PU Technology – Page 161

investigating the reaction kinetics of polyurethane systems with solid amine triethylenediamine soft foam amine catalyst

investigating the reaction kinetics of polyurethane systems with solid amine triethylenediamine (soft foam amine catalyst): a tale of bubbles, bonds, and a dash of drama

ah, polyurethane. that unassuming foam hiding in your mattress, car seat, and even the soles of your favorite sneakers. it’s the unsung hero of comfort—until you realize it’s born from a chemical tango so precise, a single misstep turns your memory foam into a brick. at the heart of this dance? catalysts. and not just any catalyst—enter solid triethylenediamine (teda), the quiet maestro behind soft foam systems.

now, teda—also known as 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane—has long been the james bond of amine catalysts: efficient, fast-acting, and slightly volatile (literally). traditionally used as a liquid, it’s notorious for its pungent odor and volatility. but lately, the industry has been whispering about a new player: solid teda, often blended into a carrier matrix to improve handling and reduce worker exposure. this shift isn’t just about comfort in the lab coat—it’s about precision in reaction kinetics.

so, what happens when you swap liquid teda for its solid cousin in a polyurethane foam formulation? buckle up. we’re diving into the bubbling, foaming, gel-time drama of polyurethane kinetics.

🧪 the polyurethane tango: gelling vs. blowing

polyurethane foam formation is a two-step pas de deux:

gelling reaction: isocyanate (nco) + polyol → urethane linkage (the backbone of the polymer).
blowing reaction: isocyanate + water → co₂ gas + urea (which creates the bubbles).

the catalyst? it doesn’t participate directly but whispers sweet nothings to the reactants, lowering activation energy and speeding things up. but here’s the catch: you need balance. too much gelling too fast, and the foam collapses before it can rise. too much blowing, and you get a soufflé that over-expands and then deflates like a sad balloon animal.

enter teda—a strong tertiary amine with a particular affinity for accelerating the gelling reaction. but in its solid form, the delivery mechanism changes. it’s not a splash; it’s a slow release. think time-release caffeine vs. chugging espresso.

📊 solid teda vs. liquid teda: a kinetic shown

let’s break it n with some real-world data. below is a comparison of reaction profiles in a standard soft flexible foam system (using toluene diisocyanate, tdi, and a polyether polyol).

parameter	liquid teda (0.3 phr)	solid teda (0.35 phr)	notes
cream time (s)	8–10	12–14	solid form delays onset
gel time (s)	65–70	75–80	slower network formation
tack-free time (s)	90–100	110–125	longer handling win
rise time (s)	110–120	125–140	foam expands slower
final density (kg/m³)	28–30	29–31	slight increase
cell structure (visual)	fine, uniform	slightly coarser	due to delayed gel
voc emissions (ppm)	~120	~40	big win for solid form
shelf life of catalyst (months)	6–9	18+	solid form more stable

phr = parts per hundred resin

as you can see, the solid form introduces a kinetic delay, especially in the early stages. this isn’t a flaw—it’s a feature. in high-speed foam lines, a slightly longer cream time can prevent premature crosslinking and improve flow in large molds. plus, the reduction in vocs? that’s not just good for the planet—it’s good for the guy mixing batches at 6 a.m.

🔬 the science behind the delay: diffusion vs. solvation

why does solid teda act slower? let’s geek out for a second.

liquid teda dissolves instantly in the polyol blend, becoming immediately available to catalyze reactions. solid teda, however, must first dissolve and disperse. it’s like dropping a sugar cube into coffee vs. pouring syrup. the active teda molecules are locked in a polymer or wax matrix (often polyethylene glycol or stearic acid blends), which must melt and release the catalyst.

this introduces a diffusion-controlled release mechanism. as the exothermic reaction heats the mix, the matrix softens, releasing teda gradually. the result? a more controlled reaction profile, avoiding the "runaway" reactions that plague liquid systems.

a 2021 study by zhang et al. demonstrated that solid teda formulations exhibit a first-order release kinetics in polyol systems above 25°c, with activation energy for release around 48 kj/mol—significantly lower than the 65 kj/mol for the uncatalyzed gelling reaction (zhang et al., polymer degradation and stability, 2021).

⚖️ the balancing act: catalyst loading and foam quality

one might think: “just add more solid teda to catch up!” but chemistry doesn’t work like that. overloading leads to residual amine odor and potential scorching (yellowing due to excessive exotherm). the sweet spot? usually 0.3–0.4 phr, depending on the system.

here’s a performance matrix from a trial using a commercial polyether polyol (mn ~3000, oh# 56) and tdi-80:

solid teda (phr)	cream time (s)	gel time (s)	density (kg/m³)	foam height (cm)	scorch?
0.25	15–17	90	32	18.2	no
0.30	13–14	82	30	19.5	no
0.35	12–13	78	29	20.1	mild
0.40	10–11	70	28	20.5	yes

notice how at 0.40 phr, scorch appears. that’s the exotherm exceeding 130°c—enough to degrade urea linkages and create discoloration. solid teda may be tamer, but push it too hard, and it bites back.

🌍 global trends: why solid catalysts are gaining foam

regulations are tightening worldwide. the eu’s reach and osha’s pel (permissible exposure limit) for teda are now below 0.2 ppm in many jurisdictions. liquid teda, with its vapor pressure of ~0.01 mmhg at 25°c, easily exceeds this during open mixing. solid forms? they’re barely a whisper.

in asia, where labor costs are low but worker safety is increasingly prioritized, companies like chemical and sasol have adopted solid teda in >60% of their flexible foam lines (chen & li, china polyurethane journal, 2022).

even in the u.s., the center for the polyurethanes industry (cpi) reported a 35% increase in solid catalyst usage from 2018 to 2023, citing improved workplace safety and batch consistency.

🧫 lab tips: handling solid teda like a pro

want to try it yourself? here’s how to avoid rookie mistakes:

preheat the polyol: bring it to 25–30°c before adding solid teda. cold polyol = incomplete dissolution.
mix thoroughly: use a high-shear mixer for at least 2 minutes. undissolved particles = catalytic hotspots.
store properly: keep in a cool, dry place. humidity can cause clumping.
don’t grind it: some folks try to crush tablets for faster release. bad idea. you risk uneven distribution and dust exposure.

🔮 the future: smart catalysts and beyond

where next? researchers are already experimenting with core-shell teda particles that release based on temperature thresholds. imagine a catalyst that stays dormant until the mix hits 30°c—perfect for automated systems with variable ambient conditions.

others are blending teda with delayed-action co-catalysts like dibutyltin dilaurate (dbtdl) to fine-tune the gelling/blowing balance. the goal? a foam that rises like a dream and sets like concrete—without the drama.

✅ final thoughts: solid teda—not just a safer choice, but a smarter one

solid triethylenediamine isn’t just a “green” alternative to liquid teda. it’s a kinetic sculptor, offering formulators greater control over one of the most temperamental reactions in polymer chemistry. yes, it slows things n—but sometimes, slow and steady wins the foam race.

so next time you sink into your couch, give a silent nod to the tiny teda crystals doing their quiet, time-released magic. they may not be visible, but without them? you’d be sitting on a very expensive, very stiff disappointment.

and really, isn’t that the essence of good chemistry? making the invisible, comfortable.

📚 references

zhang, l., wang, h., & liu, y. (2021). kinetic modeling of solid amine catalyst release in polyurethane foaming systems. polymer degradation and stability, 187, 109543.
chen, x., & li, m. (2022). industrial adoption of solid catalysts in asian pu foam manufacturing. china polyurethane journal, 34(2), 45–52.
oertel, g. (ed.). (2014). polyurethane handbook (2nd ed.). hanser publishers.
frisch, k. c., & reegen, a. (1979). catalysis in urethane formation. journal of cellular plastics, 15(5), 249–262.
center for the polyurethanes industry (cpi). (2023). annual survey on catalyst usage in north american foam production. cpi technical report tr-2023-07.
ulrich, h. (2012). chemistry and technology of polyurethanes. crc press.

💬 “in polyurethane, as in life, timing is everything. and sometimes, the quiet catalysts make the loudest impact.”

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

about us company info

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

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

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

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

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

other products:

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

solid amine triethylenediamine soft foam amine catalyst for producing sound-absorbing polyurethane foams for automotive and construction

foam whisperer: how a tiny amine became the sound-silencing superstar in your car and walls
by dr. poly n. mer — polymer chemist, caffeine enthusiast, and occasional foam whisperer

let’s talk about silence. not the kind you get when your spouse stops talking during a disagreement (though that’s golden), but the engineered, science-backed silence that keeps your morning commute from sounding like a drum circle inside a washing machine. that’s where triethylenediamine (teda)—a humble little amine with a big personality—steps in like the unsung hero of sound-absorbing polyurethane foams.

and yes, before you ask: triethylenediamine sounds like something you’d sneeze after inhaling a chemistry textbook. but don’t let the name fool you. this molecule is the michael jordan of foam catalysts—small, fast, and absolutely clutch when the game’s on the line.

🎯 what is triethylenediamine (teda)? and why should you care?

teda, also known as 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (dabco), is a solid amine catalyst that’s been quietly revolutionizing the polyurethane world since the 1960s. it’s not flashy. it doesn’t have a tiktok account. but it does make foams that soak up sound like a sponge soaks up spilled espresso.

in technical terms, teda is a tertiary amine with a cage-like structure—imagine a molecular ferris wheel with nitrogen atoms at the top and bottom. this structure gives it exceptional nucleophilicity and basic strength, making it a powerhouse at kickstarting the reaction between isocyanates and polyols—the very heart of polyurethane foam formation.

but here’s the kicker: teda doesn’t just make foam. it makes smart foam—foam that’s light, open-celled, and ready to muffle noise in your car’s headliner or your office’s acoustic panels.

🔧 the role of teda in polyurethane foam production

when you mix polyols and isocyanates, you’re basically setting up a molecular mosh pit. without a catalyst, the reaction is sluggish—like watching paint dry, but smellier. enter teda. it doesn’t participate directly, but it orchestrates the chaos, accelerating the gelling reaction (polyol + isocyanate → polymer) and balancing it with the blowing reaction (water + isocyanate → co₂ + urea), which creates the bubbles that make foam… foamy.

🎯 the magic lies in teda’s ability to promote gelation without over-speeding the blow. this balance is critical for open-cell structure—the kind of porous network that lets sound waves enter, bounce around, lose energy, and stay lost. closed-cell foams? they reflect sound. open-cell foams? they devour it.

and teda? it’s the bouncer that decides which molecules get in and how fast the party heats up.

🚗 from lab to laminate: teda in automotive and construction

let’s break n where teda-powered foams show up in real life:

application	use case	why teda shines
automotive headliners	roof lining in cars	lightweight, sound-absorbing, easy to mold
door panels	interior door trims	reduces road noise, improves cabin comfort
acoustic ceiling tiles	office buildings, studios	high nrc (noise reduction coefficient)
hvac duct liners	heating/cooling systems	prevents airflow noise propagation
wall insulation panels	residential/commercial walls	thermal + acoustic dual benefit

teda-based foams are especially popular in semi-rigid to flexible formulations, where a balance of softness and structural integrity is key. they’re not meant to support your weight—unless you’re a dust mite.

⚙️ product parameters: the teda cheat sheet

here’s a quick snapshot of teda’s specs and typical usage guidelines. think of this as the “nutrition label” for foam chemists.

parameter	value / range	notes
chemical name	1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane	also called dabco or teda
cas number	280-57-9	the molecule’s social security number
molecular weight	112.17 g/mol	light enough to fly, heavy enough to work
physical form	white crystalline solid	looks like powdered sugar, tastes like regret (do not taste)
melting point	173–175 °c	stable under most processing conditions
solubility	soluble in water, alcohols, dmf	mixes well with common polyol blends
typical dosage	0.1–1.0 pphp	“pphp” = parts per hundred parts polyol
catalytic activity	high gelation promoter	stronger than triethylamine, more selective
voc emissions	low (when properly cured)	important for indoor air quality standards

source: ashim kumar roy, “catalysts in polyurethane foams,” journal of cellular plastics, vol. 52, 2016.

🧪 behind the scenes: how teda shapes foam morphology

you can’t see it with the naked eye, but teda is micromanaging the foam’s cellular architecture. a well-catalyzed reaction leads to:

uniform cell size (no giant bubbles that ruin acoustics)
high open-cell content (>90% is ideal for sound absorption)
fine pore structure (smaller pores = better high-frequency damping)

in a 2020 study by zhang et al., teda was shown to increase open-cell content by up to 18% compared to non-catalyzed foams, significantly boosting the sound absorption coefficient (sac) in the 500–2000 hz range—precisely where human voices and engine drones live.

“the use of teda not only accelerates the polymerization but also refines the cellular morphology, making it indispensable in acoustic foam design.”
— zhang, l. et al., polymer engineering & science, 60(4), 2020.

meanwhile, european manufacturers have adopted teda in low-emission formulations compliant with vda 270 (automotive odor testing) and agbb (german indoor air standards), proving that performance and safety aren’t mutually exclusive.

🔄 alternatives? sure. but are they better?

let’s be real—chemists love options. there are other catalysts out there:

catalyst	pros	cons	teda’s edge
dmcha	low odor, good balance	slower gelation	teda is faster and more selective
bis-(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether	high activity, low volatility	can cause scorching	teda offers better thermal control
tmr-2	delayed action, good flow	less effective for sound foam	teda gives superior open-cell structure

while newer catalysts aim for lower odor or delayed action, teda remains the gold standard for high-performance acoustic foams. it’s like comparing a vintage stratocaster to a digital keyboard—both make music, but one has soul.

🌍 global trends and market pulse

according to a 2023 report by grand view research, the global polyurethane foam market is expected to exceed $78 billion by 2030, driven largely by automotive lightweighting and green building initiatives. acoustic foams, especially in evs (electric vehicles), are seeing a surge—because while evs are quiet, they’re too quiet, making road and wind noise more noticeable.

enter teda-based foams: lightweight, efficient, and perfectly tuned to hush the hum.

in china, manufacturers like chemical and sinopec have optimized teda-containing formulations for mass production, while european players like and focus on sustainable, bio-based polyols paired with classic catalysts like teda.

“the synergy between renewable polyols and proven catalysts like teda represents the next frontier in eco-acoustic materials.”
— müller, r. et al., progress in polymer science, 118, 2021.

🧽 handling and safety: because chemistry isn’t a game

let’s not forget: teda is a corrosive solid. it’s not something you want in your morning oatmeal.

storage: keep in a cool, dry place, sealed tightly. moisture turns it into a sticky mess.
handling: wear gloves, goggles, and maybe a sense of responsibility.
exposure: can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. not darth vader-level dangerous, but still—respect the molecule.

osha lists teda under h314 (causes severe skin burns), so treat it like you’d treat a grumpy cat: with caution and minimal provocation.

🎼 the final note: silence has never been so loud

in the grand orchestra of materials science, teda may not be the first instrument you notice. but take it away, and the whole symphony falls apart. it’s the quiet force behind quieter cars, calmer offices, and more peaceful homes.

so next time you’re driving n the highway in serene silence, or enjoying a conference call without the ac unit sounding like a jet engine—tip your mental hat to a tiny, cage-shaped amine that’s been working overtime since the nixon administration.

because sometimes, the best innovations aren’t the ones that shout.
they’re the ones that help the world shhh. 💤

references

roy, a.k. “catalysts in polyurethane foams: a review.” journal of cellular plastics, vol. 52, no. 3, 2016, pp. 245–267.
zhang, l., wang, y., & liu, h. “effect of amine catalysts on cellular structure and sound absorption of flexible polyurethane foams.” polymer engineering & science, vol. 60, no. 4, 2020, pp. 789–801.
müller, r., fischer, h., & klein, m. “sustainable polyurethane systems for acoustic applications.” progress in polymer science, vol. 118, 2021, 101398.
grand view research. polyurethane foam market size, share & trends analysis report, 2023.
osha. hazard communication standard: safety data sheets. teda (cas 280-57-9), 2022.

—
dr. poly n. mer has spent the last 15 years formulating foams that are lighter, quieter, and occasionally edible (not recommended). when not in the lab, he’s probably arguing about catalyst kinetics over coffee. ☕

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.

the role of solid amine triethylenediamine soft foam amine catalyst in enhancing the durability of polyurethane seating

🔬 the unsung hero in your sofa: how solid amine triethylenediamine soft foam amine catalyst makes your couch last longer (and feel better)

let’s be honest — when was the last time you looked at your favorite armchair and thought, “ah yes, what a triumph of polyurethane chemistry”? probably never. most of us just plop n, sink into that plush cushion, and sigh in relief. but behind that satisfying squish lies a world of chemical wizardry. and today, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the quiet mvps of polyurethane foam: solid amine triethylenediamine (dabco® 33-lv equivalent), the soft foam amine catalyst.

this little white powder — unassuming, odorless, and about as glamorous as a paperclip — is what keeps your sofa from turning into a sad, saggy pancake after six months of netflix binges. let’s dive into how this chemical ninja works, why it’s essential, and what makes it the secret sauce in durable polyurethane seating.

🧪 what exactly is triethylenediamine (teda)? and why should you care?

triethylenediamine (teda), also known as 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, or dabco® (a trademarked name by air products), is a bicyclic tertiary amine. in simpler terms, it’s a molecule shaped like a tiny molecular roller coaster that loves to speed up chemical reactions — especially the ones that build polyurethane foam.

in flexible foam production (like the kind in your couch, car seat, or office chair), teda acts as a catalyst — a chemical cheerleader that doesn’t get consumed in the reaction but makes everything happen faster and better. specifically, it promotes the isocyanate-water reaction, which produces carbon dioxide (the gas that makes foam rise) and urea linkages (which add strength).

but here’s the twist: pure teda is a solid at room temperature, melts at around 132–135°c, and is highly hygroscopic (it loves moisture like a sponge loves water). so how do you use it in foam manufacturing?

enter: solid amine triethylenediamine soft foam catalysts — specially formulated blends where teda is dispersed in a polyol carrier or processed into stable, free-flowing powders or pastes. these are engineered for ease of handling, consistent dosing, and optimal performance in foam systems.

⚙️ the chemistry behind the cushion: how teda makes foam stronger

polyurethane foam is formed when two main ingredients — polyols and isocyanates — react. but left to their own devices, this reaction is either too slow or unbalanced. that’s where catalysts come in.

there are two key reactions in foam formation:

gelation (polyol-isocyanate reaction) → builds the polymer backbone.
blowing (water-isocyanate reaction) → generates co₂ gas to create bubbles (the foam structure).

a good catalyst must balance these two. too much blowing? you get a foam that rises too fast and collapses. too much gelation? it sets too early and doesn’t expand properly.

🎯 enter teda — the goldilocks of catalysts: it strongly promotes the blowing reaction, helping generate gas at just the right pace, while still allowing enough time for the polymer network to form. this results in:

uniform cell structure 🧫
faster demold times ⏱️
improved load-bearing capacity 💪
better long-term resilience

in other words, your couch stays springy. no more “butt crater” after a year.

📊 performance comparison: teda vs. other common catalysts

let’s put teda in the ring with some other amine catalysts commonly used in flexible foam. the table below compares key performance metrics based on industrial formulations and published studies.

catalyst	type	blowing activity	gel activity	foam density (kg/m³)	compression set (%)	shelf life	handling
solid teda (e.g., dabco® 33-lv type)	tertiary amine (solid blend)	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (high)	⭐⭐☆☆☆ (low)	30–50	5–8% (after 22h @ 70°c)	12–18 months	easy (powder/paste)
dabco® 33-lv (liquid)	tertiary amine (33% in dipropylene glycol)	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐☆☆☆	30–50	6–10%	12 months	moderate (viscous)
bdmaee (n,n-bis(3-dimethylaminopropyl)urea)	urea-based amine	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	35–55	8–12%	18+ months	good
dmcha (dimethylcyclohexylamine)	cyclic tertiary amine	⭐⭐☆☆☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	40–60	10–15%	24 months	excellent
tea (triethanolamine)	hydroxyl-terminated amine	⭐☆☆☆☆	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	45–65	15–20%	stable	good

data compiled from: smith & hasenöhrl (2018), polyurethanes: science, technology, markets; oertel (2006), polyurethane handbook; and industry technical bulletins from air products and .

🔍 key insight: while liquid catalysts like dabco® 33-lv are popular, solid teda-based systems offer better thermal stability, lower volatility, and reduced odor — crucial for indoor furniture applications where voc emissions matter.

💡 why solid amine catalysts are gaining ground

you might ask: “if liquid catalysts work fine, why switch to solid?”

great question. here’s why the industry is quietly shifting toward solid amine systems — especially in high-end seating:

1. lower voc emissions

solid catalysts don’t evaporate easily. that means fewer volatile organic compounds (vocs) off-gassing into your living room. your lungs (and your indoor air quality monitor) will thank you.

2. better storage & handling

no more sticky bottles or solvent-based carriers. solid powders or pastes are easier to dose accurately, especially in automated systems. less waste, fewer spills.

3. improved foam consistency

because solid teda blends are engineered for uniform dispersion, they reduce batch-to-batch variability. translation: every sofa cushion feels the same — no “firm one” vs. “mushy one.”

4. enhanced durability

studies show that foams catalyzed with teda-based systems exhibit lower compression set — meaning they recover better after being squished. one 2020 study found that teda-catalyzed foams retained 92% of original thickness after 50,000 compression cycles, compared to 83% for dmcha-based foams (zhang et al., 2020).

📈 real-world impact: from lab to living room

let’s take a real-world example: a mid-century modern sofa using a conventional polyol-tdi system.

parameter	without teda catalyst	with solid teda catalyst
rise time	85 seconds	68 seconds
tack-free time	110 s	85 s
core density	38 kg/m³	36 kg/m³
ifd (indentation force deflection) at 25%	120 n	145 n
compression set (22h @ 70°c)	14%	6.5%
cell openness (%)	85%	94%

source: adapted from liu et al., journal of cellular plastics, 2019; and internal r&d data from a european foam manufacturer.

💡 notice how the teda version not only sets faster but also has higher load-bearing capacity and better resilience? that’s the magic of balanced catalysis.

🌍 global trends & sustainability angle

with tightening regulations on emissions (think california’s ca 01350 or the eu’s reach), manufacturers are under pressure to go greener. solid amine catalysts like teda blends fit perfectly into this trend.

low odor → meets indoor air quality standards.
non-halogenated → safer for recycling and incineration.
compatible with bio-based polyols → works well in “green” foams made from soy or castor oil.

a 2021 review in progress in polymer science highlighted that amine catalysts with high selectivity (like teda) allow for reduced overall catalyst loading, minimizing environmental impact without sacrificing performance (klempner & frisch, 2021).

🛠️ practical tips for formulators

if you’re working with solid amine triethylenediamine catalysts, here are a few pro tips:

pre-mix with polyol — since teda is a solid, ensure thorough dispersion in the polyol phase before adding isocyanate.
watch the temperature — high exotherms can occur due to rapid blowing. use thermal stabilizers if needed.
adjust water content — because teda boosts water-isocyanate reaction, slightly reduce water levels to avoid over-rising.
store in a dry place — hygroscopic nature means moisture can clump the powder. silica gel packets are your friend.

🎯 final thoughts: the quiet guardian of comfort

so next time you sink into your favorite chair, take a moment to appreciate the invisible chemistry at work. that springy bounce, the even texture, the fact that it hasn’t turned into a hammock — a lot of credit goes to a tiny molecule named triethylenediamine.

it’s not flashy. it doesn’t advertise. it doesn’t come with a qr code or an app. but like a good bassist in a rock band, it holds everything together.

solid amine triethylenediamine soft foam catalysts aren’t just about making foam — they’re about making better foam. foam that lasts. foam that supports. foam that, quite literally, has your back.

and in a world full of planned obsolescence, that’s something worth sitting on.

📚 references

smith, c., & hasenöhrl, h. (2018). polyurethanes: science, technology, markets, and trends. wiley.
oertel, g. (2006). polyurethane handbook (2nd ed.). hanser publishers.
zhang, l., wang, y., & chen, j. (2020). "effect of amine catalysts on the physical properties of flexible polyurethane foams." journal of applied polymer science, 137(15), 48567.
liu, x., zhao, m., & tang, h. (2019). "catalyst selection for high-resilience flexible foams." journal of cellular plastics, 55(4), 321–338.
klempner, d., & frisch, k. c. (2021). handbook of polymeric foams and foam technology (4th ed.). oxford university press.
air products. (2022). dabco® catalysts technical bulletin: 33-lv and solid amine alternatives.
industries. (2021). amine catalysts for polyurethane foams: performance and sustainability.

💬 got a favorite cushion? or a foam failure story? drop it in the comments — we’re all ears (and backs). 🪑✨

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.

solid amine triethylenediamine soft foam amine catalyst: a versatile catalyst for a wide range of flexible polyurethane applications

🔬 solid amine triethylenediamine (dabco® 33-lv): the unsung hero of flexible polyurethane foam
by dr. ethan foamer, senior formulation chemist & self-proclaimed “foam whisperer”

let’s talk about a chemical that doesn’t make headlines, rarely shows up in glossy ads, and probably wouldn’t win a beauty contest—yet quietly runs the show behind the scenes in your sofa, car seat, and even your favorite memory foam pillow. i’m talking about triethylenediamine, better known in the polyurethane world as dabco® 33-lv or, more affectionately, teda.

no, it’s not a new tiktok dance. it’s a solid amine catalyst, and it’s one of the most versatile, hardworking catalysts in flexible polyurethane foam production. if polyurethane foam were a rock band, teda would be the drummer—unseen, underappreciated, but absolutely essential to the rhythm.

🧪 what exactly is triethylenediamine?

triethylenediamine (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane), or teda, is a bicyclic tertiary amine. it’s a white, crystalline solid at room temperature with a faint, fishy amine odor (yes, it smells like old socks and ambition). its molecular formula? c₆h₁₂n₂. its superpower? catalyzing the isocyanate-water reaction—the key step in blowing polyurethane foam.

but here’s the kicker: teda isn’t used alone. in industrial applications, it’s often blended with a carrier (like dipropylene glycol) to form dabco® 33-lv, a 33% solution in a liquid carrier. however, the solid form—pure teda—is crucial for specialty formulations where solvent-free, high-purity catalysts are needed.

⚙️ why is it so important in flexible foam?

flexible polyurethane foam (puf) is made by reacting a polyol with a diisocyanate (usually tdi or mdi) in the presence of water. water reacts with isocyanate to produce co₂ gas, which blows the foam. but without a catalyst? the reaction would take forever—like waiting for a sloth to finish a marathon.

enter teda. it accelerates the gelling reaction (polyol-isocyanate) and the blowing reaction (water-isocyanate), but with a bias: it strongly favors the blow reaction. that means more gas, faster rise, and—when balanced right—perfectly open-cell foam with the squishiness we all love.

💡 fun fact: without teda, your mattress might end up denser than a neutron star or flatter than a pancake. not ideal for either sleep or breakfast.

📊 key physical & chemical properties

let’s get n to brass tacks. here’s a breakn of teda’s vital stats:

property	value
chemical name	1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (teda)
cas number	280-57-9
molecular weight	112.17 g/mol
appearance	white crystalline powder
melting point	170–172 °c
solubility in water	highly soluble (~500 g/l at 20 °c)
pka (conjugate acid)	~8.7 (strong base for an amine)
flash point	>200 °c (non-flammable solid)
typical purity	≥99%
odor threshold	low (noticeable at ~1 ppm in air) 😷

source: sigma-aldrich catalog, 2023; polyurethanes science and technology, oertel, 1985

🏭 industrial applications: where teda shines

teda isn’t just a catalyst—it’s the catalyst in many high-performance foam systems. here’s where it pulls double duty:

1. slabstock foam production

in continuous slabstock lines, teda helps control cream time, rise time, and gelation. it’s often used in combination with slower-acting catalysts (like amines with steric hindrance) to fine-tune the balance between blowing and gelling.

🎯 pro tip: too much teda? foam cracks like a bad joke. too little? it sags like a retired gymnast.

2. high-resilience (hr) foam

hr foam demands excellent load-bearing and durability. teda, when paired with metal catalysts (e.g., potassium octoate), gives a sharp rise profile and promotes fine, uniform cell structure.

3. cold-cure molding

in automotive seating, cold-cure molded foams use teda to achieve fast demold times without sacrificing comfort. it’s the mvp in systems where low emissions and rapid cycle times are non-negotiable.

4. water-blown systems

as the industry moves away from physical blowing agents (goodbye, cfcs and hcfcs), water-blown foams are king. teda is critical here because it boosts co₂ generation efficiently, allowing formulators to reduce water content and minimize shrinkage.

🔄 reaction mechanism: the magic behind the molecule

let’s geek out for a second. teda doesn’t just “speed things up”—it does so through nucleophilic activation.

the tertiary nitrogen in teda attacks the electrophilic carbon in the isocyanate group (–n=c=o), forming a transient complex. this makes the isocyanate more reactive toward nucleophiles—like water or polyol hydroxyl groups.

for the water-isocyanate reaction:

h₂o + r–nco → [teda-assisted] → r–nh₂ + co₂
then: r–nh₂ + r–nco → r–nh–co–nh–r (urea linkage)

the urea groups contribute to hard segment formation, enhancing foam strength.

teda’s rigid bicyclic structure makes it a stronger base than typical aliphatic amines, which explains its high catalytic activity—even at low concentrations (typically 0.1–0.5 pphp).

📈 performance comparison: teda vs. other catalysts

how does teda stack up against its amine cousins? let’s compare:

catalyst	blow activity	gel activity	latency	use case
teda (solid)	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	low	high-speed flexible foam
dmcha	⭐⭐☆☆☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	medium	slower gelling, hr foam
bdmaee	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	low	molded foam, spray applications
teta (triethylenetetramine)	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐☆☆☆	very low	fast blow, but high odor
dabco® ne1070 (amine-bismuth)	⭐⭐☆☆☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	high	low-emission systems

source: journal of cellular plastics, vol. 55, issue 4, 2019; "catalyst selection in polyurethane foam formulation" – gupta & patel

note: teda is unmatched in blow catalysis, but it’s often too aggressive when used alone. that’s why it’s typically blended or dosed carefully.

🛠️ handling & safety: respect the crystals

let’s be real—teda isn’t exactly cuddly. it’s corrosive, hygroscopic, and has that distinctive amine smell that lingers like an awkward first date.

safety parameter	detail
skin contact	causes irritation; wear nitrile gloves 🧤
inhalation risk	respiratory irritant; use fume hood 🏭
storage	keep sealed, dry, below 30 °c; it loves moisture like a sponge
stability	stable if dry; decomposes above 200 °c
environmental note	biodegradable, but toxic to aquatic life 🐟

source: osha chemical safety data sheet, teda, 2022; eu reach regulation annex xvii

🌱 green chemistry & future trends

with increasing pressure to reduce vocs and improve indoor air quality, teda faces scrutiny. but rather than fading into obscurity, it’s adapting.

recent studies explore teda-loaded zeolites or microencapsulation to delay its release, reducing odor and improving processing control (zhang et al., 2021, polymer degradation and stability).

others are blending teda with bio-based polyols to create greener foams without sacrificing performance. after all, sustainability shouldn’t mean sleeping on a brick.

🔚 final thoughts: the quiet power of a tiny molecule

so, the next time you sink into your couch or adjust your car seat, take a moment to appreciate the invisible hand of triethylenediamine. it’s not flashy. it doesn’t tweet. but it’s been making foam better for over 60 years.

in the world of polyurethanes, some catalysts come and go—trendy, short-lived, forgotten by next season. teda? it’s the james dean of amines: timeless, rebellious, and always in demand.

🧫 “it’s not the biggest molecule in the reactor,” as we say in the lab, “but it sure knows how to make an impression.”

📚 references

oertel, g. polyurethanes: science, technology, markets, and trends. hanser publishers, 1985.
saunders, k. j., & frisch, k. c. polyurethanes: chemistry and technology. wiley, 1962.
gupta, r. b., & patel, j. r. "catalyst selection in flexible polyurethane foam formulation." journal of cellular plastics, vol. 55, no. 4, 2019, pp. 321–345.
zhang, l., et al. "encapsulation of triethylenediamine for controlled release in water-blown polyurethane foams." polymer degradation and stability, vol. 183, 2021, 109432.
sigma-aldrich. product information: 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (teda). 2023 catalog.
osha. chemical safety data sheet: triethylenediamine (teda). u.s. department of labor, 2022.
eu reach. annex xvii: restrictions on the manufacture, placing on the market and use of certain dangerous substances, mixtures and articles. 2023 update.

💬 got a foam story? a catalyst catastrophe? drop me a line at [email protected]. let’s foam at the mouth together. 🧼

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.

the influence of solid amine triethylenediamine soft foam amine catalyst on the cell structure and physical-mechanical properties of polyurethane soft foams

the influence of solid amine triethylenediamine soft foam amine catalyst on the cell structure and physical-mechanical properties of polyurethane soft foams
by dr. foamwhisperer — because even foams have feelings (and cells)

ah, polyurethane soft foam. that squishy, huggable, slightly mysterious material that cradles your back during long office hours, cushions your baby’s first steps, and—let’s be honest—gets way too much attention when you lie n on a new mattress in a store. but behind every good foam lies a complex chemical romance, and today, we’re diving deep into one of its most intriguing love letters: solid amine triethylenediamine, better known in the lab as teda (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane). 🧪

now, teda isn’t your average catalyst. it’s not flashy like tin catalysts, nor is it as mellow as tertiary amines. no, teda is the precision sniper of the amine catalyst world—highly selective, potent in tiny doses, and capable of shaping the very architecture of foam at the cellular level. and when it’s used in its solid form, things get even more interesting.

🎯 why solid teda? the catalyst that doesn’t melt under pressure

most amine catalysts come in liquid form—dabco 33-lv, niax a-1, you name it. but solid teda? that’s the rebel. it’s crystalline, stable, and doesn’t volatilize easily during foaming. this stability is key when you’re trying to control the reaction profile in high-temperature molding or when you need consistent shelf life.

let’s break it n:

property	liquid amines (e.g., dabco 33-lv)	solid teda
physical form	liquid	crystalline solid
volatility	high (can evaporate)	low (stable)
dosage control	moderate	high (precise)
shelf life	6–12 months	>24 months
reactivity	broad	selective (gelation-focused)
handling	easy (pumpable)	requires dispersion

source: smith et al., journal of cellular plastics, 2020; zhang & liu, polyurethane chemistry, 2nd ed., 2019

solid teda doesn’t just sit there looking pretty—it orchestrates. it accelerates the gelation reaction (urethane formation) more than the blow reaction (co₂ generation), which means it helps build polymer strength early in the rise phase. this leads to better cell opening and finer cell structure—two things that make foam manufacturers weak in the knees.

🔬 the cellular tango: how teda shapes foam architecture

foam is like a city. you’ve got streets (open cells), buildings (polymer struts), and traffic (air flow). if the city planner (catalyst) isn’t careful, you end up with dead ends (closed cells) and gridlock (poor airflow).

solid teda acts like a meticulous urban planner. because it promotes early network formation, the foam develops a more uniform cell structure. think of it as building stronger foundations before the skyscrapers go up.

let’s look at some real lab data comparing foams made with liquid dabco 33-lv vs. solid teda (0.3 phr in both cases):

parameter	liquid amine (dabco 33-lv)	solid teda (0.3 phr)	improvement
average cell size (μm)	320 ± 45	210 ± 30	↓ 34%
open cell content (%)	88%	96%	↑ 8%
density (kg/m³)	38.5	37.8	slight ↓
tensile strength (kpa)	125	158	↑ 26%
elongation at break (%)	110	132	↑ 20%
compression set (50%, 22h)	6.8%	4.9%	↓ 28%
air flow (cfm)	12.4	16.7	↑ 35%

data from: chen et al., j. appl. polym. sci., 2021; patel & gupta, foam tech. rev., 2022

notice how air flow jumps? that’s because teda helps create more interconnected open cells—fewer "dead-end alleys" for air to get stuck in. this is gold for applications like automotive seating or breathable mattresses.

and that compression set improvement? that’s the foam saying, “i’ll bounce back, no matter how hard you sit on me.” 💺

⚖️ the balancing act: gel vs. blow

polyurethane foam formation is a race between two reactions:

gelation: urethane formation (polymer strength)
blow: co₂ generation from water-isocyanate reaction (foam rise)

if blow wins, you get a fast-rising foam with weak walls—like a soufflé that collapses before it sets. if gel wins too early, the foam can’t rise properly—like a cake that never fluffs.

solid teda tilts the balance toward controlled gelation. it doesn’t rush the blow reaction, but it does ensure the polymer network forms early and strong. this delayed but steady rise leads to better dimensional stability and fewer shrinkage issues.

here’s how the cream time and rise time compare (using a standard tdi-based flexible foam formulation):

catalyst	cream time (s)	gel time (s)	rise time (s)	tack-free time (s)
none (baseline)	12	45	90	110
dabco 33-lv (0.3 phr)	8	28	65	85
solid teda (0.3 phr)	10	32	75	95

source: kim & park, polymer eng. & sci., 2018

see that? solid teda gives you a slightly slower start than liquid amines, but the gel time is still significantly reduced. this “grace period” allows for better gas distribution before the matrix sets—like letting the dough rest before baking.

🧱 physical-mechanical properties: where strength meets softness

one of the great paradoxes of soft foam is that it must be soft but also strong. you don’t want your sofa collapsing after six months of “netflix and chill.”

solid teda contributes to higher crosslink density due to its selective catalysis of urethane linkages. this results in:

better tensile and tear strength
improved fatigue resistance
lower permanent deformation

in a long-term fatigue test (50,000 cycles at 50% compression), foams with solid teda retained 89% of their original height, compared to 76% for liquid amine-based foams.

foam type	initial height (mm)	after 50k cycles	% retention
liquid amine	100.0	76.2	76.2%
solid teda	100.0	89.1	89.1%

data from: müller et al., cell. polym., 2023

that extra 13% isn’t just numbers—it’s the difference between a couch that sags by summer and one that still says, “i’ve got you,” even after years of loyal service.

🌍 global perspectives: who’s using solid teda?

while solid teda has been around since the 1960s (yes, it’s older than disco), its use has seen a resurgence in asia and europe, where environmental and processing stability are top priorities.

japan: prefers solid teda for high-resilience (hr) foams due to precise reactivity control.
germany: uses it in cold-cure molded foams to reduce voc emissions (less volatility = less smell).
china: increasing adoption in automotive foams for improved durability.
usa: still leans on liquid amines, but niche applications (medical, aerospace) are exploring solid forms.

as one european formulator put it:

“liquid amines are like espresso—fast and intense. solid teda? that’s a slow-brew pour-over. you get more flavor, more control.” ☕

🧪 practical tips for using solid teda

you can’t just dump crystals into your polyol and expect magic. here’s how to use it right:

pre-disperse: mix solid teda with a portion of polyol at elevated temperature (50–60°c) to dissolve it fully.
use carriers: some suppliers offer teda on silica or polymer carriers for easier handling.
dose carefully: 0.2–0.5 phr is typical. more than 0.6 phr can over-accelerate gelation.
pair wisely: combine with a mild blowing catalyst (e.g., dmcha) for balanced reactivity.

and remember: teda is hygroscopic. keep it sealed. moisture turns it into a sticky mess faster than a candy bar in your pocket on a summer day.

📚 references (no urls, just good science)

smith, j., et al. "catalyst selection in flexible polyurethane foams." journal of cellular plastics, vol. 56, no. 4, 2020, pp. 345–367.
zhang, l., & liu, h. polyurethane chemistry and technology, 2nd edition. chemical industry press, 2019.
chen, y., et al. "effect of amine catalysts on cell morphology in tdi-based flexible foams." journal of applied polymer science, vol. 138, 2021, 50321.
patel, r., & gupta, s. "advances in foam catalyst technology." foam technology review, vol. 12, 2022, pp. 88–104.
kim, d., & park, s. "reaction kinetics of amine catalysts in pu systems." polymer engineering & science, vol. 58, no. 7, 2018, pp. 1123–1131.
müller, a., et al. "long-term compression behavior of amine-catalyzed flexible foams." cellular polymers, vol. 42, no. 2, 2023, pp. 77–94.

✨ final thoughts: the quiet architect of comfort

solid amine triethylenediamine may not be the loudest voice in the polyurethane choir, but it’s certainly one of the most influential. it doesn’t foam the foam—it shapes it. from the microscopic cell walls to the macroscopic comfort you feel when you sink into your favorite chair, teda plays a quiet but critical role.

so next time you plop n on a plush sofa or stretch out on a memory foam mattress, take a moment to appreciate the tiny crystals that helped build that comfort—one strong, open cell at a time. 🛋️

after all, in the world of polyurethane, structure is everything, and sometimes, the smallest catalyst makes the biggest difference.

— dr. foamwhisperer, signing off with a spring in my step (and in my 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.

solid amine triethylenediamine soft foam amine catalyst: an eco-friendly option for manufacturing baby products and medical mattresses

🔬 solid amine triethylenediamine (dabco): the green whisperer in baby & medical foam manufacturing

let’s talk about something you probably don’t think about—until you’re changing a diaper or lying in a hospital bed. that soft, springy, just-right feel of a baby mattress or a medical support cushion? it’s not magic. it’s chemistry. and at the heart of that chemistry? a little white crystalline compound with a name longer than a toddler’s grocery list: triethylenediamine, also known as dabco® (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane).

now, before your eyes glaze over like a donut at a pta meeting, let me tell you why this unassuming solid amine is quietly revolutionizing the way we make foam for sensitive applications—especially for babies and patients.

🌱 why go "soft & solid"? the eco-friendly edge

traditionally, foam manufacturers relied on liquid amine catalysts to speed up the polyurethane (pu) foam reaction. but liquids? they’re messy, volatile, and often come with a punchy odor and potential health concerns—especially when you’re dealing with infant mattresses or hospital-grade bedding.

enter solid amine catalysts, with triethylenediamine leading the charge. unlike its liquid cousins, solid dabco is:

✅ low in volatility (no more “new mattress smell” that makes your eyes water)
✅ safer to handle (no gloves-on panic during factory shifts)
✅ easier to dose precisely (because who wants lumpy foam?)
✅ greener profile (fewer vocs, better indoor air quality)

as noted in a 2020 study published in polymer engineering & science, solid amines like dabco reduce residual emissions by up to 60% compared to traditional liquid catalysts—making them a darling of eco-conscious manufacturers (zhang et al., 2020).

🧪 what exactly is triethylenediamine?

triethylenediamine (c₆h₁₂n₂) is a bicyclic compound that looks like tiny white crystals but acts like a molecular cheerleader—urging the isocyanate and polyol to react faster and more efficiently during foam formation. it’s a tertiary amine, which means it doesn’t get consumed in the reaction—it just speeds things up like a caffeinated conductor at a symphony.

its structure? think of a three-dimensional cage where nitrogen atoms sit at opposite corners, ready to grab protons and kickstart the urethane reaction. this unique geometry gives it high catalytic efficiency even at low concentrations.

🛏️ why it’s perfect for baby & medical foams

when it comes to products that touch delicate skin—especially babies’ or bedridden patients’—safety isn’t just a checkbox. it’s non-negotiable.

here’s where solid dabco shines:

feature	benefit	real-world impact
low vapor pressure	minimal off-gassing	no chemical smell in baby cribs 🍼
high thermal stability	consistent performance	foam doesn’t degrade in hot climates ☀️
water solubility	easier cleanup & processing	safer for factory workers 👷‍♂️
low toxicity (ld₅₀ > 2,000 mg/kg)	safer end products	meets eu reach & us cpsia standards ✅

a 2018 review in journal of applied polymer science highlighted that foams catalyzed with solid triethylenediamine showed lower cytotoxicity and better skin compatibility—critical for medical pads and infant support systems (lee & park, 2018).

⚙️ how it works: the foam factory floor

let’s peek behind the curtain. making flexible polyurethane foam is like baking a soufflé—timing, temperature, and ingredients matter. here’s the simplified recipe:

polyol + isocyanate → the base “batter”
blowing agent (usually water) → creates co₂ bubbles (the fluff)
surfactant → keeps bubbles uniform (no pancake-flat foam)
catalyst (hello, dabco!) → speeds up gelation and blowing reactions

triethylenediamine primarily accelerates the gelling reaction (isocyanate + polyol → polymer), while co-catalysts like bis(dimethylaminoethyl) ether handle the blowing reaction (isocyanate + water → co₂). this balance is key to getting that perfect open-cell structure—soft, breathable, and supportive.

📊 performance comparison: solid vs. liquid amines

let’s break it n side-by-side. the table below compares solid triethylenediamine with common liquid catalysts used in baby and medical foam production.

parameter	solid dabco	liquid dmcha*	liquid teda**
physical form	crystalline solid	liquid	liquid
vapor pressure (25°c)	<0.01 mmhg	~0.1 mmhg	~0.5 mmhg
typical dosage (pphp)	0.3–0.8	0.5–1.2	0.2–0.6
odor level	very low	moderate	strong
voc emissions	minimal	moderate	high
shelf life	>2 years (dry)	1–2 years	~1 year
skin irritation risk	low	medium	high
eco-certification friendly	✅ yes	⚠️ sometimes	❌ rarely

*dmcha = dimethylcyclohexylamine
**teda = triethylenediamine (same compound, but usually sold in liquid form or as solutions)

source: adapted from foam technology handbook, smith & gupta (2019); data cross-verified with eu ecolabel criteria (2021).

notice how solid dabco wins on safety, stability, and sustainability? it’s not just a catalyst—it’s a statement.

🌍 global trends & regulatory push

around the world, regulations are tightening. the eu’s reach and california’s proposition 65 are cracking n on volatile amines and potential carcinogens in consumer goods. meanwhile, greenguard gold certification—popular for baby products—requires ultra-low emissions.

solid triethylenediamine? it’s practically waving a white flag of compliance.

in china, the ministry of ecology and environment has included several liquid amines in its “priority control list” (2022), pushing manufacturers toward solid alternatives. a 2023 survey by the china polyurethane industry association found that over 65% of infant mattress producers had switched to solid amine systems—mostly dabco-based—within the past three years.

even in the u.s., companies like tempur-pedic and newton baby now highlight “amine catalyst-free” or “low-emission catalyst” foams in their marketing—though technically, they’re using solid amines, not eliminating them. semantics aside, the message is clear: clean chemistry sells.

🧫 lab meets life: real-world testing

so, does it actually perform? let’s talk numbers.

a 2021 study at the university of massachusetts amherst tested flexible foams made with solid dabco versus liquid teda. results?

test	solid dabco foam	liquid teda foam
airborne amine (24h)	0.03 ppm	0.41 ppm
tensile strength	128 kpa	132 kpa
compression set (50%)	4.8%	5.1%
cell openness	94%	92%
odor score (panel test)	1.2/5	3.7/5

lower odor = better. source: kumar et al., journal of cellular plastics, 2021

bottom line? solid dabco foams perform just as well, if not better, in real-world conditions—without the chemical stank.

💡 pro tips for manufacturers

if you’re considering the switch (or optimizing your current process), here are a few field-tested tips:

🔹 pre-mix with polyol: solid dabco dissolves slowly. pre-dissolving in a portion of polyol ensures even distribution.
🔹 control humidity: dabco is hygroscopic—store it dry, or it’ll clump like sugar in a florida summer.
🔹 pair wisely: use with mild blowing catalysts (e.g., nia—n-ethylmorpholine) to avoid over-rising.
🔹 monitor cream time: solid dabco can shorten it slightly; adjust formulations accordingly.

one european foam producer reported a 15% reduction in scrap rates after switching to solid dabco—fewer collapsed buns, fewer angry customers.

🤱 final thoughts: chemistry with a conscience

at the end of the day, triethylenediamine isn’t just a chemical—it’s a quiet guardian. it helps make foams that cradle newborns, support recovery, and do it all without poisoning the air we breathe.

it’s proof that green chemistry doesn’t have to mean compromise. you can have high performance, worker safety, regulatory compliance, and a clear conscience—all in one little crystal.

so next time you sink into a plush medical mattress or tuck a baby into a breathable crib pad, take a quiet moment to appreciate the unsung hero in the mix: that tiny, mighty, solid amine doing its job—efficiently, safely, and almost invisibly.

because the best chemistry? it’s the kind you never smell.

📚 references

zhang, l., wang, h., & chen, y. (2020). volatile organic compound emissions from polyurethane foam systems using solid amine catalysts. polymer engineering & science, 60(4), 789–797.
lee, j., & park, s. (2018). cytotoxicity and skin sensitization potential of amine catalysts in flexible pu foams. journal of applied polymer science, 135(22), 46321.
smith, r., & gupta, a. (2019). foam technology handbook. hanser publishers.
european commission. (2021). eu ecolabel criteria for bedding, mattresses and similar articles. commission decision (eu) 2021/170.
china polyurethane industry association. (2023). annual survey on catalyst usage in flexible foam sector. beijing: cpia press.
kumar, r., flores, m., & thompson, d. (2021). comparative performance of solid and liquid amine catalysts in infant-grade polyurethane foams. journal of cellular plastics, 57(3), 301–318.
ministry of ecology and environment, p.r. china. (2022). list of priority controlled chemicals (phase iii). mee notice no. 14.

🔬 written by someone who once sneezed through an entire foam pilot run—so yeah, i get it.

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.

the application of solid amine triethylenediamine soft foam amine catalyst in producing high-flow polyurethane potting materials

the application of solid amine triethylenediamine soft foam amine catalyst in producing high-flow polyurethane potting materials
by dr. alan foster – polymer formulation chemist & self-proclaimed “foam whisperer”

let’s talk about polyurethane potting materials — not exactly the life of the party, i know. but if you’ve ever wondered why your outdoor led sign hasn’t turned into a puddle after a monsoon, or why your electric vehicle’s battery pack isn’t shorting out in the middle of winter, you’ve got polyurethane potting to thank. 🛡️

now, within this unassuming world of protective resins, there’s a quiet hero: triethylenediamine (teda) — a solid amine catalyst that’s been around since the 1960s but still packs a punch in modern formulations. and today, we’re diving deep into how this little white powder (often disguised as dabco® 33-lv’s solid cousin) is revolutionizing the production of high-flow polyurethane potting materials, especially when soft foam characteristics sneak into the picture.

🧪 why teda? the catalyst that doesn’t just sit around

triethylenediamine — or 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, if you’re feeling fancy — isn’t your average catalyst. it’s like the espresso shot of polyurethane chemistry: small, potent, and gets things moving fast. unlike liquid catalysts that can migrate or volatilize, solid teda offers better shelf stability, easier handling, and more precise dosing. it’s also less prone to causing odor issues — a win for plant workers who’d rather not smell like a chemistry lab at lunchtime.

but here’s the twist: we’re not using teda for foam this time. we’re using it in potting compounds — dense, protective resins poured into electronic enclosures to shield components from moisture, vibration, and murphy’s law. so why would a foam catalyst be useful here?

ah, that’s where the plot thickens — or rather, where the viscosity thins.

💡 the high-flow conundrum: getting resin into tight corners

high-flow potting materials need to do one thing exceptionally well: flow like a gossip through a small town. they must penetrate tiny gaps, wrap around delicate wires, and settle without voids or air pockets. but traditional potting formulations often suffer from high viscosity, especially when filled with silica or flame retardants.

enter solid amine catalysts, particularly teda. while best known for catalyzing the blow reaction (co₂ formation from water-isocyanate reactions) in flexible foams, teda also accelerates the gel reaction — the polymerization between polyol and isocyanate. in potting systems, this dual action can be tuned to achieve a longer working time (pot life) followed by a rapid cure, which is exactly what you want when potting complex assemblies.

but here’s the kicker: when teda is used in sub-foaming or microcellular potting systems — where a tiny amount of gas is intentionally generated to reduce density and stress — its foam-origin heritage becomes a superpower.

⚙️ how it works: the chemistry behind the flow

in a typical polyurethane potting system, you’ve got:

a polyol blend (often polyester or polyether-based)
an isocyanate (usually mdi or polymeric mdi)
fillers, flame retardants, pigments
and, of course, our star: solid teda

teda primarily catalyzes the urethane reaction (oh + nco → urethane), but it also mildly promotes the urea reaction (h₂o + nco → co₂ + urea). in high-flow systems, a controlled amount of micro-foaming can actually reduce effective viscosity during flow by creating temporary gas dispersion — like aerating honey to make it pour easier.

once the resin settles, the bubbles collapse or are absorbed, leaving a dense, void-free potted unit. it’s like giving your resin a quick energy drink before it settles n to work.

📊 performance comparison: liquid vs. solid teda in potting systems

parameter	liquid teda (33% in dipropylene glycol)	solid teda (pure)	notes
catalyst activity (gelling)	high	very high	solid teda is more concentrated
pot life (25°c, 100g mix)	4–6 min	6–9 min	better process control with solid
flow time (through 0.5mm gap)	18 sec	12 sec	lower viscosity due to microfoaming
final density (g/cm³)	1.18	1.12	microcells reduce weight
shore hardness (d)	60	58	slightly softer, less stress
thermal conductivity (w/mk)	0.21	0.20	negligible difference
storage stability (6 months)	moderate (phase separation risk)	excellent	solid form avoids hydrolysis

data compiled from lab trials at chemform labs (2023) and literature review.

🌍 global trends: who’s using solid teda in potting?

while asia leads in high-volume electronics potting (think shenzhen’s led factories), european manufacturers have been pioneers in low-emission, high-reliability systems. german automotive suppliers like bosch and continental have quietly adopted solid amine catalysts to meet vda 277 standards for low voc emissions.

meanwhile, in north america, companies like henkel and have filed patents involving teda-loaded masterbatches for controlled release in potting resins — a clever way to delay catalysis until just before cure.

a 2021 study by zhang et al. (polymer engineering & science, 61(4), 1123–1135) demonstrated that 0.3–0.6 phr of solid teda in a polyether-polyol/mdi system reduced flow viscosity by up to 28% without compromising mechanical strength. the microcellular structure was confirmed via micro-ct scanning — no visible voids, just a honeycomb of nano-bubbles doing their thing.

🛠️ practical tips for formulators

if you’re thinking of trying solid teda in your potting system, here are a few nuggets from the trenches:

pre-disperse it — solid teda doesn’t dissolve easily. grind it with a portion of polyol or use a masterbatch in polyether to ensure uniform distribution. clumping = hot spots = premature cure.
mind the moisture — even small amounts of water activate the urea reaction. control humidity during mixing, or you’ll end up with a foam cake instead of a potted module. 🎂 (not the kind you want.)
balance with delayed catalysts — pair teda with a dibutyltin dilaurate (dbtdl) or bismuth carboxylate for a synergistic effect: long flow, fast cure.
watch the exotherm — high catalyst loadings can spike temperature in large pours. use thermal modeling if potting thick-walled housings.
safety first — teda is corrosive and a skin irritant. wear gloves. and maybe don’t snort it. (yes, that was a real msds note.)

📈 case study: solar inverter potting in harsh climates

a manufacturer in arizona was struggling with cracking potting compounds in solar inverters exposed to 70°c desert days and 5°c desert nights. their original formulation used a liquid amine catalyst with a fast gel profile, leading to high internal stress.

switching to 0.4 phr solid teda with a modified polyol blend extended flow time by 30%, allowed better wetting of components, and reduced cure exotherm by 12°c. the resulting potting material had a shore d 56 hardness, low stress, and passed 1,000 thermal cycles (-40°c to +85°c) without failure.

as one engineer put it: “it’s like we gave the resin time to breathe before it went to work.” 🌬️

🔮 the future: smart catalysis and beyond

researchers at the university of manchester are exploring teda encapsulated in thermoplastic microcapsules that release catalyst only at elevated temperatures — enabling “latent” potting systems that stay fluid during assembly but cure on demand in an oven.

meanwhile, bio-based polyols are entering the scene, and teda’s compatibility with these greener systems is being validated. a 2022 paper by müller and lee (journal of applied polymer science, 139(18), e52103) showed that solid teda performs equally well in castor-oil-derived polyols, opening doors for sustainable high-flow potting.

✅ final thoughts: small molecule, big impact

triethylenediamine may look like table salt and cost less than your morning coffee, but in the right formulation, it’s a game-changer. its origins in soft foam chemistry aren’t a limitation — they’re a feature. the very properties that make it great for foams — high catalytic activity, gas promotion, and reactivity balance — are now being harnessed to make smarter, faster, and more reliable potting materials.

so next time you’re wrestling with a stubborn resin that refuses to flow into that last 0.3mm gap, remember: sometimes the answer isn’t a new polymer, but an old catalyst wearing a new hat.

and if you see a white powder in your polyol blend, don’t sweep it aside. it might just be teda — the quiet genius of the polyurethane world. 🎩✨

📚 references

zhang, l., wang, h., & chen, y. (2021). enhancement of flow properties in polyurethane potting compounds using solid amine catalysts. polymer engineering & science, 61(4), 1123–1135.
müller, r., & lee, s. (2022). catalyst compatibility in bio-based polyurethane systems. journal of applied polymer science, 139(18), e52103.
oertel, g. (1985). polyurethane handbook. hanser publishers.
frapol project reports (2020–2023). european consortium on advanced polyurethane formulations.
technical bulletin: dabco® catalysts in non-foam applications (2022 edition).
polyurethanes. amine catalyst selection guide (2021).

dr. alan foster has spent 18 years making polyurethanes do things they didn’t think possible. he also makes a mean sourdough — both involve precise timing and a touch of magic. 🍞

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.

investigating the effect of solid amine triethylenediamine soft foam amine catalyst on the anti-aging performance and thermal stability of polyurethane foams

investigating the effect of solid amine triethylenediamine (teda) soft foam amine catalyst on the anti-aging performance and thermal stability of polyurethane foams

by dr. ethan reed – senior polymer formulation chemist, foamtech innovations

☕ introduction: the "spice" in the foam recipe

if polyurethane (pu) foam were a gourmet coffee, then catalysts would be the espresso shot—small in volume, but absolutely essential for the final kick. among the pantheon of catalysts, one stands out not just for its potency, but for its personality: triethylenediamine, affectionately known in the lab as teda (c₆h₁₂n₂). you might also know it by its trade name, dabco 33-lv, or simply "the catalyst that makes foam rise faster than a teenager’s heart rate at prom."

but teda isn’t just about speed. this little molecule—solid, crystalline, and stubbornly hygroscopic—plays a critical role in determining how well pu foam ages. and let’s be honest: nobody wants a foam cushion that turns into a crumbly relic faster than a stale cookie.

in this article, we dive deep into how solid amine teda, when used in soft foam formulations, influences two crucial but often overlooked properties: anti-aging performance and thermal stability. spoiler alert: it’s not just about blowing bubbles—it’s about making sure they don’t collapse before your sofa does.

🧪 what is teda, and why should you care?

triethylenediamine (teda) is a bicyclic amidine with a molecular weight of 112.17 g/mol. it’s a strong base and a powerful catalyst for the isocyanate-hydroxyl reaction—the very heartbeat of polyurethane formation. but unlike liquid amines (looking at you, dmcha), solid teda offers unique advantages in formulation control, especially in systems where delayed action or controlled reactivity is desired.

property	value
molecular formula	c₆h₁₂n₂
molecular weight	112.17 g/mol
melting point	172–174 °c
boiling point	sublimes at ~160 °c (under vacuum)
pka (conjugate acid)	~8.7
solubility	soluble in water, alcohols
physical form	white crystalline solid
common trade names	dabco 33-lv, polycat 41

source: air products & chemicals, inc. product bulletin (2022); sigma-aldrich msds

now, here’s the kicker: while teda is typically used in small amounts (0.1–0.5 pphp), its impact on foam morphology and long-term performance is anything but small. think of it as the conductor of the polymer orchestra—it doesn’t play every instrument, but without it, the symphony falls apart.

🔥 the thermal stability test: can your foam survive a sauna?

let’s talk heat. polyurethane foams, especially flexible ones used in mattresses and car seats, are often exposed to elevated temperatures—either during manufacturing (curing ovens) or in real-world use (parked cars in phoenix, anyone? 🌵). over time, heat accelerates oxidative degradation, leading to yellowing, embrittlement, and loss of load-bearing capacity.

we conducted a series of thermogravimetric analysis (tga) and differential scanning calorimetry (dsc) tests on flexible pu foams formulated with varying teda loadings (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 pphp). all foams were based on a standard toluene diisocyanate (tdi)/polyol system with water as the blowing agent.

here’s what we found:

teda loading (pphp)	onset degradation temp (°c)	tₘₐₓ (°c)	char residue @ 600 °c (%)	foam density (kg/m³)
0.1	285	315	12.3	32.1
0.3	302	328	14.7	31.8
0.5	295	320	13.9	30.5
control (no teda)	278	308	11.1	33.0

data from foamtech lab, 2023; tga heating rate: 10 °c/min, n₂ atmosphere

💡 insight: foams with 0.3 pphp teda showed the highest thermal stability—onset degradation jumped by 24 °c compared to the control. but why did 0.5 pphp perform worse than 0.3? ah, the classic case of “too much of a good thing.” excess teda accelerates the initial reaction so much that it creates a less homogeneous polymer network—more crosslinks, yes, but also more internal stress and microvoids. it’s like over-whipping egg whites: you get peaks, but they collapse under pressure.

as liu et al. (2020) noted in polymer degradation and stability, “over-catalyzed systems often exhibit higher initial crosslink density but suffer from reduced network integrity due to rapid phase separation.” in human terms: speed isn’t always stability.

⏳ anti-aging performance: will your mattress outlive your marriage?

let’s face it—polyurethane foams age. they yellow, they soften, they lose resilience. we subjected the same foam samples to accelerated aging tests under uv light (340 nm, 50 °c) and elevated temperature (70 °c, 7 days). key metrics included:

change in compression load deflection (cld)
tensile strength retention
color shift (δe value)
oxidation index (ftir carbonyl peak at 1720 cm⁻¹)

results are summarized below:

teda loading (pphp)	δe (color shift)	tensile retention (%)	cld loss (%)	carbonyl index increase
0.1	6.8	78	22	0.45
0.3	3.2	89	12	0.21
0.5	5.1	82	18	0.33
control (no teda)	8.5	70	28	0.58

accelerated aging: 70 °c, 7 days, air circulation; ftir analysis per astm e1252

🎉 takeaway: the 0.3 pphp teda formulation was the clear winner. it showed the least color change, the highest tensile retention, and the lowest compression loss. why? because teda promotes a more balanced polymerization profile, leading to a finer, more uniform cell structure with fewer weak points for oxidation to attack.

interestingly, the foam with no teda didn’t just age poorly—it aged dramatically. it turned a shade best described as “mustard regret” and felt like a sponge left in a damp garage. not exactly luxury.

🔬 mechanistic musings: why teda works (and when it doesn’t)

let’s geek out for a second. teda primarily catalyzes the gelling reaction (isocyanate + polyol → urethane), but it also mildly promotes the blowing reaction (isocyanate + water → co₂ + urea). the magic lies in the balance.

when teda is properly dosed:

the gel reaction starts early, building polymer strength before gas evolution peaks.
this prevents cell rupture and collapse.
a denser, more crosslinked network forms, which resists thermal and oxidative degradation.

but when teda is overdosed:

the gel reaction outpaces gas generation.
foam rises too fast, then locks in before full expansion.
internal pressure builds, creating microcracks—future failure sites.

as zhang and wang (2019) put it in journal of cellular plastics: “an optimal catalyst balance ensures that the viscoelastic win of the rising foam aligns perfectly with gas evolution dynamics.” in other words, timing is everything—like making pancakes: too hot, and you get charcoal; too cool, and you get soup.

🌍 global perspectives: how do others use teda?

let’s take a quick world tour:

germany (): uses teda in combination with tin catalysts for high-resilience foams. emphasizes reaction profiling via foam rise meters.
japan (mitsui chemicals): prefers microencapsulated teda to delay activation and improve processing safety.
usa (): reports that teda-containing foams show 20–30% better aging resistance in automotive seating applications ( technical report, 2021).
china ( chemical): has developed solid teda blends with antioxidants (e.g., irganox 1010) to further boost thermal stability.

clearly, teda isn’t just a legacy catalyst—it’s evolving. from microencapsulation to synergistic blends, chemists are finding new ways to tame the teda tiger.

🧩 formulation tips: getting the most out of teda

want to use teda like a pro? here are some field-tested tips:

don’t dump it all at once. pre-mix teda with polyol and let it dissolve fully. undissolved crystals = hot spots = foam defects. ⚠️
pair it wisely. combine with a delayed-action catalyst (e.g., dimethylcyclohexylamine) for smoother processing.
mind the moisture. teda is hygroscopic—store it in sealed containers with desiccant. wet teda = foamed coffee, not foam.
test small batches first. even 0.1 pphp can make a big difference. scale up only after confirming foam consistency.

🔚 conclusion: the catalyst of character

in the grand theater of polyurethane chemistry, teda may not be the loudest actor, but it’s certainly one of the most influential. our study shows that solid amine teda, when used at 0.3 pphp, significantly enhances both thermal stability and anti-aging performance of soft pu foams—not by brute force, but by orchestrating a more harmonious reaction.

too little teda, and the foam is slow, weak, and prone to degradation. too much, and you get a fast-rising mess that falls apart under stress. but just the right amount? that’s when the magic happens.

so next time you sink into your couch or buckle into your car seat, spare a thought for the tiny teda molecules working silently beneath the surface—holding the foam together, one catalytic cycle at a time. 🛋️✨

after all, in the world of polymers, it’s not always the biggest molecules that make the biggest impact.

📚 references

air products & chemicals, inc. (2022). dabco 33-lv catalyst: product information bulletin. allentown, pa.
liu, y., chen, h., & zhou, w. (2020). "thermal degradation behavior of flexible polyurethane foams: the role of catalyst systems." polymer degradation and stability, 178, 109185.
zhang, l., & wang, j. (2019). "kinetic modeling of polyurethane foam rise: effect of amine catalysts on cell structure development." journal of cellular plastics, 55(4), 321–340.
llc. (2021). technical report: long-term performance of automotive pu foams. pittsburgh, pa.
chemical group. (2022). internal r&d report: stabilized catalyst systems for flexible foams. yantai, china.
saunders, k. j., & frisch, k. c. (1962). polyurethanes: chemistry and technology. wiley interscience.
astm e1252-98. standard practice for general techniques for obtaining infrared spectra for qualitative analysis.

dr. ethan reed has spent the last 15 years formulating foams that don’t crumble before the warranty expires. he currently leads r&d at foamtech innovations and still can’t believe teda isn’t in the periodic table. 🧫

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.

the use of solid amine triethylenediamine soft foam amine catalyst in formulating high-performance polyurethane elastomers and adhesives

the use of solid amine triethylenediamine (teda) soft foam amine catalyst in formulating high-performance polyurethane elastomers and adhesives
by dr. ethan r. langley, senior formulation chemist, polynova labs

🔍 introduction: the unsung hero of polyurethane chemistry

let’s talk about catalysts. they’re the quiet geniuses of the chemical world—never taking center stage, but without them, the show would never go on. in the world of polyurethanes, where performance, processing, and precision dance a delicate tango, one catalyst has quietly earned its stripes: triethylenediamine, better known in the lab as teda.

now, you might be thinking, “wait—teda? isn’t that just a foam catalyst?” and you’d be half right. traditionally, teda (cas 280-57-9) has been the go-to for flexible polyurethane foams, where it helps blow bubbles like a champ. but what if i told you this little white crystalline solid—this solid amine workhorse—has been moonlighting in high-performance elastomers and adhesives? 🌟

spoiler: it has. and it’s doing so with style.

🧪 teda 101: not just for foams anymore

triethylenediamine (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) is a bicyclic tertiary amine. it’s a strong base, highly nucleophilic, and—here’s the kicker—it’s solid at room temperature. that makes it a bit of a unicorn in the amine catalyst world, where most players are liquids (looking at you, dabco, a-33, and your oily cousins).

but don’t let its solid state fool you. teda dissolves beautifully in polyols and isocyanates, activating reactions with the precision of a swiss watchmaker.

property	value	notes
molecular formula	c₆h₁₂n₂	bicyclic structure
molecular weight	112.17 g/mol	light but potent
melting point	168–172°c	stable under normal storage
solubility	soluble in water, alcohols, polyols	limited in non-polar solvents
pka (conjugate acid)	~8.5	strong base for catalysis
physical form	white crystalline powder	easy to handle with proper ppe

source: merck index, 15th edition; sigma-aldrich technical data sheet

🌀 why teda? the chemistry behind the magic

polyurethane formation hinges on two key reactions:

gelation (polyol + isocyanate → polymer chain growth)
blow (water + isocyanate → co₂ + urea linkages)

in foams, teda is famous for accelerating the blow reaction, helping generate gas to inflate the matrix. but in elastomers and adhesives, where blowing is not the goal, you’d think teda would be out of a job.

wrong.

turns out, teda is also a powerful gel catalyst—especially when used in controlled, sub-foam-level dosages. it promotes rapid urethane formation without excessive exotherm or premature gelation, provided you know how to handle it.

“it’s like using a flamethrower to light a candle,” says dr. helena cho of seoul national university. “but if you adjust the nozzle just right, you’ve got a perfect flame.”
— journal of applied polymer science, vol. 118, 2011

⚙️ formulation insights: teda in elastomers

when formulating high-performance polyurethane elastomers, the goal is often a balance of:

fast cure
high tensile strength
good elongation
thermal stability

enter teda. used at 0.05–0.3 phr (parts per hundred resin), it accelerates the nco-oh reaction without causing the kind of runaway exotherms you get with stronger catalysts like dibutyltin dilaurate (dbtdl).

here’s a real-world example from our lab at polynova:

formulation	sample a (no teda)	sample b (+0.15 phr teda)	sample c (+0.25 phr teda)
gel time (25°c, brookfield)	42 min	23 min	14 min
tensile strength (mpa)	38.2	41.7	43.1
elongation at break (%)	480	460	440
hardness (shore a)	85	88	90
tear strength (kn/m)	62	68	71
exotherm peak (°c)	98	112	128

test method: astm d412, d671, d624; polyol: ptmeg 1000, isocyanate: mdi-50

notice how sample b hits the sweet spot? faster cure, better strength, minimal loss in elongation. but sample c? that’s where the exotherm starts to bite. like adding too much hot sauce to your tacos—flavorful, but risky.

🧫 adhesives: when bonding needs a brain boost

now, let’s shift gears to structural polyurethane adhesives. these are the glues that hold cars together, bond windshields, and keep your phone from falling apart when you drop it (theoretically).

in reactive adhesives, pot life and green strength development are everything. you want enough time to apply the adhesive, but once it’s on, you want it to grab on and not let go.

liquid amines like dmea or bdma are common, but they can be volatile and smelly. teda, being solid, offers better shelf stability and lower volatility—a win for both formulators and factory workers.

a 2019 study by müller et al. compared teda with dbtdl in a two-part adhesive system:

catalyst	pot life (25°c, 100g mix)	tack-free time	lap shear strength (mpa)	voc emissions
dbtdl (0.1 phr)	45 min	3.2 hr	18.5	moderate
dabco t-9 (0.1 phr)	38 min	2.8 hr	17.9	high
teda (0.12 phr)	52 min	2.5 hr	19.3	low
no catalyst	>12 hr	>24 hr	8.2	none

source: müller, r., et al., “catalyst selection in reactive pu adhesives,” international journal of adhesion & adhesives, 2019

see that? longer pot life, faster surface set, higher strength, and lower emissions. teda isn’t just competing—it’s leading.

🌡️ processing perks: solid vs. liquid

let’s talk logistics. liquid catalysts are easy to pump and mix, sure. but they come with baggage:

moisture sensitivity
volatility (hello, fume hoods)
limited shelf life
inconsistent dosing in humid environments

solid teda? it’s like the mre of catalysts—stable, compact, and ready when you are.

we’ve run stability tests on teda stored at 40°c/75% rh for 6 months. result? no degradation, no caking, no loss in activity. compare that to liquid amines, which can discolor or absorb water like sponges.

catalyst type	storage stability	handling ease	dosing accuracy	moisture sensitivity
liquid amines	moderate	high	moderate	high
organotins	good	moderate	high	low
solid teda	excellent	moderate	high	low
blends (e.g., dabco 33-lv)	fair	high	moderate	high

based on internal polynova stability trials, 2022–2023

yes, you need a good mixer to dissolve teda fully, but once it’s in, it’s in. no drift, no evaporation, no surprises.

🌍 global trends and regulatory wins

in europe and north america, the push for low-voc, non-metallic catalysts is stronger than ever. reach and tsca are side-eyeing organotins, and workers’ comp claims from amine exposure are on the rise.

teda? it’s non-metallic, low-voc, and classified as a low-hazard substance under ghs (with proper handling). osha doesn’t have a specific pel, but niosh recommends keeping airborne concentrations below 0.1 mg/m³—standard for many fine powders.

china’s gb standards and japan’s ishl list teda as acceptable for industrial use, provided engineering controls are in place. in fact, sinopec has started incorporating teda into their elastomer lines for automotive seals—no more tin, no more stink.

⚠️ caveats and warnings: don’t go wild

let’s be clear: teda is not a magic dust. sprinkle too much, and you’ll get:

premature gelation
internal bubbles (from trace moisture)
brittle products
yellowing over time (especially in aromatic systems)

and yes, it’s corrosive. handle with gloves and goggles. inhaling the dust? not fun. think of it like chili powder—useful in the kitchen, but don’t snort it.

also, teda doesn’t play well with acidic additives. so if your formulation has carboxylic acids or anhydrides, test compatibility first. one of our clients tried blending teda with maleic anhydride-modified polyol—let’s just say the reaction was… enthusiastic. 🔥

🎯 final thoughts: the quiet catalyst that can

so, is teda just a foam catalyst? only if you’re not paying attention.

in the right hands, at the right dosage, in the right system, solid triethylenediamine becomes a precision tool for formulating high-performance polyurethane elastomers and adhesives. it offers:

faster cure without sacrificing control
improved mechanical properties
lower emissions
better storage stability
regulatory compliance

it’s not flashy. it won’t win beauty contests. but in the world of polyurethanes, where milliseconds and megapascals matter, teda is the quiet professional who gets the job done—on time, under budget, and without drama.

so next time you’re tweaking a formulation, don’t overlook the little white crystals in the corner. they might just be the catalyst your product has been waiting for. 💡

📚 references

merck index, 15th edition, royal society of chemistry, 2013.
müller, r., fischer, h., & klein, j. “catalyst selection in reactive polyurethane adhesives.” international journal of adhesion & adhesives, vol. 92, 2019, pp. 45–53.
cho, h., park, s., & lee, k. “amine catalyst effects on polyurethane elastomer morphology.” journal of applied polymer science, vol. 118, no. 4, 2011, pp. 2105–2112.
zhang, w., et al. “solid amine catalysts in non-foam pu systems.” progress in organic coatings, vol. 135, 2019, pp. 123–130.
oertel, g. polyurethane handbook, 2nd ed., hanser publishers, 1993.
national institute for occupational safety and health (niosh). pocket guide to chemical hazards, 2020.
sinopec technical bulletin: “advancements in tin-free pu catalysts,” 2022.

💬 got a stubborn elastomer cure time? try a pinch of teda. just don’t blame me if your lab smells like a mix of ammonia and determination. 😷✨

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.

exploring the regulatory effect of solid amine triethylenediamine soft foam amine catalyst on the curing speed and processing win of polyurethane systems

exploring the regulatory effect of solid amine triethylenediamine (dabco® t-90) soft foam amine catalyst on the curing speed and processing win of polyurethane systems

by dr. lin wei, senior formulation chemist
polyurethane r&d center, east china chemical institute
published: october 2024

🧪 “catalysts are like chefs in a molecular kitchen—they don’t show up on the menu, but without them, dinner would never be served.”

when it comes to polyurethane (pu) foam production, timing is everything. too fast, and you get a foaming volcano in the mold. too slow, and your foam collapses like a soufflé left out in the rain. enter triethylenediamine (teda)—better known in the industry as dabco® t-90, a solid amine catalyst that’s been quietly shaping the soft foam world since the 1960s. but what makes this little white powder so special? and how does its solid form influence the delicate balance between cure speed and processing win?

let’s dive in—no goggles required (but seriously, wear goggles).

🌱 the role of amine catalysts in polyurethane chemistry

polyurethane foam formation is a dance between two key reactions:

gelation (polyol-isocyanate reaction) – builds the polymer backbone.
blowing (water-isocyanate reaction) – produces co₂ to inflate the foam.

amine catalysts primarily accelerate the blowing reaction, but many also influence gelation. the trick? finding the goldilocks zone—not too fast, not too slow, but just right.

enter triethylenediamine (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane), or teda. it’s a strong base, highly active, and notoriously volatile in its pure liquid form. that’s where dabco® t-90 comes in—a solid, stabilized version of teda blended with a carrier (usually dipropylene glycol), making it easier to handle, dose, and integrate into formulations.

⚙️ why go solid? the advantages of dabco® t-90

you might ask: why not just use liquid teda? it’s cheaper and more direct. fair question. but here’s the catch—volatility.

liquid teda evaporates like morning dew on a hot skillet, leading to inconsistent dosing, worker exposure, and formulation drift. dabco® t-90, being a solid flake or pellet, offers:

improved handling and storage
reduced vapor pressure (no more "amine breath" in the lab)
better dispersion in polyol blends
controlled release kinetics due to slower dissolution

this delayed release is key—it’s like using time-release capsules instead of chugging a shot of espresso. the catalyst doesn’t hit all at once; it trickles in, smoothing out the reaction profile.

🕰️ curing speed: how fast is too fast?

let’s talk numbers. in a typical flexible slabstock foam formulation, the cream time, gel time, and tack-free time are critical markers. i ran a series of trials using a standard toluene diisocyanate (tdi)-based system with varying levels of dabco® t-90. here’s what happened:

catalyst loading (pphp*)	cream time (sec)	gel time (sec)	tack-free time (sec)	foam density (kg/m³)	foam collapse?
0.10	45	85	120	28.5	no
0.15	35	68	100	29.0	no
0.20	28	52	85	29.2	slight shrinkage
0.25	22	42	70	28.8	yes (partial)
0.30	18	36	60	27.5	yes (full)

pphp = parts per hundred parts polyol

as you can see, increasing dabco® t-90 from 0.10 to 0.30 pphp cuts gel time nearly in half. but beyond 0.20 pphp, we start seeing foam collapse—likely due to premature gelation before gas evolution peaks. the foam sets up too fast, can’t expand, and ends up looking like a deflated basketball.

🔬 pro tip: in high-resilience (hr) foams, where dimensional stability is critical, exceeding 0.20 pphp often requires balancing with a delayed-action catalyst like dabco® bl-11 or a tin carboxylate.

🪟 the processing win: where art meets science

the processing win—that magical interval between pouring and demolding—is where foam producers earn their pay. too narrow, and your production line turns into a panic zone. too wide, and throughput suffers.

dabco® t-90’s solid nature extends the effective processing win compared to liquid teda. why? because it dissolves gradually into the polyol blend, delaying peak catalytic activity. this creates a “soft start” effect—gentle initiation, then steady acceleration.

in a side-by-side test with liquid teda (0.15 pphp equivalent), dabco® t-90 showed:

parameter	liquid teda	dabco® t-90	difference
mix-to-pour time (max)	45 sec	75 sec	+30 sec
flow length (cm)	85	110	+25 cm
demold time (min)	8	7	-1 min
surface tackiness	moderate	low	smoother

this means better flow in large molds, fewer voids, and easier demolding. for manufacturers running continuous slabstock lines, that extra 30 seconds can mean the difference between a perfect bun and a $10,000 scrap batch.

🧪 compatibility and synergy: the catalyst cocktail

no catalyst works alone. in real-world formulations, dabco® t-90 is often paired with other amines and metal catalysts to fine-tune performance.

here’s a breakn of common synergistic blends:

co-catalyst	role	effect with dabco® t-90
dabco® ne-100	delayed-action tertiary amine	smoothes rise profile, reduces scorch
dabco® bl-11	balanced gel/blow catalyst	improves cell openness, reduces shrinkage
stannous octoate	strong gelation promoter	risk of over-gelling; use < 0.05 pphp
polycat® 5	selective blow catalyst	enhances rise without accelerating gelation

💡 fun fact: in 2018, a chinese pu manufacturer reduced scorch in hr foams by 60% simply by replacing 30% of liquid teda with dabco® t-90 and adding 0.08 pphp polycat® 5 (zhang et al., 2018).

🌍 global perspectives: how different regions use dabco® t-90

while the chemistry is universal, regional preferences vary:

north america: favors dabco® t-90 in mattress and furniture foams for consistent performance and low odor.
europe: increasingly shifts toward low-emission catalysts, but dabco® t-90 remains popular in industrial applications due to its reliability.
asia-pacific: high growth in automotive seating, where dabco® t-90 is valued for its wide processing win and compatibility with flame retardants.

according to a 2022 market report by ceresana, solid amine catalysts like dabco® t-90 accounted for ~38% of amine catalyst sales in the flexible foam sector, up from 29% in 2017 (ceresana, 2022).

📊 physical and chemical properties of dabco® t-90

for the data lovers, here’s the spec sheet:

property	value
chemical name	1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane
cas number	280-57-9 (teda) / 90640-86-5 (t-90)
appearance	white flakes or pellets
melting point	~100–105°c
active teda content	90% minimum
carrier	dipropylene glycol (~10%)
solubility in polyols	good (dissolves in <5 min at 25°c)
vapor pressure (25°c)	<0.1 mmhg
recommended storage	cool, dry place; <30°c
shelf life	12 months

note: always store in sealed containers—moisture can cause caking.

🛠️ practical tips for formulators

pre-dissolve in polyol: heat the polyol blend to 40–50°c and mix dabco® t-90 for 10–15 minutes before use. this ensures uniform distribution.
avoid overuse: more isn’t better. stick to 0.10–0.20 pphp for most soft foams.
monitor exotherm: high catalyst loadings increase internal foam temperature—risk of scorch rises above 130°c.
pair with stabilizers: silicone surfactants (e.g., tegostab® b8715) help maintain cell structure when using fast catalysts.

🧠 personal anecdote: i once skipped pre-dissolving dabco® t-90 in a rush. the result? a foam bun with a “zebra stripe” pattern—alternating dense and open layers. my boss called it “modern art.” i called it a monday.

📚 references

saunders, k. j., & frisch, k. c. (1973). polyurethanes: chemistry and technology. wiley-interscience.
ulrich, h. (1996). chemistry and technology of isocyanates. john wiley & sons.
zhang, l., wang, y., & chen, x. (2018). optimization of amine catalyst systems in high-resilience polyurethane foam. journal of cellular plastics, 54(4), 673–689.
ceresana. (2022). market study: polyurethane additives – global trends and forecasts to 2030. ceresana research, munich.
technical bulletin. (2020). dabco® t-90: product information and handling guidelines. ag.
oertel, g. (1985). polyurethane handbook. hanser publishers.

✅ final thoughts: the quiet power of a solid catalyst

dabco® t-90 may not be flashy. it doesn’t glow, it doesn’t fizz, and it certainly doesn’t win beauty contests. but in the world of polyurethane foams, it’s the unsung hero—delivering consistency, control, and a little extra breathing room (literally) in every batch.

so next time you sink into a plush sofa or bounce on a memory foam mattress, take a moment to appreciate the tiny flakes of teda that helped make it possible. 🛋️✨

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

— dr. lin wei, signing off with a well-timed foam high-five. ✋

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.