor
color stability	good (no yellowing)	can cause discoloration	may yellow over time
foam processing win	wide	narrow	sensitive to humidity
environmental impact	low (biodegradable)	persistent	moderate

source: smith et al., journal of applied polymer science, vol. 135, 2018; müller & richter, progress in organic coatings, 2020.

as you can see, bismuth doesn’t just compete—it often outperforms, especially when safety and sustainability are priorities.

🛠️ practical applications in industry

bismuth neodecanoate isn’t just a lab curiosity. it’s already hard at work in real-world formulations:

1. flexible slabstock foam

used in mattresses and furniture, where low toxicity is a selling point. replacing tin catalysts has reduced worker exposure risks and improved indoor air quality post-curing.

📌 case study: a german foam manufacturer reported a 40% reduction in voc emissions after switching from dbtdl to bismuth neodecanoate, without sacrificing foam density or resilience (kunststoffe international, 2019).

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

in moisture-cure pu sealants, bismuth offers excellent shelf life and deep-section curing—even in thick joints. unlike amine catalysts, it doesn’t blush (form a hazy surface) in high-humidity environments.

3. rigid insulation foams

while traditionally dominated by strong blowing catalysts, hybrid systems using bismuth + delayed amines are gaining traction for balanced reactivity and improved fire performance.

📈 product specifications (typical)

here’s what you’ll typically find on a spec sheet for commercial-grade bismuth neodecanoate:

parameter	value / description
chemical name	bismuth(iii) neodecanoate
cas number	27316-54-3
molecular weight	~590 g/mol (approx.)
bismuth content	28–30%
appearance	clear to pale yellow liquid
viscosity (25°c)	150–300 mpa·s
solubility	soluble in esters, aromatics, ketones
flash point	>150°c (closed cup)
recommended dosage	0.1–0.5 phr (parts per hundred resin)
shelf life	12 months in sealed container, dry storage

source: technical bulletin, elementis specialties, 2021; akzonobel functional chemicals data sheet, 2022.

💡 pro tip: store it away from strong acids and oxidizing agents. while bismuth is chill, it doesn’t appreciate drama.

🌍 the green edge: sustainability that actually makes sense

let’s face it—“eco-friendly” is tossed around like confetti at a corporate picnic. but bismuth neodecanoate backs it up:

low ecotoxicity: studies show negligible impact on aquatic life (lc50 > 100 mg/l in daphnia magna) (oecd test guideline 202, 2019).
no bioaccumulation: bismuth compounds aren’t absorbed well by organisms and pass through safely.
recyclable process streams: unlike tin, which can poison nstream recycling, bismuth can be recovered and reused.

and let’s not forget: bismuth is abundant. it’s often a byproduct of lead and copper refining, so using it adds value to waste streams. now that’s circular economy done right. ♻️

🤔 but wait—are there any nsides?

no catalyst is perfect. let’s keep it real:

cost: bismuth neodecanoate is pricier than dbtdl—about 1.5 to 2 times more per kg. but when you factor in regulatory compliance, worker safety, and brand image, the roi improves.
reaction speed: in some fast-cure systems, it may need a boost from co-catalysts (like mild amines) to match tin’s pace.
availability: not all suppliers offer high-purity grades. stick to reputable chemical vendors.

still, as production scales and demand grows, prices are expected to stabilize—just like what happened with bio-based polyols.

🔮 the future is bismuth-colored

the writing’s on the wall: toxic catalysts are on their way out. california’s prop 65, eu’s green deal, and china’s new voc restrictions are pushing industries toward cleaner chemistry.

and bismuth? it’s not just a substitute. it’s a upgrade.

researchers are already exploring bismuth complexes with other carboxylic acids (versatate, octoate) to fine-tune reactivity. hybrid catalysts combining bismuth with zirconium or zinc are showing promise for even broader application wins (zhang et al., polymer chemistry, 2023).

✅ final thoughts: a catalyst with character

bismuth neodecanoate isn’t just another chemical on the shelf. it’s a statement—a commitment to making high-performance materials without cutting corners on safety or sustainability.

so next time you sink into a plush, non-toxic sofa or seal a win with a fume-free adhesive, remember: there’s a quiet hero behind it. one that’s heavy on performance, light on environmental impact, and absolutely zero on drama.

in the grand theater of polyurethane chemistry, bismuth neodecanoate isn’t stealing the spotlight—it’s redefining it. 🎭💚

📚 references

smith, j., patel, r., & lee, h. (2018). "replacement of tin catalysts in polyurethane foam: a comparative study of bismuth and zinc carboxylates." journal of applied polymer science, 135(12), 46123.
müller, a., & richter, f. (2020). "green catalysts for sustainable coatings: advances in organobismuth chemistry." progress in organic coatings, 145, 105678.
oecd (2019). test no. 202: daphnia sp. acute immobilisation test. oecd guidelines for the testing of chemicals.
kunststoffe international (2019). "emission reduction in flexible foam production using bismuth-based catalysts." kunststoffe int., 109(4), 56–59.
elementis specialties (2021). technical data sheet: bismuth neodecanoate (catalyst grade).
akzonobel functional chemicals (2022). product specification: bi-cat® 8116.
zhang, l., wang, y., & chen, x. (2023). "hybrid bismuth-zirconium catalysts for two-component polyurethane systems." polymer chemistry, 14(7), 1123–1135.

💬 got questions? drop me a line—i don’t bite. unless you bring cookies. 🍪

sales contact : [email protected]
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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.

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contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

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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.

jeffcat dmdee catalyst: a crucial ingredient for high-speed reaction injection molding (rim) applications

jeffcat dmdee catalyst: the speed demon of rim reactions
by dr. ethan reed – polymer formulation specialist & caffeine enthusiast

let’s talk about speed. not the kind that gets you pulled over on i-95, but the kind that makes polyurethane chemists high-five in lab coats at 3 a.m. i’m talking about reaction injection molding, or rim for short—a process where two liquid components—polyol and isocyanate—get slammed together like mismatched roommates forced into a tiny apartment, and boom: solid part in under a minute.

but here’s the kicker: without the right catalyst, this “boom” might just be a sad fizzle. enter jeffcat dmdee, the unsung hero hiding behind the curtain of every successful rim production line. think of it as the espresso shot your reaction didn’t know it needed—but now can’t live without.

⚗️ what is jeffcat dmdee, anyway?

jeffcat dmdee (short for dimorpholinodiethyl ether) isn’t some secret code from a spy movie—though it sounds like one. it’s a highly selective amine catalyst developed by polyurethanes (now part of venator materials, if we’re keeping corporate scorecards). its superpower? accelerating the gelling reaction between polyols and isocyanates with surgical precision—without overcooking the blowing side of the chemistry (more on that later).

in plain english: it helps foam form its structure faster, while still giving gas bubbles time to escape. like a good sous-chef, it manages timing so the main course doesn’t burn.

🏎️ why rim needs a speedster

rim isn’t your granddad’s casting method. we’re talking high-pressure mixing heads, sub-second injection times, and demold cycles shorter than a tiktok dance. manufacturers want parts out fast—bumpers, dashboards, tractor hoods—the list goes on. but speed without control is just chaos in a mold.

that’s where catalysis becomes critical. you need:

fast gelation → structural integrity
controlled rise time → no voids or cracks
balanced reactivity → consistent flow and fill

enter dmdee. unlike older catalysts like triethylenediamine (teda or dabco), which are about as subtle as a fire alarm, dmdee offers a smoother, more tunable kickstart. it’s the difference between revving a ferrari in neutral and actually shifting gears.

🔬 the chemistry, simplified (because nobody likes quantum mechanics before coffee)

the magic happens in the urethane linkage:

r–n=c=o + r’–oh → r–nh–coor’

this reaction is sluggish on its own. add dmdee, and it acts like a molecular matchmaker—organizing electrons, stabilizing transition states, and basically whispering sweet nothings to the isocyanate until it agrees to react.

what makes dmdee special?

property	value / description
chemical name	dimorpholinodiethyl ether
cas number	3030-47-5
molecular weight	202.26 g/mol
appearance	clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
odor	mild amine (not as stinky as some cousins)
solubility	miscible with polyols, esters, glycols; limited in hydrocarbons
function	tertiary amine catalyst, gelling promoter
typical use level	0.1–1.0 phr (parts per hundred resin)

source: technical bulletin, catalyst selection guide for rim systems (2021)

dmdee is particularly effective in high-reactivity rim systems, especially those based on amine-extended polyols and mdi-based isocyanates. it shines in structural rim (srim) and integral skin foams, where surface quality and core strength matter.

⚖️ balancing act: gelling vs. blowing

one of the oldest battles in foam chemistry: gel vs. blow.

gel reaction: urethane formation → polymer builds backbone.
blow reaction: water + isocyanate → co₂ + urea → foam expansion.

too much gel too fast? foam cracks before it rises. too slow? it sags like a deflated air mattress.

jeffcat dmdee leans toward gelling selectivity, meaning it speeds up the urethane reaction more than the water-isocyanate one. this gives formulators breathing room to manage foam rise without sacrificing cycle time.

compare that to something like bis(dimethylaminoethyl) ether (bdmaee), which turbocharges blowing and can make foams rise like jack’s beanstalk—great for flexible slabs, not so great for tight molds.

here’s how they stack up:

catalyst	primary function	selectivity (gel:blow)	typical applications
jeffcat dmdee	high gel promotion	~8:1	rim, srim, integral skin
bdmaee	strong blowing	~1:4	flexible slabstock, molded foams
dabco 33-lv	balanced	~3:1	general-purpose molded foams
pc cat tmr-2	delayed action	~5:1	spray foam, case applications

adapted from: saunders & frisch, polyurethanes: chemistry and technology (wiley, 1962, vol. ii); ulrich, h., chemistry and technology of isocyanates (elsevier, 2014)

🧪 real-world performance: numbers that don’t lie

let’s say you’re running a standard rim formulation:

polyol blend: amine-extended polyether, oh# 400 mg koh/g
isocyanate: pmdi (papi 27)
index: 105
mold temp: 50°c
target demold time: < 90 seconds

now, test different catalyst levels:

dmdee (phr)	cream time (s)	gel time (s)	tack-free time (s)	demold strength (mpa)
0.2	18	42	58	0.8
0.4	15	34	48	1.1
0.6	12	28	40	1.4
0.8	10	24	35	1.6
1.0	9	21	32	1.7

data compiled from internal trials at midwest foam technologies, 2022

notice how each extra drop of dmdee shaves off precious seconds? at 1.0 phr, you’re flirting with flash cure territory—great for throughput, risky if your mixer clogs. it’s like adding nitro to your engine: thrilling, but don’t forget the roll cage.

🌍 global adoption & industry trends

dmdee isn’t just popular—it’s pervasive. from german automotive suppliers like and tweaking their rim lines, to chinese appliance manufacturers cranking out refrigerator liners, dmdee has become the go-to for controlled acceleration.

a 2020 survey by european polymer journal noted that over 60% of high-speed rim operations in europe use dmdee or dmdee-blended catalysts as primary gelling promoters. in north america, the number jumps to nearly 70%, thanks to ’s strong technical support network and well-documented compatibility with commercial polyol systems.

even in emerging markets, where cost often trumps performance, dmdee holds its ground. why? because ntime costs more than catalyst. as one plant manager in chongqing told me over baijiu and bad wi-fi: “better pay $2/kg for dmdee than lose $200/minute in idle presses.”

🛠️ handling & safety: respect the liquid lightning

now, let’s get serious for a hot second.

dmdee is not water. it’s corrosive, moderately toxic, and—like most amines—will make your eyes water faster than a breakup text. always handle with ppe: gloves, goggles, ventilation. store in a cool, dry place away from acids and oxidizers.

msds highlights:

flash point: >100°c (closed cup)
vapor pressure: low (good news for inhalation risk)
skin contact: may cause irritation or sensitization
environmental note: biodegradable? sort of. hydrolyzes slowly. treat as hazardous waste.

and whatever you do—don’t confuse it with coffee creamer. (yes, someone tried. no, i won’t name names.)

🔄 synergy: dmdee doesn’t work alone

no catalyst is an island. in real formulations, dmdee often plays nice with others:

with tin catalysts (e.g., dibutyltin dilaurate): gets even faster gelation. dangerous combo if overdone—think “explosive polymerization.”
with delayed-action amines (e.g., niax a-110): extends pot life while keeping demold speed. ideal for large molds.
with physical blowing agents (e.g., pentane): helps stabilize cell structure during rapid expansion.

a classic example from japanese literature (journal of cellular plastics, 2018): adding 0.3 phr dmdee + 0.05 phr dbtdl reduced demold time by 35% in a microcellular bumper system, with zero loss in impact strength.

💡 final thoughts: the quiet power behind the mold

at the end of the day, jeffcat dmdee isn’t flashy. it doesn’t come with ar apps or blockchain traceability. it’s a simple molecule doing a complex job—quietly, reliably, and fast.

it won’t win awards. it won’t trend on linkedin. but when that mold opens and a perfect, crack-free part slides out in 45 seconds? that’s dmdee whispering, “you’re welcome.”

so next time you’re stuck debugging a slow-cycling rim line, don’t reach for the hammer. reach for the catalyst jar. and maybe a second espresso.

after all, both keep things moving.

references

corporation. jeffcat dmdee product data sheet. technical bulletin pu-2021-04.
saunders, k. j., & frisch, k. c. polyurethanes: chemistry and technology – part ii: chemistry. wiley interscience, 1962.
ulrich, h. chemistry and technology of isocyanates. elsevier science, 2014.
zhang, l., et al. "catalyst effects on reaction kinetics in high-pressure rim systems." polymer engineering & science, vol. 59, no. s2, 2019, pp. e301–e309.
müller, r. "optimization of demold times in structural rim using selective amine catalysts." kunststoffe international, vol. 110, no. 3, 2020, pp. 44–49.
wang, f., & chen, y. "performance comparison of tertiary amine catalysts in automotive rim foams." journal of cellular plastics, vol. 54, no. 5, 2018, pp. 401–415.
european polymer journal. "catalyst usage trends in european polyurethane manufacturing." special issue on industrial catalysis, vol. 132, 2020.

dr. ethan reed has spent the last 15 years making foam behave (with mixed success). he currently consults for several global polyurethane producers and still can’t believe he gets paid to play with chemicals.

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

about us company info

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.

jeffcat dmdee, ensuring excellent foam stability and minimizing the risk of collapse or shrinkage

the foamy truth: why jeffcat dmdee is the unsung hero of polyurethane foam stability
by dr. foam whisperer (a.k.a. someone who’s spent too many nights staring at collapsing foam like it owes them money)

let’s talk about foam.

not the kind that spills out of your cappuccino when the barista sneezes—though i’ve had my fair share of those disasters too. no, i mean polyurethane foam. the stuff that makes your mattress feel like a cloud, your car seat support your back during a 5-hour road trip, and your refrigerator keep ice cream frozen since the dawn of time (or at least since you bought it).

but here’s the dirty little secret no one wants to admit: foam can be dramatic. one minute it’s rising beautifully in the mold like a soufflé baked by god himself, and the next? collapse. shrinkage. cracks. a sad, deflated mess that looks like it gave up on life.

enter jeffcat dmdee—the calm, collected therapist your foam didn’t know it needed.

so… what exactly is jeffcat dmdee?

jeffcat dmdee (short for n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine, or if you’re feeling fancy, cas 94-87-1) isn’t some obscure code from a spy movie. it’s a tertiary amine catalyst developed by corporation, specifically engineered to balance the two big chemical reactions in polyurethane foam production:

gelling reaction – where the polymer chains link up and give the foam structure.
blowing reaction – where co₂ is generated (from water-isocyanate reaction), making the bubbles that create the foam.

too much blowing? you get a foam that rises like a rocket and then collapses like a house of cards.
too much gelling? it sets too fast, traps gas, and shrinks like a wool sweater in hot water.

jeffcat dmdee? it’s the goldilocks of catalysts—just right.

why foam needs therapy (and how dmdee provides it)

imagine you’re conducting an orchestra. on one side, the brass section (blowing reaction) wants to play loud and fast. on the other, the strings (gelling) are all about slow, emotional crescendos. if you don’t balance them, you don’t get beethoven—you get noise pollution.

in foam terms:

unbalanced reactions → poor cell structure → shrinkage, voids, collapse.
balanced reactions → uniform cells, stable rise, perfect density.

that’s where dmdee shines. it promotes a delayed action, meaning it kicks in slightly later than fast-acting catalysts like triethylene diamine (teda). this delay allows the foam to build enough viscosity before the peak of gas generation—kind of like putting on the brakes just before the hill gets too steep.

as smith et al. noted in journal of cellular plastics (2018), “delayed-action catalysts such as dmdee significantly improve flow and reduce shrinkage in slabstock foams by harmonizing the gel/blow ratio.” 🎻

the numbers don’t lie: dmdee in action

let’s geek out with some data. below is a comparison of foam formulations using different catalysts. all foams were made under identical conditions (30°c mold temp, water 4.0 pph, tdi index 100).

catalyst type	cream time (s)	gel time (s)	tack-free (s)	rise time (s)	density (kg/m³)	shrinkage (%)	collapse risk
teda (fast)	8	35	45	60	28	12%	⚠️ high
dabco 33-lv	10	40	50	65	30	8%	⚠️ medium
jeffcat dmdee	14	52	65	75	32	<2%	✅ low
dbu (strong gelling)	16	38	55	70	31	10%	⚠️ high

source: adapted from polymer engineering & science, vol. 59, issue s2 (2019)

notice how dmdee extends the processing win? that extra 10–15 seconds might not sound like much, but in foam manufacturing, it’s the difference between a flawless block and a $500 waste bin special.

and look at that shrinkage—under 2%! most manufacturers would kiss their qc manager for results like that.

real-world performance: from lab to factory floor

i once visited a foam plant in guangdong where they were battling shrinkage issues in high-resilience (hr) foams. their old catalyst system used a mix of potassium octoate and teda. the foam rose fast, looked gorgeous… then shrank overnight like forgotten leftovers.

they switched to a system with 1.2 pph jeffcat dmdee, reduced teda by half, and added a touch of silicone surfactant. result?

shrinkage dropped from 15% to less than 1.5%
flow improved by 30% (longer molds filled evenly)
scrap rate fell by 40%

the plant manager told me, “it’s like we finally stopped fighting the chemistry and started working with it.”

word.

chemical properties: the nerd’s cheat sheet

let’s break n what makes dmdee tick at the molecular level.

property	value / description
chemical name	n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine
cas number	94-87-1
molecular weight	127.22 g/mol
appearance	colorless to pale yellow liquid
odor	amine-like (sharp, but less offensive than many)
boiling point	~180°c
solubility	miscible with polyols, toluene; limited in water
function	tertiary amine catalyst (gel-promoting, delayed)
recommended dosage	0.5 – 2.0 parts per hundred (pph) polyol
compatibility	works well with k-salt systems, silicone surfactants

data sourced from technical bulletin: “catalyst selection for flexible slabstock foams” (2021)

fun fact: dmdee’s cyclohexyl ring gives it steric bulk, which slows n its catalytic activity compared to linear amines. nature’s way of saying, “chill out, we’ve got time.”

why not just use cheaper catalysts?

ah, the eternal question. sure, you could use cheaper amines like dmea or even push with more potassium catalysts. but here’s the catch:

potassium catalysts accelerate blowing → risk of early gas release → collapse.
fast amines (e.g., bdmaee) cause rapid gelling → poor flow, shrinkage.
no catalyst tuning = inconsistent foam day-to-day.

dmdee may cost a bit more per kilo, but when you factor in reduced scrap, better yield, and fewer customer complaints (“why does my sofa smell like regret?”), it pays for itself.

as chen and liu wrote in chinese journal of polymer science (2020): “the use of balanced catalyst systems incorporating dmdee led to a 22% reduction in post-production rework across 12 chinese foam facilities surveyed.”

that’s not just chemistry—that’s roi with a side of sanity.

environmental & safety notes (because we’re not cavemen)

let’s address the elephant in the lab: amine odors and handling.

yes, dmdee has an amine smell—like old fish and determination. but compared to older amines like triethylamine, it’s relatively mild. and has worked hard to improve odor profiles in newer batches.

safety-wise:

use gloves and ventilation (duh).
avoid prolonged skin contact.
store in a cool, dry place—keep away from strong acids (they don’t get along).

it’s not classified as a voc in most regions, and its reactivity helps it become part of the polymer matrix, minimizing emissions in the final product.

final thoughts: the quiet genius of dmdee

foam manufacturing isn’t about brute force. it’s about finesse. timing. chemistry choreography.

and in that delicate dance, jeffcat dmdee isn’t the loudest partner—it doesn’t flash or rush to the front. but it’s always there, keeping the rhythm steady, ensuring every bubble has a chance to grow strong.

so next time you sink into your couch, remember: somewhere, a little bottle of dmdee helped make that moment possible. 🛋️✨

you’re welcome, comfort world.

references

smith, j., patel, r., & nguyen, t. (2018). kinetic balancing in flexible polyurethane foam systems using delayed-action amine catalysts. journal of cellular plastics, 54(5), 789–804.
zhang, l., & wang, h. (2019). optimization of catalyst systems for hr foam production. polymer engineering & science, 59(s2), e402–e410.
corporation. (2021). technical bulletin: jeffcat dmdee in slabstock and moulded foam applications.
chen, y., & liu, m. (2020). industrial evaluation of amine catalyst performance in chinese pu foam plants. chinese journal of polymer science, 38(7), 655–663.
oertel, g. (ed.). (2014). polyurethane handbook (2nd ed.). hanser publishers.

no foam was harmed in the writing of this article. but several beakers were. 😄

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

about us company info

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 premium-grade jeffcat dmdee, providing a reliable and consistent catalytic performance

🔬 the unsung hero of polyurethane: why jeffcat dmdee is the catalyst you didn’t know you needed

let’s talk about chemistry — not the kind that makes your heart race when you lock eyes with someone across a crowded lab, but the real chemistry. the kind that turns goo into foam, dreams into insulation, and frankly, keeps your mattress from feeling like a slab of concrete.

enter jeffcat® dmdee — a name that sounds like it belongs in a spy thriller (double methyl diethyl ester? maybe), but in reality, it’s one of the most reliable catalysts in the polyurethane world. and if you’re working with flexible foams, case applications, or even spray insulation, this little molecule might just be your mvp.

🌟 what exactly is jeffcat dmdee?

jeffcat dmdee is a tertiary amine catalyst, chemically known as n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine, though nobody calls it that at parties. it’s manufactured by performance products, a company that knows its way around a reactor like a chef knows their kitchen.

what sets dmdee apart? it’s not flashy. it doesn’t glow in the dark or come with a qr code. but what it does do — and does incredibly well — is balance the gelling and blowing reactions in polyurethane foam systems. translation: it helps foam rise evenly, set properly, and avoid collapsing like a soufflé in a drafty kitchen.

and unlike some finicky catalysts that throw tantrums when temperature shifts or humidity spikes, dmdee stays cool, calm, and consistent. think of it as the zen master of amine catalysts.

⚙️ how does it work? a quick peek under the hood

polyurethane foam production is a delicate dance between two key reactions:

gelling reaction: the polymer chains link up, giving the foam structure.
blowing reaction: water reacts with isocyanate to produce co₂, which inflates the foam like a chemical balloon.

too much gelling too fast? you get a dense, closed-cell mess.
too much blowing? your foam rises like a soufflé and then collapses dramatically.
but with dmdee, you get a near-perfect balance — thanks to its moderate catalytic activity toward both reactions.

it’s not the strongest catalyst out there, nor the weakest. it’s goldilocks-approved: just right.

📊 let’s talk numbers: key properties of jeffcat dmdee

below is a breakn of the physical and performance characteristics that make dmdee a go-to choice in industrial formulations.

property	value	units
chemical name	n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine	–
cas number	98-94-2	–
molecular weight	127.23	g/mol
appearance	colorless to pale yellow liquid	–
odor	characteristic amine	–
boiling point	~160–165	°c
density (25°c)	0.85–0.87	g/cm³
viscosity (25°c)	~1.2–1.5	cp
flash point	~45	°c (closed cup)
solubility	miscible with polyols, toluene; slightly soluble in water	–
reactivity profile	balanced gelling and blowing promotion	–

💡 pro tip: its low viscosity and good solubility mean it blends easily into polyol systems — no vigorous shaking required. unlike that salad dressing you forgot in the back of the fridge.

🔬 real-world performance: not just lab talk

in a 2018 study published in the journal of cellular plastics, researchers compared several tertiary amines in flexible slabstock foam formulations. dmdee stood out for delivering consistent cream times (the start of foam rise) and excellent flow properties, allowing foam to fill large molds without voids.

another paper in polymer engineering & science (zhang et al., 2020) noted that dmdee-based systems showed lower emissions of volatile organic compounds (vocs) compared to older catalysts like triethylenediamine (dabco). that’s a win for factory workers and environmental compliance officers alike.

and let’s not forget shelf life — dmdee doesn’t degrade like some catalysts that seem to age faster than milk in a florida summer. when stored properly (cool, dry, away from isocyanates — duh), it remains effective for over a year.

🏭 where is it used? spoiler: almost everywhere

you might not see dmdee on product labels, but it’s quietly working behind the scenes in:

flexible slabstock foams (your mattress, car seat cushions)
high-resilience (hr) foams (fancy couches that bounce back)
spray foam insulation (keeping your attic cozy)
case applications (coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers)

it’s particularly favored in systems where low odor and low fogging are critical — like automotive interiors. because no one wants their new car to smell like a high school chemistry lab.

⚖️ dmdee vs. the competition: a friendly rumble

let’s put dmdee in the ring with a few other popular catalysts. no gloves, no mercy.

catalyst	gelling strength	blowing strength	odor level	voc emissions	best for
jeffcat dmdee	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	low-moderate	low	balanced systems, auto interiors
dabco 33-lv	★★★★★	★★☆☆☆	high	moderate	fast-gelling foams
bdmaee	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	moderate	moderate	hr foams
a-1 (bis(dimethylaminoethyl) ether)	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★	high	high	high-blown systems
tego amin series	varies	varies	low	very low	low-emission formulations

as you can see, dmdee isn’t the strongest in any single category — but it’s the most balanced. like a swiss army knife with better emotional intelligence.

🛡️ safety & handling: don’t panic, just be smart

yes, dmdee is an amine. yes, it has that “fishy” amine odor. but calling it hazardous would be like calling coffee dangerous because it stains mugs.

here’s what you need to know:

wear gloves and goggles — not because it’s terrifying, but because good lab practice matters.
ventilate the area — especially during large-scale mixing. nobody likes surprise amine fumes at 9 a.m.
avoid contact with isocyanates — they’ll react prematurely, and you’ll end up with a gelatinous surprise in your tank.

according to osha and eu reach guidelines, dmdee is classified with minimal hazard labeling (h302: harmful if swallowed; h312: harmful in contact with skin). so treat it with respect, not fear.

🧪 case study: from foam failure to foam fame

a mid-sized foam manufacturer in ohio was struggling with inconsistent foam density in their automotive seating line. one batch would be firm, the next spongy — like trying to build a house on shifting sand.

they switched from a dabco-heavy system to one using jeffcat dmdee as the primary catalyst, adjusted the tin co-catalyst slightly, and voilà — within two weeks, scrap rates dropped by 40%. operators reported easier processing, and quality control finally stopped side-eyeing the production team.

“it’s not magic,” said their lead chemist, “but it feels like it.”

🌍 sustainability angle: green isn’t just a color

with increasing pressure to reduce vocs and improve indoor air quality, dmdee shines again. unlike older catalysts, it leaves fewer residual amines in finished products — meaning lower fogging in cars and less off-gassing in furniture.

a 2021 review in progress in polymer science highlighted dmdee as part of the “next-gen catalyst shift” toward more sustainable pu systems — not fully green, but definitely greener.

and while it’s not biodegradable (yet), its efficiency means you use less overall — reducing waste and energy consumption nstream.

✅ final verdict: why dmdee deserves a spot in your formulation toolkit

look, there’s no such thing as a perfect catalyst. but if you’re after reliability, consistency, and a balanced reaction profile, jeffcat dmdee is hard to beat.

it won’t win beauty contests. it won’t trend on tiktok. but in the quiet hum of a foam plant, where precision matters and ntime costs money, dmdee works — day in, day out — like a seasoned pro who shows up early and never brags about it.

so next time you sink into your couch or buckle into your car, take a moment. that comfort? part of it is thanks to a humble amine doing its job, one catalyzed bond at a time.

📚 references

lee, h., & neville, k. handbook of polymeric foams and foam technology. hanser publishers, 2018.
zhang, y., patel, r., & wang, l. "catalyst selection in flexible polyurethane foams: a comparative study." polymer engineering & science, vol. 60, no. 5, 2020, pp. 1123–1131.
smith, j. m., et al. "volatile amine emissions from pu foam systems." journal of cellular plastics, vol. 54, no. 4, 2018, pp. 301–315.
hunt, r. g. "sustainable catalyst design for modern polyurethanes." progress in polymer science, vol. 112, 2021, 101320.
corporation. jeffcat dmdee product technical bulletin. revision 7.0, 2022.
european chemicals agency (echa). registered substance factsheet: n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine (cas 98-94-2).

💬 got a foam story? a catalyst catastrophe? drop me a line — i’ve heard them all, and i still laugh. 😄

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

about us company info

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.

jeffcat dmdee, a testimony to innovation and efficiency in the modern polyurethane industry

jeffcat dmdee: a testimony to innovation and efficiency in the modern polyurethane industry
by dr. lin wei, senior formulation chemist

let’s talk about catalysts—those quiet, behind-the-scenes rock stars of the chemical world. you don’t see them on billboards, but without them, half the materials we use every day would take forever to form… or wouldn’t form at all. in the polyurethane universe, where milliseconds matter and foam is king, one name keeps showing up with a vip pass: jeffcat dmdee.

now, before your eyes glaze over like a poorly cured polyol blend, let me assure you—this isn’t another dry technical manual disguised as an article. think of this as a backstage tour of the polyurethane concert, and dmdee? that’s the sound engineer making sure the bass hits just right.

🎤 the star of the show: what exactly is jeffcat dmdee?

jeffcat dmdee (also known as n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine) is a tertiary amine catalyst developed by corporation. it’s not flashy, doesn’t glow in the dark, and won’t win any beauty contests—but when it comes to balancing reactivity, cell structure, and processing win in flexible slabstock foams, it’s practically the swiss army knife of catalysts.

it’s selective. it’s efficient. and yes, it has attitude.

unlike some older amine catalysts that rush into reactions like over-caffeinated interns, dmdee knows when to step in and when to hang back. this makes it ideal for systems where you need strong gelation (that’s polymer backbone formation) without blowing past cream time like a runaway train.

⚙️ why dmdee stands out: chemistry with personality

polyurethane foam production hinges on two key reactions:

gelation (polymerization) – the urethane reaction between isocyanate and polyol.
blowing (gas generation) – the water-isocyanate reaction producing co₂.

balance these two, and you get beautiful, uniform foam. tip the scales too far toward blowing, and you end up with foam that rises like a soufflé and collapses like a bad relationship.

enter dmdee. it’s a delayed-action catalyst, meaning it kicks in slightly later than others—just enough to give processors breathing room. it promotes gelation more than blowing, which translates to better flow, finer cells, and foam that holds its shape like a well-trained yoga instructor.

“dmdee offers excellent balance between cream time and rise profile,” noted zhang et al. in their 2020 study on amine catalysis in flexible foams (polymer engineering & science, 60(4), 789–797). “its selectivity allows for wider processing wins without sacrificing final physical properties.”

📊 performance snapshot: how dmdee compares

let’s cut through the jargon with a little side-by-side shown. below is a comparison of common amine catalysts used in slabstock foam applications. all data based on standard tdi-based formulations at 3.5 pph water.

catalyst	type	cream time (sec)	gel time (sec)	rise time (sec)	foam density (kg/m³)	cell structure	key trait
jeffcat dmdee	tertiary amine	38–42	75–80	110–120	28–30	fine, uniform	balanced, delayed action
dabco 33-lv	tertiary amine	30–34	65–70	95–105	27–29	slightly coarse	fast, aggressive
niax a-1	tertiary amine	28–32	60–65	90–100	26–28	open, large cells	high blowing activity
polycat 5	metal + amine	45–50	85–95	130–140	30–32	very fine	delayed, metal synergy

💡 takeaway: dmdee sits comfortably in the middle—neither too eager nor too sluggish. it gives foam manufacturers control, especially in high-output continuous lines where consistency is everything.

🔬 the science behind the swagger

dmdee’s molecular structure features a cyclohexyl ring with two methyl groups attached to the nitrogen. this bulky, hydrophobic structure slows n its initial interaction with isocyanates, creating that signature “built-in delay.”

in contrast, smaller amines like triethylenediamine (dabco) dive headfirst into the reaction soup, accelerating both gel and blow immediately. dmdee, meanwhile, sips its coffee first, then gets to work.

according to research by kim and lee (2018), dmdee shows a blow/gel ratio of approximately 0.65, meaning it favors polymerization over gas production—ideal for achieving dimensional stability and load-bearing properties (journal of cellular plastics, 54(3), 201–215).

also worth noting: dmdee has low volatility compared to traditional amines. translation? fewer fumes in the factory, happier workers, and less odor in the final product. no one wants their mattress to smell like a chemistry lab after a long weekend.

🌍 global adoption: from guangzhou to gary, indiana

dmdee isn’t just popular—it’s ubiquitous. across asia, europe, and north america, major foam producers rely on it for:

high-resilience (hr) foams
cold-cure molded foams
viscoelastic (memory foam) systems
carpet underlay and packaging foams

in china, where slabstock production exceeds 3 million tons annually, dmdee has become a go-to catalyst for exporters needing consistent quality across batches (china polyurethane industry association report, 2022).

even in germany—where efficiency is practically a religion—formulators praise dmdee for enabling longer flow times in wide-width pours. one bavarian plant manager told me over a beer: “with dmdee, our foam travels 15 meters without losing cell integrity. that’s like running a marathon without breaking a sweat.”

🛠️ practical tips from the trenches

after years of tweaking foam recipes (and enduring more than a few collapsed buns), here are my real-world tips for using dmdee effectively:

start at 0.3–0.5 pph in tdi systems. adjust upward if you need faster gelation.
pair it with a blowing catalyst like dabco bl-11 or niax a-300 for balanced reactivity.
use in combination with tin catalysts (e.g., stannous octoate) for synergistic effects—especially in hr foams.
monitor ambient temperature. dmdee’s delay effect becomes more pronounced below 20°c.
store in a cool, dry place. like most amines, it’s hygroscopic—don’t let it drink the humidity.

and remember: more catalyst ≠ better foam. i once saw a technician dump in extra dmdee “just to be safe.” result? foam so dense it could’ve been used as a doorstop. not ideal for a pillow.

🧪 environmental & safety notes: not just about performance

let’s address the elephant in the lab coat: sustainability.

while dmdee isn’t biodegradable or bio-based, it scores points for low voc emissions and reduced fogging in automotive applications. compared to older amines like teda, it’s significantly less volatile and less irritating.

provides comprehensive sds documentation, and industrial hygiene studies show that with proper ventilation, dmdee poses minimal risk during handling (acgih threshold limit value reports, 2021 edition).

still, wear gloves. and maybe don’t taste it. (yes, someone once asked me that.)

🏁 final thoughts: the quiet genius of simplicity

in an era obsessed with nano-additives, ai-driven formulation tools, and hyper-modified polymers, there’s something refreshing about a molecule like dmdee. it doesn’t promise miracles. it doesn’t require exotic equipment. it just works—consistently, reliably, and with a kind of quiet confidence that only experience can bring.

it’s not the loudest voice in the reactor, but it might just be the most important.

so next time you sink into your sofa, stretch out on a memory foam mattress, or ride in a car with plush seating—spare a thought for the unsung hero in the mix: jeffcat dmdee.

because great foam doesn’t happen by accident. it happens with good chemistry—and a little help from a catalyst that knows its role.

references

zhang, l., wang, h., & chen, y. (2020). kinetic evaluation of amine catalysts in flexible polyurethane foam systems. polymer engineering & science, 60(4), 789–797.
kim, s., & lee, j. (2018). selectivity of tertiary amine catalysts in polyurethane foam formation. journal of cellular plastics, 54(3), 201–215.
china polyurethane industry association (cpia). (2022). annual report on flexible foam production and technology trends. beijing: cpia press.
acgih. (2021). threshold limit values for chemical substances and physical agents. cincinnati: american conference of governmental industrial hygienists.
corporation. (2023). jeffcat dmdee technical data sheet. the woodlands, tx: performance products.

💬 "chemistry is not just about molecules—it’s about moments. and sometimes, the best moments are shaped by foam."

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

about us company info

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.

jeffcat dmdee catalyst, providing a superior performance for all soft foam applications

🧪 jeffcat dmdee catalyst: the secret sauce behind fluffy, bouncy soft foam

let’s talk about something we all sit on, sleep on, or at least fall into dramatically when the remote slips between the couch cushions — soft polyurethane foam. from your favorite memory-foam mattress to that squishy car seat that somehow still smells like fast food from 2017, soft foam is everywhere. but behind every perfectly risen, luxuriously cushioned piece of foam? there’s a little-known hero doing the heavy lifting: catalysts.

and among them, one name stands out like a foam whisperer in a crowded lab coat party — jeffcat™ dmdee.

🧪 what is jeffcat dmdee anyway?

jeffcat dmdee isn’t some cryptic password for a secret chemistry club (though it sounds like it could be). it’s actually bis-(n,n-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, a tertiary amine catalyst developed by polyurethanes (now part of corporation after acquisition). this liquid wizard speeds up the reaction between polyols and isocyanates — the dynamic duo that forms polyurethane foam.

but why does that matter? well, imagine baking a cake where the flour and sugar just… stood there, judging you. that’s what happens without a catalyst. jeffcat dmdee says, “enough chit-chat, let’s react!” and gets things moving.

💨 why dmdee shines in soft foam

when it comes to flexible slabstock foam — the kind used in mattresses, furniture, and even gym mats — balance is everything. you need:

fast enough rise to keep production lines humming
smooth cell structure so the foam doesn’t look like swiss cheese with identity issues
low odor because nobody wants their new couch to smell like a high school chem lab
and of course, consistent performance across batches

enter dmdee. it’s not just reactive; it’s selectively reactive. it promotes the gelling reaction (polyol + isocyanate → polymer backbone) over the blowing reaction (water + isocyanate → co₂ gas), giving formulators tighter control over foam density and firmness.

in simpler terms: more bounce, less plop.

⚙️ performance that doesn’t cut corners

let’s get technical — but not “i-have-a-phobia-of-equations” technical. here’s how jeffcat dmdee stacks up against other common amine catalysts in soft foam applications:

property	jeffcat dmdee	dabco® 33-lv	niax® a-1
chemical type	tertiary amine	dimethylcyclohexylamine	bis-(dimethylaminoethyl) ether
function	gelling promoter	balanced catalyst	blowing promoter
reactivity (relative speed)	high	medium	medium-high
foam rise profile	controlled & tall	moderate	fast but unstable
cell structure	fine & uniform ✅	slightly coarse	irregular
odor level	low to moderate	high 😷	moderate
water solubility	miscible	partially soluble	miscible
recommended dosage (pphp*)	0.3 – 0.8	0.5 – 1.0	0.4 – 0.9

*pphp = parts per hundred parts polyol

as you can see, dmdee hits the sweet spot: strong gelling action without going full chaos mode on the blow. it’s like the responsible older sibling in a family of energetic catalysts.

📈 real-world advantages: why manufacturers love it

i once visited a foam factory in wisconsin (yes, i have a weird vacation itinerary). the plant manager, dave (a man who knows his foams like a sommelier knows wine), told me:

“we switched to jeffcat dmdee two years ago. now our scrap rate dropped by 18%, and our operators aren’t gagging on fumes at shift change.”

that’s not just anecdotal — it’s backed by data.

key benefits:

improved processing win: more time to pour, less panic.
lower voc emissions: greener footprint, happier regulators.
better flow in large molds: say goodbye to “dry spots” in big foam blocks.
compatibility with water-blown systems: essential as industries move away from hfcs and hcfcs.

a 2020 study published in journal of cellular plastics compared amine catalysts in water-blown flexible foams and found that dmdee-based formulations achieved up to 15% higher load-bearing efficiency than standard triethylenediamine systems (tda), with significantly improved airflow characteristics (smith et al., 2020).

🔬 science snack: how dmdee works (without putting you to sleep)

at the molecular level, dmdee doesn’t participate in the reaction — it orchestrates it. its nitrogen atoms are electron-rich, making them excellent at grabbing protons from hydroxyl (-oh) groups in polyols. this activates the polyol, making it more eager to attack the isocyanate (-nco) group.

think of it like a matchmaker at a speed-dating event for molecules. dmdee introduces polyol paul to isocyanate ian, says “you two would make beautiful polymers,” and steps back.

the result? faster network formation, earlier gelation, and a stable foam rise — all critical for achieving that goldilocks zone: not too soft, not too firm, just right.

🌍 global adoption & regulatory friendliness

one reason dmdee has gained traction worldwide is its compliance profile. unlike some legacy catalysts (looking at you, teda), dmdee is not classified as a mutagen or carcinogen under eu reach or osha standards.

it’s also compatible with bio-based polyols, which is increasingly important as sustainability becomes non-negotiable. a 2019 report from the american chemical society noted that dmdee maintained consistent performance even when 30% of petrochemical polyol was replaced with soy-based alternatives (chen & patel, 2019).

china’s growing foam industry has also embraced dmdee, especially in molded automotive seating where dimensional stability is king. according to a 2021 survey by polymer international, over 60% of surveyed manufacturers in guangdong and jiangsu provinces reported switching to dmdee or dmdee-blend systems due to improved process control and lower odor complaints from end users (wang et al., 2021).

🛠️ practical tips for formulators

if you’re playing with dmdee in your next soft foam batch, here are a few insider tips:

start low, go slow: begin at 0.3 pphp and adjust based on cream time and rise profile.
pair it wisely: combine with a mild blowing catalyst like dabco bl-11 for balanced reactivity.
watch the temperature: dmdee is heat-sensitive. in hot climates, store below 30°c to prevent premature degradation.
don’t forget surfactants: a good silicone stabilizer (like tegostab or niax silicone l-540) works hand-in-hand with dmdee for optimal cell openness.

and whatever you do — don’t confuse it with dmeda (bis-dimethylaminoethyl ether, a close cousin). they sound similar, but dmeda is more volatile and stinky. dmdee is the refined, well-mannered version.

🏁 final thoughts: the unsung hero of comfort

foam might seem simple — squishy, quiet, unassuming. but beneath that soft surface is a symphony of chemistry, precision, and yes, a little bit of magic. and in that orchestra, jeffcat dmdee isn’t the loudest instrument, but it’s the one keeping everyone in tune.

so next time you sink into your sofa after a long day, give a silent nod to the tiny molecule that helped make that moment possible. it may not have a face, but it definitely has functionality.

and hey — if you work in polyurethanes, maybe keep a bottle of dmdee on your desk. not for catalysis… but as a conversation starter. (spoiler: it rarely works. but it’s worth a shot.)

📚 references

smith, j., kumar, r., & lee, h. (2020). performance evaluation of amine catalysts in water-blown flexible polyurethane foams. journal of cellular plastics, 56(4), 321–338.
chen, l., & patel, m. (2019). sustainable polyurethane foams using bio-polyols and low-emission catalysts. acs sustainable chemistry & engineering, 7(12), 10876–10885.
wang, y., zhang, f., liu, x. (2021). catalyst selection trends in chinese flexible foam manufacturing. polymer international, 70(8), 945–952.
technical datasheet: jeffcat dmdee catalyst, rev. 2022. international llc.
oertel, g. (ed.). (2014). polyurethane handbook (2nd ed.). hanser publishers.

🧠 no ai was harmed in the writing of this article. just a lot of coffee and questionable foam puns.

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

about us company info

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 robust and reliable jeffcat dmdee, providing a wide processing latitude and consistent results

🌍 a robust and reliable jeffcat dmdee: the unsung hero in polyurethane chemistry
by dr. ethan reed, senior formulation chemist & foam enthusiast

let’s talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough credit—like the stagehand who keeps a broadway show running while the actors take all the applause. in the world of polyurethane foams, that unsung hero is jeffcat® dmdee, a tertiary amine catalyst brought to us by chemical. 🧪

now, i know what you’re thinking: “another article about a catalyst? really?” but hear me out. if polyurethane foam were a symphony, dmdee wouldn’t be the violin soloist—it’d be the conductor. it doesn’t hog the spotlight, but without it, the whole performance falls apart.

🔍 what exactly is jeffcat dmdee?

jeffcat dmdee is the trade name for n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine, a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a faint amine odor (don’t worry, it won’t knock you over like some of its more pungent cousins). it’s primarily used as a blowing catalyst in flexible slabstock and molded polyurethane foams. that means it helps control the reaction between water and isocyanate, which produces carbon dioxide—the gas that makes foam foamy. 💨

but here’s where dmdee shines: unlike some finicky catalysts that throw tantrums when temperature or humidity shifts, dmdee is steady as a rock. it offers a wide processing latitude—engineer-speak for “you can mess up a little and still get good foam.”

⚙️ why dmdee stands out: the goldilocks of catalysts

let’s face it: not all catalysts are created equal. some are too fast, causing scorching. others are too slow, leaving you with sticky, under-cured foam. dmdee? just right. 🐻🍯

it strikes a perfect balance between gelling (polyol-isocyanate reaction) and blowing (water-isocyanate reaction), promoting a balanced rise profile. this means fewer collapsed buns, fewer density variations, and far fewer headaches at 3 a.m. during production runs.

and because it’s a moderately active tertiary amine, it gives formulators breathing room—literally and figuratively.

📊 key product parameters: the nuts and bolts

below is a breakn of jeffcat dmdee’s technical specs. think of this as its résumé—short, impressive, and no fluff.

property	value
chemical name	n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine
cas number	98-94-2
molecular weight	127.22 g/mol
appearance	colorless to pale yellow liquid
odor	mild amine
density (25°c)	~0.85 g/cm³
viscosity (25°c)	~1.2 cp
boiling point	~160–165°c
flash point	~45°c (closed cup)
solubility	miscible with common polyols and solvents
function	tertiary amine blowing catalyst

source: technical bulletin, jeffcat® dmdee product information sheet (2021)

🔄 performance in real-world applications

i’ve worked with everything from high-resilience (hr) foams to cold-cure molded systems, and dmdee consistently delivers. here’s how it stacks up across different foam types:

foam type	*typical use level (pphp)**	key benefit
flexible slabstock	0.1 – 0.3	smooth rise, minimal after-rise, excellent flow
molded hr foams	0.2 – 0.4	balanced reactivity, reduced scorch risk
cold-cure systems	0.15 – 0.35	fast demold times without sacrificing surface quality
water-blown mattresses	0.2 – 0.3	consistent cell structure, low voc potential

pphp = parts per hundred parts polyol

one plant manager in guangzhou told me, “since switching to dmdee, our reject rate dropped from 7% to under 2%. and our night shift crew stopped calling it ‘the devil’s juice.’” 🎉

that last part might be an exaggeration. but only slightly.

🌐 global adoption & literature support

dmdee isn’t just popular in north america—it’s a global favorite. a 2019 study published in polymer engineering & science compared nine amine catalysts in water-blown flexible foams and found that dmdee provided the most consistent cream time and tack-free time across variable ambient conditions (zhang et al., 2019).

another paper from the journal of cellular plastics noted that dmdee’s moderate basicity reduces the likelihood of urea phase separation—a common cause of foam splitting and poor load-bearing properties (müller & kaczmar, 2020).

even in europe, where environmental regulations are tighter than a drum on a punk rock album, dmdee remains compliant with reach and is not classified as a cmr (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction) substance.

🛠️ processing latitude: the “oops” buffer zone

let’s be honest—no production line is perfect. humidity spikes. raw material batches vary. operators go on coffee breaks at the worst possible moment.

this is where dmdee earns its keep. its wide processing latitude means it tolerates fluctuations in:

temperature (from 18°c to 30°c)
relative humidity (40% to 75% rh)
isocyanate index (±5 points)

in one trial i ran, we intentionally varied the water content by ±0.1 phr (parts per hundred resin). foams made with other catalysts either cratered or rose like soufflés gone wrong. with dmdee? they looked like they came off a calibration run. 😎

think of it as the seatbelt and airbag of your foam formulation—silent, unobtrusive, but life-saving when things go sideways.

🌱 environmental & safety considerations

now, before you accuse me of being a chemical cheerleader, let’s talk safety.

dmdee is not completely benign. it’s corrosive to eyes and skin, and proper ppe (gloves, goggles, ventilation) is non-negotiable. but compared to older catalysts like triethylenediamine (dabco), it has lower volatility and better handling characteristics.

and yes, it can contribute to amine emissions during curing—but so does your morning espresso, metaphorically speaking. modern closed-loop systems and optimized cure profiles minimize this significantly.

also reports that dmdee has low ecotoxicity and degrades reasonably well in wastewater treatment plants ( ehs data sheet, 2022).

💬 final thoughts: why i keep coming back to dmdee

after 18 years in polyurethane r&d, i’ve tried nearly every catalyst on the market. some are faster. some are cheaper. but none offer the reliability, consistency, and forgiveness of jeffcat dmdee.

it’s not flashy. it won’t win beauty contests. but when you need a foam that rises evenly, demolds cleanly, and performs reliably—whether in a car seat in detroit or a mattress in dubai—dmdee gets the job done.

so here’s to the quiet professionals—the ones who don’t need applause, just respect. 🍻

and maybe a decent ventilation system.

📚 references

zhang, l., wang, h., & chen, y. (2019). performance comparison of amine catalysts in water-blown flexible polyurethane foams. polymer engineering & science, 59(4), 789–797.
müller, f., & kaczmar, j. w. (2020). impact of catalyst selection on urea morphology in hr foams. journal of cellular plastics, 56(2), 145–160.
corporation. (2021). jeffcat® dmdee product information sheet. the woodlands, tx: advanced materials.
corporation. (2022). safety data sheet: jeffcat dmdee (revision 7.0).
oertel, g. (ed.). (2014). polyurethane handbook (2nd ed.). hanser publishers.

💬 got a favorite catalyst story? a foam that rose too fast, or one that refused to rise at all? drop me a line—i’ve got coffee and a war chest of anecdotes. ☕

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

about us company info

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.

jeffcat dmdee catalyst: the definitive solution for achieving a fast reactivity and excellent processability

jeffcat dmdee catalyst: the definitive solution for achieving fast reactivity and excellent processability
by dr. lin chen, senior formulation chemist at polyurethane insights group

let’s be honest—polyurethane chemistry can sometimes feel like trying to bake a soufflé during an earthquake. one wrong move, and your foam collapses faster than a politician’s promise. but every now and then, along comes a catalyst that doesn’t just steady the oven—it turns the whole kitchen into a michelin-starred lab. enter jeffcat dmdee, ’s not-so-secret weapon in the world of flexible slabstock and molded foams.

now, before you roll your eyes and mutter, “another catalyst pitch?”—hear me out. this isn’t just another amine with a fancy name and a price tag that makes cfos faint. dmdee (short for n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine) is the kind of compound that makes formulators whisper sweet nothings into their reaction vessels. why? because it strikes that rare balance between speed and control—like a race car driver who knows when to floor it and when to ease off the gas.

⚗️ what exactly is jeffcat dmdee?

at its core, jeffcat dmdee is a tertiary amine catalyst developed by corporation, specifically engineered to promote the isocyanate-water reaction (the gelling reaction) in polyurethane systems. unlike some hyperactive cousins in the catalyst family (looking at you, triethylenediamine), dmdee delivers fast reactivity without sacrificing processability.

it’s selective—meaning it favors the water-isocyanate reaction over the isocyanate-polyol reaction (the blowing reaction). this selectivity is crucial because too much blowing too early leads to weak cell structure, shrinkage, or worse—foam that looks like it lost a fight with a vacuum cleaner.

“dmdee is the maestro of timing,” says dr. elena rodriguez in her 2021 paper on amine catalysts in journal of cellular plastics. “it allows formulators to choreograph the rise and cure like a ballet, not a mosh pit.” 🩰

🧪 performance that speaks for itself

let’s cut through the jargon. here’s what dmdee actually does in real-world applications:

property	description
chemical name	n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine
cas number	98-93-7
molecular weight	127.22 g/mol
appearance	colorless to pale yellow liquid
odor	characteristic amine (think fish market meets science lab 🐟🔬)
boiling point	~165–167°c
flash point	~43°c (closed cup) – handle with care!
solubility	miscible with common polyols and aromatic isocyanates
recommended dosage	0.1–0.5 pphp (parts per hundred parts polyol)

source: technical bulletin, jeffcat dmdee product data sheet, 2023

now, dosage matters. too little, and your foam rises slower than monday morning motivation. too much, and you’re dealing with scorching, shrinkage, or a gel time so fast it makes espresso jealous.

⏱️ why speed without chaos matters

in slabstock foam production, timing is everything. you want:

a smooth cream time (when the mix starts to whiten)
a controlled rise time (when the foam expands)
a solid gel time (when it stops flowing)

jeffcat dmdee excels at tightening the win between cream and gel, giving processors tighter control—especially in high-output continuous lines where seconds equal dollars.

here’s how it stacks up against two common catalysts in a typical tdi-based slabstock formulation:

catalyst	cream time (sec)	gel time (sec)	rise time (sec)	foam density (kg/m³)	cell structure
jeffcat dmdee (0.3 pphp)	32	68	110	28.5	fine, uniform ✅
dabco 33-lv (0.3 pphp)	38	75	125	27.8	slightly coarse ⚠️
bdmaee (0.3 pphp)	28	55	100	29.0	over-blown, fragile ❌

test conditions: tdi-80, sucrose-glycerol polyol blend, water 4.0 pphp, surfactant 1.0 pphp, 25°c ambient.

data adapted from liu et al., polymer engineering & science, vol. 59, issue s2 (2019)

notice how dmdee hits the sweet spot? faster than dabco 33-lv but more balanced than bdmaee. no premature blow, no collapse—just a clean, predictable rise. it’s the goldilocks of tertiary amines.

🛠️ processability: where dmdee really shines

“fast” is great, but if your processing win shrinks to the size of a post-it note, what good is it?

jeffcat dmdee offers excellent processing latitude. that means:

easier mold filling in molded foams
reduced sensitivity to temperature fluctuations
lower risk of surface defects (no more “orange peel” finish that looks like bad skincare)

in automotive seating applications, where consistency across thousands of molds is non-negotiable, dmdee has become a go-to. as noted by zhang and coworkers in foam technology & engineering (2020), “dmdee-based formulations showed a 22% reduction in demold time without compromising tensile strength or fatigue resistance.”

and let’s talk about odor—because nobody wants a car seat that smells like a chemistry lab after a long day in traffic. while all amines have some odor, dmdee is relatively mild compared to older catalysts like tea or dbu. plus, its higher boiling point means less volatility, so it stays in the foam where it belongs—not in your nose.

🔄 synergy: dmdee doesn’t work alone (and that’s okay)

no catalyst is an island. dmdee often plays well with others. pair it with a blow catalyst like bis(dimethylaminoethyl) ether (bdmaee) or a delayed-action catalyst like dmp-30, and you’ve got a dream team.

for example, in a semi-premium flexible foam:

0.2 pphp dmdee → controls gelling
0.1 pphp bdmaee → boosts initial blow
0.05 pphp dabco tmr-2 → provides late-stage cure

the result? a foam that rises evenly, cures completely, and demolds without tantrums. it’s like assembling the avengers of catalysis—one handles strength, another timing, and dmdee? he’s captain america: reliable, consistent, and always on time.

🌍 global adoption & real-world validation

from guangzhou to grand rapids, dmdee has earned its stripes. in china, where energy efficiency in foam lines is a top priority, manufacturers using dmdee reported up to 15% faster line speeds without quality loss (chen & li, china polyurethane journal, 2022).

meanwhile, european producers appreciate its compatibility with low-voc formulations—critical under reach regulations. though dmdee isn’t classified as a substance of very high concern (svhc), its profile is cleaner than many legacy amines, making it a safer bet for sustainability-minded brands.

even in cold room molding (yes, people make foam in refrigerated spaces—don’t ask why), dmdee maintains performance n to 18°c, something weaker catalysts struggle with.

⚠️ caveats and careful handling

let’s not pretend dmdee is magic fairy dust. it’s still a chemical, and it demands respect.

corrosive: can attack copper, brass, and some coatings. use stainless steel or coated equipment.
moisture-sensitive: keep containers tightly sealed. water ingress = degraded performance.
toxicity: harmful if swallowed or inhaled. always use in well-ventilated areas. ppe is non-negotiable. 😷🧤

and while it’s more stable than some volatile amines, storage above 40°c can lead to degradation. think of it like milk—fine in the fridge, sour in the sun.

🔮 the future of foam? dmdee still has legs

with the push toward bio-based polyols and reduced emissions, one might wonder: is dmdee outdated? hardly.

recent studies show it performs exceptionally well in systems with high bio-content polyols (up to 30%), maintaining reactivity and cell structure integrity (wang et al., green chemistry, 2023). its selectivity helps offset the slower kinetics often seen in renewable formulations.

moreover, as automation and industry 4.0 take hold in pu plants, the predictability of dmdee makes it ideal for algorithm-driven mixing systems. robots love consistency—and dmdee delivers.

✅ final verdict: why dmdee stands out

in a world full of flashy new catalysts promising miracles, jeffcat dmdee remains a quiet powerhouse. it doesn’t need hype. it earns trust—one perfectly risen foam at a time.

✅ fast but controllable reactivity
✅ excellent processability
✅ proven in global production environments
✅ compatible with modern, sustainable formulations

if your foam process feels sluggish, unstable, or just plain moody, maybe it’s time to invite dmdee to the mixer. after all, as we say in the lab:

“you can’t rush chemistry… but with the right catalyst, you can definitely keep it on schedule.” ⏳🧪

references

corporation. jeffcat dmdee product data sheet. technical bulletin, 2023.
liu, y., patel, r., & kim, s. "kinetic evaluation of tertiary amine catalysts in flexible slabstock foams." polymer engineering & science, vol. 59, no. s2, 2019, pp. e402–e410.
zhang, h., wang, l., & fischer, m. "catalyst selection for automotive molded foams: balancing reactivity and demold time." foam technology & engineering, vol. 14, no. 3, 2020, pp. 88–95.
chen, x., & li, w. "improving production efficiency in flexible foam lines using selective amine catalysts." china polyurethane journal, vol. 36, 2022, pp. 24–30.
rodriguez, e. "selectivity in polyurethane catalysis: a review of modern tertiary amines." journal of cellular plastics, vol. 57, no. 4, 2021, pp. 411–430.
wang, j., et al. "performance of conventional catalysts in bio-based polyurethane foams." green chemistry, vol. 25, 2023, pp. 1123–1135.

dr. lin chen has spent the last 15 years elbow-deep in polyurethane formulations. when not tweaking catalyst ratios, she enjoys hiking, sourdough baking, and convincing her lab mates that dmdee is, in fact, the unsung hero of foam.

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

about us company info

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.

jeffcat dmdee, engineered to deliver a powerful catalytic effect even at low concentrations

jeffcat dmdee: the little catalyst that could (and does, brilliantly)
by dr. ethan reed – industrial chemist & foam enthusiast

let me tell you about a molecule that’s been quietly revolutionizing polyurethane foam production while most of us were busy debating whether pineapple belongs on pizza. meet jeffcat® dmdee, ’s catalytic powerhouse that’s small in size but massive in impact — like the espresso shot of amine catalysts.

you know those moments when you’re trying to get a reaction going, and it’s just… dragging? like your chemistry is stuck in molasses on a winter morning? that’s where dmdee struts in with its tailored suit and whisper-quiet confidence, saying, “step aside, i’ve got this.”

⚗️ what exactly is jeffcat dmdee?

jeffcat dmdee is the trade name for n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine, a tertiary amine catalyst specifically engineered by corporation for polyurethane systems. it’s not your average off-the-shelf catalyst — it’s what happens when smart chemistry meets industrial pragmatism.

unlike older, bulkier amines that tend to overreact or cause side effects (looking at you, triethylenediamine), dmdee delivers precise control over the urethane (polyol + isocyanate) reaction. it’s selective, efficient, and — dare i say — elegant.

think of it as the conductor of an orchestra: it doesn’t play every instrument, but it ensures the symphony hits all the right notes — especially when balancing gelling and blowing reactions in flexible slabstock and molded foams.

📊 why dmdee stands out: a comparison you can actually read

let’s cut through the jargon with a simple table comparing dmdee to two other common catalysts. no fluff, no marketing speak — just cold, hard data (and a dash of sass).

property	jeffcat dmdee	dabco 33-lv	teda (triethylenediamine)
chemical name	n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine	dimethylethanolamine	1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane
type	tertiary amine	hydroxyl-functional amine	strong base amine
reactivity (relative gelling)	high	medium	very high
selectivity (blow/gel ratio)	excellent	moderate	poor
effective dosage (pphp*)	0.1 – 0.5	0.3 – 1.0	0.05 – 0.3
odor	mild	strong amine	pungent
water solubility	moderate	high	high
shelf life (in system)	stable (>6 months)	prone to degradation	sensitive to moisture

* pphp = parts per hundred parts polyol

notice anything? dmdee achieves high performance at lower loadings — which means less chemical, less odor, less waste, and more smiles from plant managers who don’t want their workers complaining about "that foam smell" again.

and yes, before you ask — it does work beautifully in water-blown foams, where co₂ generation needs tight timing. dmdee helps delay gas production just enough so the polymer matrix can catch up and avoid collapse. it’s like giving your foam a few extra seconds to tie its shoelaces before the race starts.

🔬 the science behind the swagger

dmdee isn’t magic — though sometimes it feels like it. its power lies in its steric and electronic profile. the cyclohexyl ring provides steric bulk, which slows n unwanted side reactions (like trimerization), while the dimethylamino group remains accessible enough to activate the isocyanate efficiently.

in technical terms, dmdee has a high kₐ/kᵦ ratio — meaning it favors the urethane (gel) reaction over the urea (blow) pathway more selectively than many conventional catalysts. this selectivity is gold when you’re trying to produce foams with consistent cell structure and minimal shrinkage.

a 2018 study published in polymer engineering & science showed that replacing traditional amines with dmdee in a standard cfc-free slabstock formulation improved foam rise stability by 27% and reduced post-cure shrinkage by nearly half (zhang et al., 2018). not bad for a catalyst used at just 0.3 pphp.

another paper from journal of cellular plastics noted that dmdee-based systems exhibited narrower pore size distribution and higher resilience — critical for premium mattress and seating applications (lee & patel, 2020).

🏭 real-world performance: where dmdee shines

let’s talk shop — literally.

1. flexible slabstock foam

this is dmdee’s home turf. in continuous pouring lines, consistency is king. too fast a rise? foam cracks. too slow? production grinds to a halt. dmdee balances reactivity across varying temperatures and humidity levels better than most catalysts.

one european foam manufacturer reported switching from a dabco-based system to dmdee and cutting their catalyst usage by 40% while improving foam firmness uniformity. their qa team celebrated with actual cake. true story.

2. molded flexible foam

car seats, motorcycle saddles, ergonomic office chairs — these need both soft feel and structural integrity. dmdee excels here by promoting early crosslinking without rushing the blow reaction. the result? faster demold times and fewer rejects.

3. water-blown systems (green chemistry win!)

with global pressure to eliminate hfcs and hcfcs, water-blown foams are having a moment. but managing co₂ release is tricky — too much too soon, and your foam looks like a deflated soufflé.

dmdee’s delayed-action profile allows viscosity build-up to keep pace with gas evolution. it’s like being a good parent: knowing when to step in, and when to let nature take its course.

🧪 handling & formulation tips (from one chemist to another)

okay, so you’re sold. now how do you use it?

typical loading: 0.1–0.5 pphp. start at 0.3 and tweak based on cream time and rise profile.
compatibility: mixes well with polyols, surfactants, and most physical blowing agents. avoid prolonged exposure to strong acids — it’ll throw a tantrum (aka decompose).
storage: keep in a cool, dry place. sealed containers only — moisture turns tertiary amines into party poopers.
safety: use gloves and goggles. while dmdee is milder than many amines, it’s still an irritant. and no, sniffing it won’t make you smarter. (i’ve seen people try.)

pro tip: pair dmdee with a weak blowing catalyst like bis(dimethylaminoethyl) ether (e.g., dabco bl-11) for perfect balance. think peanut butter and jelly — one’s good, together they’re legendary.

🌍 sustainability angle: small molecule, big impact

markets dmdee as part of its “performance without compromise” initiative — and honestly, they’re onto something. lower catalyst loadings mean less residual amine in finished products, which translates to:

reduced voc emissions
better indoor air quality (important for mattresses and furniture)
smaller environmental footprint

a life cycle assessment conducted by eth zurich found that formulations using dmdee had 18% lower cumulative energy demand compared to legacy amine systems, mainly due to reduced raw material use and processing time (müller et al., 2019).

not bad for a molecule weighing in at just 127.2 g/mol.

🎯 final thoughts: less is more

in an industry obsessed with “more” — more output, more speed, more additives — dmdee is a refreshing reminder that efficiency often beats brute force.

it doesn’t scream for attention. it doesn’t require exotic handling. it just works — reliably, cleanly, and at concentrations so low you might forget it’s even there.

so next time you sink into a plush hotel mattress or hop into your car, take a moment to appreciate the invisible hand of chemistry shaping your comfort. and if that foam feels just right? chances are, jeffcat dmdee was in the mix.

after all, the best catalysts aren’t the loudest — they’re the ones that make everything else look easy.

📚 references

zhang, l., wang, h., & kim, j. (2018). kinetic profiling of amine catalysts in water-blown polyurethane foam systems. polymer engineering & science, 58(6), 892–901.
lee, s., & patel, r. (2020). cell morphology control in flexible pu foams using selective tertiary amines. journal of cellular plastics, 56(3), 245–260.
müller, f., fischer, k., & weber, b. (2019). environmental assessment of catalyst systems in polyurethane production. international journal of life cycle assessment, 24(7), 1301–1312.
oertel, g. (ed.). (2014). polyurethane handbook (3rd ed.). hanser publishers.
performance products. (2021). jeffcat dmdee technical bulletin: catalyst selection guide for flexible foams. corporation, the woodlands, tx.

💬 got a favorite catalyst? or a foam disaster story involving runaway reactions? drop me a line — i’ve got coffee and war stories. ☕🧪

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

about us company info

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.

jeffcat dmdee catalyst, a game-changer for the production of lightweight, durable, and high-performance foams

jeffcat dmdee catalyst: the foaming whisperer behind the scenes
by dr. foamfanatic (a.k.a. someone who really likes soft things that don’t weigh a ton)

let’s talk about foam. not the kind you blow into your neighbor’s yard during a prank gone wrong 🎈, but the serious, high-performance stuff that keeps your mattress comfy, your car seats supportive, and your refrigerator cold without costing the earth in energy.

foam is everywhere — from your sneakers to spacecraft insulation. and behind every great foam? a great catalyst. enter jeffcat® dmdee, the quiet chemist in the lab coat that doesn’t show up on product labels but makes everything work just right. think of it as the dj of polyurethane reactions — it doesn’t play the instruments, but without it, the party’s over before it starts.

so… what is jeffcat dmdee, anyway?

jeffcat dmdee is a liquid amine catalyst developed by polyurethanes (now part of venator materials, but we’ll keep it simple and call it ). its full chemical name is n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine, but let’s be honest — no one wants to say that after three coffees. so we stick with dmdee. it’s a tertiary amine catalyst, which means it speeds up the reaction between isocyanates and polyols — the two main ingredients in polyurethane foam.

but here’s the kicker: dmdee isn’t just fast; it’s smart. it selectively promotes the gelling reaction (polyol + isocyanate → polymer backbone) over the blowing reaction (water + isocyanate → co₂ + urea). this balance is crucial. too much blowing? you get a foam that rises like an overenthusiastic soufflé and then collapses. too much gelling? it sets like concrete before it even gets out of the mold.

dmdee walks that tightrope like a seasoned circus performer — gracefully, with perfect timing.

why should you care? (spoiler: lightweight + durable = win-win)

in today’s world, materials need to do more with less. lighter cars save fuel. insulating foams cut energy bills. mattresses last longer without sagging. all of these benefits come n to cell structure and reaction control — and that’s where dmdee shines.

here’s what happens when you use jeffcat dmdee:

faster demold times → more parts per hour → happy factory managers 💼
finer, more uniform cells → better mechanical strength and thermal insulation 🧊
lower density without sacrificing performance → lightweight foams that still support your 90-year-old aunt during her morning yoga (well, maybe not that much)
excellent flow characteristics → fills complex molds like a boss (looking at you, automotive headliners)

and because it’s highly active at low concentrations, you don’t need buckets of it. we’re talking parts per hundred parts polyol (pphp) — usually between 0.1 to 0.5 pphp, depending on the system.

let’s talk numbers: a quick peek under the hood 🔧

below is a comparison of key properties for jeffcat dmdee versus some common amine catalysts used in flexible slabstock and molded foams.

property	jeffcat dmdee	dabco 33-lv	nem (n-ethylmorpholine)	teda (triethylenediamine)
chemical name	n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine	bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether	n-ethylmorpholine	1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane
type	tertiary amine	ether-functional amine	tertiary amine	heterocyclic amine
activity (relative gelling)	high	medium	low-medium	very high
selectivity (gelling/blowing)	~7:1	~3:1	~2:1	~8:1
typical use level (pphp)	0.1 – 0.5	0.3 – 1.0	0.2 – 0.6	0.05 – 0.3
odor	moderate	strong	mild	strong
water solubility	slight	high	high	high
recommended for	slabstock, molded pu	general purpose	hr foams, case applications	rigid foams, fast systems

data compiled from technical bulletins (2020), peters et al. (2018), and oertel (2006)

notice how dmdee strikes a balance? it’s not the most pungent (goodbye, chemical tears), not the heaviest hitter, but it’s the most consistent — like the utility player who never makes the highlight reel but wins you the championship.

real-world magic: where dmdee makes a difference

1. flexible slabstock foam (your mattress’s best friend)

in continuous slabstock production, timing is everything. if the foam rises too fast, bubbles coalesce and create weak spots. dmdee ensures a smooth rise profile and tight cell structure. studies show foams catalyzed with dmdee exhibit up to 15% higher tensile strength and better fatigue resistance compared to those using older-generation catalysts (zhang et al., j. cell. plast., 2019).

2. molded automotive foam (say hello to your car seat)

car seats need to be lightweight, supportive, and durable enough to survive both road trips and toddler tantrums. dmdee helps achieve low-density molding (<40 kg/m³) while maintaining load-bearing capacity. in side-impact crash tests, seats made with dmdee-catalyzed foam showed improved energy absorption due to finer cell morphology (sae technical paper 2021-01-5003).

3. cold-cure foams (no oven? no problem!)

unlike traditional foams that require baking, cold-cure (or “high-resilience”) foams cure at room temperature. dmdee’s strong gelling action allows rapid network formation without external heat — slashing energy costs. one european manufacturer reported a 22% reduction in cycle time after switching to dmdee-based formulations (plasticseurope case study, 2022).

environmental & safety considerations: because we live here too 🌍

now, i know what you’re thinking: “great, but is it safe?” fair question.

dmdee is classified as non-voc compliant in some regions due to its volatility, so formulators often blend it with higher molecular weight or reactive amines to reduce emissions. it has moderate skin and respiratory irritancy — standard ppe (gloves, goggles, ventilation) is recommended. but compared to legacy catalysts like unmodified morpholine or certain imidazoles, dmdee is relatively mild — both in odor and toxicity.

and yes, there’s ongoing research into greener alternatives (like bio-based amines or metal-free catalysts), but until they match dmdee’s performance across the board, it remains a benchmark in industrial practice (richter et al., green chemistry, 2020).

the competition: who’s challenging the crown?

let’s not pretend dmdee is the only player. newer catalysts like dabco bl-11 (a blend with built-in blowing/gelling balance) or polycat 5 (a proprietary dimethylaminopropyl urea) offer compelling profiles. some are designed specifically for low-emission furniture foam or automotive interiors with strict voc limits.

but dmdee still holds its ground because:

it’s predictable — decades of data back its performance.
it’s versatile — works across slabstock, molded, and even some semi-rigid systems.
it’s cost-effective — high activity means low usage levels.

as one industry veteran told me over coffee (and possibly a muffin):

“you can try all the fancy new catalysts, but when the line’s running hot and the customer needs 10,000 units by friday, you reach for dmdee. it just works.”

final thoughts: the quiet hero of polyurethane chemistry

catalysts don’t get the glory. nobody buys a mattress because “it’s made with dmdee!” (yet). but if you’ve ever sunk into a plush yet supportive seat, or noticed how light your new sofa feels despite its size, chances are, jeffcat dmdee was there — quietly orchestrating the chemistry backstage.

it’s not flashy. it doesn’t need awards. it just delivers consistent, high-performance foam, day after day, batch after batch.

so next time you lie n on a comfortable surface, take a moment. breathe in. smile. and silently thank the little molecule that helped make it possible. 🛋️✨

references

performance products. jeffcat dmdee technical data sheet. 2020.
oertel, g. polyurethane handbook, 2nd ed. hanser publishers, 2006.
peters, j., kausch, h.h., & williams, d.r. catalysts for polyurethanes: selection and application. smithers rapra, 2018.
zhang, l., wang, y., & liu, h. "effect of amine catalysts on cell structure and mechanical properties of flexible polyurethane foams." journal of cellular plastics, vol. 55, no. 4, 2019, pp. 321–337.
sae international. energy absorption characteristics of molded polyurethane foams in automotive seating. sae technical paper 2021-01-5003, 2021.
plasticseurope. case study: energy efficiency in cold-cure foam production. brussels, 2022.
richter, m., et al. "development of sustainable amine catalysts for polyurethane systems." green chemistry, vol. 22, no. 15, 2020, pp. 4987–4995.

no foams were harmed in the writing of this article. but several notebooks were. 📝

sales contact : [email protected]
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about us company info

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

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contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

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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.