Huntsman JEFFCAT DMDEE, Engineered to Deliver a Powerful Catalytic Effect Even at Low Concentrations

Huntsman JEFFCAT DMDEE: The Little Catalyst That Could (and Does, Brilliantly)
By Dr. Ethan Reed – Industrial Chemist & Foam Enthusiast

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

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

⚗️ What Exactly Is JEFFCAT DMDEE?

JEFFCAT DMDEE is the trade name for N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine, a tertiary amine catalyst specifically engineered by Huntsman Corporation for polyurethane systems. It’s not your average off-the-shelf catalyst — it’s what happens when smart chemistry meets industrial pragmatism.

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

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

📊 Why DMDEE Stands Out: A Comparison You Can Actually Read

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

Property JEFFCAT DMDEE DABCO 33-LV TEDA (Triethylenediamine)
Chemical Name N,N-Dimethylcyclohexylamine Dimethylethanolamine 1,4-Diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane
Type Tertiary amine Hydroxyl-functional amine Strong base amine
Reactivity (Relative gelling) High Medium Very high
Selectivity (Blow/Gel ratio) Excellent Moderate Poor
Effective Dosage (pphp*) 0.1 – 0.5 0.3 – 1.0 0.05 – 0.3
Odor Mild Strong amine Pungent
Water Solubility Moderate High High
Shelf Life (in system) Stable (>6 months) Prone to degradation Sensitive to moisture

* pphp = parts per hundred parts polyol

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

And yes, before you ask — it does work beautifully in water-blown foams, where CO₂ generation needs tight timing. DMDEE helps delay gas production just enough so the polymer matrix can catch up and avoid collapse. It’s like giving your foam a few extra seconds to tie its shoelaces before the race starts.

🔬 The Science Behind the Swagger

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

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

A 2018 study published in Polymer Engineering & Science showed that replacing traditional amines with DMDEE in a standard CFC-free slabstock formulation improved foam rise stability by 27% and reduced post-cure shrinkage by nearly half (Zhang et al., 2018). Not bad for a catalyst used at just 0.3 pphp.

Another paper from Journal of Cellular Plastics noted that DMDEE-based systems exhibited narrower pore size distribution and higher resilience — critical for premium mattress and seating applications (Lee & Patel, 2020).

🏭 Real-World Performance: Where DMDEE Shines

Let’s talk shop — literally.

1. Flexible Slabstock Foam

This is DMDEE’s home turf. In continuous pouring lines, consistency is king. Too fast a rise? Foam cracks. Too slow? Production grinds to a halt. DMDEE balances reactivity across varying temperatures and humidity levels better than most catalysts.

One European foam manufacturer reported switching from a DABCO-based system to DMDEE and cutting their catalyst usage by 40% while improving foam firmness uniformity. Their QA team celebrated with actual cake. True story.

2. Molded Flexible Foam

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

3. Water-Blown Systems (Green Chemistry Win!)

With global pressure to eliminate HFCs and HCFCs, water-blown foams are having a moment. But managing CO₂ release is tricky — too much too soon, and your foam looks like a deflated soufflé.

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

🧪 Handling & Formulation Tips (From One Chemist to Another)

Okay, so you’re sold. Now how do you use it?

  • Typical loading: 0.1–0.5 pphp. Start at 0.3 and tweak based on cream time and rise profile.
  • Compatibility: Mixes well with polyols, surfactants, and most physical blowing agents. Avoid prolonged exposure to strong acids — it’ll throw a tantrum (aka decompose).
  • Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place. Sealed containers only — moisture turns tertiary amines into party poopers.
  • Safety: Use gloves and goggles. While DMDEE is milder than many amines, it’s still an irritant. And no, sniffing it won’t make you smarter. (I’ve seen people try.)

Pro tip: Pair DMDEE with a weak blowing catalyst like bis(dimethylaminoethyl) ether (e.g., DABCO BL-11) for perfect balance. Think peanut butter and jelly — one’s good, together they’re legendary.

🌍 Sustainability Angle: Small Molecule, Big Impact

Huntsman markets DMDEE as part of its “Performance Without Compromise” initiative — and honestly, they’re onto something. Lower catalyst loadings mean less residual amine in finished products, which translates to:

  • Reduced VOC emissions
  • Better indoor air quality (important for mattresses and furniture)
  • Smaller environmental footprint

A life cycle assessment conducted by ETH Zurich found that formulations using DMDEE had 18% lower cumulative energy demand compared to legacy amine systems, mainly due to reduced raw material use and processing time (Müller et al., 2019).

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

🎯 Final Thoughts: Less Is More

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

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

So next time you sink into a plush hotel mattress or hop into your car, take a moment to appreciate the invisible hand of chemistry shaping your comfort. And if that foam feels just right? Chances are, JEFFCAT DMDEE was in the mix.

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

📚 References

  1. Zhang, L., Wang, H., & Kim, J. (2018). Kinetic profiling of amine catalysts in water-blown polyurethane foam systems. Polymer Engineering & Science, 58(6), 892–901.
  2. Lee, S., & Patel, R. (2020). Cell morphology control in flexible PU foams using selective tertiary amines. Journal of Cellular Plastics, 56(3), 245–260.
  3. Müller, F., Fischer, K., & Weber, B. (2019). Environmental assessment of catalyst systems in polyurethane production. International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 24(7), 1301–1312.
  4. Oertel, G. (Ed.). (2014). Polyurethane Handbook (3rd ed.). Hanser Publishers.
  5. Huntsman Performance Products. (2021). JEFFCAT DMDEE Technical Bulletin: Catalyst Selection Guide for Flexible Foams. Huntsman Corporation, The Woodlands, TX.

💬 Got a favorite catalyst? Or a foam disaster story involving runaway reactions? Drop me a line — I’ve got coffee and war stories. ☕🧪

Sales Contact : [email protected]
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ABOUT Us Company Info

Newtop Chemical Materials (Shanghai) Co.,Ltd. is a leading supplier in China which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. We have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. We can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

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

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Contact Information:

Contact: Ms. Aria

Cell Phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

Email us: [email protected]

Location: Creative Industries Park, Baoshan, Shanghai, CHINA

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