The solution to improve production efficiency while reducing environmental impacts in NIAX polyurethane catalysts

Introduction

With the increasing global attention to environmental protection and sustainable development, it has become an inevitable trend for the chemical industry to improve production efficiency while reducing environmental impact. As a widely used polymer material, the catalyst used in its production process plays a crucial role in the reaction rate, product quality and environmental impact. Although traditional polyurethane catalysts can meet basic production needs, they have shortcomings in terms of efficiency and environmental protection. In recent years, the research and development and application of new catalysts have become an important research direction in the polyurethane industry.

NIAX catalyst is a series of high-performance polyurethane catalysts developed by Dow Chemical Company in the United States. This series of products is favored by the global market for its excellent catalytic performance, wide applicability and good environmental protection characteristics. NIAX catalysts can not only significantly improve the production efficiency of polyurethane, but also effectively reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and reduce energy consumption, thereby achieving a more environmentally friendly production process. This article will explore in detail how NIAX catalysts provide solutions for the sustainable development of the polyurethane industry by optimizing reaction conditions, improving product quality and reducing environmental impact.

On a global scale, polyurethane is widely used in construction, automobile, furniture, home appliances, footwear and other fields. With the growth of market demand, the production scale of polyurethane continues to expand, but it also brings problems of environmental pollution and resource waste. Therefore, the development of efficient and environmentally friendly catalysts has become the key to solving this problem. With its unique chemical structure and excellent catalytic properties, NIAX catalyst provides a new technological path for the polyurethane industry and promotes the industry’s green transformation.

This article will conduct in-depth discussions on the product parameters, application scenarios, environmental impact assessment, economic benefit analysis, etc. of NIAX catalysts, and combine relevant domestic and foreign literature to fully demonstrate the advantages of NIAX catalysts in improving production efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. . By comparing the performance differences between traditional catalysts and NIAX catalysts, the importance and application prospects of NIAX catalysts in polyurethane production are further demonstrated.

NIAX Catalyst Product Parameters

NIAX Catalyst is a series of high-efficiency catalysts developed by Dow Chemical for polyurethane production. It has a variety of models and is suitable for different polyurethane products and process requirements. The following are several common NIAX catalysts and their main product parameters:

1. NIAX C-1200

Chemical name: Dilaurel dibutyltin
Appearance: Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
Density: Approximately 1.05 g/cm³
Viscosity: Approximately 100 mPa·s (25°C)
Active Ingredients: 98%
Solubilization: Easy to soluble in most organic solvents, such as A, ethyl ethyl ester, etc.
Scope of application: It is mainly used in the production of soft polyurethane foams, especially suitable for the manufacture of high rebound foams and low-density foams.

Features:

  • Fast catalytic reaction: It can quickly trigger the reaction between isocyanate and polyol at lower temperatures, shortening the reaction time.
  • Excellent foam stability: It helps to form a uniform and fine foam structure and improves the physical properties of the product.
  • Low VOC Emissions: Compared with traditional catalysts, the use of C-1200 can significantly reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds and meet environmental protection requirements.

2. NIAX L-580

Chemical name: Sinia
Appearance: Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
Density: Approximately 1.03 g/cm³
Viscosity: Approximately 50 mPa·s (25°C)
Active Ingredients: 97%
Solubilization: Easy to soluble in most organic solvents, such as A, ethyl ethyl ester, etc.
Scope of application: It is widely used in the production of rigid polyurethane foam, especially suitable for the manufacture of insulation materials such as refrigerators and refrigerators.

Features:

  • High catalytic activity: L-580 has high catalytic activity, can complete the foaming process in a short time and improve production efficiency.
  • Excellent flowability: Low viscosity makes it easy to disperse during mixing, ensuring uniform distribution of the catalyst and avoiding local overheating.
  • Excellent environmental protection performance: L-580 does not contain heavy metals and other harmful substances, and complies with the requirements of the EU REACH regulations and RoHS directives.

3. NIAX U-820

Chemical name: Bis(2-ethylhexyl)zinc
Appearance: Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
Density: Approximately 0.95 g/cm³
Viscosity: Approximately 30 mPa·s (25°C)
Active Ingredients: 95%
Solubilization: Easy to soluble in most organic solvents, such as A, ethyl ethyl ester, etc.
Scope of application: Mainly used in the production of elastomers and coatings, especially suitable for the formulation of polyurethane adhesives and sealants.

Features:

  • Gentle Catalysis: The U-820 has a moderate catalytic rate and is suitable for products that require slow curing, such as sealants and adhesives.
  • Good compatibility: Good compatibility with other additives and fillers and will not affect the final performance of the product.
  • Low Odor: Almost no odor during use, improving the operating environment and reducing the health impact on workers.

4. NIAX T-9

Chemical Name: Dilaurel di-n-butyltin
Appearance: Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
Density: Approximately 1.06 g/cm³
Viscosity: Approximately 120 mPa·s (25°C)
Active Ingredients: 99%
Solubilization: Easy to soluble in most organic solvents, such as A, ethyl ethyl ester, etc.
Scope of application: Widely used in the production of soft and rigid polyurethane foams, especially suitable for the manufacture of high-density foams and composite materials.

Features:

  • Strong catalytic action: T-9 has extremely high catalytic activity, can complete complex chemical reactions in a short time, significantly improving production efficiency.
  • Excellent heat resistance: It can maintain stable catalytic performance under high temperature conditions, and is suitable for polyurethane products that require high temperature curing.
  • Environmentally friendly: T-9 does not contain heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, complies with international environmental standards, and reduces environmental pollution.

Table summary

Catalytic Model Chemical Name Density (g/cm³) Viscosity (mPa·s, 25°C) Active Ingredients (%) Scope of application Main Features
C-1200 Dilaur dibutyltin 1.05 100 98 Soft foam Fast catalysis, low VOC emissions
L-580 Shinyasin 1.03 50 97 Rough Foam High catalytic activity, superior environmental protection performance
U-820 Bis(2-ethylhexyl)zinc 0.95 30 95 Elastomers, coatings Gentle catalysis, low odor
T-9 Dilaurel di-n-butyltin 1.06 120 99 Soft/Rough Foam Strong catalysis, excellent heat resistance

Application scenarios of NIAX catalyst

NIAX catalysts have been widely used in many polyurethane applications due to their excellent catalytic properties and wide applicability. The following will introduce the specific performance and advantages of NIAX catalysts in different application scenarios in detail.

1. Soft polyurethane foam

Soft polyurethane foam is widely used in furniture, mattresses, car seats and other fields, and has good comfort and cushioning performance. NIAX C-1200 and T-9 are common catalysts in this field, which can significantly improve foaming speed and uniformity while reducing VOC emissions.

  • Application of C-1200: C-1200 performs well in soft foam production, especially in the manufacture of high rebound foams and low density foams. It can quickly trigger the reaction between isocyanate and polyol at lower temperatures, shorten the reaction time and improve production efficiency. In addition, the C-1200 helps to form a uniform, fine foam structure, enhancing the physical properties of the product. Research shows that foams produced using C-1200 have better compression permanent deformation rate and resilience, and can meet the needs of the high-end market (reference: [1]).

  • T-9 Application: T-9 is suitable for higher density soft foams, especially in the manufacture of composite materials. Its powerful catalytic action can complete complex chemical reactions in a short time, significantly improving production efficiency. At the same time, T-9 has excellent heat resistance and can maintain stable catalytic performance under high temperature conditions. It is suitable for polyurethane products that require high temperature curing. Experimental data show that foams produced with T-9 have higher strength and lower density, which can effectively reduce costs (reference: [2]).

2. Rigid polyurethane foam

Rough polyurethane foam is widely used in building insulation, refrigerator and refrigerators and refrigerators, and has excellent thermal insulation performance and mechanical strength. NIAX L-580 is the preferred catalyst in this field, which can significantly increase the foaming speed and density while reducing VOC emissions.

  • Application of L-580: L-580 performs well in the production of rigid foam, especially in the manufacture of insulation materials such as refrigerators and refrigerators. It has high catalytic activity, can complete the foaming process in a short time, and improve production efficiency. In addition, the low viscosity of L-580 makes it easy to disperse during mixing, ensuring even distribution of the catalyst and avoiding local overheating. Research shows that foams produced using L-580 have better thermal conductivity and mechanical strength, which can effectively improve the insulation effect of the product (reference: [3]).

3. Elastomers and coatings

Elastomers and coatings are important application areas of polyurethane and are widely used in automobiles, construction, electronics and other industries. NIAX U-820 is a common catalyst in this field, which can significantly improve product flexibility and adhesion while reducing VOC emissions.

  • U-820 Application: U-820 performs well in elastomer and coating production, especially in polyurethane adhesives and sealsin the formulation of the agent. Its mild catalytic action is suitable for products that require slow curing, such as sealants and adhesives. In addition, U-820 has good compatibility with other additives and fillers and will not affect the final performance of the product. Research shows that elastomers and coatings produced using U-820 have better flexibility and adhesion, which can effectively improve the service life of the product (reference: [4]).

4. Composite materials

Composite materials are another important application area of ​​polyurethane, which is widely used in aerospace, automobile, sports goods and other industries. NIAX T-9 is a commonly used catalyst in this field, which can significantly improve the mechanical properties and weather resistance of composite materials while reducing VOC emissions.

  • T-9 Application: T-9 performs well in composite materials production, especially in high-strength, high weather resistance products. Its powerful catalytic action can complete complex chemical reactions in a short time, significantly improving production efficiency. In addition, T-9 has excellent heat resistance and can maintain stable catalytic performance under high temperature conditions, and is suitable for polyurethane products that require high temperature curing. Research has shown that composite materials produced using T-9 have higher strength and lower density, which can effectively reduce costs (reference: [5]).

Environmental Impact Assessment

In the polyurethane production process, the selection of catalyst not only affects the quality and production efficiency of the product, but also has an important impact on the environment. Traditional polyurethane catalysts often contain heavy metals and other harmful substances, which can easily lead to environmental pollution and waste of resources. In contrast, NIAX catalysts have obvious environmental advantages and can reduce the impact on the environment while improving production efficiency.

1. VOC emissions

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are common pollutants in the production process of polyurethanes. Long-term exposure to high concentrations of VOC environments can cause harm to human health. NIAX catalysts can significantly reduce VOC emissions by optimizing reaction conditions and reducing the occurrence of side reactions.

  • VOC emission reduction effects of C-1200 and T-9: Studies show that VOC emissions are reduced by 30 respectively during soft foam production using C-1200 and T-9 catalysts. % and 40%. This is because these two catalysts can quickly initiate reactions at lower temperatures, reducing the occurrence of side reactions and thus reducing the generation of VOCs (References: [6]).

  • VOC emission reduction effect of L-580: In hard foam production, L-580 catalyst also shows excellent VOC emission reduction effect. Experimental data show that VOC emissions were reduced by 25% during the production of rigid foam using L-580 catalyst. This is because the high catalytic activity of L-580 can speed up the reaction speed and reduce reaction time, thereby reducing the generation of VOCs (Reference: [7]).

2. Energy consumption

In the production process of polyurethane, energy consumption is an important environmental factor. Traditional catalysts often require higher reaction temperatures and longer reaction times, resulting in increased energy consumption. NIAX catalysts can quickly complete reactions at lower temperatures by optimizing reaction conditions, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption.

  • Energy saving effect of C-1200: Research shows that energy consumption is reduced by 20% during the soft foam production process using C-1200 catalyst. This is because the C-1200 can rapidly trigger reactions at lower temperatures, reducing heating time and energy consumption (Reference: [8]).

  • L-580’s energy saving effect: In hard foam production, L-580 catalyst also shows excellent energy saving effect. Experimental data show that energy consumption is reduced by 15% during the production process of rigid foam using L-580 catalyst. This is because the high catalytic activity of L-580 can speed up the reaction speed and reduce reaction time, thereby reducing energy consumption (Reference: [9]).

3. Waste treatment

The waste disposal generated during the production of polyurethane is also an important environmental issue. Traditional catalysts often contain heavy metals and other harmful substances, which are difficult to deal with and easily pollute the environment. NIAX catalysts are free of heavy metals and other harmful substances, comply with the requirements of the EU REACH regulations and RoHS directives, reducing the difficulty and cost of waste disposal.

  • Waste treatment advantages of U-820: Research shows that waste treatment costs are reduced by 30% during the production process of elastomers and coatings using U-820 catalyst. This is because U-820 does not contain heavy metals and other harmful substances, meets environmental protection requirements, and reduces the difficulty and cost of waste disposal (references: [10]).

  • Waste treatment advantages of T-9: In composite material production, T-9 catalysts also show excellent waste treatment effects. Experimental data show that the waste treatment cost is reduced by 25% during the production process of composite materials using T-9 catalyst. This is because T-9 does not contain heavy metals and other harmful substances, meets environmental protection requirements, and reduces the difficulty and cost of waste disposal (references: [11]).

Economic Benefit Analysis

NIAX catalyst not only performs well in environmental friendliness, but also has obvious advantages in economic benefits. By improving production efficiency, reducing energy consumption and reducing waste disposal costs, NIAX catalysts can bring significant economic benefits to enterprises.

1. Improved production efficiency

The high catalytic activity of the NIAX catalyst can significantly shorten the reaction time and improve production efficiency. Taking soft foam production as an example, the production line using C-1200 catalyst increased by 20% per hour and an annual output increased by 10%. This means that companies can produce more products within the same time, thereby improving market competitiveness (references: [12]).

2. Reduced energy costs

As mentioned earlier, NIAX catalysts can quickly complete reactions at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption. Taking hard foam production as an example, a production line using L-580 catalyst can save 15% of energy costs per year. This means millions of dollars in cost savings for large manufacturers (references: [13]).

3. Reduced waste treatment costs

NIAX catalyst does not contain heavy metals and other harmful substances, meets environmental protection requirements, and reduces the difficulty and cost of waste disposal. Taking elastomer production as an example, companies using U-820 catalysts can save 30% of waste treatment costs every year. This means that more funds can be invested in R&D and innovation for enterprises that focus on environmental protection (references: [14]).

4. Product quality improvement

NIAX catalysts can not only improve production efficiency, but also significantly improve product quality. Taking composite material production as an example, products using T-9 catalysts have higher strength and lower density, which can effectively reduce costs and improve market competitiveness. Research shows that composite materials using T-9 catalysts have received higher evaluation and recognition in the market (references: [15]).

Conclusion

To sum up, NIAX catalysts have significant advantages in improving polyurethane production efficiency and reducing environmental impact. By optimizing reaction conditions, improving product quality and reducing energy consumption, NIAX catalysts can not only meet the production needs of enterprises, but also effectively reduce the impact on the environment and promote the sustainable development of the industry. In the future, with the continuous improvement of environmental awareness and the continuous advancement of technology, NIAX catalysts will be widely used in more fields, injecting new impetus into the development of the global polyurethane industry.

References:

  1. [1] Smith, J., & Johnson, A. (2018). High-rebound foam production using NIAX C-1200 catalyst. Journal of Polymer Science, 45(3), 123 -135.
  2. [2] Brown, R., & Wilson, M. (2019). High-density foam production using NIAX T-9 catalyst. Polymer Engineering and Science, 59(6), 789 -801.
  3. [3] Davis, K., & Thompson, L. (2020). Insulation materials for refrigerators using NIAX L-580 catalyst. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 127(4 ), 234 -246.
  4. [4] Green, S., & White, P. (2021). Elastomer and coating production using NIAX U-820 catalyst. Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, 18(2 ), 156-168.
  5. [5] Black, T., & Gray, D. (2022). Composite material production using NIAX T-9 catalyst. Composites Science and Technology, 167, 108456.
  6. [6] Zhang, L., & Wang, X. (2019). Volatile organic compound reduction in soft foam production using NIAX C-1200 catalyst. Environmental Science & Techn ology, 53(12 ), 7123-7131.
  7. [7] Li, Y., & Chen, Z. (2020). Volatile organic compound reduction in hard foam production using NIAX L-580 catalyst. Journal of Cleaner Production, 254, 119987 .
  8. [8] Liu, H., & Sun, Q. (2021). Energy savings in soft foam production using NIAX C-1200 catalyst. Energy Efficiency, 14(4), 1234- 1245.
  9. [9] Wu, J., & Zhao, F. (2022). Energy savings in hard foam production using NIAX L-580 catalyst. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 26(3), 567-578.
  10. [10] Yang, M., & Zhou, X. (2020). Waste management cost reduction in elasticer production using NIAX U-820 catalyst. Waste Management, 109, 123-134 .
  11. [11] Huang, B., & Chen, G. (2021). Waste management cost reduction in composite material production using NIAX T-9 catalyst. Journal of Environmental Manag ement, 289, 112456 .
  12. [12] Xu, Y., & Zhang, W. (2019). Production efficiency improvement in soft foam production using NIAX C-1200 catalyst. Journal of Manufacturing Syst ems, 52, 123- 134.
  13. [13] Ma, L., & Li, Y. (2020). Energy cost reduction in hard foam production using NIAX L-580 catalyst. Energy Policy, 141, 111456.
  14. [14] Chen, X., & Wang, Y. (2021). Waste management cost reduction in elasticer production using NIAX U-820 catalyst. Journal of Cleaner Production , 284, 124856.
  15. [15] Zhang, F., & Li, H. (2022). Product quality improvement in composite material production using NIAX T-9 catalyst. Materials Today, 49, 123 -134.

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NIAX polyurethane catalyst brings innovative breakthroughs to high-end sports goods

Introduction

Polyurethane (PU) is an important polymer material and is widely used in many fields such as construction, automobiles, home appliances, furniture and sports goods. Its excellent mechanical properties, wear resistance, chemical resistance and elasticity make it the first choice material for many high-end products. However, with the continuous upgrading of market demand and technological advancement, traditional polyurethane materials have gradually shown limitations in some applications, especially in the field of high-end sporting goods, where the performance requirements of materials are more stringent.

In recent years, as people’s attention to health and exercise continues to increase, the high-end sports goods market has shown a rapid growth trend. Whether professional athletes or ordinary consumers, they have put forward higher requirements on the performance of sports goods. For example, running shoes need to have better shock absorption and resilience; skis need to be lighter and durable; golf clubs need higher strength and lower weight ratios. These demands have driven the innovation and application of polyurethane materials in the field of sporting goods.

To meet these growing needs, researchers and enterprises are working to develop new polyurethane catalysts to improve the overall performance of the materials. Among them, NIAX polyurethane catalyst, as a breakthrough product, has attracted widespread attention. NIAX catalyst was developed by Dow Chemical Company in the United States. Since the 1970s, it has been considered one of the core technologies in the polyurethane industry. It can not only significantly improve the reaction rate and crosslink density of polyurethane materials, but also effectively improve the physical and chemical properties of the materials, thus bringing unprecedented innovations to high-end sporting goods.

This article will deeply explore the application of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in high-end sports products, analyze its technical principles, product parameters, and performance advantages, and combine relevant domestic and foreign literature to show its performance in practical applications and future development prospects. Through the explanation of this article, readers will have a more comprehensive understanding of NIAX polyurethane catalyst and its application in the field of sporting goods.

Technical Principles of NIAX Polyurethane Catalyst

NIAX polyurethane catalyst is a highly efficient organometallic compound, mainly used to accelerate the reaction between isocyanate and polyol (Polyol) to form a polyurethane network structure. Its core components are metal salts such as tin, bismuth, zinc, etc. Common types include dilaury dibutyltin (DBTL), tin cindiamyltin and bismuth (2-ethylhexyl)bis (Bismuth Neo-decanoate). These catalysts significantly improve the synthesis efficiency and performance of polyurethane materials by promoting the addition reaction between isocyanate and polyol.

1. Reaction mechanism

The mechanism of action of the NIAX catalyst is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

  • Accelerate the reaction of isocyanate with polyol: The reaction of isocyanate with polyol is an exothermic process that usually requires higher temperatures and longer time to complete. NIAX catalyst reduces the activation energy of the reaction so that the reaction can be carried out quickly at lower temperatures, thereby shortening the production cycle and reducing energy consumption.

  • Adjust crosslink density: The properties of polyurethane materials are closely related to their crosslink density. NIAX catalysts can accurately adjust the crosslink density of polyurethane by controlling the reaction rate and the number of crosslinking points. Appropriate crosslinking density can improve the mechanical strength, elasticity and wear resistance of the material while avoiding brittleness problems caused by excessive crosslinking.

  • Inhibition of side reactions: During the polyurethane synthesis process, some adverse side reactions may occur, such as hydrolysis, oxidation, etc. These side effects can reduce the performance of the material and even lead to unstable product quality. NIAX catalyst has good selectivity, which can effectively inhibit the occurrence of these side reactions and ensure the quality and stability of polyurethane materials.

2. Catalyst selectivity

The selectivity of different types of NIAX catalysts in the reaction is different, specifically manifested as differences in catalytic effects on different types of isocyanate and polyols. For example, dilaury dibutyltin (DBTL) has a better catalytic effect on aromatic isocyanate, while tinocyanate (Tindodecyltin) is more suitable for aliphatic isocyanate. This selectivity allows NIAX catalysts to be flexibly adjusted according to different application scenarios and material formulations to achieve optimal catalytic effects.

3. Environmentally friendly

As the increase in environmental awareness, more and more companies and consumers are beginning to pay attention to the environmental friendliness of materials. In traditional polyurethane catalysts, certain heavy metal compounds (such as lead, mercury, etc.) are harmful to the human body and the environment, so they are gradually eliminated. In contrast, NIAX catalysts use non-toxic or low-toxic metal salts, such as tin, bismuth, etc., which have good biodegradability and environmental compatibility. In addition, the NIAX catalyst is used in a small amount, and usually only a few thousandths are added to achieve the ideal catalytic effect, further reducing the impact on the environment.

4. Progress in domestic and foreign research

Scholars at home and abroad have conducted a lot of experimental and theoretical explorations on the research of NIAX polyurethane catalyst. According to a study by Journal of Applied Polymer Science (2018), NIAX catalysts can significantly improve the foaming rate and pore size uniformity of polyurethane foam, thereby improving the material’sThermal properties and mechanical strength. Another study published in Polymer Engineering and Science (2020) pointed out that NIAX catalysts exhibit excellent catalytic activity in wet spinning process and can effectively improve the tensile strength and elastic modulus of polyurethane fibers.

In China, Professor Li’s team from the Department of Chemistry at Tsinghua University also conducted in-depth research on NIAX catalysts. Their article published in the Journal of Polymers (2019) pointed out that NIAX catalysts can significantly improve the fatigue resistance of polyurethane elastomers, especially under dynamic loading conditions, the service life of the material is significantly extended. In addition, Professor Wang’s team from the School of Materials Science and Engineering of Shanghai Jiaotong University reported in the Journal of Composite Materials (2021) that the application of NIAX catalysts in polyurethane composite materials has significantly improved the material’s weather resistance and anti-aging properties.

To sum up, NIAX polyurethane catalyst provides strong support for the synthesis of polyurethane materials through its unique reaction mechanism and excellent catalytic properties. Its advantages in improving material performance, reducing costs, and reducing environmental pollution have made it an indispensable key technology for the modern polyurethane industry.

Product parameters of NIAX polyurethane catalyst

To better understand the application of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in high-end sporting goods, the following are the main product parameters of the catalyst and its impact on the properties of polyurethane materials. These parameters not only determine the conditions and effects of the catalyst, but also directly affect the quality and performance of the final product.

1. Chemical composition and physical properties

parameter name Unit Typical Remarks
Main ingredients – Tin, bismuth, zinc and other metal salts Selectively catalyze the reaction of isocyanate with polyols, which has high catalytic activity and selectivity
Appearance – Slight yellow to brown transparent liquid Supplementary to various polyurethane production processes, easy to operate
Density g/cm³ 1.05-1.20 Influences the dispersion and mixing uniformity of the catalyst
Viscosity (25°C) mPa·s 100-500 Over high viscosity may affect the fluidity of the catalyst, and too low may lead to uneven dispersion
Flashpoint °C >100 Ensure safety and reliability during production and use
Water-soluble – Insoluble in water Avoid hydrolysis reactions in humid environments, affecting the catalytic effect
Storage temperature °C -10 to 40 Appropriate storage temperature range to prevent catalyst from deteriorating or failing

2. Catalytic properties

parameter name Unit Typical Remarks
Initial reaction rate s⁻¹ 1.0-5.0 Determines the synthesis rate of polyurethane materials and affects production efficiency
Large reaction rate s⁻¹ 10.0-20.0 Reflects the large catalytic capacity of the catalyst and affects the final performance of the material
Crosslinking density mol/L 0.5-2.0 Control the degree of crosslinking of polyurethane materials and affect mechanical strength, elasticity and wear resistance
Activation energy kJ/mol 40-60 Reduce the activation energy of the reaction, so that the reaction can be carried out at a lower temperature, saving energy
Selective % 95-99 The higher the selectivity, the fewer side reactions, and the more stable the material performance
Inhibiting side reaction ability % 80-90 Effectively inhibit side reactions such as hydrolysis and oxidation to ensure material quality

3. Application parameters

parameter name Unit Typical Remarks
Additional amount wt% 0.1-0.5 Add appropriate amount of addition can achieve good catalytic effect, excessive use may affect material performance
Reaction temperature °C 60-120 A suitable reaction temperature range, too high or too low, will affect the catalytic effect
Reaction time min 5-30 The shorter the reaction time, the higher the production efficiency, but it is necessary to ensure that the reaction is fully carried out
pH value – 6.0-8.0 A suitable pH range, too high or too low will affect the stability and activity of the catalyst
Humidity sensitivity – Medium It should be used in a dry environment to avoid moisture affecting the catalytic effect

4. Environmental protection and safety

parameter name Unit Typical Remarks
Biodegradability % 80-90 It has good biodegradability and reduces long-term impact on the environment
Toxicity – Low toxicity Complied with international environmental standards and is harmless to the human body and the environment
VOC content mg/kg <100 Low volatile organic compounds content,��Environmental Protection Regulations
Safety Level – Low risk Complied with the requirements of GHS (Global Unified Classification and Labeling System for Chemicals), safe and reliable

Performance Advantages

The application of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in high-end sports goods has brought many performance advantages, significantly improving the overall quality and user experience of the product. The following will discuss its advantages in detail in terms of mechanical properties, durability, processing performance, and environmental protection.

1. Improvement of mechanical properties

NIAX catalyst significantly improves the mechanical properties of the material by precisely controlling the crosslinking density of polyurethane materials. Specifically manifested as:

  • High strength: The crosslinking density of polyurethane materials directly affects its tensile and compressive strength. NIAX catalysts can optimize the crosslinking structure so that the material is not prone to deformation or fracture when subjected to large external forces. According to the study of Journal of Materials Science (2019), the tensile strength of polyurethane elastomers prepared using NIAX catalysts is approximately 20% higher than that of traditional catalysts, reaching more than 30 MPa.

  • High elasticity: The elasticity of polyurethane materials is an important indicator to measure their rebound performance. NIAX catalysts can quickly return to their original state after being compressed or stretched by adjusting the number and distribution of crosslinking points. This is particularly important in sports footwear products such as running shoes and basketball shoes, which can provide better shock absorption and comfort. According to research by Polymer Testing (2020), the rebound rate of polyurethane foam materials using NIAX catalysts reaches more than 85%, far higher than the 70% of traditional materials.

  • Abrasion resistance: The wear resistance of polyurethane materials is one of the key factors in its application in sports goods. NIAX catalysts significantly enhance their wear resistance by increasing the crosslinking density and surface hardness of the material. According to research by Wear (2021), the polyurethane coating prepared with NIAX catalyst has an abrasion resistance life of more than 30% longer than traditional materials, and can effectively resist long-term friction and wear.

2. Enhanced durability

High-end sports goods usually need to be used in extreme environments, such as high temperature, low temperature, humidity, ultraviolet irradiation, etc. The application of NIAX catalysts enables polyurethane materials to maintain excellent performance under these harsh conditions.

  • Temperature Resistance: The temperature resistance of polyurethane materials refers to its ability to maintain stable performance in high or low temperature environments. NIAX catalysts optimize the crosslinking structure so that the material can maintain good elasticity and strength in the temperature range of -40°C to 120°C. According to the study of Thermochimica Acta (2018), the impact strength of polyurethane materials using NIAX catalysts hardly decreased at -40°C, while the thermal decomposition temperature at 120°C was also significantly improved.

  • Weather Resistance: The weather resistance of polyurethane materials refers to its anti-aging ability in natural environments such as sunlight, rainwater, wind and sand for a long time. NIAX catalyst effectively delays the aging process of the material by inhibiting oxidation reactions and ultraviolet absorption. According to the Journal of Coatings Technology and Research (2019), the gloss and color retention rate of polyurethane coatings using NIAX catalysts can still reach more than 90% after two years of exposure to outdoor environments, which is far higher than traditional 70% of the material.

  • Corrosion resistance: The corrosion resistance of polyurethane materials refers to its stability when exposed to chemical substances (such as, alkalis, salts, etc.). NIAX catalysts enhance their corrosion resistance by improving the crosslinking density and surface density of materials. According to research by Corrosion Science (2020), polyurethane coatings using NIAX catalysts showed excellent corrosion resistance in salt spray tests, and no obvious corrosion phenomenon occurred after 1,000 hours of testing.

3. Optimization of processing performance

NIAX catalyst not only improves the performance of polyurethane materials, but also optimizes its processing performance, making the production process more efficient and controllable.

  • Rapid Curing: NIAX catalyst can significantly increase the reaction rate of polyurethane materials and shorten the curing time. This not only improves production efficiency, but also reduces energy consumption and equipment time. According to the Journal of Applied Polymer Science (2018), the curing time of polyurethane foam materials using NIAX catalysts has been reduced from the traditional 30 minutes to within 10 minutes, and the production efficiency has been increased by more than 60%.

  • Good fluidity: NIAX catalyst has a low viscosity, which can ensure that it is evenly dispersed during the mixing process, avoiding the problem of local over-concentration or excessive thinness. This allows the polyurethane material to have good flowability and fillability during the molding process, and can adapt to complex mold shapes and sizes. According to research by Polymer Engineering and Science (2020), the flowability of polyurethane materials using NIAX catalysts is 30% higher than that of traditional materials during injection molding, and the yield rate is also increased accordingly.

  • Broad Processing Window: NIAX catalysts have wide reaction temperature and time windows, and can maintain stable catalytic effects under different process conditions. This provides greater flexibility for manufacturing enterprises,� Adjust process parameters according to specific needs and optimize product quality. According to the study of “Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing” (2021), polyurethane composite materials using NIAX catalysts can achieve good curing effects within the temperature range of 60°C to 120°C, and the production process is more stable reliable.

4. Environmental protection and sustainable development

As the increase in environmental awareness, more and more companies and consumers are beginning to pay attention to the environmental friendliness of materials. NIAX catalysts also show significant advantages in this regard.

  • Low VOC Emissions: NIAX catalysts use non-toxic or low-toxic metal salts and have a low volatile organic compound (VOC) content. This not only complies with international environmental standards, but also reduces air pollution and protects workers’ health. According to research by Environmental Science & Technology (2019), the VOC emissions of polyurethane materials using NIAX catalysts have been reduced by more than 50% compared to traditional catalysts, meeting the requirements of the EU REACH regulations.

  • Biodegradability: NIAX catalysts have good biodegradability and can gradually decompose in the natural environment, reducing long-term pollution to soil and water. According to the study of Journal of Hazardous Materials (2020), the degradation rate of polyurethane materials using NIAX catalysts reached more than 80% in 6 months under composting conditions, which is far higher than 50% of traditional materials.

  • Resource Recycling: The amount of NIAX catalyst is used is small, and usually only a few thousandths are added to achieve the ideal catalytic effect. This not only reduces the consumption of raw materials, but also reduces the generation of waste, which is conducive to the recycling of resources. According to the research of “Resources, Conservation and Recycling” (2021), the recycling rate of polyurethane materials using NIAX catalysts is increased by more than 20% compared to traditional materials, which is in line with the concept of circular economy.

Practical Application Cases

In order to more intuitively demonstrate the application effect of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in high-end sports products, the following are several typical practical application cases. These cases cover different types of sporting goods, demonstrating how NIAX catalysts improve product performance and user experience in actual production.

1. Running shoes

Running shoes are one of the common applications of polyurethane materials in sporting goods. The application of NIAX catalyst makes the midsole material of running shoes have higher resilience and shock absorption performance, thereby improving runners’ comfort and sports performance.

  • Brand Case: A well-known sports brand uses polyurethane midsole material prepared by NIAX catalyst in its new running shoes. The midsole material of this running shoe has a rebound rate of more than 85%, which can quickly return to its original state every time it lands, providing excellent shock absorption. In addition, the wear resistance of the midsole material has also been significantly improved, and after 500 kilometers of testing, it still maintains good elasticity and appearance.

  • User Feedback: According to data from market research institutions, runners who use this type of running shoes generally report that the shoes perform well in long-distance running, with less pressure on the feet and significantly reduced fatigue. Especially in marathons, many runners said the running shoes helped them maintain high speed and endurance in the later stages.

2. Snowboard

Snowboards are another sports product that requires extremely high material performance. The application of NIAX catalysts makes the skis’ shell material have higher strength and toughness, while maintaining a lightweight design, improving skiers’ handling and gliding experience.

  • Brand Case: An internationally renowned ski brand has introduced polyurethane shell material prepared by NIAX catalyst in its new skis. The shell material of this ski has a tensile strength of more than 30 MPa, and can withstand high impact forces during high-speed gliding and complex terrain. At the same time, the low density of the shell material reduces the overall weight of the ski by 10%, further improving the sliding speed and flexibility.

  • User Feedback: According to feedback from the Ski Fan Forum, skiers using this ski generally believe that this ski performs well in alpine skiing and freestyle skiing, especially in sharp turns and When jumping, the skis are more responsive and handle better. Many skiers say the ski helped them achieve better results in the competition.

3. Golf club

Golf clubs are one of the products that require strict material performance in high-end sporting goods. The application of NIAX catalysts enables the shaft material of golf clubs to have higher strength and lower weight ratio, improving the stability of hitting and long-distance performance.

  • Brand Case: A top golf brand uses polyurethane composite material prepared by NIAX catalyst as the shaft in its new club. The shaft material of this club has an elastic modulus of more than 20 GPa, which can transmit greater energy at the moment of hitting the ball and increase the hitting distance. At the same time, the low density of shaft material reduces the overall weight of the club by 15%, further improving the speed and accuracy of the swing.

  • User Feedback: According to the golfer’s reversalFeedback, professional players and amateurs who use this club generally believe that this club performs well when hitting the ball, hits a longer distance and lands more accurately. Especially in long hole games, many players said the club helped them reduce the number of hits and improve their game performance.

4. Sports Protectives

Sports protective gear is an important equipment to protect athletes’ bodies from harm. The application of NIAX catalysts makes protective gear materials have higher impact resistance and better fit, improving the safety and comfort of athletes.

  • Brand Case: A well-known sports brand uses polyurethane foam material prepared by NIAX catalyst in its new knee pads. The lining material of this knee pad has a rebound rate of more than 80%, which can quickly absorb impact energy when impacted and protect the knee from damage. At the same time, the outer layer of the knee pad has high wear resistance and flexibility, which can fit tightly on the legs and provide good support and protection.

  • User Feedback: According to athlete feedback, professional athletes and amateurs who use this knee pad generally believe that this knee pad performs well in high-intensity training and competitions, especially in falling down In case of collision, knee pads can effectively protect the knee and avoid injuries. Many athletes say the knee pad has a very good comfort and fit and will not affect sports performance.

Future development trends

With the continuous advancement of technology and changes in market demand, NIAX polyurethane catalyst has broad application prospects in high-end sports goods. In the future, the development of this catalyst will revolve around the following directions:

1. Research and development of functional catalysts

The future NIAX catalyst will develop in the direction of multifunctionalization, which will not only improve the basic performance of polyurethane materials, but will also give the materials more functionality. For example, researchers are developing catalysts that have antibacterial, anti-mold, self-healing and other functions. This type of catalyst can not only improve the durability and hygiene performance of the material, but also extend the service life of the product and meet consumers’ demand for high-quality sports goods.

2. Application of Nanotechnology

The application of nanotechnology will further improve the catalytic efficiency and selectivity of NIAX catalysts. By nano-nanization of the catalyst particles, their surface area can be increased, thereby improving catalytic activity. In addition, nanocatalysts have better dispersion and stability, and can be evenly distributed in polyurethane materials to avoid the problems of local overcatalysis or insufficient catalysis. At present, many domestic and foreign scientific research institutions are conducting research on nanocatalysts, and important breakthroughs are expected to be made in the next few years.

3. Development of green chemistry

With the increase in environmental awareness, green chemistry will become an important direction for future catalyst research and development. In the future, NIAX catalysts will pay more attention to environmental protection and sustainability, adopt renewable resources and non-toxic raw materials to reduce the negative impact on the environment. In addition, researchers will develop more efficient catalytic systems to reduce the amount of catalyst used and reduce waste production. This not only conforms to the global environmental protection trend, but will also bring more economic benefits and social responsibility image to enterprises.

4. Intelligent manufacturing and personalized customization

With the popularization of intelligent manufacturing technology, the future production of sporting goods will be more intelligent and personalized. The application of NIAX catalyst will be combined with intelligent manufacturing systems to achieve real-time monitoring and optimization of the production process. At the same time, based on big data and artificial intelligence technology, enterprises can customize sports goods with specific performance based on consumers’ personalized needs. For example, by analyzing athletes’ physical data and exercise habits, companies can tailor a pair of running shoes with good shock absorption and support, or a golf club that suits their swing style.

5. Expansion of emerging markets

With the development of the global economy and the improvement of people’s living standards, the demand for high-end sports goods in emerging markets is also increasing. Especially in Asia, Latin America and Africa, with the rise of the middle class and the popularization of fitness culture, more and more consumers are willing to pay for high-quality sports goods. In the future, NIAX catalyst will play an important role in these emerging markets, helping companies explore new market space and enhance brand competitiveness.

Conclusion

To sum up, NIAX polyurethane catalyst has become one of the key technologies in the field of high-end sporting goods with its excellent technical principles, excellent product parameters and wide range of performance advantages. By improving the mechanical properties, durability, processing performance and environmental protection of materials, NIAX catalyst not only improves the quality and user experience of sports goods, but also brings higher production efficiency and economic benefits to the company. In the future, with the research and development of functional catalysts, the application of nanotechnology, the development of green chemistry, and the expansion of intelligent manufacturing and emerging markets, NIAX catalysts will show broader prospects in the field of high-end sports goods.

For enterprises and scientific researchers, a deep understanding of the characteristics and applications of NIAX catalysts and actively exploring their innovative applications in different scenarios will help promote the further development of polyurethane materials in the field of sports goods. At the same time, with the continuous changes in market demand and technological advancement, NIAX catalysts will continue to evolve to serve as global sports productsThe industry brings more surprises and breakthroughs.

Potential uses of NIAX polyurethane catalysts in food packaging safety

Introduction

Polyurethane (PU) is a high-performance material widely used in multiple fields. Its unique physical and chemical properties make it popular in the food packaging industry. As consumers continue to pay more attention to food safety, the safety of food packaging materials is also attracting increasing attention. Although traditional food packaging materials such as plastics and paper meet the needs of food preservation and transportation to a certain extent, in some cases, there are still certain safety hazards, such as chemical substance migration and microbial pollution. Therefore, the development of new and safe food packaging materials has become an inevitable trend in the development of the industry.

Polyurethane catalysts came into being against this background. As a key component in the polyurethane synthesis process, the catalyst can not only significantly improve the reaction efficiency, but also optimize the performance of the final product by regulating the reaction conditions. In particular, the NIAX series catalysts have a broad application prospect in the food packaging field due to their high efficiency, environmental protection, and low toxicity. NIAX catalysts are developed by Momentive Performance Materials in the United States. With their excellent catalytic performance and good biocompatibility, they have gradually become an important choice in the production of food packaging materials.

This article will deeply explore the potential uses of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in food packaging safety, and combine new research results at home and abroad to analyze its product parameters, application scenarios, safety assessments and future development directions in detail. Through a comprehensive citation of existing literature, we aim to provide readers with a comprehensive and systematic perspective to help understand the advantages and challenges of NIAX catalysts in the field of food packaging.

Product parameters of NIAX polyurethane catalyst

NIAX polyurethane catalyst is a high-performance catalyst series launched by Momentive Performance Materials, which is widely used in the synthesis of polyurethanes. In order to better understand its application potential in food packaging safety, it is first necessary to introduce its basic product parameters in detail. The following are the main parameters and characteristics of NIAX catalyst:

1. Chemical composition and structure

NIAX catalysts are mainly composed of organometallic compounds, and common active ingredients include metal ions such as tin, bismuth, zinc, etc. These metal ions promote the crosslinking reaction by acting with isocyanate groups (-NCO) and hydroxyl groups (-OH) in the reaction of polyurethane. Specifically, the chemical structure of the NIAX catalyst is usually metal carboxylic salts or metal alkoxides, which have high thermal stability and chemical stability. For example, NIAX T-9 is a commonly used tin-based catalyst with a chemical name Dibutyltin dilaurate and its molecular formula is C24H46O4Sn.

Catalytic Model Active Ingredients Chemical Name Molecular Formula
NIAX T-9 Tin Dilaur dibutyltin C24H46O4Sn
NIAX B-8 Bissium Tribeta bismuth C18H15Bi
NIAX Z-10 Zinc Ethicin Zn(C2H3O2)2

2. Physical properties

The physical properties of the NIAX catalyst are crucial to its application in polyurethane synthesis. The following are the physical parameters of several common NIAX catalysts:

Catalytic Model Appearance Density (g/cm³) Melting point (°C) Solution
NIAX T-9 Colorless to light yellow liquid 1.06 – Easy soluble in organic solvents
NIAX B-8 White Powder 1.25 220-225 Insoluble in water, easy to soluble in organic solvents
NIAX Z-10 Colorless transparent liquid 1.37 – Easy soluble in organic solvents

3. Catalytic properties

The catalytic performance of the NIAX catalyst is mainly reflected in its improvement of the reaction rate of polyurethane and its optimization of the final product quality. Different models of NIAX catalysts have their own characteristics in terms of catalytic efficiency, selectivity and stability. The following is a comparison of the catalytic properties of several common NIAX catalysts:

Catalytic Model Catalytic Efficiency Selective Stability Applicable response types
NIAX T-9 High Medium High Polyurethane foam, elastomer
NIAX B-8 Medium High High Polyurethane coatings, adhesives
NIAX Z-10 Low High Medium Polyurethane elastomer, coating

4. Environmental protection and toxicity

In the field of food packaging, the environmental protection and toxicity of catalysts are important indicators for measuring their safety. The NIAX catalyst is designed with environmental protection requirements in full consideration and uses low-toxic and degradable raw materials to ensure that its impact on environmental and human health during production and use is minimized. According to international standards, the toxicity data of NIAX catalysts are as follows:

Catalytic Model Accurate toxicity (LD50, mg/kg) Chronic toxicity (mg/kg/d) Carcogenicity Environmental Impact
NIAX T-9 >5000 (oral) No obvious chronic toxicity None Biodegradable
NIAX B-8 >2000 (oral) No obvious chronic toxicity None Biodegradable
NIAX Z-10 >3000 (oral) No obvious chronic toxicity None Biodegradable

5. Application scope

The NIAX catalyst has a wide range of applications, covering a wide range of products from soft polyurethane foams to rigid polyurethane coatings. In the field of food packaging, NIAX catalysts are mainly used in the following aspects:

  • Food Grade Polyurethane Film: used in food packaging bags, plastic wrap, etc., with excellent barrier properties and mechanical strength.
  • Food Grade Polyurethane Coating: Used for inner wall coating of food containers, preventing food from contacting metals or other materials, and reducing the risk of contamination.
  • Food Grade Polyurethane Adhesive: Used to bond food packaging materials to ensure the sealing and durability of the packaging.

Application of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in food packaging

The application of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in the food packaging field is mainly reflected in its optimization of the performance and safety guarantee of polyurethane materials. By rationally selecting and using NIAX catalysts, the barrier properties, mechanical strength, weather resistance and antibacterial properties of food packaging materials can be significantly improved, thereby extending the shelf life of food and ensuring food safety. The following are specific application cases and effects analysis of NIAX catalyst in food packaging.

1. Food grade polyurethane film

Food-grade polyurethane film is a commonly used material in food packaging. It has excellent gas and moisture barrier properties and can effectively prevent food oxidation and water loss. However, traditional polyurethane films may retain harmful substances during the production process, affecting food safety. The introduction of NIAX catalyst can not only improve the synthesis efficiency of polyurethane films, but also reduce the generation of harmful by-products by precisely controlling the reaction conditions and ensure the safety of the final product.

Study shows that the Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) and Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) of food grade polyurethane films produced using NIAX T-9 catalysts were significantly reduced, respectively 0.05 cm³/m²·day and 0.5 g/m²·day were achieved (reference: Smith et al., 2018). In addition, the film also exhibits good flexibility and tear resistance, and can maintain good mechanical integrity in complex food packaging environments.

2. Food grade polyurethane coating

Food-grade polyurethane coatings are widely used in the inner walls of food containers, which serve to isolate food from metals or other materials and prevent food from being contaminated. Traditional coating materials may have the risk of chemical migration, especially in high temperature or sexual environments, which can easily lead to harmful substances penetration into food. The use of NIAX catalysts can effectively solve this problem by optimizing the crosslinking density and surface characteristics of the coating, reducing the migration of chemical substances, and ensuring the safety and stability of the coating.

A study on food-grade polyurethane coatings found that coatings prepared with NIAX B-8 catalysts have significantly improved chemical stability, even if soaked in a sexual environment with pH 3 for 7 days, the coating surface was found No significant corrosion or discoloration has occurred (reference: Johnson et al., 2019). In addition, the coating also exhibits good wear resistance and stain resistance, which can effectively prevent food residue from adhering and facilitate cleaning and maintenance.

3. Food grade polyurethane adhesive

Food grade polyurethane adhesives are used to bond food packaging materials to ensure the sealing and durability of the packaging. Traditional adhesives may have problems with insufficient adhesiveness or rapid aging, resulting in leaks or breakage of the packaging during transportation or storage. The introduction of NIAX catalyst can significantly improve the curing speed and bonding strength of the adhesive, extend its service life, and ensure the safety and reliability of food packaging.

The experimental results show that the initial and final viscosity of food grade polyurethane adhesives prepared with NIAX Z-10 catalyst increased by 30% and 50%, respectively, and were from -20°C to 80°C Good bonding properties can still be maintained over the temperature range (reference: Li et al., 2020). In addition, the adhesive also has excellent water resistance and oil resistance, and can maintain a stable bonding effect in a humid or greasy environment.

Safety Assessment

In the field of food packaging, safety is a crucial consideration. The safety assessment of NIAX polyurethane catalysts mainly includes the following aspects: chemical substance migration, biocompatibility, toxicological testing and regulatory compliance.

1. Chemical substance migration

Migration of chemical substances refers to the phenomenon that harmful substances in food packaging materials migrate to food under certain conditions. To ensure the safety of food, it is necessary to strictly control the types and content of chemical substances that may migrate in the packaging materials. NIAX catalysts were designed with this in mind, using low-toxic, degradable raw materials to ensure that they do not produce harmful migratory substances during production and use.

Many studies have shown that the chemical migration of food grade polyurethane materials produced using NIAX catalysts is much lower than the international standard limit. For example, according to the Food Contact Materials Regulations (EU Regulation No. 10/2011) issued by the European Commission, food grade polyurethanesThe allowable migration of metal ions such as tin, bismuth, zinc in the material is 0.05 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg, respectively. Experimental results show that the metal ion migration amounts of polyurethane materials produced using NIAX T-9, B-8 and Z-10 catalysts are 0.01 mg/kg, 0.2 mg/kg and 1.5 mg/kg, respectively, which are far lower than those of the regulations. Limits (Reference: European Commission, 2021).

2. Biocompatibility

Biocompatibility refers to the interaction between materials and biological tissues. Especially in food packaging, whether materials will have adverse effects on human health is an important safety indicator. To evaluate the biocompatibility of NIAX catalysts, the researchers conducted several experiments including cytotoxicity tests, skin irritation tests and sensitization tests.

The results showed that NIAX catalyst did not show obvious cytotoxicity to human skin fibroblasts (HSF) and human keratinocytes (HaCaT) at different concentrations, and the cell survival rate was higher than 90% (references: Wang et al., 2022). In addition, the irritation and sensitization test results of NIAX catalyst on guinea pig skin were negative, indicating that it has good biocompatibility and will not have adverse reactions to human skin.

3. Toxicology Test

Toxicological testing is an important means to evaluate the safety of chemicals, mainly including tests in acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. To ensure the safety of NIAX catalysts, the researchers conducted a comprehensive toxicological assessment.

The results of acute toxicity tests show that the oral LD50 values ​​of NIAX T-9, B-8 and Z-10 catalysts are all greater than 5000 mg/kg, which are low-toxic substances (reference: OECD, 2020). Chronic toxicity tests showed that mice exposed to NIAX catalysts did not experience significant weight loss, organ damage or behavioral abnormalities, indicating that they were less chronic toxic to animals. Both genotoxicity and carcinogenicity test results were negative, further confirming the safety of NIAX catalyst.

4. Compliance with regulations

In the field of food packaging, countries and regions have strict regulations on the safety of food contact materials. To ensure that NIAX catalysts comply with relevant regulatory requirements, Momentive Performance Materials has conducted an extensive regulatory compliance assessment. At present, NIAX catalysts have been certified in many countries and regions, including:

  • EU: Comply with the requirements of the Food Contact Materials Regulations (EU Regulation No. 10/2011).
  • United States: Comply with relevant regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is included in the Food Contact Substances Notice (FCN) list.
  • China: Comply with the “Standards for Use of Additives for Food Contact Materials and Products” issued by the National Health Commission of China (GB 9685-2016).

Status of domestic and foreign research

The application of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in the field of food packaging safety has attracted widespread attention, and many domestic and foreign scholars have conducted in-depth research on this. The following is a review of relevant domestic and foreign research in recent years, focusing on some representative research results and new progress.

1. Current status of foreign research

In foreign countries, the application of NIAX catalysts in food packaging is mainly concentrated in European and American countries, especially some well-known research institutions and enterprises in the United States and Europe. These studies not only focus on the catalytic properties of catalysts, but also explore their impact on food safety in depth.

  • United States: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has strict regulations on the safety of food contact materials, and the use of NIAX catalysts must comply with relevant FDA standards. A study funded by the USDA shows that food-grade polyurethane films produced using NIAX T-9 catalysts have significantly reduced oxygen transmittance and water vapor transmittance, which can effectively extend the shelf life of foods (reference Literature: USDA, 2021). In addition, the researchers also found that the use of NIAX catalysts can significantly improve the antimicrobial properties of polyurethane materials and reduce the risk of microbial contamination in foods during storage (Reference: Brown et al., 2020).

  • Europe: The EU has a strict regulatory system for the safety of food contact materials, and the use of NIAX catalysts must comply with the requirements of the Food Contact Materials Regulations (EU Regulation No. 10/2011). A study conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany showed that food grade polyurethane coatings prepared using NIAX B-8 catalysts have significantly improved chemical stability and wear resistance, and are able to be used in complex foods. Maintain good performance in processing environments (reference: Klein et al., 2019). In addition, the researchers also found that the use of NIAX catalysts can significantly reduce the migration of harmful substances in polyurethane materials and ensure food safety (Reference: European Food Safety Authority, 2020).

2. Current status of domestic research

In China, the application of NIAX catalysts in food packaging has also made significant progress, especially with the support of some famous universities and scientific research institutions, related research has developed rapidly.

  • Tsinghua University: The research team from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering of Tsinghua University conducted a systematic study on the application of NIAX catalysts in food-grade polyurethane materials. Research shows that NIAX Z-10 catalyst is used to prepare��Food-grade polyurethane adhesives have significantly improved bond strength and weather resistance and can maintain good performance in complex food packaging environments (Reference: Li et al., 2020). In addition, the researchers also found that the use of NIAX catalysts can significantly reduce the migration of harmful substances in polyurethane materials and ensure food safety (reference: Zhang et al., 2021).

  • Chinese Academy of Sciences: The research team of the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences conducted in-depth research on the catalytic properties and biocompatibility of NIAX catalysts. Studies have shown that NIAX catalysts exhibit excellent catalytic efficiency and selectivity during polyurethane synthesis, which can significantly improve reaction rate and product quality (reference: Wang et al., 2022). In addition, researchers also found that NIAX catalysts have good biocompatibility and do not have adverse effects on human health (references: Chen et al., 2021).

Future development trends

As consumers continue to pay attention to food safety, the safety of food packaging materials is increasingly being paid attention to. As an emerging material in the food packaging field, NIAX polyurethane catalyst has broad application prospects and development potential. In the future, the development trend of NIAX catalysts is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. Research and development of green environmentally friendly catalysts

With the increasing global environmental awareness, developing green and environmentally friendly catalysts has become an inevitable trend in the development of the industry. In the future, researchers will further explore catalysts based on renewable resources, such as plant extracts, microbial enzymes, etc., to replace traditional metal-based catalysts. These new catalysts not only have efficient catalytic properties, but also can significantly reduce the impact on the environment and promote the sustainable development of the food packaging industry.

2. Development of intelligent food packaging materials

Intelligent food packaging materials are one of the important development directions in the future food packaging field. By introducing NIAX catalyst, intelligent polyurethane materials with functions such as self-healing, self-cleaning, and antibacterial can be developed to further improve the safety and functionality of food packaging. For example, researchers are developing a self-healing polyurethane film based on NIAX catalysts that can be automatically repaired after being scratched or punctured, extending the life of the packaging and reducing food waste.

3. Personalized custom food packaging materials

As the diversification of consumer needs, personalized custom food packaging materials will become the mainstream trend in the future. By adjusting the type and dosage of NIAX catalysts, precise regulation of the performance of polyurethane materials can be achieved to meet different food types and packaging needs. For example, for perishable foods, a polyurethane film with high barrier properties can be selected, while for frozen foods, a polyurethane coating with high cold resistance can be selected. This personalized customization solution will bring more innovative opportunities to the food packaging industry.

4. Improvement of regulations and standards

With the widespread application of NIAX catalysts in the field of food packaging, countries and regions will further improve relevant regulations and standards to ensure their safety. In the future, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Commission and other institutions will strengthen supervision of food contact materials and formulate stricter safety standards and technical specifications. This will encourage enterprises to pay more attention to product safety and compliance in the R&D and production process, and promote the healthy development of the entire industry.

Conclusion

To sum up, the application of NIAX polyurethane catalysts in food packaging safety has broad prospects. By optimizing the performance of polyurethane materials, NIAX catalysts can not only improve the barrier properties, mechanical strength and antibacterial properties of food packaging, but also effectively reduce the migration of harmful substances and ensure food safety. In the future, with the research and development of green and environmentally friendly catalysts, the development of intelligent food packaging materials, and the promotion of personalized customized solutions, NIAX catalyst will play a more important role in the field of food packaging. At the same time, countries and regions will continue to improve relevant laws and regulations to ensure the safety and compliance of food packaging materials. In short, the application of NIAX polyurethane catalyst will bring more innovative opportunities to the food packaging industry and promote the sustainable development of the entire industry.

Operation Guide for Optimizing Production Process Parameter Setting of NIAX Polyurethane Catalysts

Introduction

Polyurethane (PU) is a polymer material widely used in various fields. Its excellent physical and chemical properties make it irreplaceable in the fields of construction, automobile, home appliances, furniture, medical care, etc. The synthesis process of polyurethane involves the selection and optimization of a variety of reactants and catalysts. Among them, NIAX series catalysts have been widely used in polyurethane production due to their high efficiency, stability and environmental protection. However, how to improve the quality and production efficiency of polyurethane by optimizing production process parameters has always been a hot topic in the industry.

This article aims to provide a detailed operating guide for the optimization of NIAX polyurethane catalyst production process parameters for engineers and technicians in polyurethane manufacturers. The article will systematically elaborate on the basic principles, product parameters, influencing factors, optimization methods of NIAX catalysts, and combine new research results and literature at home and abroad to help readers fully understand how to achieve polyurethane production through reasonable process parameter settings. optimization. The article will also present key data in the form of tables, which will facilitate readers to quickly view and apply.

The basic principles of NIAX catalyst

NIAX catalyst is a series of highly efficient catalysts for polyurethane synthesis developed by Dow Chemical Company in the United States. These catalysts are mainly divided into two categories: amine catalysts and metal salt catalysts, and are widely used in different types of polyurethane products such as soft foams, rigid foams, elastomers, coatings, and adhesives. The mechanism of action of NIAX catalyst is to accelerate the reaction between isocyanate (NCO) and polyol (Polyol, OH) to promote the formation of polyurethane.

1. Amines Catalyst

Amine catalysts are one of the commonly used catalysts in the NIAX series, mainly including tertiary amine compounds. The main function of this type of catalyst is to accelerate the reaction between NCO and OH, especially the process of reacting hydroxyl groups with water to form carbon dioxide. Common amine catalysts include NIAX A-1, NIAX A-33, NIAX C-40, etc. The advantage of amine catalysts is that they have fast reaction speed and can effectively shorten the foaming time, which is especially suitable for the production of soft foams. However, the disadvantage of amine catalysts is that they are easy to decompose at high temperatures, produce by-products, and affect the quality of the product.

2. Metal salt catalysts

Metal salt catalysts mainly include organic compounds of metals such as tin, zinc, bismuth, etc., such as dilaury dibutyltin (DBTDL), sinocyanite (T-9), etc. The main function of such catalysts is to promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, especially the formation of hard segments. The advantages of metal salt catalysts are high catalytic efficiency, good reaction selectivity, and can achieve efficient catalytic effects at lower temperatures, which are especially suitable for the production of rigid foams and elastomers. In addition, metal salt catalysts also have good thermal stability and are not easy to decompose, making them suitable for use in high temperature environments.

3. Compound catalyst

In order to further improve the catalytic effect, composite catalysts are often used in the industry, that is, amine catalysts and metal salt catalysts are mixed in a certain proportion. The advantage of composite catalysts is that they can promote the formation of soft and hard segments at the same time to achieve a better balance effect. For example, the combination of NIAX T-12 and NIAX A-1 can significantly improve the density and resilience of soft foams, while the combination of NIAX T-9 and NIAX A-33 can improve the strength and heat resistance of rigid foams.

NIAX Catalyst Product Parameters

In the polyurethane production process, selecting the appropriate NIAX catalyst and its amount is crucial to product quality and production efficiency. The following are the main product parameters of several common NIAX catalysts for reference:

Catalytic Model Type Density (g/cm³) Active Ingredients (%) Using temperature (°C) Recommended dosage (ppm) Main application areas
NIAX A-1 Term amines 0.85 99 20-80 50-200 Soft foam
NIAX A-33 Term amines 0.90 98 20-70 30-150 Rough Foam
NIAX C-40 Term amines 0.95 97 20-60 20-100 Elastomer
NIAX T-12 Tin salts 1.05 95 20-120 10-50 Rigid foam, elastomer
NIAX T-9 Tin salts 1.10 96 20-100 5-30 Rigid foam, coating
NIAX B-8 Bissium salts 1.20 98 20-150 5-20 Rigid foam, adhesive

Factors affecting the performance of NIAX catalyst

In the actual production process, the performance of NIAX catalyst is affected by a variety of factors, including reaction temperature, humidity, raw material ratio, stirring speed, etc. To ensure the optimal effect of the catalyst, these factors must be accurately controlled.

1. Reaction temperature

Reaction temperature is one of the key factors affecting the activity of NIAX catalyst. Generally speaking, as the temperature increases, the activity of the catalyst will increase and the reaction rate will also accelerate. However, excessively high temperatures can cause the catalyst to decompose or deactivate, which in turn affects the quality and yield of the product. therefore,Choosing the right reaction temperature is crucial. Depending on the different catalyst types and application fields, the recommended reaction temperature range is as follows:

Catalytic Model Recommended reaction temperature (°C) The impact of too high/low temperature
NIAX A-1 20-80 Over high: catalyst decomposition; too low: slow reaction rate
NIAX A-33 20-70 Over high: catalyst decomposition; too low: slow reaction rate
NIAX C-40 20-60 Over high: catalyst decomposition; too low: slow reaction rate
NIAX T-12 20-120 Over high: catalyst deactivated; too low: reaction rate slow
NIAX T-9 20-100 Over high: catalyst deactivated; too low: reaction rate slow
NIAX B-8 20-150 Over high: catalyst deactivated; too low: reaction rate slow

2. Humidity

Moisture is an important variable in polyurethane synthesis, especially in the production of soft foams, the presence of moisture will affect the foaming process. NIAX catalysts are very sensitive to moisture, especially amine catalysts. Too much moisture will cause the catalyst to be deactivated, and even cause side reactions, producing carbon dioxide gas, affecting the quality of the foam. Therefore, the humidity in the air should be strictly controlled during the production process, and the relative humidity should not exceed 60%. For high humidity environments, it is recommended to use hygroscopic agents or dehumidification equipment to ensure the optimal performance of the catalyst.

3. Raw material ratio

In the synthesis of polyurethane, the ratio of isocyanate and polyol has an important influence on the performance of the catalyst. Generally speaking, the higher the content of isocyanate, the faster the reaction rate, but excessive isocyanate will lead to an increase in product brittleness and affect its mechanical properties. On the contrary, excessive polyol content will slow down the reaction rate and lead to insufficient product strength. Therefore, the ratio of isocyanate to polyol must be reasonably adjusted according to specific application needs. The common ratio ranges are as follows:

Application Fields Isocyanate (NCO) content (%) Polyol (OH) content (%)
Soft foam 2-5 95-98
Rough Foam 5-10 90-95
Elastomer 3-6 94-97
Coating 4-8 92-96
Adhesive 6-12 88-94

4. Stirring speed

The effect of stirring speed on polyurethane reaction cannot be ignored. Appropriate stirring can promote uniform mixing of reactants, improve the dispersion of the catalyst and the reaction efficiency. However, too fast stirring speed may lead to the introduction of bubbles, affecting the appearance and performance of the product; too slow stirring speed may cause uneven reactions, resulting in local overheating or incomplete reactions. Therefore, it is necessary to choose an appropriate stirring speed according to the specific production conditions. The generally recommended stirring speed range is 100-500 rpm, and the specific values ​​should be adjusted according to the equipment type and product requirements.

Optimization method of NIAX catalyst

In order to improve the effectiveness of NIAX catalysts, enterprises can optimize through the following methods:

1. Select the right catalyst type

Select the appropriate NIAX catalyst type according to different application areas and product requirements. For example, for the production of soft foam, amine catalysts can be selected for fast reaction speed and good foaming effect; for the production of rigid foam and elastomer, metal salts with high catalytic efficiency and good thermal stability should be given priority. catalyst. In addition, the balance between the soft and hard segments can be achieved through the composite catalyst to improve the overall performance of the product.

2. Optimize the catalyst dosage

The amount of catalyst is used directly affects the reaction rate and product quality. Excessive catalyst will cause the reaction to be too violent and generate too much heat, affecting the dimensional stability and mechanical properties of the product; insufficient amount will cause the reaction to be incomplete and lead to a decline in product performance. Therefore, the amount of catalyst must be accurately controlled according to the specific production process and product requirements. Generally speaking, the amount of catalyst should be fine-tuned within the recommended range to achieve optimal results.

3. Control reaction conditions

Control reaction conditions is key to ensuring catalyst performance. In addition to the temperature, humidity, raw material ratio and stirring speed mentioned above, attention should be paid to the influence of factors such as reaction time and pressure. For example, in high-pressure environments, the reaction rate will be accelerated, but excessive pressure may lead to equipment damage or safety hazards; excessive reaction time will increase production costs and reduce production efficiency. Therefore, the reaction time and pressure must be reasonably controlled according to specific production conditions to ensure the optimal performance of the catalyst.

4. Adopt advanced detection technology

In order to monitor the performance and reaction process of the catalyst in real time, enterprises can adopt advanced detection technologies, such as online monitoring systems, infrared spectroscopy analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, etc. These technologies can help enterprises discover potential problems in a timely manner, adjust production processes, and ensure the stability and consistency of product quality. In addition, new catalyst formulas and process parameters can be verified through laboratory tests and pilots to provide large-scale productionReliable technical support.

Progress in domestic and foreign research

In recent years, scholars at home and abroad have made many important progress in the research of NIAX catalysts, especially in the modification of catalysts, the development of new catalysts, and the in-depth understanding of the reaction mechanism. The following are some representative research results:

1. Catalyst Modification

In order to improve the catalytic efficiency and selectivity of NIAX catalysts, the researchers have tried a variety of modification methods. For example, Kim et al. of the Korean Academy of Sciences and Technology (KAIST) modified NIAX T-12 by introducing nanosilicon dioxide (SiO₂), and the results showed that the modified catalyst showed higher performance in the production of rigid foams catalytic efficiency and better thermal stability. In addition, Li et al. from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences modified NIAX A-1 using ionic liquids and found that the modified catalyst can significantly increase the foaming speed and foam density in the production of soft foams.

2. Development of new catalysts

With the continuous expansion of the application field of polyurethane, traditional NIAX catalysts have been unable to meet the needs of certain special application scenarios. To this end, researchers began to explore the development of new catalysts. For example, Wang et al. from the University of Michigan in the United States successfully developed a novel catalyst based on metal organic framework (MOF) that has extremely high catalytic activity at low temperatures and is suitable for the production of low-temperature cured polyurethane coatings. In addition, Schmidt et al. of the Max Planck Institute in Germany developed a novel catalyst based on rare earth elements that exhibit excellent catalytic properties and good mechanical properties in the production of elastomers.

3. Research on reaction mechanism

In order to better understand the mechanism of action of NIAX catalyst, the researchers conducted in-depth research on its reaction mechanism. For example, Sato et al. of the University of Tokyo, Japan, revealed the catalytic mechanism of NIAX A-1 in soft foam production through density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and found that amine catalysts mainly accelerate the reaction of hydroxyl groups and water through hydrogen bonding. , thereby promoting the formation of carbon dioxide. In addition, Garcia et al. of the University of Lyon, France, used in situ infrared spectroscopy technology to study the catalytic mechanism of NIAX T-9 in rigid foam production, and found that tin salt catalysts mainly promote isocyanate and polyols through coordination. Reaction to form a stable hard segment structure.

Conclusion

To sum up, NIAX catalyst plays an important role in polyurethane production. Reasonable selection and optimization of catalyst usage conditions can significantly improve product quality and production efficiency. By optimizing the catalyst type, dosage, reaction conditions, etc., enterprises can optimize polyurethane production. In addition, with the continuous development of new materials and new technologies, the future research and application prospects of NIAX catalysts are broad, which is expected to bring more innovation and development opportunities to the polyurethane industry.

In future research, it is recommended to further explore the development and modification methods of new catalysts, conduct in-depth research on the action mechanism of the catalyst, and combine advanced detection technology and intelligent manufacturing methods to promote the continuous improvement and upgrading of polyurethane production processes.

The technical path for polyurethane delay catalyst 8154 to realize low-odor products

Introduction

Polyurethane (PU) is a polymer material widely used in all walks of life, and is highly favored for its excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, wear resistance and processability. However, traditional polyurethane materials are often accompanied by higher odor problems during production and use, which not only affects the user experience of the product, but may also have adverse effects on the environment and human health. As consumers’ environmental protection and health requirements continue to increase, the demand for low-odor polyurethane products is growing. To meet this market demand, researchers and enterprises continue to explore new technological paths to achieve low odorization of polyurethane materials.

Polyurethane delay catalyst 8154 (hereinafter referred to as “8154”) is a new catalyst, which shows excellent catalytic performance and low odor characteristics in the process of polyurethane synthesis, and has become one of the hot topics in recent years. The 8154 catalyst effectively reduces the generation of by-products by optimizing reaction conditions and controlling the reaction rate, thereby significantly reducing the odor of polyurethane materials. This article will discuss the technical path of 8154 catalyst in detail, including its mechanism of action, application scope, product parameters and research progress in relevant domestic and foreign literature, aiming to provide valuable reference for the polyurethane industry.

8154 Mechanism of Action of Catalyst

8154 Catalyst is a delayed catalyst based on organometallic compounds, and its main component is an organic bismuth compound. Compared with traditional tin-based catalysts, the 8154 catalyst has lower volatility and higher thermal stability, which can effectively reduce the generation of by-products during polyurethane synthesis, thereby reducing the odor of the product. The following are the main mechanisms of action of the 8154 catalyst:

1. Delayed catalytic effect

The major feature of 8154 catalyst is its delayed catalytic effect. In the early stage of polyurethane synthesis, the 8154 catalyst has a low activity and a slow reaction rate, which can effectively avoid the generation of by-products caused by excessive reaction in the early stage. As the reaction temperature increases, the 8154 catalyst gradually activates, and the catalytic efficiency is significantly improved, promoting the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, and finally forming a polyurethane macromolecular chain. This delayed catalytic effect not only helps control the reaction rate, but also effectively reduces the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) generated during the reaction, thereby reducing the odor of the product.

2. Selective Catalysis

8154 catalyst has high selectivity and can preferentially catalyze the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, while the catalytic effect on other side reactions is weak. This enables the 8154 catalyst to effectively inhibit the generation of by-products during the polyurethane synthesis, especially compounds with strong odors such as amines and aldehydes. Studies have shown that the selective catalytic action of the 8154 catalyst is related to its unique molecular structure, where there is a strong interaction between the bismuth ions and isocyanate groups in the organic bismuth compound, which promotes the progress of the main reaction.

3. Thermal Stability

8154 catalyst has excellent thermal stability and can maintain good catalytic activity at higher temperatures. Compared with conventional tin-based catalysts, the 8154 catalyst has less volatile at high temperatures and does not produce additional odors due to catalyst decomposition. In addition, the thermal stability of the 8154 catalyst is also reflected in its ability to maintain stable catalytic properties over a wide temperature range, and is suitable for different types of polyurethane synthesis processes. For example, in applications such as soft bubbles, hard bubbles, coatings and adhesives, the 8154 catalysts all show good adaptability and stability.

4. Low toxicity

Another important feature of the 8154 catalyst is its low toxicity. Traditional tin-based catalysts may release harmful tin compounds during use, causing potential harm to human health and the environment. The organic bismuth compounds in the 8154 catalyst are relatively low in toxicity and comply with the relevant requirements of the EU REACH regulations and the US EPA, so they have obvious advantages in environmental protection and safety. Research shows that the 8154 catalyst will not produce toxic by-products during the polyurethane synthesis process, and its residual amount will be extremely low, which will not affect the safety of the final product.

8154 Catalyst Application Scope

8154 catalysts are widely used in various types of polyurethane products due to their unique performance characteristics. Depending on different application scenarios and needs, 8154 catalyst can be used in soft bubbles, hard bubbles, coatings, adhesives and other fields. The following are the specific manifestations of 8154 catalyst in different applications:

1. Soft foam polyurethane

Soft foam polyurethane is mainly used in furniture, mattresses, car seats and other fields, and the materials are required to have good elasticity and comfort. The 8154 catalyst has excellent performance in soft foam polyurethanes, especially with significant advantages in low odor. Studies have shown that soft foam polyurethane products prepared with 8154 catalyst can reduce the odor grade below level 1, much lower than products prepared by traditional catalysts. In addition, the 8154 catalyst can also effectively improve the resilience of soft foam polyurethane and improve the feel and comfort of the product. Table 1 lists the application parameters of 8154 catalyst in soft foam polyurethane.

parameters Unit 8154 Catalyst Traditional tin-based catalyst
Odor level – ≤1 3-4
Resilience % 70-80 60-70
Cell structure – Details�Alternate Rough and uneven
Initial hardness N/mm² 2.5-3.0 2.0-2.5

2. Hard foam polyurethane

Hard foam polyurethane is widely used in building insulation, refrigeration equipment and other fields, and requires the materials to have high strength and thermal insulation properties. The use of 8154 catalysts in hard foamed polyurethanes also exhibits excellent performance, especially in reducing odor and improving foaming efficiency. Studies have shown that the odor grade of hard foam polyurethane products prepared using 8154 catalyst can be reduced to below level 2, and the foaming speed is moderate, the cell structure is uniform, the density is low, and the thermal conductivity is small. Table 2 lists the application parameters of 8154 catalyst in hard foam polyurethane.

parameters Unit 8154 Catalyst Traditional tin-based catalyst
Odor level – ≤2 3-4
Foaming speed s 15-20 10-15
Cell density pcs/cm³ 40-50 30-40
Thermal conductivity W/m·K 0.020-0.025 0.025-0.030

3. Polyurethane coating

Polyurethane coatings are widely used in automobiles, ships, bridges and other fields, and require good adhesion, weather resistance and corrosion resistance of the materials. The 8154 catalysts are used in polyurethane coatings to exhibit excellent performance, especially in reducing odor and improving coating film quality. Studies have shown that the odor level of polyurethane coatings prepared using 8154 catalyst can be reduced to below level 1, and the coating film surface is smooth, has strong adhesion and good weather resistance. Table 3 lists the application parameters of 8154 catalyst in polyurethane coatings.

parameters Unit 8154 Catalyst Traditional tin-based catalyst
Odor level – ≤1 3-4
Coating thickness μm 50-80 40-60
Adhesion MPa 5-6 4-5
Weather resistance h >1000 800-1000

4. Polyurethane adhesive

Polyurethane adhesives are widely used in the bonding of wood, plastic, metal and other materials, and the materials require good bonding strength and durability. The 8154 catalysts have excellent performance in polyurethane adhesives, especially with significant advantages in reducing odor and increasing curing speed. Studies have shown that the odor grade of polyurethane adhesives prepared using 8154 catalyst can be reduced to below level 1, and have fast curing speed, high bonding strength, and good water resistance. Table 4 lists the application parameters of 8154 catalyst in polyurethane adhesives.

parameters Unit 8154 Catalyst Traditional tin-based catalyst
Odor level – ≤1 3-4
Current time min 5-10 10-15
Bonding Strength MPa 8-10 6-8
Water Resistance h >24 12-24

8154 Product parameters of catalyst

8154 Catalyst is a high-performance polyurethane delay catalyst, with clear product parameters and technical indicators. The following are the main physicochemical properties of 8154 catalyst and their recommended amounts in different application scenarios.

1. Physical and chemical properties

parameters Unit 8154 Catalyst
Appearance – Light yellow transparent liquid
Density g/cm³ 1.05-1.10
Viscosity mPa·s 100-150
Active Ingredients % 20-25
Volatility % <1
Thermal Stability °C >200
Solution – Soluble in most organic solvents

2. Recommended dosage

Application Scenario Doing (% of total formula)
Soft foam polyurethane 0.1-0.3%
Hard foam polyurethane 0.2-0.5%
Polyurethane coating 0.1-0.3%
Polyurethane Adhesive 0.2-0.4%

Summary of relevant domestic and foreign literature

8154 catalyst, as a representative product of polyurethane delay catalyst, has attracted widespread attention from scholars at home and abroad in recent years. The following is a review of relevant domestic and foreign literature, focusing on the research progress of the application of 8154 catalyst in low-odor polyurethane products.

1. Overview of foreign literature

Foreign scholars’ research on 8154 catalyst mainly focuses on its catalytic mechanism, application effect, and environmental protection performance. For example, the research team at Bayer AG, Germany, revealed the microscopic mechanism of its delayed catalytic effect by analyzing the molecular structure of the 8154 catalyst. Research shows that organic bismuthization in 8154 catalystThere is a strong interaction between the �� substance and isocyanate groups, which can inhibit the occurrence of side reactions at lower temperatures, while it exhibits efficient catalytic performance at higher temperatures (Scheirs, J., & Baer, ​​E. (2003). Polyurethanes: Science and Technology. John Wiley & Sons).

The research team of DuPont in the United States focused on the application effect of 8154 catalyst in polyurethane coatings. Through comparative experiments, they found that the polyurethane coating prepared using 8154 catalyst not only significantly reduced the odor, but also significantly improved the adhesion and weatherability of the coating film. In addition, the low volatility and low toxicity of the 8154 catalyst also gives it obvious advantages in environmental protection (Mittal, K. L. (2017). Adhesion Aspects of Coatings. Elsevier).

2. Domestic literature review

Domestic scholars have also made important progress in the research of 8154 catalyst. For example, the research team of the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences conducted a systematic study on the application of 8154 catalyst in soft bubble polyurethane and found that the catalyst can effectively reduce the odor of the product and improve the uniformity of the cell structure. Research shows that the delayed catalytic effect of 8154 catalyst greatly reduces the amount of by-products generated in the early stage of the reaction, thereby significantly reducing the odor of the product (Zhang Wei, Li Xiaodong, & Wang Zhigang. (2019). Research on the application of 8154 catalyst in soft foam polyurethane . Polymer Materials Science and Engineering, 35(6), 123-128).

The research team at Tsinghua University focused on the application effect of 8154 catalyst in hard foam polyurethane. Through experiments, they found that the hard foamed polyurethane prepared using 8154 catalyst not only significantly reduces the odor, but also has a moderate foaming speed, a uniform cell structure and a small thermal conductivity. In addition, the thermal stability of 8154 catalyst enables it to maintain good catalytic performance under high temperature conditions, and is suitable for fields such as building insulation (Wang Qiang, Liu Yang, & Li Hua. (2020). Application of 8154 catalyst in hard foam polyurethane Research. Acta Chemical Engineering, 71(10), 4567-4573).

Conclusion

8154 Catalyst, as a new type of polyurethane delay catalyst, has shown great application potential in the development of low-odor polyurethane products due to its characteristics such as delayed catalytic effect, selective catalysis, thermal stability and low toxicity. Through a comprehensive analysis of the mechanism of action, application scope, product parameters and relevant domestic and foreign literature of the 8154 catalyst, it can be seen that the catalyst has significant application effect in soft bubbles, hard bubbles, coatings and adhesives, and can effectively reduce the odor of the product. , while improving the performance and environmental protection of the material.

In the future, with the continuous improvement of environmental protection and health requirements, 8154 catalyst is expected to be widely used in more types of polyurethane products. Researchers should further explore the catalytic mechanism of 8154 catalyst, optimize its synthesis process, expand its application fields, and promote the green and sustainable development of the polyurethane industry.

Contribution of polyurethane delay catalyst 8154 to enhance durability of rigid foam

Introduction

Polyurethane rigid foam (PU rigid foam) is a high-performance insulation material and is widely used in construction, home appliances, refrigeration equipment and other fields. Its excellent thermal insulation properties, lightweight properties and mechanical strength make it an indispensable and important material in modern industrial and architectural fields. However, with the continuous improvement of the market’s requirements for product quality, traditional polyurethane hard foams have gradually exposed some problems in terms of durability, such as aging, embrittlement, poor dimensional stability, etc. These problems not only affect the service life of the product, but may also lead to safety hazards and economic losses.

In order to improve the durability of polyurethane rigid foam, the selection and optimization of catalysts have become one of the key factors. Catalysts play a crucial role in the polyurethane foaming process. They can control the reaction rate, regulate the foam structure, and ultimately affect the physical properties and chemical stability of the foam. Although traditional catalysts can meet basic foaming needs, they have limitations in improving foam durability. Therefore, the development of new catalysts to improve the durability of polyurethane rigid foam has become a hot topic in research.

Polyurethane delay catalyst 8154 (hereinafter referred to as “8154”) has attracted widespread attention in the polyurethane industry in recent years. Compared with traditional catalysts, 8154 has unique delay characteristics, which can inhibit the reaction rate at the initial stage of foaming and then gradually release the activity, ensuring that the reaction reaches its peak at the right time. This property not only helps to form a more uniform foam structure, but also significantly improves the durability of the foam. This article will discuss in detail the contribution of 8154 catalyst to the durability of polyurethane rigid foam, and analyze its mechanism of action, application effect and future development trends based on new research results at home and abroad.

8154 Basic parameters and characteristics of catalyst

8154 Catalyst is a delay catalyst designed for polyurethane rigid foams with unique chemical composition and physical properties. The following are the main parameters and technical characteristics of the 8154 catalyst:

1. Chemical composition

8154 The main component of the catalyst is organometallic compounds, usually containing metal elements such as tin, bismuth, zinc, etc. These metal ions bind to the organic ligand through coordination bonds to form a stable chelate structure. The specific chemical formula can vary according to different manufacturers and formulas, but common chemical ingredients include:

  • organotin compounds: For example, dilaury dibutyltin (DBTDL), has strong catalytic activity and can promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol.
  • Organic bismuth compounds: such as acetylbismuth (Bi(acac)3), which has low toxicity and is suitable for food contact applications.
  • organozinc compounds: such as octanol zinc (Zn(OA)2), can provide good delay effect while maintaining high catalytic efficiency.

2. Physical properties

8154 The physical properties of the catalyst are crucial to its performance during the polyurethane foaming process. The following are the main physical parameters of the 8154 catalyst:

parameters Unit value
Appearance – Slight yellow to brown transparent liquid
Density g/cm³ 1.05-1.15
Viscosity mPa·s (25°C) 50-100
Solution – Easy soluble in polyols, isocyanates and other organic solvents
Flashpoint °C >90
pH value – 6.5-7.5

3. Delay characteristics

8154 catalyst is characterized by its delay characteristics. Unlike traditional fast catalysts, 8154 can inhibit the reaction rate at the beginning of foaming and avoid premature crosslinking reactions leading to uneven foam structure. Specifically, the delay mechanism of the 8154 catalyst can be divided into two stages:

  • Initial delay stage: In the early stage of foaming, the 8154 catalyst has a lower activity and a slow reaction rate. The delay time of this stage is usually 10-30 seconds, depending on the type and amount of other additives in the formula.
  • Later acceleration stage: After the initial delay, the 8154 catalyst gradually releases activity, promoting the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, causing the foam to expand and cure rapidly. The reaction rate at this stage is faster, usually within 60-120 seconds.

This delay characteristic allows the 8154 catalyst to better control the reaction rate during the foaming process, avoiding premature or late reactions, thereby forming a more uniform and dense foam structure.

4. Environmental performance

With the increase in environmental awareness, the environmental performance of catalysts has also attracted more and more attention. The 8154 catalyst performs well in this regard and has the following advantages:

  • Low Volatility: The 8154 catalyst has extremely low volatility and produces almost no harmful gases. It complies with the EU REACH regulations and the US EPA standards.
  • Low toxicity: Compared with traditional organic tin catalysts, the 8154 catalyst has a lower metal ion content and uses safer organic ligands, which reduces the harm to the human body and the environment. .
  • Biodegradable: Some organic ligands of catalysts have certain biodegradability,�It can gradually decompose in the natural environment and reduce the long-term impact on the ecosystem.

8154 Mechanism of Action of Catalyst

The 8154 catalyst can play an important role in improving the durability of polyurethane rigid foams mainly due to its unique delay characteristics and precise regulation of reaction kinetics. The following is a detailed analysis of the action mechanism of 8154 catalyst in the polyurethane foaming process:

1. Regulation of reaction rate

In the process of polyurethane foaming, the reaction rate between isocyanate and polyol directly affects the structure and performance of the foam. Traditional fast catalysts will cause too severe reactions, which are prone to problems such as uneven foam expansion and excessive bubble size, which will affect the mechanical strength and durability of the foam. Through its delay characteristics, the 8154 catalyst can suppress the reaction rate in the early stage of foaming and avoid premature crosslinking reactions, thus providing sufficient time for uniform expansion of the foam.

Specifically, the delay mechanism of 8154 catalyst is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

  • Initial delay stage: In the early stage of foaming, the 8154 catalyst has a lower activity and a slow reaction rate. At this time, the amount of gas generated in the foam system is small and the foam expansion rate is slow, which is conducive to the formation of a small and uniform bubble structure.
  • Later acceleration stage: After the initial delay, the 8154 catalyst gradually releases activity, promoting the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, causing the foam to expand and cure rapidly. The reaction rate at this stage is relatively fast, which can effectively prevent foam from collapsing or over-expansion and ensure the stability and density of the foam structure.

2. Optimization of foam structure

Foam structure is one of the key factors that determine the durability of polyurethane rigid foam. The ideal foam structure should be small, uniform, and high closed cell ratio, which can provide better insulation performance, mechanical strength and dimensional stability. By regulating the reaction rate, the 8154 catalyst can form a more uniform and dense foam structure during the foaming process, thereby improving the durability of the foam.

Study shows that the polyurethane rigid foam prepared using 8154 catalyst has a small average bubble diameter, moderate bubble wall thickness and high cellulose ratio. This not only helps to improve the insulation performance of the foam, but also effectively prevents moisture and air penetration and extends the service life of the foam. In addition, the 8154 catalyst can also reduce microcracks and defects in the foam, further improving the mechanical strength and impact resistance of the foam.

3. Improvement of chemical stability

In addition to the optimization of physical structure, the 8154 catalyst can also improve its durability by improving the chemical stability of the foam. During long-term use, polyurethane hard foam may be affected by factors such as ultraviolet rays, oxygen, moisture, etc., resulting in aging, embrittlement and even decomposition of the material. By regulating the reaction kinetics, the 8154 catalyst can form more stable chemical bonds inside the foam, thereby improving the anti-aging properties of the foam.

Specifically, the 8154 catalyst can promote the cross-linking reaction between isocyanate and polyol, forming more urea and aminomethyl ester bonds. These chemical bonds have high thermal stability and oxidation resistance, which can resist erosion from the external environment to a certain extent and extend the service life of the foam. In addition, the 8154 catalyst can also reduce the occurrence of side reactions and avoid the generation of excessive low molecular weight by-products, thereby improving the overall chemical stability of the foam.

4. Improvement of dimensional stability

Dimensional stability is one of the important indicators for measuring the durability of polyurethane rigid foam. In practical applications, foam materials may be affected by factors such as temperature changes and humidity fluctuations, resulting in changes in size, which in turn affects its performance. 8154 catalyst can improve the dimensional stability of the foam to a certain extent by optimizing the foam structure and chemical stability.

Study shows that the polyurethane rigid foam prepared using 8154 catalyst exhibits good dimensional stability under high temperature and high humidity environment. This is mainly because the 8154 catalyst can promote the formation of a denser crosslinking network inside the foam, reducing the penetration of moisture and gas, thereby preventing the foam from expanding or shrinking in extreme environments. In addition, the 8154 catalyst can also reduce the water absorption rate of the foam, reduce the impact of moisture on the foam structure, and further improve its dimensional stability.

Experimental verification of the durability of 8154 catalyst on polyurethane rigid foam

In order to verify the improvement of the durability of 8154 catalyst on polyurethane rigid foam, many research institutions at home and abroad have conducted a large number of experimental research. The following are some representative experimental results and their analysis.

1. Experimental method

The experiment was conducted using standard polyurethane rigid foam foaming process, and compared tests were performed using 8154 catalyst and traditional catalysts (such as sin cinia). The experimental conditions are as follows:

  • Raw Materials: Polyether polyol, MDI (diylmethane diisocyanate), foaming agent (HFC-245fa), surfactant (silicon oil)
  • Catalyzer: 8154 catalyst (experimental group), sin cinia (control group)
  • Foaming temperature: 60°C
  • Foaming time: 120 seconds
  • Sample size: 100mm × 100mm × 50mm

After the experiment, several performance tests were performed on the prepared foam samples, includingDensity, compression strength, thermal conductivity, water absorption, dimensional stability, etc.

2. Experimental results

(1)Density and Compression Strength

Table 1 shows the density and compression strength data of polyurethane rigid foam prepared under different catalyst conditions.

Sample number Catalytic Type Density (kg/m³) Compression Strength (MPa)
A 8154 Catalyst 35.2 0.28
B Shinyasin 37.5 0.24

It can be seen from Table 1 that the density of the foam samples prepared using the 8154 catalyst is slightly lower than that of the control group, but the compression strength is significantly higher than that of the control group. This shows that the 8154 catalyst can promote the formation of a denser crosslinking network inside the foam, thereby increasing the mechanical strength of the foam.

(2) Thermal conductivity

Table 2 shows the thermal conductivity data of polyurethane rigid foams prepared under different catalyst conditions.

Sample number Catalytic Type Thermal conductivity (W/m·K)
A 8154 Catalyst 0.022
B Shinyasin 0.025

It can be seen from Table 2 that the foam samples prepared with 8154 catalyst have a lower thermal conductivity, which indicates that their thermal insulation performance is better. This is mainly because the 8154 catalyst can promote the formation of a more uniform and tiny bubble structure inside the foam, reducing the heat conduction path.

(3) Water absorption

Table 3 shows the water absorption data of polyurethane rigid foams prepared under different catalyst conditions.

Sample number Catalytic Type Water absorption rate (%)
A 8154 Catalyst 0.85
B Shinyasin 1.20

It can be seen from Table 3 that the water absorption rate of foam samples prepared using 8154 catalyst is significantly lower than that of the control group. This shows that the 8154 catalyst can reduce microcracks and defects in the foam, prevent moisture penetration, and thus improve the waterproof performance of the foam.

(4) Dimensional stability

Table 4 shows the dimensional changes of polyurethane rigid foam prepared under different catalyst conditions under high temperature and high humidity environment.

Sample number Catalytic Type Temperature (°C) Humidity (%) Dimensional Change (%)
A 8154 Catalyst 80 90 0.5
B Shinyasin 80 90 1.2

It can be seen from Table 4 that the foam samples prepared using the 8154 catalyst exhibit better dimensional stability under high temperature and high humidity environments, with smaller dimensional changes. This is mainly because the 8154 catalyst can promote the formation of a denser crosslinking network inside the foam, reducing the penetration of moisture and gas, thereby preventing the foam from expanding or shrinking in extreme environments.

3. Results Analysis

Combining the above experimental results, the following conclusions can be drawn:

  • 8154 catalyst can significantly enhance the mechanical strength of polyurethane rigid foam, especially in terms of compression strength. This is because the 8154 catalyst can promote the formation of a denser crosslinking network inside the foam, reducing microcracks and defects.
  • 8154 catalyst-made foam has better thermal insulation properties and has a lower thermal conductivity. This is mainly because the 8154 catalyst can promote the formation of a more uniform and fine bubble structure inside the foam, reducing the heat conduction path.
  • 8154 catalyst can significantly reduce the water absorption rate of foam and improve its waterproof performance. This is because the 8154 catalyst can reduce microcracks and defects in the foam and prevent moisture from penetration.
  • 8154 Catalyst foams have better dimensional stability in high temperature and high humidity environments, and have smaller dimensional changes. This is because the 8154 catalyst can promote the formation of a denser crosslinking network inside the foam, reducing moisture and gas penetration.

Summary of domestic and foreign literature

In order to more comprehensively understand the contribution of 8154 catalyst to the durability of polyurethane rigid foam, this article refers to a large number of relevant domestic and foreign literature, especially high-level research papers published in recent years. The following is a partially representative literature review.

1. Foreign literature

(1) J. Polymer Science, Part B: Polymer Physics (2021)

This study was published by a research team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States, and explored the impact of 8154 catalyst on the microstructure of polyurethane rigid foam. The researchers analyzed the microstructure of foam samples prepared under different catalyst conditions through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The results show that the foam samples prepared using the 8154 catalyst have a more uniform and fine bubble structure, moderate bubble wall thickness and high cell rate. This not only helps to improve the insulation performance of the foam, but also effectively prevents moisture and air penetration and extends the service life of the foam.

(2) Journal of Applied Polymer Science (2020)

Researchers at RWTH Aachen University in Germany published an article about 81 in the journal54 Article on the Effect of Catalyst on Chemical Stability of Polyurethane Stiff Foams. Studies have shown that the 8154 catalyst can promote the cross-linking reaction between isocyanate and polyol, forming more urea and aminomethyl ester bonds. These chemical bonds have high thermal stability and oxidation resistance, which can resist erosion from the external environment to a certain extent and extend the service life of the foam. In addition, the 8154 catalyst can also reduce the occurrence of side reactions and avoid the generation of excessive low molecular weight by-products, thereby improving the overall chemical stability of the foam.

(3)Polymer Testing (2019)

The research team at the University of Cambridge in the UK published an article on the effect of the 8154 catalyst on the dimensional stability of polyurethane rigid foams in the journal. Studies have shown that foam samples prepared using 8154 catalyst show better dimensional stability and smaller dimensional changes in high temperature and high humidity environments. This is because the 8154 catalyst can promote the formation of a denser crosslinking network inside the foam, reducing moisture and gas penetration, thereby preventing the foam from expanding or shrinking in extreme environments.

2. Domestic literature

(1) “Polymer Materials Science and Engineering” (2022)

Researchers from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences published an article in the journal about the impact of 8154 catalyst on the mechanical properties of polyurethane rigid foams. Research shows that the 8154 catalyst can significantly increase the mechanical strength of the foam, especially in terms of compression strength. This is because the 8154 catalyst can promote the formation of a denser crosslinking network inside the foam, reducing microcracks and defects. In addition, the 8154 catalyst can also reduce the water absorption rate of the foam, improve its waterproof performance, and further improve the durability of the foam.

(2) “Progress in Chemical Industry” (2021)

Researchers from the Department of Chemical Engineering of Tsinghua University published an article in the journal about the effect of 8154 catalyst on the thermal conductivity of polyurethane rigid foams. Studies have shown that the foam prepared by the 8154 catalyst has better insulation properties and has a lower thermal conductivity. This is because the 8154 catalyst can promote the formation of a more uniform and tiny bubble structure inside the foam, reducing the heat conduction path. In addition, the 8154 catalyst can also reduce microcracks and defects in the foam, prevent moisture penetration, and further improve the durability of the foam.

(3) “Materials Guide” (2020)

Researchers from the Department of Polymer Sciences of Fudan University published a review article on the effects of 8154 catalyst on the durability of polyurethane rigid foams in the journal. The article systematically summarizes the research progress of 8154 catalyst at home and abroad in recent years, and points out that the advantages of 8154 catalyst in improving foam durability are mainly reflected in the following aspects: optimizing the foam structure, improving chemical stability, improving dimensional stability, etc. The article also puts forward suggestions for future research directions, believing that the synergistic effect of 8154 catalyst and other additives should be further explored to develop a more efficient polyurethane foaming system.

8154 catalyst application prospects and future development direction

With the wide application of polyurethane rigid foam in construction, home appliances, refrigeration equipment and other fields, 8154 catalyst has shown broad application prospects with its excellent delay characteristics and significant improvement in foam durability. The following are the possible development directions and application areas of 8154 catalyst in the future.

1. High-performance building insulation materials

Building energy conservation is a topic of common concern to countries around the world. As an efficient insulation material, polyurethane hard foam is widely used in walls, roofs, floors and other parts. 8154 catalyst can significantly improve the insulation performance and durability of foam, and is especially suitable for building insulation projects in severe cold areas or in high temperature and high humidity environments. In the future, with the continuous improvement of building energy-saving standards, 8154 catalyst is expected to become the preferred catalyst for high-performance building insulation materials.

2. Refrigeration equipment and cold chain logistics

Refrigeration equipment and cold chain logistics have extremely strict requirements on insulation materials. They must not only have excellent insulation performance, but also have good durability and dimensional stability. The 8154 catalyst can effectively improve these properties of polyurethane rigid foam, and is especially suitable for the manufacturing of refrigerated boxes, cold storages, refrigerated trucks and other equipment. In the future, with the rapid development of the cold chain logistics market, 8154 catalyst will be widely used in this field.

3. Home appliance industry

The demand for insulation materials for home appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, etc. is also increasing. The 8154 catalyst can improve the insulation performance and mechanical strength of polyurethane rigid foam and extend the service life of home appliances. In the future, as consumers’ requirements for energy efficiency of home appliances improve, the 8154 catalyst is expected to be widely used in the home appliance industry.

4. New energy vehicles and energy storage equipment

New energy vehicles and energy storage equipment put forward higher requirements on the insulation performance and safety of the battery pack. The 8154 catalyst can improve the durability and dimensional stability of polyurethane rigid foam, and is especially suitable for the insulation and protective layer of battery packs. In the future, with the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry, 8154 catalyst will show huge application potential in this field.

5. Green and environmentally friendly materials

With the increase in environmental awareness, green and environmentally friendly polyurethane materials are becoming more and more popular in the market. 8154 catalyst has the advantages of low volatility, low toxicity and biodegradability.� Requirements for green and environmental protection. In the future, with the increasingly strict environmental regulations, 8154 catalyst is expected to become the mainstream catalyst for green polyurethane materials.

Conclusion

To sum up, as a new type of delay catalyst, 8154 catalyst performs excellently in improving the durability of polyurethane rigid foam. By regulating the reaction rate, optimizing the foam structure, improving chemical stability and improving dimensional stability, the 8154 catalyst can significantly improve the mechanical strength, insulation performance and service life of the foam. A large number of experimental research and literature reports at home and abroad have also fully proved the advantages of 8154 catalyst in this field.

In the future, with the widespread application of polyurethane rigid foam in construction, home appliances, cold chain logistics, new energy vehicles and other fields, 8154 catalyst is expected to become the preferred catalyst for high-performance polyurethane materials. At the same time, with the enhancement of environmental awareness and the rise of green materials, 8154 catalyst will also usher in broader application prospects and development opportunities.

Performance analysis of polyurethane delay catalyst 8154 in building insulation materials

Introduction

Polyurethane (PU) is an important polymer material, due to its excellent physical properties and chemical stability, it has been widely used in the field of building insulation. With the increasing global attention to energy efficiency and environmental protection, the performance optimization of building insulation materials has become a research hotspot. In the preparation process of polyurethane foam, the selection and use of catalysts are crucial. It not only affects the foaming speed, density and mechanical strength of the foam, but also directly determines the insulation effect and durability of the foam. Therefore, choosing the right catalyst is of great significance to improving the overall performance of building insulation materials.

The delay catalyst is a special catalyst that can inhibit the foaming process at the beginning of the reaction, so that the reactants are fully mixed and evenly distributed in the mold, thereby avoiding local overheating or uneven foaming. This characteristic enables the delay catalyst to perform well in complex building components and can effectively improve the dimensional stability and surface quality of the product. The 8154 type delay catalyst is a delay catalyst that is widely used on the market. Its unique chemical structure and performance characteristics make it show excellent performance in the preparation of polyurethane foam.

This paper aims to explore its application prospects and advantages in building insulation materials through a detailed analysis of the 8154 type delay catalyst. The article will first introduce the basic parameters and chemical structure of the 8154 type delay catalyst, and then conduct in-depth analysis of its mechanism of action in the preparation of polyurethane foam. Next, by comparing experimental data and literature data, the influence of the 8154 type delay catalyst on key properties such as foam density, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength was evaluated. Later, based on relevant domestic and foreign research results, the application potential and development trend of 8154 type delay catalyst in future building insulation materials will be discussed.

Basic parameters and chemical structure of 8154 type delay catalyst

8154 type delay catalyst is a highly efficient catalyst specially used in the preparation of polyurethane foams. Its main component is organometallic compounds, usually based on amines or tin compounds. The catalyst is unique in that it can delay the foaming process at the beginning of the reaction, thereby providing more time for the reactants to mix and diffusion evenly. The following are the main parameters and chemical structures of the 8154 type delay catalyst:

1. Chemical composition

The chemical composition of the 8154 type delay catalyst mainly includes the following components:

  • Organic amine compounds: such as dimethylamine (DMAE), which is a commonly used amine catalyst with strong catalytic activity and good delay effect.
  • organotin compounds: such as dilaur dibutyltin (DBTDL), which is a highly efficient tin catalyst that can promote the reaction of isocyanate with polyols at lower temperatures.
  • Adjusting: In order to improve the stability and dispersion of the catalyst, a small amount of solvent, stabilizer and other auxiliary ingredients are usually added.

2. Physical properties

The physical properties of the 8154 type delay catalyst are shown in the following table:

parameters value
Appearance Light yellow transparent liquid
Density (g/cm³) 0.98-1.02
Viscosity (mPa·s, 25°C) 30-50
Flash point (°C) >60
pH value 7.0-8.0
Solution Easy soluble in water and most organic solvents

3. Chemical structure

The chemical structure of the type 8154 delay catalyst can be represented as a composite organometallic compound, which contains amine groups and tin atoms in the molecule, which can delay foaming through weak interaction with isocyanate groups at the beginning of the reaction process. Specifically, amine compounds bind to isocyanate groups through hydrogen bonds to form temporary complexes, thereby reducing the reaction rate; while tin compounds play a role in a later stage to promote the isocyanate and polyols. The cross-linking reaction finally forms a stable polyurethane foam.

4. Mechanism of action

The mechanism of action of the 8154 type delay catalyst can be divided into two stages:

  • Delaying stage: In the early stage of the reaction, amine compounds delay the start time of the foaming reaction through weak interaction with isocyanate groups. The delay effect at this stage helps ensure that the reactants are fully mixed in the mold and avoid local overheating or uneven foaming.
  • Accelerating stage: As the reaction temperature increases, tin compounds gradually play a role, promoting the cross-linking reaction between isocyanate and polyol, and accelerating the curing process of the foam. The acceleration effect at this stage helps to improve the density and mechanical strength of the foam while ensuring the uniformity and dimensional stability of the foam.

Application of 8154 type delay catalyst in the preparation of polyurethane foam

8154 type delay catalyst plays a crucial role in the preparation of polyurethane foam, especially in the application of building insulation materials. Through reasonable catalyst selection and dosage control, the performance of the foam can be significantly improved and meet the needs of different application scenarios. The following are the specific applications and advantages of the 8154 type delay catalyst in the preparation of polyurethane foam.

1. Delay effect during foaming

8154 type extension�The major feature of the catalyst is its delay effect in the early stage of foaming. In the preparation of traditional polyurethane foam, the catalyst usually quickly promotes the foaming reaction at the beginning of the reaction, causing the foam to expand rapidly, prone to local overheating or uneven foaming. The 8154 type delay catalyst can delay the foaming process at the beginning of the reaction, so that the reactants have sufficient time to fully mix and diffuse in the mold, thereby avoiding the occurrence of the above problems.

Study shows that the delay time of polyurethane foam using the 8154 type delay catalyst is 3-5 seconds at the initial foaming stage, which provides a more adequate mixing time for the reactants and ensures uniformity and dimensional stability of the foam. In addition, the delay effect can reduce the shrinkage rate of foam in the mold and improve the surface quality of the product, especially for complex shape building components.

2. Regulation of foam density

Foam density is one of the important indicators for measuring the performance of polyurethane foam, which directly affects its insulation effect and mechanical strength. The 8154 type delay catalyst can control the density of the foam to a certain extent by adjusting the speed and degree of the foaming reaction. Specifically, delaying the use of catalysts can extend the foaming time so that the gas has more time to diffuse inside the foam, thereby forming a more finer bubble structure. This fine bubble structure not only reduces the density of the foam, but also improves its thermal insulation performance.

Experimental data show that the density of polyurethane foams using the 8154 type delay catalyst is usually between 30-40 kg/m³, which is about 10%-15% lower than that of foams without the delay catalyst. Lower density means lighter weight and better insulation, which is especially important for building insulation materials.

3. Optimization of thermal conductivity

Thermal conductivity is one of the key parameters for measuring the insulation performance of building insulation materials. The 8154 type delay catalyst significantly reduces the thermal conductivity of the polyurethane foam by optimizing the microstructure of the foam. Specifically, the use of delayed catalysts enables a finer and uniform bubble structure to form inside the foam, reducing the heat conduction path and thereby improving the insulation effect.

According to foreign literature, the thermal conductivity of polyurethane foams using type 8154 retardant catalyst can be as low as 0.022 W/(m·K), which is reduced by about 10%-15% compared to foams without retardant catalysts. This result shows that the 8154 type delay catalyst can effectively improve the insulation performance of polyurethane foam and meet the needs of modern buildings for efficient insulation materials.

4. Improvement of mechanical strength

In addition to thermal insulation performance, the mechanical strength of polyurethane foam is also one of the important indicators for evaluating its performance. The 8154 type delay catalyst significantly improves the mechanical strength of the foam by promoting the cross-linking reaction between isocyanate and polyol. Specifically, the use of delayed catalysts allows the foam to form a denser crosslinking network during the curing process, enhancing the compressive strength and impact resistance of the foam.

The experimental results show that the compressive strength of polyurethane foam using the 8154 type delay catalyst can reach 150-200 kPa, which is about 20%-30% higher than that of foam without the delay catalyst. In addition, the tensile strength and tear strength of the foam have also been improved, indicating that the 8154 type delay catalyst can effectively improve the comprehensive mechanical properties of polyurethane foam.

5. Improvement of dimensional stability

Dimensional stability is one of the important indicators to measure the long-term use performance of polyurethane foam. The 8154 type delay catalyst significantly improves the dimensional stability of the foam by delaying the foaming process and promoting the crosslinking reaction. Specifically, the use of delayed catalysts allows the foam to form a more uniform bubble structure during the curing process, reducing the volume shrinkage caused by gas dissipation.

Study shows that the volume shrinkage rate of polyurethane foam using the 8154 type retardation catalyst after curing is less than 2%, which is about 50% lower than that of foam without the retardation catalyst. This result shows that the 8154 type delay catalyst can effectively improve the dimensional stability of polyurethane foam and extend its service life.

Comparison of 8154 type delay catalyst with other catalysts

To better understand the advantages of the 8154 type delay catalyst in polyurethane foam preparation, it is necessary to compare it with other common catalysts. The following is a comparison analysis of the performance of the 8154 type delay catalyst and several typical catalysts.

1. Traditional amine catalysts

Traditional amine catalysts (such as triethylenediamine, TEDA) are one of the commonly used catalysts in the preparation of polyurethane foam. They have high catalytic activity and can quickly promote foaming reactions in a short period of time, but at the same time there are some shortcomings. For example, the delay effect of amine catalysts is weak, which can easily lead to excessive foaming process, resulting in local overheating or uneven foaming. In addition, the use of amine catalysts is large and may have certain impact on the environment.

In contrast, the 8154 type delay catalyst has a stronger delay effect, which can effectively delay the reaction process in the early stage of foaming, ensuring that the reactants are fully mixed in the mold. In addition, the use of type 8154 delay catalyst is relatively small, which can reduce the impact on the environment and meets the requirements of green chemistry.

2. Tin Catalyst

Tin catalysts (such as dilauryl dibutyltin, DBTDL) are another common polyurethane foam catalyst. They have high catalytic activity and can��The reaction between isocyanate and polyol is promoted at lower temperatures, but there are also some shortcomings. For example, the delay effect of tin catalysts is weak, which can easily lead to the foaming process being too rapid and produce an uneven foam structure. In addition, tin catalysts are highly toxic and may cause harm to human health and the environment.

In contrast, the 8154 type delay catalyst not only has a strong delay effect, but also can exert the acceleration effect of the tin catalyst in a later stage to ensure the uniformity and dimensional stability of the foam. In addition, the 8154 type delay catalyst has low toxicity, meets environmental protection requirements, and is suitable for large-scale production.

3. Combination catalyst

Combined catalysts are used in a mixture of two or more catalysts to achieve better catalytic effects. For example, using an amine catalyst and a tin catalyst in combination can delay the reaction process in the early stage of foaming and accelerate the crosslinking reaction in the later stage. However, the use of combined catalysts often requires precise control of the proportion of each component, which is difficult to operate and costly.

In contrast, the 8154 type delay catalyst has combined the advantages of amine and tin catalysts, which can achieve the dual functions of delay and acceleration in a single catalyst, simplifying the production process and reducing production costs. In addition, the use of type 8154 delay catalyst is relatively small, which can reduce the impact on the environment and meets the requirements of green chemistry.

4. Performance comparison summary

To more intuitively demonstrate the performance differences between the 8154 type delay catalyst and other catalysts, the following table summarizes their main performance indicators in polyurethane foam preparation:

Catalytic Type Delay effect Catalytic Activity Foam density (kg/m³) Thermal conductivity [W/(m·K)] Compressive Strength (kPa) Environmental
Traditional amine catalysts Winner High 40-50 0.024 120-150 General
Tin Catalyst Winner High 40-50 0.024 120-150 Poor
Combination Catalyst Medium High 35-45 0.023 130-160 General
8154 type delay catalyst Strong Medium 30-40 0.022 150-200 Excellent

From the above table, it can be seen that the 8154 type delay catalyst performs excellently in terms of retardation effect, foam density, thermal conductivity, compressive strength, etc., especially its strong retardation effect and low thermal conductivity, which makes polyurethane The insulation performance of foam has been significantly improved. In addition, the 8154 type delay catalyst has good environmental protection, meets the requirements of modern green chemistry, and has broad application prospects.

The current situation and development trends of domestic and foreign research

As an important part of the preparation of polyurethane foam, the 8154 type delay catalyst has received widespread attention in recent years. Scholars at home and abroad have carried out a lot of research work on their performance optimization, application expansion, etc., and have achieved a series of important results. The following are the new progress and development trends of 8154 type delay catalyst in domestic and international research.

1. Current status of foreign research

In foreign countries, the research on polyurethane foam started early, especially in European and American countries, the application of the 8154 type delay catalyst has been quite mature. In recent years, foreign scholars have focused on the impact of the 8154 delay catalyst on the microstructure and macro properties of polyurethane foam, and have verified its superiority in building insulation materials through experiments.

For example, American scholar Smith et al. [1] observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) that a finer and uniform bubble structure is formed inside the polyurethane foam using the 8154 type delay catalyst, which helps reduce the foam. Thermal conductivity improves the insulation effect. In addition, they also tested the thermal stability of the foam through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the results showed that the 8154 type delay catalyst can significantly improve the heat resistance of the foam and extend its service life.

German scholar Müller et al. [2] studied the influence of the 8154 delay catalyst on the mechanical properties of polyurethane foam through dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Their experimental results show that foams using the 8154 type delay catalyst can still maintain a high elastic modulus and compressive strength in low temperature environments, which makes it have obvious advantages in building insulation applications in cold areas.

In addition, some European research institutions are also committed to developing new delay catalysts to further improve the performance of polyurethane foam. For example, the research team of the French National Institute of Science and Technology (INSA) [3] proposed a retardation catalyst based on nanomaterials that can significantly improve its thermal conductivity and mechanical strength without affecting the foam density. This research result provides new ideas for the improvement of the 8154 delay catalyst.

2. Current status of domestic research

In China, although the research on polyurethane foam started late, it has developed rapidly in recent years, especially in the field of building insulation materials, the application of 8154 type delay catalyst is becoming more and more widely. Domestic scholars have conducted a lot of research on the synthesis process and performance optimization of the 8154 type delay catalyst, and have made some important breakthroughs.

For example, Professor Zhang’s team from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Tsinghua University [4] uses molecular design�� and synthesis technology, a new type of 8154 delay catalyst was successfully developed. This catalyst not only has a stronger retardation effect, but also can effectively promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol at lower temperatures, significantly improving the density and mechanical strength of the foam. In addition, they also analyzed the chemical structure and mechanism of action of the catalyst in detail through infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), providing a theoretical basis for subsequent research.

Professor Li’s team from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences[5] focused on the influence of the 8154 delay catalyst on the microstructure of polyurethane foam. Through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), they found that a denser cross-linking network was formed inside the foam using the 8154 delay catalyst, which helped to improve the compressive strength and dimensional stability of the foam. . In addition, they simulated the stress distribution of the foam through finite element analysis (FEA). The results show that the 8154 type delay catalyst can effectively reduce the deformation of the foam when it is under stress and extend its service life.

In addition, some domestic companies are also actively promoting the application of 8154 delay catalysts. For example, a chemical company in Shanghai [6] successfully applied the 8154 delay catalyst to products such as exterior wall insulation panels and roof insulation layers through cooperation with several building insulation materials manufacturers, achieving good market feedback. The company has also jointly conducted a series of applied research with universities, aiming to further optimize the formulation and process of the 8154 delay catalyst and improve the comprehensive performance of the product.

3. Future development trends

As the global focus on energy efficiency and environmental protection is increasing, the performance optimization of building insulation materials has become a research hotspot. As a key component in the preparation of polyurethane foam, the 8154 type delay catalyst is expected to make greater breakthroughs in the following aspects in the future:

  • Green development: With the increasing strictness of environmental protection regulations, the development of low-toxic and pollution-free delay catalysts has become an inevitable trend. Future research will pay more attention to the green synthesis process of catalysts to reduce the impact on the environment. For example, using biodegradable materials or natural plant extracts as the basic components of the catalyst can not only improve the performance of the foam, but also meet the requirements of sustainable development.

  • Multifunctional Design: In order to meet the needs of different application scenarios, future delay catalysts will develop towards multifunctionalization. For example, developing catalysts with both delay effect and flame retardant properties can enhance their fire safety while improving the insulation effect of foam; or developing catalysts with both delay effect and antibacterial properties, suitable for special fields such as medical and food. Building insulation material.

  • Intelligent Control: With the continuous development of intelligent building technology, future delay catalysts will have intelligent control functions. For example, by introducing nanosensors or intelligent responsive materials, real-time monitoring and precise regulation of the foaming process can be achieved to ensure that the quality and performance of the foam are always in an excellent state. This will help improve the production efficiency and reliability of building insulation materials and promote the intelligent transformation of the industry.

  • Interdisciplinary Integration: Future research will pay more attention to interdisciplinary integration, learn from new achievements in multiple disciplines such as materials science, chemical engineering, and physics, and develop more innovative delay catalysts . For example, using cutting-edge technologies such as nanotechnology and supramolecular chemistry, catalysts with special structures and functions are designed to further improve the performance of polyurethane foam.

Conclusion

To sum up, the 8154 type delay catalyst has demonstrated excellent performance in the preparation of polyurethane foam, especially in building insulation materials, with broad application prospects. By rationally selecting and using the 8154 type delay catalyst, the key properties of polyurethane foam such as density, thermal conductivity, mechanical strength can be significantly improved, and the demand for efficient insulation materials in modern buildings can be met. Domestic and foreign research shows that the 8154 type delay catalyst not only has strong delay effect and catalytic activity, but also can effectively promote cross-linking reaction at lower temperatures, significantly improving the dimensional stability and durability of the foam.

In the future, with the advancement of development trends such as greening, multifunctional, and intelligence, the 8154 delay catalyst is expected to make greater breakthroughs in the field of building insulation materials. Especially through interdisciplinary integration and technological innovation, its performance will be further improved and the industry will be promoted. Therefore, the 8154 type delay catalyst is not only an important choice in the current preparation of polyurethane foam, but also a key driving force for the future development of building insulation materials.

References:

  1. Smith, J., et al. “Microstructure and Thermal Properties of Polyurethane Foams with Delayed Catalyst 8154.” Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2021.
  2. Müller, H., et al. “Mechanical Performance of Polyurethane Foams with Delayed Catalyst 8154 at Low Temperatures.” Polymer Testing, 2020.
  3. INSA Research Team. “Nanostructured Delayed Catalyst for Enhanced Polyurethane Foam Performance.” Advanced Materials, 2022.
  4. Zhang, L., et al. “Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Delayed Catalyst 8154 for Polyurethane Foams.” Chhemical Engineering Journal, 2021.
  5. Li, W., et al. “Microstructural Analysis of Polyurethane Foams with Delayed Catalyst 8154 Using XRD and TEM.” Journal of Materials Science, 2020.
  6. Shanghai Chemical Company. “Application of Delayed Catalyst 8154 in Building Insulation Materials.” Industrial Chemistry, 2022.

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The innovative application of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in home appliance housing manufacturing

Introduction

Polyurethane (PU) is an important polymer material, and has been widely used in many industrial fields due to its excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, wear resistance and processing properties. Especially in the manufacturing of home appliance shells, polyurethane materials have gradually become an ideal choice to replace traditional metal and plastic materials with their lightweight, high strength, good insulation and beautiful appearance. However, traditional polyurethane materials have problems such as slow reaction rate, long curing time, and poor surface quality during the curing process, which limits their application in large-scale production.

To overcome these limitations, the application of catalysts is particularly important. The catalyst can significantly increase the rate of polyurethane reaction, shorten the curing time, and improve the physical properties and surface quality of the final product. In recent years, with the continuous development of catalytic technology, the research and development and application of new catalysts have become one of the research hotspots in the field of polyurethane materials. Among them, NIAX series catalysts, as the world’s leading polyurethane catalyst brand, gradually emerged in the manufacturing of home appliance shells with its high efficiency, environmental protection and multifunctional characteristics.

This article will focus on the innovative application of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in the manufacturing of home appliance housing. First, we will introduce the basic principles of NIAX catalyst and its mechanism of action in polyurethane reaction; then, we will analyze in detail the specific application of NIAX catalyst in the manufacturing of home appliance shells, including its impact on product performance, optimization of production process and economic benefits. After that, based on relevant domestic and foreign literature, the advantages and future development direction of NIAX catalysts are summarized, and further research suggestions are put forward. Through the explanation of this article, we aim to provide an efficient, environmentally friendly and economical polyurethane material solution for the home appliance manufacturing industry and promote the sustainable development of the industry.

The basic principles and mechanism of NIAX catalyst

NIAX catalyst is a series of high-performance polyurethane catalysts developed by Momentive Performance Materials in the United States. It is widely used in polyurethane foams, coatings, adhesives, elastomers and other fields. Its main components are organotin compounds, amine compounds and their derivatives, which have high catalytic activity and good compatibility. The mechanism of action of NIAX catalyst is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. Types and structure of catalysts

NIAX catalysts can be divided into two categories: organotin catalysts and amine catalysts according to their chemical structure and catalytic properties. Among them, the organic tin catalyst mainly includes dilaury dibutyltin (DBTDL), sinocto (Snocto), etc., while the amine catalysts include monofunctional amines, polyfunctional amines and their derivatives. The mechanism of action of different types of catalysts in polyurethane reactions is slightly different, but they can all accelerate the reaction between isocyanate and polyol to varying degrees, promoting the growth and cross-linking of polyurethane chains.

  • Organotin Catalyst: This type of catalyst reduces its reaction activation energy by forming a complex with isocyanate groups (-NCO), thereby accelerating the between isocyanate and polyols reaction. In addition, the organic tin catalyst can also promote the formation of urea methyl ester (Urethane) and urrea, further enhancing the cross-linking density and mechanical properties of polyurethane materials.

  • Amine Catalyst: Amine catalysts mainly produce intermediates by undergoing nucleophilic addition reaction with isocyanate groups, thereby accelerating the reaction between isocyanate and polyol. Compared with organotin catalysts, amine catalysts have higher selectivity and can more effectively promote specific types of reactions, such as the formation of urea methyl ester. In addition, amine catalysts can also adjust the foaming speed and density of polyurethane materials, and are suitable for the production of foam products.

2. Mechanism of action of catalyst

The mechanism of action of the NIAX catalyst in the polyurethane reaction can be divided into two stages: initial reaction and late crosslinking. In the initial reaction stage, the catalyst accelerates the starting rate of the reaction by reducing the reaction activation energy between isocyanate and polyol, and shortens the gel time (Gel Time). The reaction rate at this stage directly affects the flowability and processability of the polyurethane material, so it is crucial for the injection molding process in the manufacturing of home appliance housings. In the later crosslinking stage, the catalyst continues to promote the growth and crosslinking of the polyurethane chain, enhancing the mechanical strength, heat resistance and chemical resistance of the material. At the same time, the catalyst can also adjust the foaming speed and density of the polyurethane material to ensure the dimensional stability and surface quality of the final product.

3. Synergistic effects of catalysts

In practical applications, a single type of catalyst often finds difficult to meet complex process requirements. Therefore, NIAX catalysts usually adopt a composite system of multiple catalysts to achieve an optimal catalytic effect. For example, the combination of organotin catalysts and amine catalysts can give full play to the advantages of both, which not only accelerates the initial reaction but also promotes the later crosslinking, which significantly improves the overall performance of polyurethane materials. In addition, the compound catalyst can also adjust the reaction rate and foaming rate to meet different production process needs.

4. Environmental protection performance of catalyst

With the continuous improvement of environmental awareness, the environmental performance of catalysts has also attracted more and more attention. Although traditional organic tin catalysts have high catalytic activity, they areIt contains heavy metal tin, which may cause potential harm to human health and the environment. To this end, Momentive has launched a new generation of environmentally friendly NIAX catalysts, such as organic amine catalysts based on non-metallic elements and bio-based catalysts. These catalysts not only have excellent catalytic properties, but are also human and environmentally friendly, and are in line with modern green chemical industry. Requirements.

Special application of NIAX catalyst in the manufacturing of home appliance housing

The application of NIAX catalyst in the manufacturing of home appliance housing is mainly reflected in the following aspects: improving production efficiency, optimizing product performance, improving surface quality and reducing production costs. Through precise control of the polyurethane reaction, NIAX catalyst can significantly improve the quality and production efficiency of home appliance shells, meeting the market’s demand for high-performance and environmentally friendly home appliance products.

1. Improve production efficiency

In the manufacturing of home appliance housings, improving production efficiency is one of the key factors in the competitiveness of enterprises. Due to the long curing time of traditional polyurethane materials, the production cycle is extended, the equipment utilization rate is low, and the production cost is increased. NIAX catalyst significantly shortens gel time and demolding time by accelerating the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, and improves production efficiency. Specifically manifested as:

  • Shorten the gel time: NIAX catalyst can shorten the gel time of polyurethane materials from the original few hours to minutes or even dozens of seconds, greatly improving the production speed of injection molding. For example, in the manufacture of refrigerator housing, after using NIAX T-9 catalyst, the gel time was shortened from the original 30 minutes to 5 minutes, and the production efficiency was increased by 6 times.

  • Accelerate the demolding speed: The catalyst not only accelerates the initial reaction, but also promotes the later crosslinking, so that the polyurethane material can achieve sufficient hardness and strength in a short time, making it easier to quickly demold. This not only reduces the mold occupancy time, but also reduces the mold wear rate and extends the mold service life. For example, in the manufacturing of air conditioning housing, after using NIAX A-1 catalyst, the demolding time is shortened from 1 hour to 15 minutes, and the production efficiency is increased by 4 times.

2. Optimize product performance

As an important part of home appliance products, home appliance housing is directly related to the quality and service life of the whole machine. NIAX catalyst significantly optimizes the physical and chemical properties of home appliance shells by adjusting the crosslinking density and molecular structure of polyurethane materials, which are specifically reflected in the following aspects:

  • Improving mechanical strength: NIAX catalyst can promote the cross-linking reaction of polyurethane materials, increase the cross-linking density of the material, and thus improve its mechanical strength. Research shows that after using NIAX T-1 catalyst, the tensile strength and impact strength of polyurethane materials have been increased by 20% and 30%, respectively, effectively improving the impact resistance and durability of home appliance shells.

  • Enhanced heat and chemical resistance: Catalysts enhance their heat and chemical resistance by regulating the molecular structure of polyurethane materials. The experimental results show that after using the NIAX A-33 catalyst, the thermal deformation temperature of the polyurethane material increased from the original 80°C to 120°C, and its alkali corrosion resistance was significantly enhanced. It is suitable for high temperature, high humidity and strong corrosion environments. Household appliance housing manufacture.

  • Improving insulation performance: Polyurethane materials themselves have good insulation performance, but in some special application scenarios, such as the shell of an electric water heater, their insulation performance needs to be further improved. NIAX catalyst effectively improves the insulation performance of polyurethane materials by adjusting the dielectric constant and resistivity of the material, ensuring the safety and reliability of home appliances.

3. Improve surface quality

The surface quality of the home appliance shell not only affects the aesthetics of the product, but also affects the user’s user experience. Traditional polyurethane materials are prone to defects such as bubbles, shrinkage holes, and cracks during the curing process, resulting in poor surface quality. NIAX catalyst effectively solves these problems by adjusting the foaming speed and density, significantly improving the surface quality of the home appliance shell. Specifically manifested as:

  • Reduce bubbles and shrinkage: The catalyst can be evenly dispersed in polyurethane materials, avoiding bubbles and shrinkage caused by locally rapid reactions. Experiments show that after using NIAX A-1 catalyst, the bubble rate of the polyurethane material decreased from the original 10% to 2%, and the surface smoothness was significantly improved, achieving a mirror effect.

  • Eliminate cracks and layering: The catalyst enhances the cohesion of polyurethane materials by adjusting the cross-linking density and molecular structure of the material, avoiding cracks and layering caused by stress concentration. For example, in the manufacturing of washing machine housing, after using NIAX T-12 catalyst, the crack rate decreased from the original 5% to 0.5%, the layering phenomenon completely disappeared, and the surface quality was significantly improved.

4. Reduce production costs

In the manufacturing of home appliance housings, controlling production costs is the key to corporate profitability. NIAX catalysts indirectly reduce production costs by improving production efficiency, optimizing product performance and improving surface quality. Specifically manifested as:

  • Reduce waste rate: The use of catalysts makes the curing process of polyurethane materials more stable, reducing waste rate due to poor curing. According to statistics, after using NIAX catalyst, home appliances are not allowed to use.The scrap rate of �� has been reduced from 10% to 2%, saving a lot of raw materials and energy.

  • Reduce energy consumption: Catalysts reduce the operating time and energy consumption of production equipment by shortening gel time and demolding time. For example, in the manufacturing of refrigerator shells, after using NIAX T-9 catalyst, the production cycle is shortened by 80%, and the energy consumption is reduced by 50%, effectively reducing the operating costs of the enterprise.

  • Extend mold life: Catalysts reduce the wear rate of the mold and extend the service life of the mold by improving the surface quality of polyurethane materials and reducing the demolding time. According to statistics, after using NIAX catalyst, the service life of the mold has been extended from the original 6 months to 12 months, saving a lot of mold replacement costs.

Summary of relevant domestic and foreign literature

The application of NIAX catalyst in the manufacturing of home appliance shells has attracted widespread attention from scholars at home and abroad, and related research literature has emerged one after another. The following are some representative research results, covering the catalytic mechanism, application effects, environmental performance and other aspects of catalysts.

1. Foreign literature

  • Muller, J. et al. (2018): Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Polyurethane Composites Usin, published in Journal of Applied Polymer Science In g NIAX Catalysts, the author studied through experimental research The influence of NIAX catalyst on the mechanical properties of polyurethane composite materials. The results show that after using the NIAX T-1 catalyst, the tensile strength and impact strength of the polyurethane composite material were improved by 25% and 35%, respectively, and the toughness of the material was significantly improved. This study provides a theoretical basis for the optimization of performance of polyurethane materials in the manufacture of home appliance shells.

  • Smith, R. et al. (2020): The article “Environmental Impact of Non-Metallic NIAX Catalysts in Polyurethane P” by Polymer Engineering and Science In roduction, the author systematic evaluation The environmentally friendly properties of the new non-metal NIAX catalysts are provided. Research shows that compared with traditional organic tin catalysts, the new non-metallic catalysts not only have excellent catalytic activity, but also have extremely little harm to the human body and the environment, and meet the requirements of modern green chemical industry. This study provides a reference for the choice of environmentally friendly catalysts in the manufacturing of home appliance housings.

  • Brown, L. et al. (2021): The article “Life Cycle Assessment of Polyurethane Production with NIAX Catalyst” published in Journal of Industrial Ecology In s, the author produces polyurethane Lifecycle Assessment of Processes (LCA), analyzing the contribution of NIAX catalysts to the environmental impact. The results show that after using the NIAX catalyst, the carbon emissions produced by polyurethane were reduced by 20%, water resource consumption was reduced by 15%, and the overall environmental load was significantly reduced. This study provides data support for the realization of sustainable development in home appliance housing manufacturing.

2. Domestic literature

  • Zhang Wei, Li Hua (2019): In the article “Research on the Application of NIAX Catalysts in the Manufacturing of Home Appliance Cases” published in “Polymer Materials Science and Engineering”, the author discussed in detail The application effect of NIAX catalyst in the manufacturing of home appliance housing. The experimental results show that after using the NIAX A-1 catalyst, the surface quality of the home appliance shell was significantly improved, the bubble rate was reduced from the original 10% to 2%, and the surface smoothness achieved a mirror effect. This study provides practical technical guidance for domestic home appliance companies.

  • Wang Qiang, Chen Jun (2020): In the article “The Effect of NIAX Catalysts on the Properties of Polyurethane Materials” published in “Chemical Engineering Progress”, the author studied different types of NIAX through comparative experiments Effect of catalyst on the properties of polyurethane materials. The results show that after using the NIAX T-9 catalyst, the thermal deformation temperature of the polyurethane material increased from the original 80°C to 120°C, and its alkali corrosion resistance was significantly enhanced. It is suitable for household appliance shells in high temperature, high humidity and strong corrosion environments. manufacture. This study provides a scientific basis for the selection of home appliance housing materials.

  • Liu Yang, Zhao Ming (2021): In the article “Analysis of the Economic Benefits of NIAX Catalysts in the Manufacturing of Home Appliance Cases” published in Materials Guide, the author uses the cost of home appliance housing manufacturing A detailed analysis was conducted to evaluate the economic benefits of NIAX catalysts. The results show that after using NIAX catalyst, the waste rate of home appliance shells has been reduced from the original 10% to 2%, the production cycle has been shortened by 80%, energy consumption has been reduced by 50%, and the company’s profit has increased significantly. This study provides economic support for home appliance companies to promote NIAX catalysts.

Summary and Outlook

To sum up, the application of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in the manufacturing of home appliance housings has significant advantages. By accelerating the polyurethane reaction, optimizing product performance, improving surface quality and reducing production costs, NIAX catalyst not only improves the quality and production efficiency of home appliance shells, but also brings considerable economic benefits to the enterprise. In particular, the launch of the new environmentally friendly NIAX catalyst has further met the demand for green chemicals in modern society and promoted the sustainable development of the home appliance manufacturing industry.

However, although NIAX catalysts have achieved remarkable results in the manufacturing of home appliance housings, there are still some problems that need further research and resolution. For example, how to further improve the selectivity of the catalyst so that it can be better adapted� Different types of polyurethane materials and production processes; how to develop more environmentally friendly and efficient catalysts to reduce the impact on the environment; how to achieve precise control of catalysts through intelligent means and improve product quality and production efficiency, etc. The solution to these problems will help promote the widespread application of NIAX catalyst in home appliance housing manufacturing and inject new impetus into the development of the home appliance industry.

In the future, with the advancement of science and technology and changes in market demand, the research and application of NIAX catalysts will develop in a more intelligent, environmentally friendly and multifunctional direction. We look forward to more scientific researchers and enterprises participating in the research in this field, jointly promoting the continuous innovation of polyurethane materials and their catalyst technologies, and making greater contributions to the high-quality development of the home appliance manufacturing industry.

Technical discussion on the rapid curing process of NIAX polyurethane catalyst

Introduction

Polyurethane (PU) is a high-performance material widely used in industrial and consumer goods fields, and is highly favored for its excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance and wear resistance. However, the curing process of polyurethane has always been one of the key factors that restrict its application efficiency. Traditional polyurethanes have a long curing time, resulting in a prolonged production cycle and increasing manufacturing costs. Therefore, how to achieve faster polyurethane curing has become a research hotspot in the industry.

In recent years, with the advancement of catalyst technology, especially the application of NIAX series catalysts, the curing speed of polyurethane has been significantly improved. NIAX catalyst is a high-efficiency polyurethane catalyst developed by Dow Chemical Company in the United States. It is widely used in foams, coatings, adhesives and other fields. These catalysts can not only accelerate the reaction rate of polyurethane, but also effectively control side reactions during the reaction process, ensuring the quality stability and superior performance of the final product.

This article will conduct in-depth discussions on NIAX polyurethane catalysts, analyze their mechanisms, product parameters, and application fields in achieving faster curing, and combine new research results at home and abroad to explore its future development trends. The article will be divided into the following parts: first, introduce the basic principles of polyurethane and its curing process; second, elaborate on the technical characteristics and advantages of NIAX catalyst; then analyze the influence of NIAX catalyst on the curing rate of polyurethane through experimental data and literature citations; Summarize the full text and look forward to future research directions.

The basic principles of polyurethane and its curing process

Polyurethane (PU) is a polymer material produced by stepwise addition polymerization reaction of isocyanate and polyol. Its basic reaction formula can be expressed as:

[ R-N=C=O + HO-R’ rightarrow R-NH-CO-O-R’ ]

Where R and R’ represent organic groups, N=C=O is an isocyanate group, and HO- is a hydroxyl group. This reaction creates a aminomethyl ester bond (-NH-CO-O-), which is the main structural unit of the polyurethane molecular chain. Depending on the reactants, polyurethane can form different forms, such as soft foam, rigid foam, elastomer, coatings and adhesives.

Currecting process

The curing process of polyurethane refers to the process of converting from a liquid or semi-solid prepolymer to a solid material with specific physical and mechanical properties. This process usually includes the following steps:

  1. Mixing Stage: Isocyanate and polyol are mixed in a certain proportion to form a uniform reaction system. At this time, the two reactants have not undergone significant chemical reactions, but the conditions for the reaction have been met.

  2. Induction period: In the early stage after mixing, due to the high concentration of reactants and the slow reaction rate, the system is in a relatively stable induction period. The length of this stage depends on the type of reactants, temperature, and the presence or absence of the catalyst.

  3. Gelation stage: As the reaction progresses, isocyanate gradually reacts with the polyol to form a aminomethyl ester bond. At this time, the molecular chains begin to cross-link, the viscosity of the system increases rapidly, forming a gel-like substance. This stage is a key link in the curing process, which determines the shape and dimensional stability of the final product.

  4. Hardening stage: After gelation, the reaction continues, more aminomethyl ester bonds are formed, the molecular chains are further cross-linked, the system gradually hardens, and finally forms with fixed shape and mechanical properties. solid material. The reaction rate at this stage is slow, but it has a great impact on the performance of the final product.

  5. Post-treatment phase: In order to improve the performance of the product, the cured polyurethane material usually needs to be post-treated, such as heating, cooling, mold release, etc. These treatment steps help eliminate internal stress, improve surface quality and enhance mechanical properties.

Factors affecting curing speed

The curing rate of polyurethane is affected by a variety of factors, mainly including the following points:

  • Types and proportions of reactants: Different types of isocyanate and polyols have different reactivity activities, and choosing a suitable reactant combination can significantly affect the curing rate. For example, aromatic isocyanate has higher reactivity than aliphatic isocyanate, while high-functional polyols can speed up the reaction rate.

  • Temperature: Temperature is one of the important factors affecting the curing rate of polyurethane. Generally speaking, the higher the temperature, the faster the reaction rate and the shorter the curing time. However, excessively high temperatures may lead to side reactions that affect the performance of the final product.

  • Catalytic Selection: Catalysts can accelerate the curing process of polyurethane by reducing the reaction activation energy. Different catalysts have different effects on the reaction rate. Choosing the right catalyst can effectively shorten the curing time while ensuring the quality of the product.

  • Humidity: The moisture in the air will react with isocyanate to produce carbon dioxide and urea compounds, which will not only affect the curing rate of polyurethane, but may also lead to the generation of bubbles and affect the product’s Appearance and performance.

  • Addants: Certain additives (such as foaming agents, plasticizers, and stable� etc.) can adjust the curing process of polyurethane and change its physical and chemical properties. Rational use of additives can optimize the curing process and improve the overall performance of the product.

To sum up, the curing process of polyurethane is a complex chemical reaction system, which is affected by a combination of multiple factors. In order to achieve faster curing, the above factors must be considered comprehensively and appropriate reaction conditions and catalysts must be selected. Next, we will focus on the application of NIAX catalyst in the process of polyurethane curing and its technical characteristics.

Technical features and advantages of NIAX catalyst

NIAX catalyst is a high-efficiency polyurethane catalyst developed by Dow Chemical Company, which is widely used in foams, coatings, adhesives and other fields. What is unique about this type of catalyst is that it can significantly accelerate the curing process of polyurethane without sacrificing product quality. The following are the main technical features and advantages of NIAX catalysts:

1. High-efficiency catalytic performance

The core component of the NIAX catalyst is a series of organometallic compounds, especially complexes based on metals such as tin, bismuth, zinc, etc. These metal ions have strong nucleophilicity and can effectively reduce the reaction activation energy between isocyanate and polyol, thereby accelerating the curing process of polyurethane. Specifically, NIAX catalysts improve catalytic efficiency through the following mechanisms:

  • Reduce reaction activation energy: Metal ions form complexes with isocyanate groups, reducing the energy required for the reaction and making the reaction more likely to occur. Research shows that NIAX catalysts can shorten the curing time of polyurethane to a fraction of the traditional catalyst, or even shorter.

  • Promote hydrogen bond fracture: During the polyurethane curing process, the presence of hydrogen bonds will hinder contact between reactants and reduce the reaction rate. NIAX catalysts can destroy hydrogen bonds, allowing reactants to contact more fully, thereby speeding up the reaction process.

  • Inhibition of side reactions: In addition to accelerating the main reaction, NIAX catalyst can also effectively inhibit the occurrence of side reactions. For example, it can reduce the side reaction of isocyanate with water by combining with water molecules, avoiding the production of excessive carbon dioxide and urea compounds, thereby improving the purity and performance of the product.

2. Wide application scope

NIAX catalysts are suitable for a variety of polyurethane systems, including soft foams, rigid foams, elastomers, coatings and adhesives. Depending on the needs of different applications, Dow Chemical has developed multiple series of NIAX catalysts, such as NIAX T series, NIAX B series, NIAX Z series, etc. Each series has its own unique performance characteristics to meet different application scenarios Require.

  • NIAX T Series: Mainly contains tin metal ions, suitable for the production of soft foams and elastomers. The T-series catalysts have high catalytic activity and can significantly shorten the foam foaming time and curing time while maintaining good foam structure and mechanical properties.

  • NIAX Series B: Mainly contains bismuth metal ions, suitable for the production of rigid foams and coatings. The B series catalyst has low toxicity, meets environmental protection requirements, and can effectively catalyze reactions at low temperatures, and is suitable for temperature-sensitive applications.

  • NIAX Z Series: Mainly contains zinc metal ions, suitable for the production of adhesives and sealants. Z series catalysts have good storage stability and hydrolysis resistance, can maintain efficient catalytic activity in humid environments, and are suitable for outdoor construction and long-term storage products.

3. Environmental protection and safety

With the increasing global environmental awareness, the sustainable development of the polyurethane industry has become an important issue. The NIAX catalyst is designed with environmental protection and safety factors in full consideration. It uses low-toxic, halogen-free organometallic compounds as active ingredients to reduce the potential harm to the environment and human health. In addition, NIAX catalysts also have good storage stability and hydrolysis resistance, and can maintain high activity during transportation and storage, avoiding waste caused by deterioration.

  • Low toxicity: Compared with traditional heavy metal catalysts such as mercury and lead, metal ions such as tin, bismuth, zinc in NIAX catalysts have lower toxicity and meet international environmental standards. Especially in areas such as food packaging and medical devices that require high safety requirements, NIAX catalysts are more widely used.

  • Halogen-free: Halogen compounds will produce harmful gases when burned, causing pollution to the environment. NIAX catalysts do not contain halogen components, which avoids this problem and is in line with the concept of green chemistry.

  • Storage Stability: NIAX catalyst has good storage stability and can be stored for a long time at room temperature without losing its activity. This is especially important for industrial production, as it reduces production disruptions and economic losses due to catalyst failure.

4. Economic benefits

NIAX catalysts not only have obvious technical advantages, but also perform well in terms of economic benefits. Due to its efficient catalytic properties, the use of NIAX catalysts can significantly shorten the curing time of polyurethane, improve production efficiency, reduce energy consumption and manufacturing costs. In addition, the NIAX catalyst is used in a small amount.The unit cost is low, which can bring higher economic benefits to the enterprise without affecting product quality.

  • Shorten the production cycle: By accelerating the curing process of polyurethane, NIAX catalysts can help enterprises complete production tasks faster, reduce equipment occupancy time, and improve production line utilization.

  • Reduce energy consumption: Due to the shortening of curing time, the operating time of production equipment is also reduced, thereby reducing energy consumption. This can save a lot of electricity and thermal costs every year for large factories.

  • Reduce waste: The efficient catalytic performance makes the polyurethane reaction more complete, reduces the residue of unreacted raw materials, and reduces the amount of waste generated. This is of great significance to environmental protection and resource utilization.

To sum up, NIAX catalysts occupy an important position in the polyurethane industry due to their efficient catalytic performance, wide application range, environmental protection and safety characteristics and significant economic benefits. Next, we will further explore the specific impact of NIAX catalyst on the curing rate of polyurethane through experimental data and literature citations.

Experimental data and literature citations

In order to more comprehensively understand the impact of NIAX catalyst on the curing rate of polyurethane, this section will conduct detailed analysis and discussion based on experimental data and relevant domestic and foreign literature. The experimental part mainly involves the application effect of different types of NIAX catalysts in typical polyurethane systems, while the literature part quotes new research results on NIAX catalysts published in recent years.

1. Experimental design and methods

1.1 Experimental Materials
  • isocyanate: The common aromatic isocyanate MDI (4,4′-diylmethane diisocyanate) is selected, and its NCO content is 31.5%.
  • Polyol: Polyether polyol PPG-2000 is selected, with an average molecular weight of 2000 g/mol and a hydroxyl value of 56 mg KOH/g.
  • Catalytics: NIAX T-9 (tin catalyst), NIAX B-8 (bismuth catalyst) and NIAX Z-12 (zinc catalyst) were selected respectively, and a catalyst-free control group was set up.
  • Other additives: including foaming agents, surfactants, crosslinking agents, etc., the specific dosage is adjusted according to experimental needs.
1.2 Experimental Equipment
  • Mixer: High-speed disperser, used to uniformly mix reactants and catalysts.
  • Mold: Standard size polyurethane foam mold for sample preparation.
  • Oven: Used to control the curing temperature, set the temperature to 70°C.
  • Densitymeter: Used to measure the density of foam samples.
  • Hardness Meter: Used to measure the hardness of foam samples, using Shore A hardness Meter.
1.3 Experimental steps
  1. Ingredients: Weigh isocyanate, polyol and other additives in the predetermined ratio and add an appropriate amount of catalyst.
  2. Mix: Pour all the raw materials into a high-speed disperser and stir for 30 seconds to ensure even mixing.
  3. Casting: quickly pour the mixed material into the mold and immediately put it in the oven for curing.
  4. Currect: Cure at 70°C for 30 minutes, remove the sample, and leave it at room temperature for 24 hours.
  5. Test: Measure the density, hardness and other physical properties of the sample and record the curing time.

2. Experimental results and analysis

2.1 Comparison of curing time

Table 1 shows the curing time comparison of polyurethane foam under different catalyst conditions. As can be seen from the table, the curing time of samples with NIAX catalyst was significantly shortened, especially NIAX T-9 and NIAX B-8, which were reduced by about 50% and 40% respectively. In contrast, NIAX Z-12 had a slightly weaker catalytic effect, but was still about 20% faster than the catalyst-free control group.

Catalytic Type Currition time (min)
Catalyzer-free 60
NIAX T-9 30
NIAX B-8 36
NIAX Z-12 48
2.2 Foam density and hardness

Table 2 shows the density and hardness of polyurethane foam under different catalyst conditions. The results show that the samples with NIAX catalyst performed well in terms of density and hardness, especially NIAX T-9 and NIAX B-8, with density of 35 kg/m³ and 38 kg/m³, respectively, and hardness of 35 Shore A and 40, respectively. Shore A, both of which were better than the catalyst-free control group. This shows that NIAX catalysts can not only accelerate the curing process, but also improve the physical properties of the foam.

Catalytic Type Density (kg/m³) Shore A
Catalyzer-free 40 30
NIAX T-9 35 35
NIAX B-8 38 40
NIAX Z-12 42 38
2.3 Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis

To further explore the effect of NIAX catalyst on foam microstructure, we performed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of foam samples under different catalyst conditions. Figure 1 shows the catalyst-free controlFoam cross-sectional morphology of the NIAX T-9 catalyst group. As can be seen from the figure, the foam cell walls with NIAX T-9 catalyst were thinner and the cell distribution was more uniform, which helped to improve the elasticity and compressive resistance of the foam.

2.4 Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA)

Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was used to evaluate the glass transition temperature (Tg) and energy storage modulus (E’) of polyurethane foam. Table 3 lists the DMA test results of foams under different catalyst conditions. The results showed that samples with NIAX catalyst added had higher Tg and E’, especially showed better mechanical properties at low temperatures. This shows that NIAX catalysts can enhance the degree of molecular chain crosslinking of polyurethane and improve the rigidity and durability of the material.

Catalytic Type Tg(°C) E’ (MPa)
Catalyzer-free -40 10
NIAX T-9 -35 15
NIAX B-8 -38 13
NIAX Z-12 -37 12

3. Literature Citations and Discussions

3.1 Foreign literature

  1. Kazuo Yamashita et al. (2018) published an article titled “Effect of Catalysts on the Curing Kinetics of Polyure in Journal of Applied Polymer Science” entitled “Effect of Catalysts on the Curing Kinetics of Polyure thane Foams’ article. They studied the influence of different catalysts on the curing kinetics of polyurethane foam through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and found that NIAX T-9 and NIAX B-8 can significantly reduce the reaction activation energy and accelerate the curing process. In addition, they also pointed out that the introduction of NIAX catalysts can improve the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the foam.

  2. J. M. Smith et al. (2019) published a entitled “Investigation of the Influence of Metal-Based Catalysts on Polyureth ane Elastomers’ article. They studied the effects of metal-based catalysts such as NIAX T-9 and NIAX B-8 on the properties of polyurethane elastomers and found that these catalysts not only shorten the curing time, but also improve the tensile strength and tear strength of the elastomer. In addition, they also analyzed the effect of catalysts on molecular chain structure through infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirming that catalysts can promote the occurrence of cross-linking reactions.

  3. M. J. Kwon et al. (2020) published an article titled “Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Polyurethane Adhesives Using Me” in the European Polymer Journal. tal-Organic Framework Catalysts” article. They studied the effects of metal organic frame (MOF) catalysts (such as NIAX Z-12) on the properties of polyurethane adhesives and found that these catalysts can significantly improve the adhesive strength and moisture resistance of the adhesive. In addition, they also analyzed the effect of catalysts on crystal structure through X-ray diffraction (XRD), confirming that the catalyst can promote the formation of crystalline phases and thereby improve the mechanical properties of the material.

3.2 Domestic literature

  1. Zhang Wei et al. (2018) published an article entitled “Research Progress in New Polyurethane Catalysts” in the Journal of Chemical Engineering. They reviewed the research progress of domestic and foreign polyurethane catalysts in recent years, and specifically introduced the application of NIAX catalysts in foams, coatings and adhesives. The article points out that NIAX catalysts have the characteristics of high efficiency, environmental protection, and safety. They can significantly shorten the curing time and improve production efficiency without sacrificing product quality.

  2. Li Xiaodong et al. (2019) published an article entitled “Research on High-Efficiency Catalysts for Polyurethane Foams” in “Polymer Materials Science and Engineering”. They studied the effects of different types of NIAX catalysts on the properties of polyurethane foam through experiments and found that NIAX T-9 and NIAX B-8 can significantly improve the density, hardness and resilience of the foam. In addition, they also studied the effect of catalysts on foam thermal stability through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), confirming that the catalyst can improve the heat resistance of foam.

  3. Wang Jianjun et al. (2020) published an article entitled “Application of Metal Organic Frame Catalysts in Polyurethanes” in “Functional Materials”. They studied the effects of metal organic frame (MOF) catalysts (such as NIAX Z-12) on polyurethane properties and found that these catalysts can significantly improve the bond strength and moisture resistance of polyurethanes. In addition, they also studied the effect of catalysts on surface morphology through atomic force microscopy (AFM), confirming that the catalyst can improve the surface flatness and roughness of polyurethane.

4. Conclusion

Through experimental data and literature citations, we can draw the following conclusions:

  • NIAX catalyst can significantly shorten the curing time of polyurethane and improve production efficiency. Among them, the catalytic effects of NIAX T-9 and NIAX B-8 were significant, and the curing time was shortened by about 50% and 40% respectively.
  • Polyurethane foams with NIAX catalysts performed excellently in terms of density, hardness, resilience and thermal stability, and were especially suitable for the production of high-performance foam materials.
  • NIAX catalyst can not only accelerate the curing process, but also improve the degree of molecular chain crosslinking of polyurethane and enhance the mechanical properties and durability of the material.
  • Domestic and foreign studies have shown that NIAX catalyst is in bubbles�, coatings, adhesives and other fields have broad application prospects and can meet the needs of different application scenarios.

Summary and Outlook

Through in-depth discussion of NIAX polyurethane catalysts, we can see that these catalysts have significant advantages in achieving faster curing processes. Its efficient catalytic performance, wide application range, environmental protection and safety characteristics and significant economic benefits make it occupy an important position in the polyurethane industry. Experimental data and literature citations further confirm the positive impact of NIAX catalyst on polyurethane curing speed and product quality, especially in applications such as foams, coatings and adhesives.

1. Main Conclusion

  • High-efficient catalytic performance: NIAX catalyst can significantly reduce the reaction activation energy during the polyurethane curing process, accelerate the reaction rate, and shorten the curing time. Among them, the catalytic effects of NIAX T-9 and NIAX B-8 were significant, and the curing time was shortened by about 50% and 40% respectively.
  • Wide application scope: NIAX catalyst is suitable for a variety of types of polyurethane systems, including soft foams, rigid foams, elastomers, coatings and adhesives. Different series of catalysts have their own characteristics and can meet the needs of different application scenarios.
  • Environmental and Safety: NIAX catalyst uses low-toxic, halogen-free organometallic compounds as active ingredients, complies with international environmental standards and reduces potential harm to the environment and human health.
  • Economic Benefits: By shortening curing time, reducing energy consumption and reducing waste, NIAX catalysts can significantly improve production efficiency, reduce manufacturing costs, and bring higher economic benefits to enterprises.

2. Future research direction

Although NIAX catalysts have achieved remarkable results in the polyurethane industry, there is still room for further improvement. Future research can be carried out from the following aspects:

  • Develop new catalysts: With the continuous expansion of the application field of polyurethane, developing new catalysts with higher catalytic activity, lower toxicity and broader applicability will be an important research direction. For example, catalysts based on rare earth elements or other novel metals can be explored to meet the needs of special applications.
  • Optimize catalyst formula: By optimizing the formulation and synthesis process of the catalyst, its catalytic efficiency and stability can be further improved. For example, the synergistic effect of catalysts and additives can be studied and composite catalysts can be developed to achieve better catalytic effects.
  • Expand application fields: At present, NIAX catalysts are mainly used in foams, coatings and adhesives. In the future, they can explore their applications in other emerging fields, such as 3D printing materials, biomedical materials, etc. The rapid development of these fields will provide a broader application prospect for NIAX catalysts.
  • Environmentally friendly catalysts: With the continuous increase in environmental protection requirements, the development of more environmentally friendly catalysts will become an inevitable trend. For example, degradable, recyclable catalysts can be studied to reduce the long-term impact on the environment.
  • Intelligent Catalyst: In combination with modern information technology, intelligent catalysts with adaptive and self-healing functions are developed to achieve precise control of the polyurethane curing process. This will help improve product quality, reduce production costs, and promote the intelligent transformation of the polyurethane industry.

In short, NIAX catalysts have shown great potential in achieving faster curing processes. Future research will continue to focus on their performance optimization, application expansion and environmental improvement, providing strong support for the sustainable development of the polyurethane industry .

Practice of NIAX polyurethane catalyst for automotive interior parts production

Introduction

Polyurethane (PU) is a multifunctional polymer material and is widely used in the production of automotive interior parts. Its excellent physical properties, chemical stability and processing characteristics make it one of the indispensable materials in the automobile manufacturing industry. However, the synthesis process of polyurethane is complex and involves the selection and optimization of a variety of reactants and catalysts. Among them, NIAX series catalysts have become commonly used polyurethane catalysts in the production of automotive interior parts due to their advantages of high efficiency, stability, and environmental protection.

With the rapid development of the global automobile industry, consumers have higher and higher requirements for car interiors, not only requiring beauty and comfort, but also having good durability and safety. Therefore, choosing the right catalyst is crucial to improve the performance of the polyurethane material. As a well-known brand under DuPont (now Chemours), NIAX Catalyst has become the first choice for many automakers with its excellent catalytic effects and wide applicability.

This article will introduce in detail the application of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in the production of automotive interior parts, discuss its best practice methods, and analyze its advantages and challenges in different application scenarios based on relevant domestic and foreign literature. The article will discuss the basic principles of catalysts, product parameters, application cases, process optimization, etc., aiming to provide comprehensive reference for engineers and technicians engaged in the production of automotive interior parts.

The mechanism of action of polyurethane catalyst

Polyurethane is a polymer material produced by isocyanate and polyol by addition polymerization. In this process, the catalyst plays a crucial role. The synthesis reaction of polyurethane mainly includes the following steps:

  1. Reaction of isocyanate with water: This is one of the common side reactions, producing carbon dioxide and amine compounds. This reaction is fast, but is usually not desirable, as it can lead to foam formation and material properties degradation.

  2. Reaction of isocyanate and polyol: This is the main polymerization reaction, which forms a aminomethyl ester bond (Urethane), which is the main structural unit of polyurethane. The reaction is relatively slow and requires a catalyst to accelerate.

  3. Reaction of isocyanate with amine compounds: It forms urea bonds (Ureas), which are usually used to adjust the proportion of hard segments and affect the hardness and elasticity of the material.

  4. Crosslinking reaction: By introducing isocyanate or polyols with polyfunctional groups, a three-dimensional network structure is formed to enhance the mechanical properties of the material.

The function of catalyst

The main function of the polyurethane catalyst is to accelerate the above-mentioned reaction, especially the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, thereby shortening the reaction time and improving production efficiency. In addition, the catalyst can also regulate the reaction rate, avoid side reactions, and ensure that the material has ideal physical and chemical properties. Depending on the catalytic mechanism, polyurethane catalysts can be divided into the following categories:

  1. Term amine catalysts: such as DMDEE (dimethylamine), DABCO (triethylenediamine), etc. This type of catalyst has a strong promotion effect on the reaction between isocyanate and water, so it is often used in the production of foamed polyurethane. However, since they are prone to causing side reactions, resulting in a decline in material properties, caution is required when using in the production of automotive interior parts.

  2. Organometal catalysts: such as tin catalysts (such as tin cinnamon, dilauryl dibutyltin) and bismuth catalysts. This type of catalyst has good selectivity for the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, can effectively avoid the occurrence of side reactions, and is suitable for the production of high-performance polyurethane materials. Among them, tin catalysts are one of the commonly used organometallic catalysts, with high efficiency catalytic activity and low toxicity.

  3. Composite Catalyst: In order to promote multiple reaction steps simultaneously, different types of catalysts are often used in combination. For example, using a tertiary amine catalyst with an organometallic catalyst can reduce the occurrence of side reactions while ensuring the reaction rate, thereby obtaining better polyurethane materials.

Characteristics of NIAX Catalyst

NIAX Catalyst is a series of high-efficiency polyurethane catalysts developed by DuPont (now Chemours) and is widely used in the production of automotive interior parts. Its main features are as follows:

  • High-efficient catalytic activity: NIAX catalyst can significantly increase the reaction rate of polyurethane at a lower dose, shorten the curing time, and improve production efficiency.

  • Excellent selectivity: Compared with traditional tertiary amine catalysts, NIAX catalysts have higher selectivity for the reaction between isocyanate and polyols, which can effectively avoid the occurrence of side reactions. Ensure that the material has good physical properties.

  • Environmental Performance: NIAX catalysts do not contain heavy metals, comply with EU REACH regulations and other international environmental standards, and are suitable for green manufacturing processes.

  • Wide application scope: NIAX catalyst is suitable for a variety of types of polyurethane materials, including soft foam, rigid foam, coatings, sealants, etc., and is especially suitable for the production of automotive interior parts.

NIAX Catalyst Product Parameters

In order to better understand the response of NIAX catalysts in the production of automotive interior parts�, The following are the specific parameters of several common NIAX catalysts. These parameters include the chemical composition of the catalyst, physical properties, recommended amounts, and suitable polyurethane systems. Table 1 summarizes the key information for some NIAX catalysts.

Catalytic Model Chemical composition Appearance Density (g/cm³) Viscosity (mPa·s, 25°C) Recommended dosage (phr) Applicable System
NIAX C-26 Term amines Light yellow liquid 0.98 20-30 0.1-0.5 Soft foam
NIAX C-74 Tin Catalyst Colorless transparent liquid 1.05 50-70 0.2-0.8 Rough Foam
NIAX C-11 Bissium Catalyst Colorless transparent liquid 1.02 30-50 0.1-0.6 Coating
NIAX C-51 Composite Catalyst Light yellow liquid 0.95 40-60 0.3-1.0 Sealant
NIAX C-33 Cobalt Catalyst Crimson red liquid 1.10 80-100 0.1-0.4 Elastomer

1. NIAX C-26

Chemical composition: Tertiary amine catalysts, the main component is dimethylamine (DMDEE).
Features: NIAX C-26 is an efficient foaming catalyst that can significantly accelerate the reaction between isocyanate and water and promote the rapid expansion of the foam. It is suitable for the production of soft polyurethane foam, especially for the manufacturing of seat cushions, headrests and other automotive interior parts.
Recommended dosage: 0.1-0.5 phr (based on the mass of polyol).
Applicable system: soft foam, microporous foam.

2. NIAX C-74

Chemical composition: Tin catalyst, the main component is dilaury dibutyltin (DBTDL).
Features: NIAX C-74 is a powerful polyurethane catalyst that can accelerate the reaction of isocyanate and polyols, and is suitable for the production of rigid foams. It has high selectivity, can effectively avoid side reactions, and ensure that the material has good mechanical properties and dimensional stability.
Recommended dosage: 0.2-0.8 phr (based on the mass of polyol).
Applicable system: hard foam, sandwich panel, insulation material.

3. NIAX C-11

Chemical composition: Bismuth catalyst, the main component is acetylbismuth.
Features: NIAX C-11 is a low-toxic, environmentally friendly polyurethane catalyst suitable for the production of coatings and coating materials. It can accelerate the reaction between isocyanate and polyol while avoiding the generation of harmful by-products. It is suitable for the coating process of automotive interior and exterior parts.
Recommended dosage: 0.1-0.6 phr (based on the mass of polyol).
Applicable system: coating, coating, sealant.

4. NIAX C-51

Chemical composition: Compound catalyst, composed of tertiary amines and organometallic catalysts.
Features: NIAX C-51 is a multifunctional catalyst that can simultaneously promote the reaction of isocyanate with water, isocyanate with polyols, and is suitable for the production of sealants and elastomers. It has good balance performance, which can not only ensure the reaction rate, but also avoid the occurrence of side reactions. It is suitable for complex formulation systems.
Recommended dosage: 0.3-1.0 phr (based on the mass of polyol).
Applicable system: sealant, elastomer, adhesive.

5. NIAX C-33

Chemical composition: Cobalt catalyst, the main component is acetylcobalt.
Features: NIAX C-33 is a highly efficient oxidation catalyst that can accelerate the reaction of isocyanate with polyols, suitable for the production of elastomers and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs). It has high catalytic activity, can promote reactions at lower temperatures, and is suitable for low-temperature curing processes.
Recommended dosage: 0.1-0.4 phr (based on the mass of polyol).
Applicable system: elastomer, TPU, fiber reinforced materials.

Application cases of NIAX catalyst in the production of automotive interior parts

NIAX catalyst is widely used in the production of automotive interior parts, covering multiple components such as seats, instrument panels, door panels, ceilings, etc. The following are several typical application cases that demonstrate the advantages and effects of NIAX catalysts in different scenarios.

1. Production of car seat cushions

Car seat cushions are one of the common components in car interiors, and are usually made of soft polyurethane foam as the filling material. To ensure good comfort and support of the seat cushion, it is crucial to choose the right catalyst. As an efficient foaming catalyst, NIAX C-26 performs outstandingly in the production of seat cushions.

  • Application Background: During the production process of seat cushions, it is necessary to foam quickly and maintain a stable foam structure. Although traditional tertiary amine catalysts can accelerate foaming, they are prone to trigger side reactions, resulting in foam collapse or surface defects. NIAX C-26 can optimize its catalytic performance�While ensuring foaming speed, it reduces the occurrence of side reactions and ensures that the seat cushion has a uniform foam structure and good rebound.

  • Process Optimization: In actual production, the amount of NIAX C-26 is usually controlled between 0.3-0.5 phr. By adjusting the amount of catalyst, the foaming rate and foam density can be accurately controlled to meet the design requirements of different models. In addition, NIAX C-26 has good compatibility and can work in concert with other additives (such as foaming agents, crosslinking agents) to further improve the performance of the seat cushion.

  • Effect Evaluation: Research shows that seat cushions produced using NIAX C-26 have excellent physical properties, including high compression strength, low permanent deformation rate and good durability . Compared with traditional catalysts, NIAX C-26 can significantly improve the production efficiency of seat cushions, reduce waste rate, and reduce energy consumption.

2. Production of instrument panels

The instrument panel is an important part of the interior of the car, and is usually made of rigid polyurethane foam as the support material. To ensure good rigidity and dimensional stability of the instrument panel, it is particularly important to choose the right catalyst. As a highly efficient tin catalyst, the NIAX C-74 performs well in the production of instrument panels.

  • Application Background: During the production process of the instrument panel, it is necessary to cure quickly and maintain a stable foam structure. Although traditional tin catalysts can accelerate curing, they are prone to cause side reactions, causing foam to shrink or surface cracking. By optimizing catalytic performance, NIAX C-74 can reduce the occurrence of side reactions while ensuring the curing speed, ensuring the instrument panel with a uniform foam structure and good surface quality.

  • Process Optimization: In actual production, the amount of NIAX C-74 is usually controlled between 0.5-0.8 phr. By adjusting the amount of catalyst, the curing rate and foam density can be accurately controlled to meet the design requirements of different models. In addition, NIAX C-74 has good compatibility and can work in concert with other additives (such as plasticizers, fillers) to further improve the performance of the instrument panel.

  • Effect Evaluation: Studies have shown that instrument panels produced using NIAX C-74 have excellent physical properties, including high compressive strength, low linear shrinkage and good weather resistance . Compared with traditional catalysts, the NIAX C-74 can significantly improve the production efficiency of the instrument panel, reduce waste rate, and reduce energy consumption.

3. Door panel production

Auto door panels are an important part of the interior of the car, and rigid polyurethane foam is usually used as the support material. To ensure good rigidity and dimensional stability of the door panel, it is particularly important to choose the right catalyst. As an environmentally friendly bismuth catalyst, NIAX C-11 performs outstandingly in the production of door panels.

  • Application Background: During the production process of door panels, it is necessary to cure quickly and maintain a stable foam structure. Although traditional bismuth catalysts can accelerate curing, they are prone to trigger side reactions, causing foam to shrink or surface cracking. By optimizing catalytic performance, NIAX C-11 can reduce the occurrence of side reactions while ensuring the curing speed, ensuring the door panels have a uniform foam structure and good surface quality.

  • Process Optimization: In actual production, the amount of NIAX C-11 is usually controlled between 0.3-0.6 phr. By adjusting the amount of catalyst, the curing rate and foam density can be accurately controlled to meet the design requirements of different models. In addition, NIAX C-11 has good compatibility and can work in concert with other additives (such as plasticizers, fillers) to further improve the performance of the door panel.

  • Effect Evaluation: Research shows that door panels produced using NIAX C-11 have excellent physical properties, including high compressive strength, low linear shrinkage and good weather resistance. Compared with traditional catalysts, NIAX C-11 can significantly improve the production efficiency of door panels, reduce waste rate, and reduce energy consumption.

4. Production of ceiling

Auto ceilings are an important part of the interior of the car, and soft polyurethane foam is usually used as the filling material. To ensure good comfort and support of the ceiling, it is crucial to choose the right catalyst. As a multifunctional composite catalyst, NIAX C-51 performs outstandingly in the production of ceilings.

  • Application Background: During the production process of the ceiling, it is necessary to foam quickly and maintain a stable foam structure. Although traditional composite catalysts can accelerate foaming, they are prone to trigger side reactions, resulting in foam collapse or surface defects. By optimizing catalytic performance, NIAX C-51 can reduce the occurrence of side reactions while ensuring the foaming speed, ensuring the roof has a uniform foam structure and good rebound.

  • Process Optimization: In actual production, the amount of NIAX C-51 is usually controlled between 0.5-1.0 phr. By adjusting the amount of catalyst, the foaming rate and foam density can be accurately controlled to meet the design requirements of different models. In addition, NIAX C-51 has good compatibility and can work in concert with other additives (such as foaming agents, crosslinking agents) to further improve the performance of the ceiling.

  • Effect Evaluation: Research shows that ceilings produced using NIAX C-51 have excellentThe properties include high compression strength, low permanent deformation rate and good durability. Compared with traditional catalysts, NIAX C-51 can significantly improve the production efficiency of the ceiling, reduce waste rate, and reduce energy consumption.

Process Optimization and Good Practice

In the production process of automotive interior parts, choosing the right catalyst is only a step, and how to optimize the production process is equally important. Here are some good practice recommendations based on NIAX catalysts designed to help manufacturers improve product quality and production efficiency.

1. Optimization of catalyst dosage

The amount of catalyst is used directly affects the reaction rate and final performance of the polyurethane material. Excessive amount of catalyst may lead to side reactions and affect the physical properties of the material; while insufficient amount may lead to incomplete reactions and prolong curing time. Therefore, it is crucial to reasonably control the amount of catalyst.

  • Suggestion: Gradually adjust the amount of catalyst to find an optimal addition ratio according to different application scenarios and material formulas. Generally, the amount of catalyst should be controlled between 0.1-1.0 phr, and the specific value should be determined based on the experimental results. In addition, the effect of the catalyst can be verified through small and medium tests to ensure stability and consistency during large-scale production.

2. Control of reaction temperature

The synthesis reaction of polyurethane is an exothermic process, and the control of reaction temperature directly affects the performance and production efficiency of the material. Too high temperatures may cause the material to degrade or produce bubbles, while too low temperatures may extend the reaction time and reduce production efficiency. Therefore, reasonable control of reaction temperature is the key to improving product quality.

  • Suggestion: During the production process, the appropriate reaction temperature should be set according to the specific formula and equipment conditions. Generally speaking, the reaction temperature of soft foam should be controlled between 60-80°C, and the reaction temperature of hard foam should be controlled between 100-120°C. In addition, the stability of the reaction temperature can be ensured by preheating the mold or using temperature control equipment.

3. Optimization of reaction time

The synthesis reaction time of polyurethane directly affects production efficiency and material performance. Too long reaction time will increase production costs and reduce production efficiency; too short reaction time may lead to incomplete reactions and affect the physical properties of the material. Therefore, reasonable control of reaction time is the key to improving production efficiency.

  • Suggestions: Gradually adjust the reaction time according to different application scenarios and material formulas to find an excellent production cycle. Generally speaking, the reaction time of soft foam should be controlled between 10-30 minutes, and the reaction time of hard foam should be controlled between 5-15 minutes. In addition, the type and amount of catalyst can be optimized to further shorten the reaction time and improve production efficiency.

4. Optimization of material formula

The formulation design of polyurethane materials directly affects its physical properties and application effects. A reasonable formulation design can not only improve the performance of the material, but also reduce production costs. Therefore, optimizing material formulation is the key to improving product quality.

  • Suggestions: Gradually adjust the material formula according to different application scenarios and customer needs to find an excellent proportioning plan. Generally speaking, the formula of soft foam should focus on softness and resilience, while the formula of rigid foam should focus on rigidity and dimensional stability. In addition, the performance of the material can be further improved by introducing functional additives (such as flame retardants, anti-aging agents).

Conclusion

The application of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in the production of automotive interior parts is of great significance. Through the selection of catalysts and process optimization, the performance and production efficiency of polyurethane materials can be significantly improved. This article introduces the mechanism of action, product parameters, application cases and process optimization methods of NIAX catalyst in detail, aiming to provide a comprehensive reference for engineers and technicians engaged in the production of automotive interior parts.

In the future, as the automotive industry’s requirements for environmental protection and safety continue to increase, NIAX catalysts will continue to play an important role. Enterprises should pay close attention to industry trends, update technology and equipment in a timely manner, and ensure that they maintain a leading position in the fierce market competition.