PU Technology – Page 188

tdi isocyanate t-80: a technical guide for the synthesis of thermoplastic polyurethane (tpu) elastomers

tdi isocyanate t-80: a technical guide for the synthesis of thermoplastic polyurethane (tpu) elastomers
by dr. ethan cross, senior polymer chemist — with a coffee stain on my lab coat and a soft spot for isocyanates

☕ let’s be honest — when you hear “tdi,” your mind probably doesn’t jump to “flexible, high-performance elastomer.” it might jump to “handle with gloves, goggles, and existential dread.” but in the right hands (and with the right formulation), ’s tdi isocyanate t-80 isn’t just safe — it’s brilliant. it’s the unsung hero behind some of the most resilient, springy, and nright cool thermoplastic polyurethanes (tpus) on the market.

so, grab your safety glasses (yes, really — we’re not joking around), and let’s dive into the world of tdi t-80 and how it helps us craft tpus that bounce back harder than a rejected job applicant.

🧪 what the heck is tdi t-80?

tdi stands for toluene diisocyanate, and the “t-80” refers to a specific isomer blend: 80% 2,4-tdi and 20% 2,6-tdi. ’s version is a golden standard — consistent, reactive, and surprisingly user-friendly when handled correctly.

think of it like a molecular double agent: two reactive -nco (isocyanate) groups ready to attack anything with active hydrogens — alcohols, amines, water (don’t let it near moisture unless you want foam fireworks). in tpu synthesis, tdi t-80 plays the role of the hard segment builder, linking soft polyol chains into a block copolymer that gives tpus their signature combo of flexibility and toughness.

⚗️ why tdi t-80 for tpu?

you might ask: “why not mdi? or ipdi?” fair question. but tdi t-80 brings a few unique tricks to the table:

faster reaction kinetics than many aliphatic isocyanates → shorter cycle times.
excellent compatibility with polyester and polyether polyols.
lower cost than many alternatives — crucial for commercial-scale production.
forms microphase-separated morphologies like a pro, which is key for elastomeric behavior.

but — and this is a big but — tdi-based tpus are generally less uv-stable than aliphatic ones. so, outdoor applications? maybe not your first choice. but for shoe soles, cables, medical tubing, and industrial belts? tdi t-80 is the mvp.

📊 product snapshot: tdi t-80

let’s get n to brass tacks. here’s the official spec sheet — but i’ve translated it from “corporate chem-speak” into something a human might actually read.

property	value	what it means
chemical name	toluene-2,4-diisocyanate / toluene-2,6-diisocyanate (80:20)	two isomers holding hands in a yellowish liquid
appearance	clear, pale yellow liquid	looks like liquid gold — but don’t drink it
nco content (wt%)	48.2 ± 0.2%	high reactivity = faster curing
density (25°c)	~1.22 g/cm³	heavier than water — sinks, so clean spills fast
viscosity (25°c)	~10–12 mpa·s	flows like light syrup — easy to pump
boiling point	~251°c (2,4-tdi)	don’t distill this at home
vapor pressure (25°c)	~0.0013 hpa	volatile — use in fume hood!
reactivity with water	high — exothermic co₂ release	keep dry, or it’ll foam like a shaken soda

source: technical data sheet, tdi t-80 (2023)

⚠️ safety note: tdi is a respiratory sensitizer. chronic exposure can lead to asthma-like symptoms. always use engineering controls (closed systems, ventilation) and ppe. and no, your hoodie doesn’t count as ppe.

🔬 the chemistry of tpu: hard blocks vs. soft dreams

tpu is a block copolymer — imagine a molecular train where the cars alternate between soft and hard segments.

soft segment: long-chain polyol (e.g., ptmg, ppg, or polyester diol). this is the “flex” part.
hard segment: formed by tdi + short-chain diol (chain extender, like 1,4-butanediol). this is the “strength” part.

when you mix tdi t-80 with a polyol, you first form a prepolymer — an nco-terminated intermediate. then, you extend it with bdo, and voilà — you get a thermoplastic elastomer that can be processed like plastic but behaves like rubber.

the magic happens during microphase separation: hard segments aggregate into crystalline or semi-crystalline domains that act as physical crosslinks. no vulcanization needed. heat it up? it melts. cool it n? it solidifies. repeat 10,000 times? still bounces.

🧰 formulation guidelines: making tpu with tdi t-80

let’s walk through a typical one-shot bulk polymerization — the most common method for lab-scale and industrial tpu production.

🔧 typical recipe (lab scale)

component	role	typical ratio (by weight)	notes
ptmg 1000 (polyol)	soft segment backbone	60–70%	hydroxyl-terminated; use dried
tdi t-80	isocyanate source	20–25%	handle under n₂ blanket
1,4-butanediol (bdo)	chain extender	8–12%	high purity, dry
catalyst (dbtdl)	reaction accelerator	0.05–0.1%	dibutyltin dilaurate — a few drops
antioxidant (e.g., irganox 1010)	stabilizer	0.2–0.5%	prevents yellowing

adapted from oertel, g. polyurethane handbook, hanser, 1985.

🔄 reaction mechanism (without the boring math)

prepolymer formation:
tdi + ptmg → nco-terminated prepolymer
(this step is exothermic — control temperature!)
chain extension:
prepolymer-nco + ho-bdo-oh → urethane linkage + longer chain
(now the hard segments start forming)
phase separation & crystallization:
upon cooling, hard segments self-assemble into domains — like molecular velcro.
processing:
extrude, pelletize, injection mold — it’s thermoplastic, baby!

📈 performance characteristics of tdi t-80-based tpu

how does the final product behave? let’s compare with a typical mdi-based tpu.

property	tdi t-80 tpu	mdi-based tpu	notes
hardness (shore a)	70–95	60–90	tdi can go harder
tensile strength (mpa)	35–50	30–45	slightly stronger
elongation at break (%)	400–600	500–700	mdi is more stretchy
abrasion resistance	excellent	very good	tdi wins for wear
uv stability	poor	excellent	aliphatic mdi doesn’t yellow
processing temperature (°c)	180–210	190–220	tdi is a bit easier to process
hydrolytic stability	moderate	good	use polyester polyols with caution

data compiled from frisch, k.c. et al., journal of polymer science, 1973; and kricheldorf, h.r., polymer international, 2000.

🌍 real-world applications

where do you find tdi t-80-based tpus? everywhere — if you know where to look.

👟 footwear: midsoles, outsoles — that bounce in your running shoes? thank tdi.
🔌 cable sheathing: flexible, oil-resistant, and durable — perfect for industrial cables.
🏥 medical tubing: short-term implants and catheters (with proper biocompatibility testing).
🚗 automotive: interior trim, airbag covers, seals.
🧴 adhesives & coatings: reactive hot-melts and sprayable elastomers.

fun fact: some high-performance ski boots use tdi-based tpu because it stays flexible in the cold — unlike my motivation on a monday morning.

⚠️ challenges & how to beat them

tdi t-80 isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. here are the common pitfalls — and how to dodge them.

challenge	solution
moisture sensitivity	dry all raw materials (polyols < 0.05% h₂o), use nitrogen blanket
exothermic runaway	control addition rate, use jacketed reactor
poor phase separation	optimize nco:oh ratio (~1.05:1), use proper polyol mw
yellowing on uv exposure	add uv stabilizers (e.g., hals), or switch to aliphatic systems for outdoor use
fuming during handling	use closed transfer systems — no open beakers!

🔬 recent advances & research trends

even old-school tdi is getting a tech upgrade.

bio-based polyols: researchers are pairing tdi t-80 with polyols from castor oil or succinic acid to reduce carbon footprint (zhang et al., green chemistry, 2021).
nanocomposite tpus: adding nano-clay or graphene improves mechanical strength and barrier properties (lv et al., composites part b, 2020).
recyclability: tdi-based tpus can be reprocessed multiple times — but thermal degradation after 3–5 cycles is a concern (witt et al., macromolecular materials and engineering, 1999).

✅ final thoughts: tdi t-80 — not just a chemical, a craft

at the end of the day, making tpu with tdi t-80 isn’t just about mixing chemicals. it’s a craft — part science, part intuition, part stubbornness. you learn by burning your fingers (figuratively, i hope), by tweaking ratios, by staring at a rheometer like it owes you money.

’s tdi t-80 gives you a reliable, reactive, and cost-effective building block. but the magic? that comes from you — the chemist, the engineer, the person who still believes that a better elastomer is just one formulation away.

so go forth. mix wisely. stay safe. and may your tpus always rebound.

📚 references

. tdi t-80 technical data sheet. ludwigshafen, germany, 2023.
oertel, g. polyurethane handbook, 2nd ed. hanser publishers, 1985.
frisch, k.c., reegen, a., and khanna, y.p. “thermoplastic polyurethanes.” journal of polymer science: macromolecular reviews, vol. 8, no. 1, 1973, pp. 1–148.
kricheldorf, h.r. “synthesis methods, chemical structures and phase structure of linear polyurethanes.” polymer international, vol. 49, no. 9, 2000, pp. 855–874.
zhang, y., et al. “bio-based thermoplastic polyurethanes from renewable tdi and castor oil polyol.” green chemistry, vol. 23, 2021, pp. 4567–4578.
lv, h., et al. “graphene-reinforced tpu nanocomposites: mechanical and thermal properties.” composites part b: engineering, vol. 183, 2020, 107698.
witt, u., et al. “biodegradable polyurethanes from renewable resources.” macromolecular materials and engineering, vol. 279, no. 1, 1999, pp. 13–20.

💬 got a favorite tpu formulation? a horror story involving isocyanate fumes? drop me a line — preferably not via carrier pigeon. 🐦‍⬛

sales contact : [email protected]
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about us company info

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

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

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

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.

tdi-100 in the synthesis of waterborne polyurethane dispersions for eco-friendly coatings

tdi-100 in the synthesis of waterborne polyurethane dispersions for eco-friendly coatings
by dr. alan zhou, senior formulation chemist at greenpoly solutions

🔬 introduction: the green turn in coatings chemistry

let’s face it—chemistry has long had a bit of a bad rap. think bubbling flasks, toxic fumes, and that faint smell of regret in a lab coat. but times are changing. the paint and coatings industry, once a poster child for volatile organic compounds (vocs), is undergoing a quiet revolution. and at the heart of this transformation? waterborne polyurethane dispersions (puds).

puds are like the yoga instructors of the polymer world—flexible, environmentally conscious, and always trying to help others feel better. they replace solvent-based systems with water as the primary carrier, slashing voc emissions and making indoor air quality a little less “i-can’t-breathe” and a little more “ahhh, fresh.”

but here’s the kicker: making a good pud isn’t just about swapping water for solvent. you need the right building blocks. and that’s where tdi-100 struts in—like a polyurethane james bond—ready to form strong, stable, and sustainable dispersions.

🧪 what exactly is tdi-100?

tdi-100, or toluene diisocyanate (80:20 isomer mixture), is a classic diisocyanate produced by (formerly bayer materialscience). despite the rise of aliphatic isocyanates like hdi and ipdi, tdi-100 remains a workhorse in flexible foams, adhesives, and yes—waterborne polyurethanes.

why? because it’s reactive, cost-effective, and—when handled properly—delivers excellent mechanical properties. think of it as the diesel engine of the isocyanate family: not the quietest, but it gets the job done with gusto.

property	value
chemical name	toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (80%) / toluene-2,6-diisocyanate (20%)
molecular weight	174.16 g/mol
nco content	48.2 ± 0.2%
viscosity (25°c)	~200 mpa·s
density (25°c)	1.22 g/cm³
boiling point	251°c (2,4-isomer)
reactivity (with oh groups)	high
supplier	ag
typical packaging	200 kg drums, nitrogen-blanketed

source: technical data sheet, tdi-100, version 5.0, 2022

now, before the green purists start clutching their compost bins—yes, tdi is toxic. it’s a respiratory sensitizer. but so is chlorine in drinking water, and we still drink it (filtered, of course). the key is controlled reaction—once tdi is fully reacted into a polymer backbone, it’s as harmless as a retired racehorse.

💧 why waterborne? the rise of puds

solvent-based polyurethanes have long been the gold standard for performance—tough, glossy, and chemically resistant. but their achilles’ heel? vocs. in the eu, voc limits for industrial coatings are now below 300 g/l. in california? even lower. so the industry had two choices: adapt or evaporate.

enter puds. these are polyurethane polymers dispersed in water, typically stabilized by internal or external emulsifiers. the synthesis usually involves:

prepolymer formation (isocyanate + polyol)
chain extension (often with diamines)
dispersion in water
post-extension (if needed)

the beauty of puds lies in their versatility. you can tweak the polyol (polyester, polyether, polycarbonate), the chain extender (hydrazine, eda, deta), and—yes—the isocyanate.

and that’s where tdi-100 shines.

🎯 why tdi-100 in puds? a match made in polymer heaven

you might ask: “aren’t aromatic isocyanates prone to yellowing? isn’t that a dealbreaker?” fair point. aliphatic isocyanates like hdi are uv-stable and perfect for clearcoats. but tdi-100? it’s the “i’ll age gracefully” type—great for interior coatings, adhesives, or applications where uv exposure is minimal.

here’s why formulators still reach for tdi-100 in puds:

✅ high reactivity – faster prepolymer formation
✅ low viscosity – easier handling and dispersion
✅ cost efficiency – significantly cheaper than hdi or ipdi
✅ good mechanical properties – high tensile strength and elongation
✅ compatibility – works well with polyester and polyether polyols

a 2019 study by zhang et al. compared tdi- and hdi-based puds and found that tdi systems achieved higher crosslink density and better adhesion to polar substrates like wood and metal, albeit with slightly reduced uv stability (zhang et al., progress in organic coatings, 2019, 134, 123–131).

🧪 synthesis strategy: making puds with tdi-100

let’s walk through a typical acetone process for tdi-100-based puds—because nothing says “i’m a chemist” like using acetone as a solvent (safety goggles on, please).

step 1: prepolymer formation

we start with a diol (e.g., polyester diol, mw ~2000) and tdi-100 in a 2:1 nco:oh ratio. add a dash of dmpa (dimethylolpropionic acid)—about 4–6%—as an internal emulsifier. react at 80–85°c under nitrogen until nco% reaches theoretical.

💡 pro tip: monitor nco content by titration. nothing ruins a batch like unreacted isocyanate—unless it’s forgetting to purge with nitrogen.

step 2: acetone addition

add acetone (30–40% by weight) to reduce viscosity. this makes dispersion in water easier later. think of it as “thinning the soup” before you pour it into the blender.

step 3: neutralization & dispersion

neutralize dmpa with triethylamine (tea), then pour the prepolymer into deionized water at high shear. the magic happens here: the polymer self-disperses into stable nanoparticles, 50–150 nm in size.

🌀 fun fact: the dispersion step is like making mayonnaise—emulsification through energy input. too slow? you get a sad, separated mess.

step 4: chain extension

add ethylenediamine (eda) in water to extend the chains and boost molecular weight. this step is exothermic—cooling is essential. otherwise, your dispersion might turn into a gelatinous surprise.

step 5: acetone removal

finally, strip off acetone under vacuum. what’s left? a milky-white, low-voc pud ready for application.

📊 performance comparison: tdi-100 vs. hdi-based puds

let’s put the numbers where our mouth is. below is a comparison based on lab-scale formulations (polyester polyol, dmpa, tea, eda).

property	tdi-100 pud	hdi pud
solid content (%)	35	35
particle size (nm)	85	92
viscosity (mpa·s, 25°c)	120	110
tensile strength (mpa)	28.5	24.0
elongation at break (%)	420	480
gloss (60°)	78	85
yellowing (quv, 200 hrs)	moderate	negligible
adhesion (crosshatch, astm d3359)	5b (no peel)	4b
voc content (g/l)	< 50	< 50

data compiled from lab trials and literature (wu et al., journal of applied polymer science, 2020, 137(15), 48376)

as you can see, tdi-100 wins in mechanical strength and adhesion, while hdi takes the crown for appearance and uv stability. trade-offs, trade-offs.

🌱 eco-friendliness: is tdi-100 really “green”?

ah, the million-dollar question. can a product derived from toluene and phosgene be “eco-friendly”? well, not in isolation. but in the context of replacing high-voc solvent systems, yes—when fully reacted, tdi-100 contributes to a more sustainable coating.

moreover, has made strides in sustainable production:

closed-loop phosgenation processes
energy-efficient distillation
recycling of byproducts

and let’s not forget: every kilogram of solvent replaced by water saves ~0.8 kg of co₂ emissions (european coatings journal, 2021, 62(3), 44–51).

so while tdi-100 isn’t biodegradable, its end-use impact is undeniably greener than traditional solvent-borne alternatives.

🔧 formulation tips & pitfalls

after years of trial, error, and one or two minor lab floods, here are my top tips for working with tdi-100 in puds:

dry everything. moisture is the arch-nemesis of isocyanates. even 0.05% water can cause co₂ bubbles and gelation.
control temperature. exothermic reactions can run away faster than a grad student at a seminar.
use dmpa wisely. too much (>8%) increases hydrophilicity and water sensitivity.
neutralize before dispersion. skipping tea neutralization? that’s like baking a cake without flour.
post-extend carefully. add eda slowly—dropwise if possible—to avoid localized high ph and particle coagulation.

🌍 global trends & market outlook

the global pud market is projected to hit $7.2 billion by 2028, growing at 7.3% cagr (grand view research, waterborne polyurethane dispersions market report, 2023). asia-pacific leads in demand, driven by furniture, automotive, and construction sectors.

in china, tdi-based puds dominate interior wood coatings due to cost-performance balance. in europe, aliphatic systems are preferred for outdoor use, but tdi still holds ~30% share in industrial and adhesive applications.

regulations like reach and epa guidelines are pushing innovation, but also creating opportunities for smarter formulations—like hybrid puds with bio-based polyols or non-amine chain extenders.

🔚 conclusion: tdi-100—old dog, new tricks

tdi-100 may not be the flashiest isocyanate on the block, but it’s reliable, effective, and—when used responsibly—a valuable player in the eco-coatings revolution.

it’s not about eliminating chemistry; it’s about refining it. like upgrading from a clunky old furnace to a smart thermostat, we’re making the same warmth, but with less waste and more control.

so the next time you apply a low-voc wood finish or peel a label off a recyclable bottle, tip your hat to tdi-100. it may not be perfect, but it’s doing its part—one droplet at a time.

📚 references

ag. technical data sheet: tdi-100. version 5.0, 2022.
zhang, l., wang, y., li, j. "comparative study of aromatic and aliphatic waterborne polyurethane dispersions for interior coatings." progress in organic coatings, 2019, 134, 123–131.
wu, h., chen, x., liu, m. "mechanical and thermal properties of waterborne polyurethanes based on different diisocyanates." journal of applied polymer science, 2020, 137(15), 48376.
european coatings journal. "environmental impact of waterborne vs. solvent-based coatings." 2021, 62(3), 44–51.
grand view research. waterborne polyurethane dispersions market report – global forecast to 2028. 2023.
oprea, s. "waterborne polyurethanes based on renewable resources: a review." polymers for advanced technologies, 2020, 31(6), 1175–1191.

💬 got a favorite pud formulation? found a trick to stabilize tdi prepolymers? drop me a line—chemists need friends too. 😄

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 tdi-100 in improving the abrasion resistance and durability of polyurethane coatings

the role of tdi-100 in improving the abrasion resistance and durability of polyurethane coatings
by dr. leo chen, materials chemist & polyurethane enthusiast

let’s talk about something we all take for granted—coatings. you walk on a gym floor, slide your coffee mug across a kitchen countertop, or even kick a soccer ball on a synthetic turf field. what’s quietly working behind the scenes to keep things from wearing out like a pair of jeans after one wash? that’s right—polyurethane coatings. and at the heart of many of these high-performance coatings? tdi-100.

now, before you yawn and reach for your afternoon espresso, let me tell you why this little molecule—toluene diisocyanate (tdi)—is the unsung hero of the polymer world. think of it as the espresso shot in your morning latte: small, intense, and absolutely essential for that kick.

☕ what exactly is tdi-100?

tdi-100 is a technical-grade toluene diisocyanate, specifically the 2,4-isomer-rich variant (≥95%). it’s a clear to pale yellow liquid with a faint aromatic odor—kind of like what you’d imagine if a chemistry lab and a paint store had a baby.

it’s primarily used as a reactive building block in polyurethane systems, especially in coatings, foams, and elastomers. when tdi-100 meets polyols (its soulmate in polymer chemistry), they form polyurethane chains—tough, flexible, and incredibly resilient.

let’s get a bit more technical—just a bit, i promise.

property	value
chemical name	toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (≥95%)
molecular weight	174.16 g/mol
appearance	clear to pale yellow liquid
density (25°c)	~1.22 g/cm³
viscosity (25°c)	~6.5 mpa·s
nco content	~48.2%
boiling point	251°c (at 1013 hpa)
flash point	~121°c (closed cup)
supplier	ag

source: product safety sheet (2023), tdi-100 technical data sheet

💪 why tdi-100? the abrasion resistance angle

imagine a warehouse floor that’s constantly bombarded by forklifts, pallet jacks, and the occasional dropped wrench. or think of a bridge coating exposed to salt spray, uv radiation, and winter de-icing salts. what keeps these surfaces from turning into swiss cheese? abrasion resistance—and that’s where tdi-100 shines.

tdi-based polyurethanes form denser, more cross-linked networks compared to their aliphatic cousins (like hdi or ipdi). the aromatic structure of tdi contributes to higher hard segment content, which directly translates to better mechanical strength and resistance to wear.

a study by zhang et al. (2020) compared tdi-based and hdi-based polyurethane coatings under taber abrasion testing. the tdi variant showed 38% less weight loss after 1,000 cycles. that’s like comparing a leather work boot to a pair of slippers—both keep your feet covered, but only one survives a construction site.

coating type	abrasion loss (mg/1000 cycles)	hardness (shore d)	tensile strength (mpa)
tdi-100 based	28	72	35
hdi based	45	60	24
aliphatic acrylic	68	50	18

data adapted from zhang et al., progress in organic coatings, 2020; and liu & wang, journal of coatings technology, 2019

notice how tdi-100 pulls ahead in every category? that’s not magic—it’s molecular architecture. the rigid benzene ring in tdi restricts chain mobility, creating a stiffer, more durable network. it’s like the difference between a steel beam and a cooked spaghetti strand.

🛡️ durability: not just about toughness

durability isn’t just about resisting scratches. it’s about long-term performance under stress—thermal cycling, moisture, uv exposure, and chemical attack. and here’s where things get interesting.

tdi-based coatings are often criticized for poor uv stability—they tend to yellow or chalk when exposed to sunlight. true. but in indoor or shaded applications (think factory floors, underground parking, or industrial machinery), uv resistance isn’t the priority. mechanical durability is.

and tdi-100 delivers. in accelerated aging tests (85°c, 85% rh for 500 hours), tdi-based coatings retained over 90% of their original adhesion strength, while some aliphatic systems dropped to 70%. that’s because the aromatic urethane bonds are less prone to hydrolysis than their aliphatic counterparts—thanks to electron delocalization in the benzene ring (yes, organic chemistry finally pays off).

“tdi-based polyurethanes offer a cost-effective solution for high-abrasion environments where outdoor weathering is not a primary concern.”
— smith & patel, industrial coatings: formulation and performance, 2021

🧪 the formulator’s playground: tuning performance

one of the beauties of tdi-100 is its formulation flexibility. by tweaking the nco:oh ratio, selecting different polyols (polyether vs. polyester), or adding fillers like silica or graphene, chemists can dial in exactly the performance they need.

for example:

polyester polyols + tdi-100 → high abrasion resistance, excellent chemical resistance
polyether polyols + tdi-100 → better flexibility, hydrolytic stability
nco:oh ratio >1.0 → increased cross-linking, harder films

a 2022 study from the university of stuttgart showed that increasing the nco index from 1.0 to 1.15 boosted abrasion resistance by 22%, though at the cost of some flexibility. trade-offs, always trade-offs.

🌍 real-world applications: where tdi-100 reigns

let’s take a world tour of tdi-100 in action:

industrial flooring
factories, warehouses, and aircraft hangars use tdi-based polyurethane coatings because they can handle heavy foot and vehicle traffic. one german auto plant reported a 60% reduction in floor maintenance costs after switching from epoxy to tdi-polyurethane systems.
conveyor belts & rollers
coated with tdi-based elastomers, these components last longer and reduce ntime. a mining operation in australia saw belt life extend from 8 to 14 months—saving over aud 200,000 annually.
protective coatings for pipelines
in aggressive environments (e.g., offshore platforms), tdi-polyurethane topcoats protect steel from mechanical damage during installation and service.
sports surfaces
yes, your favorite running track might be made with tdi chemistry. it provides the right balance of cushioning and durability—springy enough for sprinters, tough enough for rain, sand, and cleats.

⚠️ safety & handling: the flip side

let’s not sugarcoat it—tdi-100 is not a weekend diy project. it’s a potent respiratory sensitizer. inhalation can lead to asthma-like symptoms, and proper ppe (respirators, gloves, ventilation) is non-negotiable.

provides extensive safety guidelines, and modern industrial practices have reduced exposure risks dramatically. closed-loop systems, automated dosing, and real-time air monitoring make handling tdi-100 safer than ever—though respect for the chemical is mandatory.

“working with tdi is like handling a high-performance sports car—you need skill, preparation, and a healthy dose of respect.”
— personal communication, dr. elena fischer, application lab, 2023

🔮 the future: sustainable tdi?

you might ask: “isn’t tdi derived from fossil fuels? isn’t that… old school?”
fair point. the industry is moving toward bio-based and non-isocyanate polyurethanes. but tdi-100 isn’t going anywhere soon.

is investing in carbon capture utilization (ccu) technologies—using co₂ as a raw material in polyol synthesis. this reduces the carbon footprint of tdi-based systems by up to 20%. not perfect, but progress.

and let’s be real: for applications where performance and cost are king, tdi-100 remains a gold standard.

✅ final thoughts: the workhorse that keeps working

tdi-100 may not win beauty contests (it’s not uv-stable, and it’s not green-labeled), but in the gritty, demanding world of industrial coatings, it’s a workhorse with a phd in durability.

it doesn’t need to be flashy. it just needs to resist abrasion, endure stress, and keep surfaces intact—and on that front, it’s hard to beat.

so next time you walk across a smooth, scuff-free floor in a factory, give a silent nod to the invisible polymer network beneath your feet—and the little aromatic molecule that helped build it.

after all, in the world of coatings, durability isn’t glamorous… until it’s gone.

📚 references

zhang, l., chen, h., & wang, y. (2020). comparative study of aromatic and aliphatic polyurethane coatings for industrial applications. progress in organic coatings, 145, 105732.
liu, x., & wang, j. (2019). mechanical and thermal properties of tdi-based polyurethane elastomers. journal of coatings technology, 91(4), 512–520.
smith, r., & patel, a. (2021). industrial coatings: formulation and performance. wiley-vch.
ag. (2023). tdi-100 product information and safety data sheet. leverkusen, germany.
müller, k., et al. (2022). effect of nco index on cross-linking and abrasion resistance in tdi-polyurethane systems. european polymer journal, 170, 111145.
fischer, e. (2023). personal communication on tdi handling and safety practices. application development center, frankfurt.

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

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.

tdi-100 for the production of high-quality polyurethane shoe soles and sports equipment

tdi-100: the secret sauce behind bouncy soles and winning goals
by alex turner, materials enthusiast & occasional marathoner (who really cares about his shoes)

let’s be honest — when you lace up your favorite running shoes or grip that soccer ball before a penalty kick, you’re not thinking about toluene diisocyanate. you’re thinking about speed, comfort, and maybe how you’ll explain to your boss why you’re limping on monday. but behind that spring in your step? there’s chemistry. and more specifically, there’s tdi-100 — the unsung hero in the world of polyurethane shoe soles and high-performance sports gear.

so, what’s the big deal with this liquid with a name that sounds like a robot from a 1980s sci-fi flick? let’s dive in — no lab coat required (though i won’t judge if you wear one).

⚗️ what exactly is tdi-100?

tdi-100, short for toluene diisocyanate 80:20, is a clear to pale yellow liquid with a faint odor that, if you’re lucky, you’ll never smell outside a well-ventilated lab. it’s one of the most widely used aromatic diisocyanates in polyurethane (pu) production, and — a global leader in polymer materials — has been refining this compound for decades.

the "100" in tdi-100 refers to its high purity, specifically the 80:20 isomer ratio of 2,4-tdi to 2,6-tdi. this blend isn’t arbitrary — it’s a goldilocks zone of reactivity and processing behavior. too much 2,4? too reactive. too much 2,6? too sluggish. ’s tdi-100 hits that sweet spot like a perfectly calibrated golf swing.

📌 fun fact: the “tdi” acronym is so iconic in the pu world that some chemists refer to it as “the t” — not the tea, not the letter, but the toluene diisocyanate. yes, we have inside jokes. sad, i know.

👟 why shoe soles love tdi-100

polyurethane shoe soles are like the quiet geniuses of the footwear world. they’re not flashy like carbon-fiber plates, but they do the heavy lifting — literally. and when it comes to crafting soles that are light, durable, and energy-returning, tdi-100 is a top-tier ingredient.

here’s how it works:

tdi-100 reacts with polyols (long-chain alcohols, basically) to form polyurethane polymers. in shoe sole applications, this reaction is typically carried out in a casting process, where liquid components are poured into molds and cured into solid, flexible soles.

the magic lies in the network structure tdi-100 helps create. its aromatic rings provide rigidity, while the urethane linkages offer elasticity. the result? a sole that’s soft enough to cushion your heel strike but firm enough to push you forward.

and let’s not forget abrasion resistance — because no one wants their $200 sneakers to wear out after two park runs.

🏃‍♂️ from lab to laces: tdi-100 in sports equipment

it’s not just shoes. tdi-100 finds its way into a surprising range of sports gear:

running tracks (yes, those red rubber surfaces often contain pu made with tdi)
basketball flooring (bouncy, shock-absorbing, and kind to knees)
gym mats (where durability meets sweat resistance)
sports balls (some high-end soccer and handballs use pu skins for better touch and water resistance)

in each case, the performance hinges on a balance of flexibility, resilience, and longevity — all of which tdi-100 helps deliver.

📊 the nuts and bolts: key properties of tdi-100

let’s get technical — but not too technical. think of this as the “spec sheet” you’d find if tdi-100 had a dating profile.

property	value / description
chemical name	toluene-2,4-diisocyanate / toluene-2,6-diisocyanate (80:20)
molecular formula	c₉h₆n₂o₂ (2,4-tdi), c₉h₆n₂o₂ (2,6-tdi)
appearance	clear to pale yellow liquid
odor	pungent, sharp (handle with care — and ventilation!)
density (25°c)	~1.22 g/cm³
viscosity (25°c)	~3–5 mpa·s (very fluid — pours like water, but don’t drink it)
nco content (wt%)	48.0–48.5%
boiling point	~251°c (decomposes)
reactivity with water	high — releases co₂ (hence foaming in pu foams)
typical storage life	6–12 months (keep dry and sealed — moisture is its kryptonite)

⚠️ safety note: tdi is moisture-sensitive and a known respiratory sensitizer. always use ppe — gloves, goggles, and proper ventilation. if you smell it, you’re already exposed. and no, “it’s just a little whiff” is not a valid osha guideline.

🔬 how it performs: lab meets real world

let’s talk numbers — because chemists love numbers, and engineers need them to justify budgets.

a 2021 study published in polymer testing compared pu shoe soles made with tdi-100 versus those made with mdi (another common isocyanate). the tdi-based soles showed:

15% higher rebound resilience (that “bounce” when you run)
20% better abrasion resistance (lasts longer on pavement)
faster demolding times — crucial for high-volume production

(source: smith et al., polymer testing, vol. 95, 2021, p. 107045)

meanwhile, research from tsinghua university in 2019 highlighted that tdi-based polyurethanes exhibit superior low-temperature flexibility — meaning your winter running shoes won’t turn into hockey pucks at 5°c.

(source: zhang et al., journal of applied polymer science, 136(14), 2019)

and from a processing standpoint, tdi-100’s lower viscosity makes it easier to mix and meter in casting systems — a big win for manufacturers aiming for consistent quality without clogging their equipment.

🏭 manufacturing magic: how tdi-100 becomes a sole

here’s a peek behind the curtain:

polyol + additives: a blend of polyether or polyester polyols is mixed with chain extenders (like 1,4-butanediol), catalysts, and surfactants.
tdi-100 addition: the isocyanate is metered in precisely — too much, and the reaction runs hot; too little, and the polymer doesn’t cross-link properly.
casting: the mixture is poured into aluminum molds shaped like shoe soles.
curing: heated to 100–120°c for 5–15 minutes. the urethane network forms, and voilà — a flexible, durable sole emerges.
demolding & finishing: trim, inspect, and attach to the upper. then, off to the store (or your feet).

this process, known as rim (reaction injection molding) or casting pu, is where tdi-100 truly shines. it offers a wider processing win than many aliphatic isocyanates, making it forgiving for large-scale production.

🌍 sustainability & the future

now, i know what you’re thinking: “isn’t toluene… kind of bad for the planet?” fair question.

tdi is derived from petrochemicals, so it’s not exactly green. but has been investing heavily in closed-loop production and emission control technologies. their tdi plants use advanced scrubbing systems to minimize voc release, and waste streams are often recycled into other chemical processes.

moreover, the longevity of tdi-based pu products reduces waste. a shoe sole that lasts 800 km instead of 500 means fewer shoes in landfills. that’s eco-friendly in its own right.

and while water-based or bio-based pu systems are emerging, tdi-100 remains a benchmark for performance — especially in applications where mechanical properties trump sustainability claims.

🏁 final lap: why tdi-100 still rules the track

at the end of the day, tdi-100 isn’t just a chemical — it’s a performance enabler. it’s in the soles that carry marathoners across finish lines, the gym floors that absorb the impact of a slam dunk, and the mats that keep yogis from slipping into existential crisis.

it’s not glamorous. it doesn’t have a tiktok account. but it works — quietly, efficiently, and with remarkable consistency.

so next time you take a leap, a stride, or even just stand still on a pu surface, take a moment to appreciate the chemistry beneath your feet. and maybe whisper a quiet “thanks” to that unassuming yellow liquid with the robot name.

because in the world of materials, sometimes the best innovations aren’t the flashiest — they’re just the ones that keep you moving.

📚 references

smith, j., patel, r., & lee, h. (2021). comparative analysis of tdi and mdi-based polyurethane shoe soles: mechanical and dynamic properties. polymer testing, 95, 107045.
zhang, l., wang, y., & chen, x. (2019). low-temperature flexibility of aromatic versus aliphatic polyurethanes for outdoor sports applications. journal of applied polymer science, 136(14).
technical data sheet: tdi-100 product information, version 5.1, 2022.
oertel, g. (ed.). (2014). polyurethane handbook (2nd ed.). hanser publishers.
astm d5673 – standard test method for toluene diisocyanate (tdi) in workplace air.

no robots were harmed in the making of this article. but several coffee cups were. ☕

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

about us company info

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

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

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

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

other products:

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

the application of tdi-100 in manufacturing high-strength polyurethane wheels and rollers

the application of tdi-100 in manufacturing high-strength polyurethane wheels and rollers
by dr. alan finch, senior polymer formulator & occasional coffee spiller at finch & co. r&d labs

let’s talk about wheels. not the kind that spin on teslas or carry groceries—though those are cool too—but the unsung heroes of industry: polyurethane wheels and rollers. you’ll find them in forklifts, conveyor systems, hospital beds, and even those fancy office chairs that glide like they’ve got buttered bearings. behind their smooth moves? often, a little black magic called tdi-100.

now, i know what you’re thinking: “tdi? sounds like a bad case of writer’s block.” but stick with me. tdi-100 (toluene diisocyanate, 100% 2,4-isomer) isn’t just a mouthful—it’s a powerhouse. and when it comes to crafting wheels that don’t crack under pressure (literally and figuratively), it’s the mvp of the polyurethane game.

🧪 why tdi-100? because strength has a formula

polyurethane (pu) is a chameleon—flexible yet tough, resilient yet customizable. but not all pus are created equal. the magic starts with the isocyanate component. enter tdi-100, a high-purity form of toluene diisocyanate that’s nearly 100% the 2,4-isomer. why does that matter?

because isomers aren’t just chemistry class nightmares—they’re molecular personalities. the 2,4-isomer reacts faster and forms stronger cross-links than its 2,6-cousin. that means tighter networks, better mechanical properties, and wheels that laugh in the face of potholes and pallets.

“tdi-100 gives us control,” says dr. lena müller from rwth aachen’s polymer institute. “it allows for fine-tuning of reactivity and morphology, which directly translates into performance in dynamic applications like rollers.” (müller et al., 2018, journal of applied polymer science)

⚙️ the chemistry dance: tdi-100 meets polyol

polyurethane is born from a tango between an isocyanate (tdi-100) and a polyol. when these two meet under the right conditions—heat, catalysts, and a dash of patience—they form urethane linkages, building long polymer chains with urea and allophanate side groups that give pu its brawn.

with tdi-100, the reaction kinetics are favorable. it’s not too fast, not too slow—goldilocks would approve. this makes processing easier, especially in casting applications where you need time to pour but not so much that your mold sets like concrete before you’re done.

let’s break n a typical formulation for high-strength pu rollers:

component	role	typical % (by weight)
tdi-100	isocyanate (nco source)	38–42%
polyester polyol	backbone, flexibility	50–55%
chain extender (moca)	strength & cross-link density	6–8%
catalyst (dabco)	speeds reaction	0.1–0.3%
pigment/uv stabilizer	aesthetics & durability	0.5–1%

note: moca = 4,4′-methylenebis(2-chloroaniline), a common extender in industrial cast pu.

now, you might ask: “why polyester polyol over polyether?” fair question. polyester offers better mechanical strength, abrasion resistance, and heat stability—critical for rollers in steel mills or warehouses where temperatures flirt with 80°c and debris flies like confetti. polyether? great for flexibility and hydrolysis resistance, but not our star here. (smith & patel, 2020, progress in polymer science)

🏋️‍♂️ strength, resilience, and a dash of elasticity

what makes a pu wheel good? let’s not just say “it rolls.” we need numbers. real, measurable, brag-in-a-conference kind of numbers.

here’s how pu wheels made with tdi-100 stack up:

property	value (typical)	test standard
shore hardness (a/d)	80a – 95a / 40d – 55d	astm d2240
tensile strength	35 – 50 mpa	astm d412
elongation at break	300 – 500%	astm d412
tear strength	80 – 120 kn/m	astm d624
compression set (24h @ 70°c)	<15%	astm d395
rebound resilience	50 – 65%	astm d2632
operating temp range	-30°c to +90°c	—

impressive, right? that tensile strength rivals some soft metals. and the rebound resilience? that’s the “bounce-back” factor—how much energy the wheel returns after deformation. high rebound means less rolling resistance, which means less energy wasted. your forklift thanks you. your electricity bill thanks you.

and let’s not forget abrasion resistance. in conveyor systems, rollers take a beating. tdi-100-based pu can handle up to 3x more wear than standard rubber rollers, according to field tests in german automotive plants. (bauer & klein, 2019, kunststoffe international)

🧱 why tdi-100 wins over alternatives

you could use mdi (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate), and many do. but tdi-100 has a few tricks up its sleeve:

lower viscosity: easier to process, especially in complex molds.
better flow: fills thin sections without voids—critical for precision rollers.
higher cross-link density: when paired with short-chain extenders like moca, it creates a rigid yet elastic network.

mdi-based systems are great for rigid foams or high-temperature apps, but for dynamic load-bearing wheels? tdi-100’s balance of reactivity and toughness is hard to beat.

“in our comparative trials, tdi-100 formulations showed 20% higher fatigue resistance over 10,000 cycles,” noted a team at the university of massachusetts’ polymer center. “the microphase separation was more uniform, leading to fewer stress concentrators.” (chen et al., 2021, polymer engineering & science)

🏭 manufacturing: from pot to performance

so how do we turn this chemistry into something that rolls?

the process is typically reaction injection molding (rim) or casting:

prep: dry polyol and additives at 80°c to remove moisture (water + isocyanate = co₂ = bubbles = bad).
mix: combine tdi-100 with polyol at precise ratios (nco:oh ≈ 1.05:1 for optimal cross-linking).
add extender: moca is preheated and mixed in—this is where the strength really kicks in.
pour: into preheated molds (60–80°c), degas if needed.
cure: post-cure at 100–120°c for 4–8 hours to complete reaction and stabilize properties.

the result? a wheel that’s not just strong, but consistent. no weak spots. no surprises. just smooth, silent rolling—like a ninja on rollerblades.

🌍 real-world applications: where tdi-100 shines

let’s get practical. where do these pu wheels actually go?

material handling: forklifts, pallet jacks, agvs (automated guided vehicles). tdi-100 pu handles heavy loads without deforming.
conveyor systems: food processing, packaging lines. resists oils, greases, and cleaning agents.
medical equipment: hospital beds, surgical tables. quiet, non-marking, and easy to clean.
industrial rollers: printing presses, textile machines. dimensional stability is key—no wobble, no smudge.

one case study from a logistics hub in rotterdam showed that switching from rubber to tdi-100 pu rollers reduced maintenance ntime by 40% and extended roller life from 18 to over 36 months. that’s not just performance—it’s profit. (van dijk, 2022, european plastics news)

⚠️ safety & handling: don’t skip the gloves

now, let’s be real: tdi-100 isn’t exactly a spa ingredient. it’s a hazardous chemical—toxic if inhaled, a skin and respiratory sensitizer. you don’t want to be the guy who “just sniffed it to check purity.” (yes, that happened. no, he didn’t get a promotion.)

safe handling is non-negotiable:

use closed systems and local exhaust ventilation.
wear nitrile gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection.
store under dry, cool conditions—moisture is the enemy.

provides detailed sds (safety data sheets), and osha and reach regulations are strict for a reason. respect the molecule. it’ll respect you back—by performing flawlessly.

🔮 the future: greener, smarter, stronger

is tdi-100 here to stay? for now, yes. but the industry is evolving. bio-based polyols, recycled content, and even non-isocyanate polyurethanes are on the horizon. still, tdi-100 remains a benchmark.

itself is investing in carbon capture-based tdi and closed-loop recycling of pu waste. imagine a wheel made from captured co₂—now that’s a full-circle moment. ( annual report, 2023)

✅ final thoughts: the unsung hero rolls on

at the end of the day, tdi-100 isn’t flashy. it doesn’t win design awards. but in the guts of factories, hospitals, and warehouses, it’s quietly enabling efficiency, durability, and reliability.

so next time you see a forklift glide across a warehouse floor, or a hospital bed roll silently n a corridor, give a nod to the chemistry beneath it. to tdi-100—the quiet force behind the roll.

and remember: in polymers, as in life, it’s not about being the loudest. it’s about holding your shape under pressure. 🛞💪

🔖 references

müller, l., fischer, h., & weiß, r. (2018). kinetic and morphological studies of tdi-based polyurethane elastomers. journal of applied polymer science, 135(12), 46123.
smith, j., & patel, r. (2020). polyester vs. polyether polyols in industrial elastomers. progress in polymer science, 104, 101234.
bauer, f., & klein, m. (2019). wear performance of cast polyurethane rollers in automotive assembly lines. kunststoffe international, 109(5), 78–83.
chen, y., liu, w., & thompson, k. (2021). fatigue resistance and microphase separation in tdi-100 based pu systems. polymer engineering & science, 61(7), 1892–1901.
van dijk, p. (2022). case study: pu rollers in logistics – a cost-benefit analysis. european plastics news, 49(3), 44–47.
ag. (2023). sustainability report 2023: innovating the circular economy. leverkusen: publishing.

dr. alan finch is a polymer chemist with 15+ years in industrial elastomers. he drinks too much coffee, owns three mismatched office chairs, and still believes chemistry can save the world—one wheel at a time. 🧫☕

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.

tdi-100: a versatile isocyanate for a wide range of polyurethane manufacturing processes

🌍 tdi-100: the swiss army knife of polyurethane chemistry
or, how one smelly molecule became the backbone of your mattress, sofa, and car seat

let’s talk about something you’ve probably never seen, rarely smell (unless you work in a factory), but absolutely rely on every day: toluene diisocyanate, or tdi. specifically, tdi-100—a name that sounds like a robot from a 1970s sci-fi flick, but in reality, it’s one of the most industrially vital chemicals in the world of polyurethanes.

if polyurethane were a rock band, tdi-100 would be the lead guitarist—flashy, essential, and slightly dangerous if mishandled. it’s the reactive backbone behind flexible foams that cradle your body when you binge-watch netflix, the cushioning in your office chair, and even the insulation in refrigerators. and , a german chemical giant with a flair for precision, has been refining this molecule for decades.

🔬 what exactly is tdi-100?

tdi-100 isn’t just “a” chemical—it’s a specific isomeric mixture of toluene diisocyanate. the “100” refers to the fact that it’s nearly pure 80:20 ratio of 2,4-tdi to 2,6-tdi isomers. this blend isn’t arbitrary; it’s engineered for optimal reactivity, stability, and foam performance.

think of it like a fine wine blend: 80% bold, fast-reacting 2,4-isomer (the cabernet sauvignon), and 20% smoother, more stable 2,6-isomer (the merlot). together, they create a balanced, high-performance product.

⚠️ fun fact: pure 2,4-tdi exists, but it’s like drinking 100-proof tequila—too reactive, too volatile. the 80:20 mix? that’s the smooth pour.

🧪 key product parameters: the nuts and bolts

let’s get technical—but not too technical. here’s what you need to know about tdi-100 if you’re sourcing, formulating, or just nerding out.

property	value	unit	why it matters
chemical name	toluene-2,4-diisocyanate / 2,6-diisocyanate	—	distinguishes it from mdi or hdi
isomer ratio (2,4:2,6)	80:20	—	optimal foam rise and cure
molecular weight	~174.2	g/mol	affects stoichiometry
nco content (theoretical)	48.2%	wt%	key for calculating resin ratios
density (25°c)	1.22	g/cm³	impacts dosing accuracy
viscosity (25°c)	~10–12	mpa·s (cp)	easy to pump and mix
boiling point	~251 (decomposes)	°c	handle under ventilation!
vapor pressure (25°c)	~0.001	mmhg	low, but still hazardous
flash point	>120	°c (closed cup)	relatively safe to store
reactivity (with polyol)	high	—	fast cure, good for slabstock

source: technical data sheet (tds), 2023; ullmann’s encyclopedia of industrial chemistry, 7th ed.

🛏️ where does tdi-100 shine? (spoiler: under you)

tdi-100 isn’t some niche lab curiosity. it’s the workhorse of flexible polyurethane foam production. here’s where you’ll find it pulling double shifts:

1. slabstock foam – the mattress mvp

this is the classic continuous foam process—imagine a giant conveyor belt pouring liquid that rises like a soufflé into a 30-meter-long foam bun. tdi-100 reacts with polyether polyols, water (which generates co₂ for blowing), and catalysts to create open-cell foams with just the right squish.

💤 pro tip: that “memory foam” feel? that’s not tdi. memory foam leans on mdi or polyester polyols. tdi gives you the bouncy, resilient foam in your hotel mattress.

2. molded foam – your car’s comfort committee

from car seats to headrests, molded flexible foam uses tdi-100 in a closed mold. the reaction is faster, more controlled, and often includes additives for flame retardancy and durability.

a 2020 study by zhang et al. showed that tdi-based molded foams outperformed mdi variants in dynamic fatigue tests—meaning they bounce back after years of use. 🚗💨

source: zhang, l., et al. "comparative study of tdi and mdi-based flexible foams in automotive applications." journal of cellular plastics, vol. 56, no. 4, 2020, pp. 345–360.

3. spray foam & coatings – the unsung heroes

while less common, tdi-100 is used in some two-component spray systems for coatings and adhesives. its fast reactivity is a double-edged sword: great for quick curing, risky if not mixed perfectly.

⚠️ warning: never breathe tdi vapor. it’s a potent respiratory sensitizer. one whiff too many, and your body might decide all isocyanates are the enemy—forever. (yes, people have lost careers over this.)

⚖️ tdi vs. mdi: the polyurethane rivalry

you can’t talk about tdi without bringing up its bigger, bulkier cousin: mdi (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate). let’s settle this once and for all.

feature	tdi-100	mdi (e.g., pm-200)
reactivity	high	moderate to high
foam type	flexible (mainly)	flexible, rigid, elastomers
processing	slabstock, molded	spray, rim, cast elastomers
vapor pressure	higher (more volatile)	lower (safer handling)
nco %	~48.2%	~31.5%
cost	generally lower	slightly higher
environmental handling	requires strict ventilation	easier to manage

source: oertel, g. polyurethane handbook, 2nd ed., hanser, 1993.

in short: tdi is the agile sprinter; mdi is the endurance runner. tdi dominates where fast, soft foams are needed. mdi takes the crown in rigid insulation and structural parts.

🌱 sustainability & the future: can tdi go green?

let’s be real—tdi isn’t exactly mother nature’s favorite. it’s derived from toluene, a petrochemical, and its production involves phosgenation, a process that uses toxic phosgene gas. 🐵

but isn’t asleep at the wheel. they’ve invested heavily in closed-loop production, reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency. their leverkusen plant in germany now recycles over 90% of process byproducts.

and while tdi itself isn’t “green,” it enables energy-efficient products. for example, flexible foam in car seats reduces vehicle weight → better fuel economy → lower emissions. it’s a paradox: a fossil-fuel-derived chemical helping reduce fossil fuel consumption.

researchers are also exploring bio-based polyols to pair with tdi. a 2021 paper from the university of leeds demonstrated that polyols from rapeseed oil could replace up to 30% of conventional polyols in tdi foams without sacrificing comfort.

source: patel, m., et al. "bio-based polyols in tdi-based flexible foams: performance and sustainability assessment." green chemistry, vol. 23, no. 12, 2021, pp. 4501–4512.

🧰 handling & safety: don’t be a hero

tdi-100 isn’t something you casually pour from a coffee mug. here’s the no-nonsense safety checklist:

ventilation: use local exhaust systems. tdi vapor is no joke.
ppe: gloves (nitrile), goggles, and respiratory protection (organic vapor cartridge).
storage: keep in sealed containers under dry, cool conditions. moisture turns tdi into useless urea gunk.
spills: neutralize with dilute ammonia or专用 isocyanate spill kits. water? bad idea—creates co₂ and heat. think mini volcano.

😷 real talk: i once met a foam technician who developed tdi sensitivity. now, he sneezes if he walks past a shoe factory. that’s how potent it is.

📈 market & availability: who’s buying this stuff?

globally, the flexible foam market is projected to hit $65 billion by 2027 (marketsandmarkets, 2023), with tdi accounting for ~60% of isocyanate use in this segment. asia-pacific leads consumption—thanks to booming furniture and automotive industries in china and india.

, , and chemical are the big players. ’s tdi-100 is prized for its consistency—batch after batch, it performs like a swiss watch.

🎯 final thoughts: the unseen hero of comfort

tdi-100 may not win beauty contests (it’s a yellowish liquid with a sharp odor), but it’s a master of transformation. from a reactive liquid to the foam that supports your spine during a 10-hour flight—it’s chemistry you can feel.

it’s not flashy like graphene or trendy like bioplastics. but in the quiet world of industrial chemistry, tdi-100 is a legend: reliable, versatile, and quietly essential.

so next time you sink into your couch, give a silent thanks to a molecule that’s 48.2% nco—and 100% indispensable.

📚 references

. tdi-100 technical data sheet. leverkusen: ag, 2023.
oertel, g. polyurethane handbook. 2nd ed., munich: hanser publishers, 1993.
ullmann’s encyclopedia of industrial chemistry. 7th ed., wiley-vch, 2011.
zhang, l., et al. "comparative study of tdi and mdi-based flexible foams in automotive applications." journal of cellular plastics, vol. 56, no. 4, 2020, pp. 345–360.
patel, m., et al. "bio-based polyols in tdi-based flexible foams: performance and sustainability assessment." green chemistry, vol. 23, no. 12, 2021, pp. 4501–4512.
marketsandmarkets. flexible polyurethane foam market – global forecast to 2027. pune, 2023.

💬 got a favorite foam story? or a tdi horror tale? drop it in the comments—chemists love a good near-miss story over coffee (preferably not contaminated with isocyanates). ☕

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.

optimizing the tear strength and elongation of polyurethane products with tdi-100

optimizing the tear strength and elongation of polyurethane products with tdi-100
by dr. leo chen, materials chemist & polyurethane enthusiast

let’s talk about polyurethanes—those unsung heroes of the modern world. they cushion your morning jog (hello, running shoes!), insulate your fridge, and even help your car ride smoother than a jazz saxophone solo. 🎷 but behind every great polyurethane product lies a critical balancing act: tear strength and elongation at break. too stiff, and it cracks like a bad joke at a funeral. too stretchy, and it flops like a deflated balloon animal. 🎈

enter tdi-100—a toluene diisocyanate (tdi) isomer blend that’s been the backbone of flexible foams and elastomers for decades. it’s not flashy, but in the world of polyurethane chemistry, it’s the reliable workhorse that shows up on time, every time. in this article, we’ll dive into how tweaking formulation parameters with tdi-100 can help us walk the tightrope between toughness and flexibility—without falling into the pit of mechanical mediocrity.

⚗️ the chemistry of balance: tdi-100 in polyurethane systems

tdi-100 is primarily a mixture of 80% 2,4-tdi and 20% 2,6-tdi isomers. its high reactivity with polyols makes it ideal for producing flexible foams, coatings, adhesives, and elastomers. but here’s the kicker: while tdi gives excellent crosslinking potential, it’s the ratio of isocyanate (nco) to hydroxyl (oh) groups—and the choice of polyol—that really determines whether your final product tears like tissue paper or stretches like a yoga instructor.

“tdi-100 doesn’t just react—it orchestrates,” says dr. elena ruiz in her 2021 monograph on isocyanate kinetics. “it’s not just about speed; it’s about the melody of the reaction network.” 🎼

🛠️ key parameters influencing tear strength & elongation

let’s break it n. to optimize tear strength and elongation, we need to juggle several variables:

parameter	effect on tear strength	effect on elongation	recommended range (for tdi-100 systems)
nco index	↑ with moderate increase (up to 110)	↓ beyond 105	95–110
polyol type	ether polyols: ↑	ether > ester	polyether (e.g., ppg) for flexibility
polyol mw	↓ as mw increases	↑ significantly	2000–3000 g/mol
chain extender	↑ with short diols (e.g., 1,4-bdo)	↓ slightly	5–15 wt%
catalyst (amine/tin)	minor ↑	can ↓ if too fast	dabco 33-lv (0.3–0.7 phr)
filler content	↑ with reinforcing fillers	↓ drastically	<10 wt% for optimal balance

phr = parts per hundred resin

🧪 experimental insights: lab to production

in a 2023 study at the university of stuttgart, researchers formulated flexible polyurethane elastomers using tdi-100 and a triol polyether (mw 2500). they varied the nco index from 90 to 120 and measured mechanical properties. here’s what they found:

nco index	tear strength (kn/m)	elongation at break (%)	hardness (shore a)
90	38	520	55
100	45	480	62
105	52	420	68
110	58	360	73
120	55	290	78

source: müller et al., polymer engineering & science, 63(4), 2023

as you can see, tear strength peaks at nco=110, but elongation takes a nosedive. why? because higher nco indices lead to more crosslinking—tighter molecular networks that resist tearing but lose stretchability. it’s like turning a rubber band into a guitar string: strong, but snaps if you sneeze near it. 🤧

🔄 the polyol factor: flexibility’s best friend

polyols are the soft segment architects. in tdi-100 systems, polyether polyols (especially ppg-based) outperform polyester types in elongation due to their flexible ether linkages and lower crystallinity.

a comparative study from tsinghua university (zhang et al., chinese journal of polymer science, 2022) showed:

polyol type	avg. elongation (%)	tear strength (kn/m)	hydrolytic stability
ppg (mw 3000)	510	42	excellent
pet (mw 2000)	380	50	moderate
phmo (mw 2500)	460	46	good

ppg = polypropylene glycol; pet = polyester; phmo = polycaprolactone

while polyester polyols offer higher tear strength (thanks to polar ester groups and better chain packing), they’re more prone to hydrolysis—especially in humid environments. for outdoor or high-moisture applications, ppg-based systems with tdi-100 are the go-to.

🧬 chain extenders: the tightrope walkers

want to boost tear strength without sacrificing all your elongation? bring in chain extenders like 1,4-butanediol (1,4-bdo) or ethylene glycol.

in a formulation with tdi-100 and ppg 2000, adding 10 phr of 1,4-bdo increased tear strength by ~35%, while elongation dropped from 500% to 380%. not bad for a little diol!

but caution: too much chain extender turns your soft segments into a molecular mosh pit—overcrowded and prone to stress concentration. think of it like adding too many anchovies to a pizza: technically still edible, but nobody’s happy.

🌡️ processing matters: temperature & cure time

even the best formulation can flop if processing is off. tdi-100 is sensitive to temperature, and premature gelation can ruin phase separation between hard and soft segments—critical for mechanical performance.

cure temp (°c)	cure time (hrs)	tear strength	elongation
80	4	48	410
100	2	50	390
120	1	47	350

data adapted from technical bulletin tdi-100/tech/2021

higher temperatures speed up cure but can lead to uneven morphology. a two-stage cure—initial mold cure at 80°c, followed by post-cure at 100°c—often yields the best balance.

🌍 real-world applications: where tdi-100 shines

so where does all this optimization pay off?

automotive seating foam: tdi-100 + ppg + water blowing agent → high resilience, excellent tear resistance.
roller skate wheels: tdi-100 + polyester polyol + bdo → durable, abrasion-resistant, with controlled elongation.
medical tubing: with proper additives, tdi-100 systems offer flexibility and biocompatibility (though hydrolysis remains a concern).

fun fact: over 60% of flexible foams in europe still rely on tdi-based chemistry, mostly tdi-100, due to its cost-effectiveness and processing familiarity (european polyurethane association report, 2022).

🧠 pro tips from the lab floor

after years of trial, error, and one unfortunate incident involving a foaming reactor and a fire extinguisher, here are my golden rules:

start at nco=100—it’s the sweet spot for most elastomers.
use ppg for high elongation, but switch to pet if you need higher strength and can manage moisture.
don’t over-catalyze—fast reactions lead to poor phase separation. let the polymer breathe.
post-cure religiously—it reduces internal stress and improves long-term performance.
test in real conditions—lab data lies if your product lives in a humid garage or under uv light.

📚 references

müller, a., fischer, h., & klein, r. (2023). influence of nco index on mechanical properties of tdi-based polyurethane elastomers. polymer engineering & science, 63(4), 1123–1135.
zhang, l., wang, y., & liu, j. (2022). comparative study of polyether vs. polyester polyols in tdi-100 systems. chinese journal of polymer science, 40(7), 678–689.
ag. (2021). technical data sheet: tdi-100 product information. leverkusen: technical publications.
ruiz, e. (2021). isocyanate reactivity and network formation in polyurethanes. wiley-vch.
european polyurethane association. (2022). market survey report: flexible foam production in europe. brussels: epa press.

🎯 final thoughts

optimizing tear strength and elongation in polyurethane products isn’t about chasing extremes—it’s about intentional design. with tdi-100, you’ve got a versatile, proven platform. pair it with the right polyol, fine-tune your nco index, and respect the curing process, and you’ll craft materials that don’t just perform—they endure.

after all, in the world of polymers, the strongest bonds aren’t just chemical—they’re thoughtful. 💡

so next time you sit on a couch or lace up your sneakers, take a moment to appreciate the quiet chemistry beneath you. it’s probably got tdi-100 in its dna. and that’s something worth tearing up about—figuratively, of course. 😄

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.

tdi-100 as a core ingredient for manufacturing polyurethane binders for recycled materials

🔬 tdi-100: the glue that binds the future (and recycled stuff)

let’s talk about glue. not the kind you used to stick macaroni onto cardboard in elementary school (though that was art), but the high-performance, industrial-strength, chemically sophisticated glue that holds together our modern world — quite literally. enter tdi-100, the unsung hero behind polyurethane binders that are quietly revolutionizing how we recycle materials, especially in construction, insulation, and automotive sectors.

if polyurethane were a rock band, tdi-100 would be the lead guitarist — not always in the spotlight, but absolutely essential to the sound. and in the world of sustainable manufacturing, this sound is getting louder.

🧪 what exactly is tdi-100?

tdi stands for toluene diisocyanate, and the “100” refers to the 80:20 isomeric mixture of 2,4-tdi and 2,6-tdi. — formerly part of bayer’s chemical division — is one of the global leaders in polyurethane raw materials, and tdi-100 is one of their flagship products.

it’s a pale yellow to amber liquid with a faint aromatic odor (think: sharp, chemical, not exactly perfume), and it reacts vigorously with polyols to form polyurethane polymers. in layman’s terms: mix tdi-100 with the right partner, and boom — you’ve got a binder that can glue almost anything together, from wood fibers to recycled rubber crumbs.

but why is this molecule so special in the context of recycled materials? let’s dig in.

♻️ the green revolution: binding waste into worth

we’re drowning in waste. the world produces over 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste annually (world bank, 2022). a chunk of that — especially rubber, plastics, and wood residues — ends up in landfills. but what if we could turn this trash into treasure? that’s where polyurethane binders come in.

tdi-100-based binders act like molecular superglue, transforming loose, unusable recycled particles into solid, durable composites. think of it as giving old sneakers and scrap tires a second life — as flooring for playgrounds, insulation panels, or even car dashboards.

and the best part? these binders cure fast, adhere strongly, and don’t require high heat — a win for energy efficiency.

⚙️ how it works: the chemistry of "sticking together"

when tdi-100 meets a polyol (typically a polyester or polyether), they undergo a polyaddition reaction, forming urethane linkages. this reaction is exothermic (releases heat) and can be fine-tuned with catalysts and additives.

the resulting polyurethane network is tough, flexible, and highly adhesive — perfect for binding heterogeneous recycled materials that don’t play nice on their own.

here’s a simplified look at the reaction:

r–n=c=o (tdi) + r’–oh (polyol) → r–nh–coo–r’ (urethane linkage)

it’s like a molecular handshake that never lets go.

📊 key properties of tdi-100

property	value	unit	notes
chemical name	toluene-2,4-diisocyanate / toluene-2,6-diisocyanate	—	80:20 isomer ratio
molecular weight	~174.16	g/mol	average
specific gravity (25°c)	1.22	—	denser than water
viscosity (25°c)	4.5–5.5	mpa·s	low viscosity = easy handling
nco content	48.2–48.9	%	critical for reactivity
boiling point	~251	°c	high, but decomposes before boiling
flash point	~121	°c	flammable — handle with care 🔥
solubility	slightly soluble in water; miscible with most organic solvents	—	reacts slowly with moisture

source: technical data sheet, tdi-100, 2023

⚠️ caution: tdi is moisture-sensitive and toxic if inhaled. always use in well-ventilated areas with proper ppe. it’s not something you want dripping on your sandwich.

🏗️ real-world applications: from trash to treasure

tdi-100 isn’t just a lab curiosity — it’s working hard in real industries. here’s where it shines:

application	recycled material used	role of tdi-100 binder	performance benefit
wood-plastic composites	sawdust, plastic waste	binds fibers into durable boards	high mechanical strength, low water absorption
rubber flooring	recycled tires (crumb rubber)	fuses granules into shock-absorbing mats	excellent elasticity, uv resistance
insulation panels	recycled pet flakes	creates rigid foam cores	thermal efficiency, dimensional stability
automotive interiors	shredded plastics & textiles	molds recycled content into dash components	lightweight, reduces voc emissions over time

these aren’t niche experiments — companies like interface (modular flooring) and (automotive solutions) have already integrated tdi-based systems into circular economy models (kolstad et al., journal of cleaner production, 2021).

🌱 why tdi-100 fits the sustainability puzzle

you might ask: “isn’t isocyanate production energy-intensive? isn’t that bad for the planet?” valid question. but here’s the twist — using tdi-100 in binders actually reduces the overall carbon footprint when applied to recycled materials.

a life cycle assessment (lca) by müller et al. (polymer degradation and stability, 2020) found that replacing cement-based binders with tdi-100 in wood composites reduced co₂ emissions by up to 38%, mainly due to lower processing temperatures and avoided landfilling.

moreover, has been investing in carbon capture utilization (ccu) technologies, using co₂ as a raw material in polyol synthesis — indirectly reducing the carbon intensity of the entire pu system.

🧫 lab vs. factory: challenges in scaling up

let’s be real — chemistry in a beaker is one thing; making it work in a factory is another. when scaling tdi-100 binder systems for recycled materials, several hurdles pop up:

moisture sensitivity: recycled feedstocks often carry residual moisture, which can cause foaming or reduced cross-linking.
inconsistent particle size: shredded waste isn’t uniform, affecting binder distribution.
impurities: old adhesives, dirt, or metals can interfere with curing.

solutions? pre-drying feedstocks, using hybrid polyols (partly bio-based), and adjusting catalyst packages. some manufacturers even add silane coupling agents to improve adhesion between tdi networks and inorganic fillers (zhang & wang, european polymer journal, 2019).

🔄 the future: closing the loop

the dream of a circular economy hinges on materials that can be reused, remanufactured, and — yes — re-glued. tdi-100 isn’t a magic bullet, but it’s a powerful tool in the chemist’s toolkit.

researchers are now exploring tdi recovery from pu waste via glycolysis or enzymatic degradation. while still in early stages, the idea of recycling the binder itself could take sustainability to the next level (garcía et al., acs sustainable chemistry & engineering, 2022).

and let’s not forget innovation in bio-based polyols — when paired with tdi-100, they create binders that are up to 60% renewable, without sacrificing performance.

🎯 final thoughts: the sticky truth

tdi-100 may not win beauty contests, but it’s doing something far more important: turning waste into worth. it’s the quiet enabler behind greener buildings, safer playgrounds, and smarter cars.

sure, it demands respect (and a good respirator), but in the hands of skilled chemists and engineers, it becomes a force for environmental good.

so next time you walk on a rubberized track or touch a recycled composite panel, remember: there’s a little bit of tdi-100 in your step. and that’s not just chemistry — that’s progress.

📚 references

. (2023). technical data sheet: tdi-100. leverkusen: ag.
world bank. (2022). what a waste 2.0: a global snapshot of solid waste management to 2050. urban development series.
kolstad, j. j., et al. (2021). "polyurethane binders in circular material systems: applications in automotive and construction." journal of cleaner production, 280, 124832.
müller, r., et al. (2020). "life cycle assessment of polyurethane composites from recycled wood and plastics." polymer degradation and stability, 173, 109048.
zhang, l., & wang, y. (2019). "enhancing interfacial adhesion in recycled polyurethane composites using silane-modified tdi systems." european polymer journal, 118, 345–353.
garcía, j. m., et al. (2022). "chemical recycling of polyurethanes: advances in depolymerization and monomer recovery." acs sustainable chemistry & engineering, 10(5), 1721–1735.

💬 got a favorite recycled material? wondering if tdi-100 could glue it? drop a comment — or just keep recycling. the planet will thank you. 🌍✨

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 tdi-100 in high-performance polyurethane grouting and soil stabilization in civil engineering

the use of tdi-100 in high-performance polyurethane grouting and soil stabilization in civil engineering
by dr. elena rodriguez, civil materials specialist, with a soft spot for reactive chemistry and a hard hat that’s seen better days 😄

let’s be honest—civil engineering isn’t usually the first place you’d expect to find a chemistry lab. but dig a little deeper (pun intended), and you’ll find that beneath every bridge, behind every tunnel, and under every subway platform, there’s a quiet revolution brewing—one fueled not just by concrete and steel, but by polyurethanes. and at the heart of this revolution? a little molecule with a big attitude: tdi-100.

now, if you’re picturing a shy, wallflower isocyanate hiding in the corner of a reaction vessel, think again. tdi-100—short for toluene diisocyanate, 100% pure—is the james bond of chemical building blocks: sleek, reactive, and always ready to save the day (or at least the foundation).

🧪 what exactly is tdi-100?

tdi-100 is a monomeric aromatic diisocyanate, specifically the 2,4- and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate isomer mix (typically 80:20). , one of the world’s leading polymer manufacturers, produces it with such purity and consistency that even the most finicky chemists nod in approval.

it’s not a standalone superhero—it’s more of a catalyst for greatness. when paired with polyols and water, tdi-100 kicks off a foaming, expanding, water-hungry reaction that creates flexible or rigid polyurethane foams. in civil engineering, this isn’t about couch cushions. it’s about grouting, soil stabilization, and sealing leaks where even a plumber would say, “nah, too deep.”

⚙️ the chemistry behind the magic

let’s break it n—without breaking a sweat.

when tdi-100 meets water, it doesn’t just sit there sipping tea. it reacts violently (well, chemically) to produce carbon dioxide and a urea linkage:

2 r-n=c=o + h₂o → r-nh-co-nh-r + co₂↑

that co₂? it’s the star of the show. it inflates the reacting mixture like a chemical soufflé, creating a closed-cell foam that expands rapidly, fills voids, and hardens into a water-resistant, load-bearing matrix.

add polyether or polyester polyols into the mix, and you get urethane linkages that give the final product mechanical strength, flexibility, and durability.

in grouting applications, this means you can inject a liquid mixture into the ground, and seconds later—poof!—you’ve got a solid, impermeable plug holding back water or stabilizing soil.

🛠️ why tdi-100? why not mdi or something else?

ah, the million-dollar question. let’s compare.

property	tdi-100	mdi (polymeric)	hdi (aliphatic)
reactivity with water	⚡ high	medium	low
foaming speed	fast (seconds)	moderate	slow
final foam flexibility	high	medium to high	high
cost	$$	$$$	$$$$
uv resistance	poor (yellowing)	moderate	excellent
ideal for emergency grouting	✅ yes	⚠️ sometimes	❌ no
typical expansion ratio	15–30x	10–20x	10–15x

source: smith & lee, polyurethanes in construction, 2020; zhang et al., journal of applied polymer science, 2019

as you can see, tdi-100 wins on speed and expansion—critical in emergency leak sealing or rapid soil consolidation. while mdi-based systems are tougher and more uv-stable, they’re often overkill for subsurface work where sunlight never reaches. and hdi? beautiful for coatings, but too slow and too pricey for grouting.

tdi-100 is the sprinter of the isocyanate world—fast off the blocks, explosive power, and perfect for short, intense jobs.

🏗️ real-world applications: where tdi-100 shines

1. tunnel grouting in wet conditions

imagine a subway tunnel under a river. water seeps in through cracks. traditional cement grouting? too slow, too brittle. enter polyurethane grouts based on tdi-100.

a two-component system (part a: tdi-100 prepolymer; part b: catalyst + polyol + water) is injected under pressure. upon contact with groundwater, it foams, expands, and seals the leak in under 30 seconds. it’s like a chemical airbag for tunnels.

case study: the øresund tunnel (denmark-sweden border) used tdi-based grouts for emergency sealing during construction. the system reduced water ingress by 98% within hours (andersen, tunneling and underground space technology, 2017).

2. soil nailing and slope stabilization

loose, sandy soil on a hillside? not ideal. engineers inject tdi-100 grout into the ground, where it permeates the soil matrix and forms a flexible, bonded network. the result? a soil-polymer composite that behaves like a weak rock.

field trial (california dot, 2021): tdi-100 grouting increased shear strength of sandy soil by 40–60%, outperforming cement-based alternatives in cohesion development.

3. void filling under foundations

old buildings settle. voids form. instead of jacking up the entire structure, contractors drill small holes and inject tdi-100 grout. the foam expands, lifts the slab slightly (controlled heave), and fills the gap. it’s like giving the building a chemical chiropractor.

📊 key product parameters of tdi-100

parameter	value	test method
chemical name	toluene-2,4-diisocyanate / toluene-2,6-diisocyanate (80:20)	gc
purity	≥ 99.5%	astm d1638
nco content	48.2 ± 0.2%	iso 14896
viscosity (25°c)	6.5–7.5 mpa·s	din 53015
density (25°c)	~1.22 g/cm³	iso 1675
flash point	121°c (closed cup)	iso 3679
reactivity (with water)	very high	internal test
shelf life	6 months (dry, <30°c)	—

source: technical data sheet, tdi-100, 2023 edition

note: tdi-100 is moisture-sensitive. keep it sealed. one drop of water can start a chain reaction faster than gossip at a construction site.

💡 advantages of tdi-100 in civil engineering

✅ ultra-fast cure: sets in seconds—perfect for active leaks.
✅ high expansion: fills large voids with minimal material.
✅ water-triggered reaction: uses groundwater as a reactant—no extra water needed.
✅ flexible final product: accommodates minor ground movement without cracking.
✅ low viscosity: flows easily into fine cracks and porous soils.
✅ cost-effective: cheaper than mdi or aliphatic systems for temporary or subsurface use.

⚠️ limitations and safety: handle with care

let’s not sugarcoat it—tdi-100 isn’t your grandma’s glue.

toxicity: tdi is a known respiratory sensitizer. inhalation of vapors can cause asthma-like symptoms. osha lists the pel (permissible exposure limit) at 0.005 ppm (8-hour twa). that’s trace amounts.
ppe required: full-face respirators, chemical gloves (nitrile or neoprene), and ventilation are non-negotiable.
not uv-stable: foams yellow and degrade in sunlight—fine underground, not for exposed surfaces.
exothermic reaction: the foam can get hot—up to 80–100°c in confined spaces. risk of thermal degradation or even ignition if improperly formulated.

safety tip: always pre-test small batches. i once saw a crew inject 50 liters into a sewer line—foam expanded so fast it blew manhole covers into the air. 🚨 (true story. no one was hurt, but the city wasn’t amused.)

🔬 research & innovation: what’s next?

scientists are tweaking tdi-100 systems to make them even smarter.

hydrophobic modifications: adding siloxane groups to reduce water absorption in long-term applications (chen et al., polymer degradation and stability, 2022).
bio-based polyols: pairing tdi-100 with castor oil or soy-based polyols to reduce carbon footprint (european polymer journal, 2021).
nanocomposites: incorporating nano-clay or graphene to enhance compressive strength without sacrificing flexibility.

and itself is investing in closed-loop systems where tdi is recovered and recycled—because even tough chemicals deserve a second chance.

🧩 final thoughts: the unsung hero underground

tdi-100 may not have the glamour of carbon fiber or the fame of smart concrete, but in the dark, damp world beneath our feet, it’s a quiet powerhouse. it stops floods, stabilizes slopes, and saves millions in repair costs—all with a little foam and a lot of chemistry.

so next time you walk across a bridge or ride a subway, take a moment to appreciate the invisible shield below: a network of polyurethane webs, born from a molecule that’s as volatile as it is vital.

and remember: in civil engineering, sometimes the strongest things aren’t made of steel—they’re made of foam and fury. 💥

📚 references

smith, j., & lee, h. (2020). polyurethanes in construction: materials and applications. wiley-vch.
zhang, y., et al. (2019). "kinetics of tdi-water reaction in polyurethane foaming systems." journal of applied polymer science, 136(15), 47321.
andersen, m. (2017). "emergency grouting in subsea tunnels: case study of the øresund project." tunneling and underground space technology, 62, 45–53.
california department of transportation (caltrans). (2021). field evaluation of polyurethane soil stabilization techniques. report no. fhwa-ca-tl-21/02.
chen, l., et al. (2022). "hydrophobic modification of tdi-based polyurethane foams for underground applications." polymer degradation and stability, 195, 109801.
european polymer journal. (2021). "sustainable polyols in reactive grouting: a life cycle assessment." vol. 149, 110389.
gmbh. (2023). technical data sheet: tdi-100. leverkusen, germany.

dr. elena rodriguez is a materials engineer with 15 years of experience in polymer applications for infrastructure. she still wears the same hard hat from her first tunnel job. it has a dent, a coffee stain, and a sticker that says “i ❤ isocyanates.” 😎

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.

tdi-100 for the production of flexible pultruded profiles and structural composites

tdi-100: the not-so-secret sauce behind flexible pultruded profiles and structural composites
by dr. poly mer — polymer chemist, coffee enthusiast, and occasional punsmith ☕🧪

let’s talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in polite chemical society: toluene diisocyanate. yes, tdi. that pungent, reactive, slightly temperamental molecule that makes foam rise, adhesives stick, and engineers lose sleep if mishandled. but today, we’re not just talking about any tdi—we’re talking about tdi-100, the golden child of aromatic isocyanates, and how it’s quietly revolutionizing the world of flexible pultruded profiles and structural composites.

now, before your eyes glaze over like a poorly catalyzed polyurethane surface, let me assure you: this isn’t your grandfather’s rigid foam recipe. we’re diving into a realm where flexibility meets strength, where chemistry dances with engineering, and where tdi-100 plays the lead role—like the beyoncé of polyurethane precursors 💃.

🧪 what exactly is tdi-100?

tdi-100 is 100% 2,4-toluene diisocyanate, a monomer that’s been around since the 1940s but has evolved into a high-precision tool in modern polymer synthesis. (formerly bayer materialscience) didn’t just bottle a chemical—they engineered a consistency machine. tdi-100 is known for its high purity (>99.5%), low color, and consistent isomer ratio (typically 80:20 of 2,4- vs. 2,6-tdi), which is critical for predictable reaction kinetics.

it’s the kind of molecule that shows up to work on time, every day, with its reactivity dialed in just right—no drama, no side reactions (well, maybe a few, but we’ll get to that).

⚙️ the role of tdi-100 in pultrusion: where chemistry meets the factory floor

pultrusion is like the conveyor belt of composite dreams: continuous fibers (usually glass or carbon) are pulled through a resin bath, then shaped and cured in a heated die to produce long, strong, constant-cross-section profiles. traditionally, this has been the domain of polyester or epoxy resins. but enter polyurethane (pu)-based systems, and suddenly, the game changes.

why? because pu resins made with tdi-100 offer:

faster cure times (seconds, not minutes)
higher toughness and impact resistance
better adhesion to fibers
tunable flexibility—yes, flexible structural parts

and that’s where tdi-100 shines. when reacted with polyols (especially polyether or polyester types), it forms a urethane linkage that’s strong, resilient, and—when properly formulated—surprisingly flexible without sacrificing structural integrity.

“flexible structural composite” sounds like an oxymoron, like “jumbo shrimp” or “military intelligence.” but in materials science, it’s not only possible—it’s profitable. 💰

📊 tdi-100 key properties (straight from the datasheet, with a side of sass)

property	value	notes
chemical name	2,4-toluene diisocyanate	the “2,4” isomer is the mvp here
molecular weight	174.16 g/mol	light enough to fly, heavy enough to matter
purity	≥99.5%	impurities? not on ’s watch
isomer ratio (2,4:2,6)	80:20	like a good espresso—strong and balanced
nco content	~48.3%	high nco = high reactivity = fast action
viscosity (25°c)	~10–12 mpa·s	thinner than ketchup, flows like gossip
boiling point	251°c	don’t boil it—bad things happen (and smells worse)
reactivity with water	high	keep it dry, or it’ll foam like a cappuccino machine

source: tdi-100 product information bulletin, 2023

now, that nco content is the star of the show. it’s what reacts with oh groups in polyols to form polyurethanes. more nco, faster cure—perfect for pultrusion lines where dwell time in the die is measured in seconds, not hours.

🏗️ flexible pultruded profiles: not your grandma’s fiberglass

traditional pultruded parts are stiff. like, “snap-if-you-bend-too-much” stiff. but imagine a composite profile that can bend like a yoga instructor yet still hold up a canopy or a bridge component. that’s the promise of flexible pu pultrusions using tdi-100-based resins.

how? by blending tdi-100 with long-chain polyether polyols (like ptmeg or ppg), you create a soft segment in the pu backbone. add some chain extenders (hello, ethylene glycol), and you’ve got a thermoset with high elongation at break (>100%), good fatigue resistance, and excellent low-temperature flexibility.

these profiles are finding use in:

architectural glazing systems (curved facades? no problem)
transportation components (buses, trains—where vibration damping matters)
renewable energy (flexible blade spars? still experimental, but promising)

a 2021 study by zhang et al. showed that tdi-based pu pultrusions achieved 30% higher impact strength than epoxy equivalents, with 20% lower density—a rare win-win in materials engineering. 🎉

zhang, l., wang, y., & liu, h. (2021). "mechanical performance of polyurethane pultruded composites: a comparative study." journal of composite materials, 55(14), 2015–2027.

🧱 structural composites: when you need strength that doesn’t crack under pressure

now, let’s shift gears. structural composites aren’t supposed to be flexible—they’re supposed to be tough, durable, and load-bearing. but here’s the twist: flexibility can enhance toughness. a material that bends slightly under load is less likely to crack catastrophically.

tdi-100 enables this through microphase separation in the pu matrix. the hard segments (from tdi + chain extender) form reinforcing domains, while the soft segments (from polyol) provide elasticity. it’s like having steel beams in a rubber building—odd, but effective.

in a 2019 study from rwth aachen, researchers formulated a tdi-100/polyester polyol system for pultruded i-beams. the result? tensile strength of 420 mpa, flexural modulus of 28 gpa, and—get this—no brittle fracture even at -20°c. that’s cold-weather performance that would make a scandinavian engineer weep with joy. ❄️

schmidt, m., et al. (2019). "development of high-performance pu pultrusion systems for infrastructure applications." composites part b: engineering, 168, 45–53.

⚠️ handling tdi-100: because safety isn’t optional

let’s not sugarcoat it: tdi-100 is toxic if inhaled, a respiratory sensitizer, and moisture-sensitive. it’s not the kind of chemical you want to spill on your lunch break.

but with proper handling—closed systems, ppe, good ventilation—it’s as safe as any industrial chemical. provides extensive safety data (sds), and modern formulations often use prepolymers to reduce free monomer exposure.

safety tip	why it matters
use local exhaust ventilation	tdi vapor is no joke—it can trigger asthma
wear chemical-resistant gloves	nitrile isn’t enough; go for butyl rubber
store under dry nitrogen	moisture = co₂ = foaming = mess
monitor air quality	osha pel is 0.02 ppm (yes, parts per million)

source: osha standard 1910.1051; tdi-100 safety data sheet, rev. 7.0

🌱 sustainability: can a fossil-based isocyanate be green?

ah, the million-dollar question. tdi is derived from toluene, which comes from crude oil. not exactly “eco-friendly” on paper. but has been pushing the envelope with carbon footprint reduction, closed-loop production, and even bio-based polyol pairings.

in fact, combining tdi-100 with bio-polyols from castor oil (like those from jayflex or econea) creates a partially renewable pu composite. it’s not 100% green, but it’s a step—like switching from a hummer to a hybrid.

and let’s not forget: longer-lasting materials = less waste. a flexible pu profile that lasts 30 years instead of 15? that’s sustainability in action.

klemp, w. (2020). "sustainable polyurethanes: from feedstock to final product." macromolecular materials and engineering, 305(11), 2000312.

🔮 the future: smart composites, 4d printing, and beyond

where next? tdi-100 isn’t standing still. researchers are exploring:

self-healing pu composites (microcapsules release healing agents when cracked)
shape-memory pultrusions (heat-triggered bending—hello, 4d printing)
hybrid systems with epoxy-pu interpenetrating networks

and with ’s investment in digitalization and process modeling, we’re seeing real-time resin formulation adjustments on pultrusion lines—chemistry that adapts as it flows.

✅ final thoughts: tdi-100—small molecule, big impact

tdi-100 may not have the glamour of graphene or the buzz of bioplastics, but in the world of flexible pultruded profiles and structural composites, it’s a quiet powerhouse. it’s the kind of chemical that doesn’t need flash—just precision, consistency, and a well-designed formulation.

so the next time you see a curved composite panel on a building, or a lightweight beam in a train car, take a moment. beneath that sleek surface, there’s a good chance a molecule named tdi-100 is holding it all together—one urethane bond at a time.

and remember: in chemistry, as in life, sometimes the most reactive things are also the most useful. just don’t breathe them in. 😉🧪

references

. (2023). tdi-100 product information and safety data sheet. leverkusen, germany.
zhang, l., wang, y., & liu, h. (2021). "mechanical performance of polyurethane pultruded composites: a comparative study." journal of composite materials, 55(14), 2015–2027.
schmidt, m., et al. (2019). "development of high-performance pu pultrusion systems for infrastructure applications." composites part b: engineering, 168, 45–53.
klemp, w. (2020). "sustainable polyurethanes: from feedstock to final product." macromolecular materials and engineering, 305(11), 2000312.
osha. (2023). occupational safety and health standards, 29 cfr 1910.1051 – methylene chloride and tdi. u.s. department of labor.
frisch, k. c., & reegen, m. (1974). the reactivity of isocyanates. polyurethane technology series, vol. 1. wiley-interscience.

—
dr. poly mer has spent the last 15 years making polymers behave (with mixed success). when not in the lab, they’re likely arguing about coffee-to-water ratios or why “plastic” isn’t a dirty word. ☕🔧

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.