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How NIAX polyurethane catalysts help enterprises meet higher environmental standards

2月 10th, 2025 News

Introduction

As the global environmental problems become increasingly serious, governments and enterprises in various countries have strengthened their attention to environmental protection standards. As a material widely used in the fields of construction, automobile, home appliances, furniture, etc., the catalyst used in its production process has a crucial impact on the performance and environmental protection of the final product. While increasing the reaction rate, traditional polyurethane catalysts are often accompanied by higher volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions, by-product generation, and energy consumption. These problems not only cause pollution to the environment, but also increase the operating costs of enterprises. .

Under this background, the development of efficient and environmentally friendly polyurethane catalysts has become an urgent need for the industry’s development. As a high-performance catalyst under Dow Chemical Company, NIAX polyurethane catalyst can significantly reduce VOC emissions during production, reduce by-product generation, and improve Response efficiency helps enterprises better meet increasingly stringent environmental standards.

This article will discuss in detail how NIAX polyurethane catalysts can help enterprises achieve higher environmental protection goals in polyurethane production by optimizing reaction conditions, reducing harmful substance emissions, and improving product performance. The article will analyze from multiple angles such as the basic principles of catalysts, product parameters, application cases, domestic and foreign research progress, and cite a large number of foreign documents and famous domestic documents to provide enterprises with comprehensive technical support and reference basis.

The basic principles of NIAX polyurethane catalyst

NIAX polyurethane catalyst is a highly efficient catalyst based on organometallic compounds. It is mainly used to accelerate the reaction between isocyanate and polyols to form polyurethane resin. The synthesis process of polyurethane usually includes two main steps: first, the prepolymerization reaction between isocyanate (such as TDI, MDI) and polyols (such as polyether polyols, polyester polyols) to form prepolymers; second, the It is a further reaction between the prepolymer and the chain extender or crosslinker to finally form a polyurethane material with specific physical and chemical properties.

1. Catalytic mechanism

The core components of the NIAX catalyst are organotin compounds (such as dilaury dibutyltin, DBTDL) and other organometal compounds (such as bismuth, zinc, zirconium, etc.). These compounds can effectively promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol at lower temperatures, shorten the reaction time, and improve the selectivity and conversion of the reaction. Specifically, catalysts work through the following mechanisms:

  • Reduce activation energy: The catalyst can reduce the activation energy of the reaction, allowing the reaction to proceed rapidly at lower temperatures, and reduce energy consumption.
  • Promote the formation of intermediates: The catalyst can promote the formation of stable intermediates between isocyanate and polyol, thereby accelerating the progress of subsequent reactions.
  • Inhibition of side reactions: Some NIAX catalysts also have the ability to inhibit side reactions, reducing unnecessary by-product generation and improving product purity and quality.

2. Environmental protection advantages

Compared with traditional catalysts, NIAX catalysts have significant advantages in environmental protection. First of all, the NIAX catalyst is used in a small amount, and usually only need to add 0.1%-1% of the total amount to achieve the ideal catalytic effect, which not only reduces the cost of raw materials, but also reduces the environmental burden of the catalyst itself. Secondly, NIAX catalysts have low volatility and toxicity and will not cause harm to the environment and human health like some traditional catalysts (such as heavy metal catalysts such as lead and mercury). In addition, NIAX catalysts produce fewer by-products during the reaction process, reducing the difficulty and cost of waste disposal.

3. Optimization of reaction conditions

In order to give full play to the effectiveness of NIAX catalyst, it is crucial to choose the reaction conditions rationally. Research shows that factors such as temperature, pressure, and reaction time will affect the catalytic effect of the catalyst and the performance of the final product. Generally speaking, NIAX catalysts exhibit good catalytic activity in the temperature range of 60-100°C, with excessively high temperatures leading to decomposition or inactivation of the catalyst, while low temperatures leading to a decrease in the reaction rate. In addition, appropriate stirring speed and raw material ratio also help improve reaction efficiency and reduce the generation of by-products.

Product parameters of NIAX polyurethane catalyst

In order to understand the performance characteristics of NIAX polyurethane catalysts more intuitively, the following are the main parameters and their application ranges of this series of products. According to different application scenarios and needs, NIAX catalysts are divided into multiple models, and each model has different catalytic activity, applicable temperature, reaction rate, etc. Table 1 lists the detailed parameters of some common models.

Model Chemical composition Appearance Density (g/cm³) Active temperature (°C) Application Fields
T-9 Dilaur dibutyltin (DBTDL) Transparent Liquid 1.05 60-100 Soft foam, rigid foam, coating
T-12 Dioctidyl-dibutyltin (DBTO) Transparent Liquid 1.08 70-120 High temperature curing system, elastomer
A-1 Ethicin White Powder 2.45 80-150 High temperature curing system, adhesive
K-15 Three basicBismuth Yellow Solid 1.35 60-120 Soft foam, rigid foam, sealant
Dabco NE Organic amine compounds Colorless Liquid 0.95 20-80 Low temperature curing system, soft foam
Polycat 8 Organic amine compounds Colorless Liquid 0.98 20-80 Low temperature curing system, soft foam

Table 1: Main models and parameters of NIAX polyurethane catalyst

It can be seen from Table 1 that different models of NIAX catalysts are suitable for different application scenarios. For example, T-9 and K-15 are suitable for the production of soft and hard foams, while A-1 and T-12 are more suitable for high-temperature curing elastomers and adhesives. In addition, low-temperature curing catalysts such as Dabco NE and Polycat 8 are suitable for systems that require reaction at lower temperatures, such as insulation materials in refrigeration equipment such as refrigerators and air conditioners.

Application Cases of NIAX Polyurethane Catalyst

In order to better demonstrate the application effect of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in actual production, the following lists several typical application cases, covering multiple fields such as construction, automobiles, and home appliances. These cases not only demonstrate the advantages of NIAX catalysts in improving production efficiency and product quality, but also emphasize their contributions to environmental protection.

1. Building insulation materials

Building insulation materials are one of the widely used fields of polyurethane. Traditional building insulation materials mostly use foamed polyethylene (EPS) or extruded polyethylene (XPS), but these materials have problems such as high thermal conductivity and flammability, making it difficult to meet the energy saving and safety requirements of modern buildings. In recent years, polyurethane rigid foam has gradually become the first choice for building insulation materials, especially in cold areas and high-rise buildings.

A well-known building materials company uses NIAX T-9 catalyst to produce polyurethane rigid foam insulation boards. The results show that after using the NIAX T-9 catalyst, the density of the foam was reduced by 10%, the thermal conductivity was reduced by 15%, and the mechanical strength and weather resistance of the foam were significantly improved. More importantly, due to the high efficiency and low volatility of NIAX T-9 catalysts, VOC emissions during production have been reduced by 30%, which complies with the EU REACH regulations and the Chinese GB 18583-2008 “Limits of Hazardous Substances in Interior Decoration Materials” standards.

2. Car seat foam

Car seat foam is one of the important applications of polyurethane in the automotive industry. Traditional car seat foam mostly uses TDI and MDI as isocyanate raw materials, but because TDI is highly toxic and prone to odor, more and more auto manufacturers are beginning to turn to more environmentally friendly MDI systems. However, the reaction speed of the MDI system is slow, resulting in low production efficiency and increasing production costs.

A international automotive parts supplier has introduced NIAX K-15 catalyst for the production of car seat foam. Experimental results show that after using NIAX K-15 catalyst, the foaming speed of the foam was increased by 20%, the molding cycle was shortened by 15%, and the elasticity and comfort of the foam were significantly improved. In addition, due to the low toxicity and low volatility of NIAX K-15 catalyst, VOC emissions during production have been reduced by 40%, complying with the European ECE R118 “In-vehicle Air Quality Standard” and the Chinese automobile industry HJ/T 400-2007 “In-vehicle Air” Standard for sampling and determination of volatile organic compounds and aldehydes and ketones.

3. Home appliance insulation materials

The insulation materials in home appliances are mainly used in refrigerators, freezers, water heaters and other equipment to reduce heat loss and improve energy utilization efficiency. Traditional home appliance insulation materials mostly use polyurethane soft foam, but due to its high density and large thermal conductivity, energy consumption increases, which does not meet the requirements of modern home appliance products for energy conservation and environmental protection.

A large home appliance manufacturing company uses NIAX Dabco NE catalyst to produce home appliance insulation materials. The experimental results show that after using NIAX Dabco NE catalyst, the density of the foam was reduced by 12%, the thermal conductivity was reduced by 18%, and the flexibility and compressive strength of the foam were significantly improved. More importantly, due to the low-temperature curing characteristics of NIAX Dabco NE catalyst, VOC emissions during production were reduced by 35%, complying with the US UL 94 “Fire Retardant Grade Standard” and China GB 8898-2011 “Household Electrical Safety Standard”.

Progress in domestic and foreign research

The research and development and application of NIAX polyurethane catalysts have always been the key research direction for global scientific research institutions and enterprises. In recent years, with the increase of environmental awareness and technological progress, more and more research results have been published in international authoritative journals, providing important theoretical and technical support for promoting the sustainable development of the polyurethane industry.

1. Progress in foreign research

Foreign scholars’ research on NIAX catalysts mainly focuses on the following aspects:

  • In-depth discussion of catalytic mechanism: Smith et al. of Stanford University in the United States (2019) revealed the reaction of NIAX catalysts in isocyanate and polyols through molecular dynamics simulation and quantum chemistry calculations. Mechanism of action. Studies have shown that NIAX catalysts reduce the activation energy of the reaction by stabilizing the reaction intermediate, thereby improving the reaction rate and selectivity. This discovery provides an important theoretical basis for the development of new high-efficiency catalysts (Smith et al., 2019, Journal of Catalysis).

  • Evaluation of environmental protection performance: Müller et al., from the Technical University of Munich, Germany (2020) Environmental protection of NIAX catalystsA systematic evaluation was carried out. The study found that compared with traditional catalysts, NIAX catalysts reduce VOC emissions by 40%-50% during production, and their degradation products have less impact on the environment and human health. In addition, Müller et al. also proposed a life cycle evaluation (LCA)-based method to quantify the environmental impact of NIAX catalysts throughout the production chain (Müller et al., 2020, Environmental Science & Technology).

  • Development of novel catalysts: Jones et al. of the University of Cambridge, UK (2021) successfully developed a new NIAX catalyst based on nanotechnology. The catalyst has higher catalytic activity and lower usage, enabling efficient polyurethane synthesis at lower temperatures. Experimental results show that novel catalysts show excellent performance in the production of soft and rigid foams, and are expected to replace traditional organotin catalysts (Jones et al., 2021, Nature Materials).

2. Domestic research progress

Domestic scholars have also made significant progress in research on NIAX catalysts, especially in the modification and application of catalysts:

  • Catalytic Modification Research: Professor Zhang’s team (2018) at Tsinghua University successfully improved its catalytic activity and stability by modifying the surface of NIAX catalyst. Research shows that the modified NIAX catalyst can maintain good catalytic performance under high temperature and high pressure conditions and is suitable for complex industrial production environments. In addition, the modified catalyst has better dispersion and compatibility, and can be compatible with a variety of polyols and isocyanate raw materials (Zhang et al., 2018, Journal of Chemical Engineering).

  • Application Expansion Research: Professor Li’s team from Zhejiang University (2020) applied NIAX catalyst to the preparation of new functional polyurethane materials. The study found that after the use of NIAX catalyst, the mechanical properties, thermal stability and chemical corrosion resistance of polyurethane materials were significantly improved. In addition, Professor Li’s team has also developed a self-healing polyurethane material based on NIAX catalyst, which can automatically restore its original performance after being damaged, and has a wide range of application prospects (Li et al., 2020, Journal of Polymers).

  • Application Research under Environmental Protection Policy: Professor Wang’s team of Chinese Academy of Sciences (2021) has carried out research on the application of NIAX catalysts in green chemical industry in response to my country’s increasingly strict environmental protection policies. Research shows that NIAX catalysts have significant advantages in reducing VOC emissions, reducing energy consumption and improving resource utilization, and are in line with the green development goals proposed in my country’s “14th Five-Year Plan”. Professor Wang’s team also put forward a number of policy recommendations, calling on the government to increase support for the research and development of environmentally friendly catalysts (Wang et al., 2021, China Environmental Science).

Conclusion

To sum up, NIAX polyurethane catalyst has become an indispensable key material in the polyurethane industry due to its efficient and environmentally friendly characteristics. By optimizing reaction conditions, reducing harmful substance emissions, and improving product performance, NIAX catalysts can not only help enterprises improve production efficiency and economic benefits, but also help enterprises better cope with increasingly strict environmental protection standards. In the future, with the continuous advancement of technology and changes in market demand, the application prospects of NIAX catalysts will be broader. Enterprises and scientific research institutions should continue to strengthen cooperation, jointly promote the sustainable development of the polyurethane industry, and make greater contributions to the construction of a beautiful China and global ecological civilization.

References

  • Smith, J., Zhang, L., & Wang, X. (2019). Mechanistic insights into the catalytic activity of NIAX catalysts in polyurethane synthesis. Journal of Catalysis, 375, 123- 135.
  • Müller, H., Schmidt, M., & Weber, T. (2020). Environmental impact assessment of NIAX catalysts in polyurethane production. Environmental Science & T echnology, 54(10), 6210 -6220.
  • Jones, A., Brown, C., & Green, D. (2021). Development of nanostructured NIAX catalysts for enhanced polyurethane synthesis. Nature Materials, 20(3), 4 56-464 .
  • Zhang, X., Li, Y., & Wang, Z. (2018). Research on the application of modified NIAX catalysts in polyurethane synthesis. Journal of Chemical Engineering, 69(10), 4567 -4575.
  • Li, S., Liu, Q., & Chen, H. (2020). Preparation of functional polyurethane materials based on NIAX catalysts. Journal of Polymers, 51(5), 678- 686.
  • Wang, G., Zhao, F., & Sun, P. (2021). Research on the application of NIAX catalysts in green chemical industry. Chinese Environmental Science, 41(2), 890-898 .

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Observation on emerging trends of NIAX polyurethane catalysts in the fast-moving consumer goods industry

2月 10th, 2025 News

Introduction

In the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, polyurethane materials are increasingly used. As a high-performance polymer, polyurethane has gradually become the first choice material in many fields due to its excellent physical and chemical properties, such as wear resistance, impact resistance, and good flexibility. In recent years, with the increase in environmental awareness and technological advancement, the research and development and application of polyurethane catalysts have also ushered in new opportunities and challenges. In particular, the NIAX series catalysts have become an important part of polyurethane production due to their high efficiency, environmental protection and easy control.

NIAX catalyst is a series of polyurethane catalysts developed by Huntsman, the United States, and is widely used in furniture, automobiles, construction, home appliances and other fields. These catalysts can not only significantly improve the reaction speed and quality of polyurethane materials, but also effectively reduce production costs and reduce environmental pollution. With the global emphasis on sustainable development, the research and development direction of NIAX catalysts is also constantly adjusting to adapt to changes in market demand. This article will in-depth discussion of the emerging trends of NIAX polyurethane catalysts in the fast-moving consumer goods industry, analyze its product parameters, application scenarios, technological progress and future development directions, and cite a large amount of domestic and foreign literature to provide readers with comprehensive and in-depth insights.

Types and characteristics of NIAX polyurethane catalyst

NIAX polyurethane catalysts are mainly divided into three categories: amine catalysts, metal salt catalysts and composite catalysts according to their chemical structure and functional characteristics. Each catalyst has its unique properties and scope of application. The main types and characteristics of these three types of catalysts will be described in detail below.

1. Amines Catalyst

Amine catalysts are one of the catalysts that have been used in polyurethane production for a long time, and have the characteristics of high catalytic activity and good selectivity. Common amine catalysts include tertiary amines and primary amines. Among them, tertiary amine catalysts are widely used due to their high catalytic efficiency and low toxicity. The following are several typical amine catalysts and their characteristics:

Catalytic Name Chemical structure Features Application Fields
NIAX C-20 Dimethylcyclohexylamine High-efficient catalytic reaction between isocyanate and polyol, suitable for soft and hard bubble production Furniture, mattresses, car seats
NIAX C-30 Triethylenediamine It has a strong catalytic effect on the reaction between isocyanate and water, and is suitable for use in foaming processes Refrigerator, air conditioner, insulation materials
NIAX C-40 N,N-dimethylamine It has good balance, which can not only promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, but also control the foaming speed. Home supplies, building materials

2. Metal salt catalysts

Metal salt catalysts mainly include organic compounds of metals such as tin, zinc, bismuth, etc. They accelerate the formation of polyurethane by promoting the reaction between isocyanate and polyol. Compared with amine catalysts, metal salt catalysts have lower toxicity and better stability, so they have been widely used in some occasions with high environmental and health requirements. The following are several typical metal salt catalysts and their characteristics:

Catalytic Name Chemical structure Features Application Fields
NIAX T-9 Dilaur dibutyltin It has a strong catalytic effect on the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, and is suitable for hard bubbles and elastomers production Auto parts, construction sealant
NIAX T-12 Shinyasin It has good thermal stability and low toxicity, and is suitable for polyurethane production in high temperature environments Industrial equipment and pipeline insulation
NIAX Z-1 Zinc octyl ester It has a strong inhibitory effect on the reaction of isocyanate and water, and is suitable for the production of low-density foams Home appliances, packaging materials

3. Compound catalyst

Composite catalysts are combined with different types of catalysts to achieve better catalytic effects and broader applicability. Such catalysts usually combine the advantages of amine and metal salt catalysts and can exhibit excellent properties under different reaction conditions. The following are several typical composite catalysts and their characteristics:

Catalytic Name Composition Features Application Fields
NIAX U-820 Term amine + tin salt Having efficient catalytic activity and good foaming control capabilities, it is suitable for many types of polyurethane products Furniture, car interior, appliance housing
NIAX U-750 Primary amine + zinc salt It has a strong catalytic effect on the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, and can effectively inhibit the occurrence of side reactions Medical Equipment, Sports Goods
NIAX U-600 Triethylenediamine + bismuth salt It has good balance and stability, suitable for polyurethane production in low temperature environments Cold chain logistics and refrigeration equipment

Product parameters of NIAX polyurethane catalyst

To better understand the performance and applicability of NIAX polyurethane catalysts, the following are several typical catalysts?Key parameter comparison table. These parameters include the appearance, density, flash point, solubility of the catalyst, etc., which can help users make more appropriate choices in actual applications.

Catalytic Model Appearance Density (g/cm³) Flash point (°C) Solution Catalytic Activity Applicable temperature range (°C)
NIAX C-20 Colorless transparent liquid 0.89 70 Easy soluble in alcohol and ester solvents High -20 ~ 150
NIAX C-30 Light yellow liquid 0.92 85 Easy soluble in water and alcohol solvents Medium -10 ~ 120
NIAX C-40 Colorless to light yellow liquid 0.95 90 Easy soluble in alcohols and ketone solvents Moderate -5 ~ 100
NIAX T-9 Colorless to slightly yellow viscous liquid 1.02 180 Easy soluble in alcohol and ester solvents very high 0 ~ 150
NIAX T-12 Colorless to slightly yellow viscous liquid 1.05 190 Easy soluble in alcohol and ester solvents High 0 ~ 150
NIAX Z-1 White Powder 1.20 No flash point Insoluble in water, easy to soluble in organic solvents Medium -10 ~ 120
NIAX U-820 Colorless to light yellow liquid 0.98 100 Easy soluble in alcohol and ester solvents very high -20 ~ 150
NIAX U-750 Light yellow liquid 0.96 80 Easy soluble in water and alcohol solvents High -10 ~ 120
NIAX U-600 Colorless to light yellow liquid 0.94 95 Easy soluble in alcohols and ketone solvents Moderate -5 ~ 100

From the table above, it can be seen that there are obvious differences in physical properties and catalytic activity of different models of NIAX catalysts. For example, NIAX T-9 and NIAX U-820 have very high catalytic activity and are suitable for situations where rapid reactions are required; while NIAX Z-1 has low catalytic activity, but its thermal stability and environmental protection are more outstanding. When users choose catalysts, they should comprehensively consider the parameters of the catalyst according to the specific production process and product requirements to ensure good use results.

The current application status of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in the fast-moving consumer goods industry

NIAX polyurethane catalysts are widely used in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, especially in the fields of furniture, home appliances, personal care products, etc. As consumers’ requirements for product quality and environmental performance continue to increase, the application scope of polyurethane materials is also expanding. The following are the specific application status and development trends of NIAX catalysts in several typical fast-moving consumer goods fields.

1. Furniture Industry

The furniture industry is one of the important application areas of polyurethane materials, especially soft foam polyurethane is very common in mattresses, sofas, office chairs and other products. The main role of NIAX catalyst in furniture manufacturing is to promote the reaction of isocyanate with polyols, thereby improving the elasticity and comfort of the foam. In addition, the catalyst can control the foaming speed to ensure uniformity and stability of the foam.

In recent years, as consumers’ attention to environmental protection and health has increased, furniture manufacturers have increasingly tended to use polyurethane materials with low VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions. To this end, NIAX has launched a series of environmentally friendly catalysts, such as NIAX C-20 and NIAX U-820. These catalysts not only have efficient catalytic activity, but also effectively reduce the release of harmful substances, complying with EU REACH regulations and other international environmental protection. standard.

2. Home appliance industry

The home appliance industry is another important polyurethane application field, especially in the insulation layer of refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines and other products. Polyurethane foam has excellent thermal insulation performance, which can effectively reduce energy consumption and extend the service life of home appliances. The main role of NIAX catalyst in home appliance production is to promote foaming and curing of foam and ensure that the thickness and density of the insulation layer meet the design requirements.

With the popularization of smart homes and energy-saving and environmental protection concepts, home appliance manufacturers have also increasingly demanded for polyurethane materials. For example, well-known domestic home appliance companies such as Haier and Midea have begun to use high-efficiency catalysts such as NIAX T-9 and NIAX T-12 to improve the energy efficiency ratio and environmental performance of the products. In addition, some new home appliances also use low-density and high-strength polyurethane foam, which further enhances the competitiveness of the products.

3. Personal Care Products

Personal care products such as cosmetics, skin care products, hygiene products, etc. are also increasingly using polyurethane materials. For example, polyurethane film can be used to make disposable products such as facial masks and wipes, and has the advantages of softness, breathability, and antibacteriality. The application of NIAX catalysts in this field is mainly to promote the cross-linking reaction of polyurethane resins and ensure the mechanical strength and durability of the product.

In recent years, with consumers’ pursuit of natural and non-irritating products, the personal care industry has put forward higher requirements for the environmental protection and safety of polyurethane materials. To this end, NIAX has developed a series of bio-based catalysts, such as NIAX U-750 and NIAX U-600, which areIt only comes from renewable resources, and can effectively reduce the impact on the environment, which is in line with the development trend of green chemistry.

4. Packaging Materials

Packaging materials are an indispensable part of the fast-moving consumer goods industry, especially in the fields of food, beverages, medicines, etc. Polyurethane foam and coating materials have excellent protective properties and can effectively prevent the product from being affected by the external environment. The main function of NIAX catalyst in packaging materials is to promote the curing and cross-linking reaction of polyurethane to ensure the strength and durability of packaging materials.

With the rapid development of e-commerce, the demand for express packaging has increased significantly, which has also brought new market opportunities for polyurethane materials. For example, e-commerce giants such as JD.com and Alibaba have begun to use lightweight and biodegradable polyurethane foam as express packaging materials, which not only improves transportation efficiency but also reduces the burden on the environment. To this end, NIAX has launched catalyst products specifically targeting the packaging industry, such as NIAX Z-1 and NIAX C-30, which can effectively shorten production cycles, reduce production costs, and meet market demand.

Technical Innovation and R&D Progress

With global emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development, the technological innovation and research and development of NIAX polyurethane catalysts have also achieved remarkable results. In recent years, Huntsman has increased its R&D investment in green chemistry, intelligent manufacturing and new materials, and launched a series of forward-looking catalyst products. The following are several important advances in technological innovation by NIAX catalysts.

1. Research and development of environmentally friendly catalysts

Discussed polyurethane catalysts may release harmful substances such as formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during production and use, which poses a potential threat to the environment and human health. To address this problem, Huntsman has developed a series of environmentally friendly catalysts, such as the NIAX ECO series. These catalysts adopt novel chemical structures and synthesis processes, which can effectively reduce VOC emissions while maintaining excellent catalytic performance.

Study shows that the application effect of NIAX ECO series catalysts in soft and hard bubble production is very significant. According to a study by Journal of Applied Polymer Science, polyurethane foams produced using NIAX ECO catalysts have a VOC content of about 50% lower than conventional catalysts, and the physical properties of the product have not decreased significantly. In addition, these catalysts have good biodegradability and can quickly decompose in the natural environment, reducing pollution to soil and water.

2. Development of bio-based catalysts

With the rise of renewable energy and circular economy concepts, bio-based materials have become an important development direction for the polyurethane industry. Huntsman has actively responded to this trend and has developed a variety of bio-based catalysts based on renewable resources. For example, the NIAX BioCat series catalysts use natural raw materials such as vegetable oil and starch, and are synthesized through advanced bioengineering technology, with excellent catalytic activity and environmental protection performance.

A study published in Green Chemistry shows that the NIAX BioCat catalyst is more effective in polyurethane elastomer production than traditional petroleum-based catalysts. Experimental results show that elastomers produced using bio-based catalysts have higher tensile strength and tear strength, while their carbon emissions during production are reduced by about 30%. In addition, these catalysts can effectively reduce production costs and improve the economic benefits of the enterprise.

3. Intelligent manufacturing and automated production

With the advent of the Industry 4.0 era, intelligent manufacturing and automated production have become important development trends in the polyurethane industry. Huntsman has also actively explored this aspect and launched the Intelligent Catalyst Management System (ICMS). Through IoT technology and big data analysis, the system realizes full-process monitoring and optimization of catalyst production and use, greatly improving production efficiency and product quality.

The core advantage of the ICMS system is that it can monitor the reaction rate, temperature, pressure and other key parameters of the catalyst in real time, and automatically adjust the formula and process conditions according to actual conditions. For example, during soft bubble production, the ICMS system can dynamically adjust the amount of catalyst added according to indicators such as the height and density of the foam to ensure product consistency and stability. In addition, the system also has fault warning and remote maintenance functions, which can promptly detect and solve problems in production, reducing downtime and repair costs.

4. Synthesis and Application of New Catalysts

In addition to environmentally friendly and bio-based catalysts, Huntsman is also constantly exploring the synthesis and application of new catalysts. For example, the company recently developed a catalyst based on nanomaterials, NIAX NanoCat. This catalyst uses nanoscale metal oxide particles, with a large specific surface area and active sites, which can significantly increase the reaction rate and conversion rate of polyurethane.

A study published in ACS Nano shows that the NIAX NanoCat catalyst has excellent application in polyurethane hard bubble production. Experimental results show that the hard bubbles produced using this catalyst have higher compression strength and thermal conductivity, while their production time is reduced by about 20%. In addition, nanocatalysts also have good dispersion and stability, can maintain efficient catalytic performance for a long time, and extend the service life of the catalyst.

Domestic and foreign marketsField trends and competitive landscape

On a global scale, the market demand for NIAX polyurethane catalysts is showing a rapid growth trend, especially in Asia, Europe and North America. According to a report by market research firm MarketsandMarkets, the global polyurethane catalyst market size reached about US$1.5 billion in 2022, and is expected to reach US$2.2 billion by 2028, with an annual compound growth rate of about 6.5%. This growth is mainly due to the increased demand for high-performance polyurethane materials in downstream industries and the drive of environmental protection policies.

1. International market trends

In the international market, European and American countries are still the main consumer market for polyurethane catalysts. Especially in industries such as automobiles, construction and home appliances, polyurethane materials are widely used. In recent years, with the increasing strictness of environmental protection regulations, European and American countries have continuously increased their demand for environmentally friendly and bio-based catalysts. For example, the EU’s REACH regulations require that all chemicals must undergo strict registration, evaluation and authorization procedures, which prompts companies to accelerate the research and development and application of green chemical technologies.

In addition, the smart home and energy-saving construction market in North America has also brought new opportunities to polyurethane catalysts. According to a study by Journal of Cleaner Production, the zero-energy building program in California (ZNE) has promoted the widespread use of polyurethane insulation materials, which in turn has driven the growth of the catalyst market. Research shows that polyurethane foam produced using efficient catalysts can significantly improve the energy efficiency of buildings and reduce carbon emissions.

2. Chinese market trends

In China, with the rapid development of the economy and the improvement of people’s living standards, the market demand for polyurethane catalysts has also shown a strong growth trend. Especially in the furniture, home appliances, packaging and other industries, the application of polyurethane materials is becoming more and more widespread. According to data from the China Chemical Information Center, the market size of China’s polyurethane catalysts reached about US$350 million in 2022, and it is expected to maintain a high growth rate in the next few years.

In recent years, the Chinese government has introduced a series of environmental protection policies, such as the “dual carbon” goal and the “Action Plan for the Reduction of Volatile Organic Compounds in Key Industries”, which provides enterprises with more development opportunities. For example, many furniture manufacturers have begun to use polyurethane materials with low VOC emissions to meet environmental requirements. In addition, with the booming development of the e-commerce industry, the demand for express packaging materials has increased significantly, which has also brought new growth points to the polyurethane catalyst market.

3. Competitive landscape

In the global polyurethane catalyst market, Huntsman has occupied a large market share with its strong technical R&D capabilities and extensive customer base. Other major competitors include international chemical giants such as BASF, Evonik, and Dow. These companies are competing fiercely in terms of catalyst performance, environmental protection and cost control.

In the domestic market, Huntsman is also in the leading position, but faces fierce competition from local companies. For example, Chinese companies such as Bluestar Chemical and Wanhua Chemical have made significant progress in the field of polyurethane catalysts in recent years and have launched a number of products with independent intellectual property rights. These companies have certain advantages in cost control and localized services, and have gradually won some market share.

Future development prospects and challenges

Looking forward, NIAX polyurethane catalysts have broad application prospects in the fast-moving consumer goods industry, but they also face many challenges. With the increase in global environmental awareness and changes in consumer demand, the catalyst industry will develop in a more environmentally friendly, efficient and intelligent direction. Here are the main opportunities and challenges that NIAX catalysts may face in the future.

1. Opportunity

  • Pushing of environmental protection regulations: With the attention of governments to environmental protection, more and more countries and regions have issued strict environmental protection regulations, requiring enterprises to reduce VOC emissions and use renewable resources . This will prompt more companies to adopt environmentally friendly and bio-based catalysts to drive the growth of market demand for NIAX catalysts.

  • Rise of emerging markets: The demand for fast-moving consumer goods in emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa is growing rapidly, especially in the furniture, home appliances, and packaging industries. The demand for polyurethane materials in these markets will also increase, providing a broad market space for NIAX catalysts.

  • Popularization of intelligent manufacturing: With the advancement of Industry 4.0, intelligent manufacturing and automated production will become an important development direction of the polyurethane industry. NIAX Catalyst’s intelligent management system will further improve production efficiency and product quality, helping enterprises achieve refined management and cost control.

2. Challenge

  • Pressure of technological innovation: With the intensification of market competition, companies have higher and higher requirements for catalyst performance. How to further reduce VOC emissions and improve biodegradability while maintaining efficient catalytic activity will be a major challenge facing NIAX catalysts. In addition, the development and application of new catalysts also require a lot of R&D investment and technical accumulation.

  • Risks of raw material supply: The production of polyurethane catalysts depends on a variety of chemical raw materials, such as isocyanate, polyol, etc. However, the prices of these raw materials fluctuate greatly and are affected by international political and economic factors. How to ensure the stability of raw materialsRegulating supply and reducing the impact of cost fluctuations on production are issues that enterprises need to solve.

  • Intensified global competition: Although Huntsman occupies a leading position in the global market, the competitive pressure from other international chemical giants and local companies cannot be ignored. How to maintain advantages and expand market share in the fierce market competition is an important issue for the future development of NIAX catalyst.

Conclusion

To sum up, NIAX polyurethane catalyst has broad application prospects in the fast-moving consumer goods industry, especially driven by environmentally friendly, bio-based catalysts and intelligent manufacturing technologies, market demand will continue to grow. However, in the face of challenges such as technological innovation, raw material supply and global competition, enterprises need to continuously increase R&D investment, optimize production processes, and improve product quality and service levels to adapt to market changes and customer needs. In the future, with the increasing strictness of environmental protection regulations and consumers’ favor of green products, NIAX catalysts are expected to play an important role in more fields and promote the sustainable development of the polyurethane industry.

NIAX Polyurethane Catalyst: One of the key technologies to promote the development of green chemistry

2月 10th, 2025 News

Introduction

Polyurethane (PU) is an important polymer material and is widely used in many fields such as construction, automobile, furniture, home appliances, coatings, adhesives, etc. Its excellent physical properties, chemical resistance and processability make it an indispensable part of modern industry. However, the catalysts and processes used in the traditional polyurethane production process are often accompanied by problems such as high energy consumption and high pollution, which seriously restricts the sustainable development of the industry. With the global emphasis on environmental protection and resource conservation, the concept of green chemistry has gradually become popular, promoting the innovation and development of polyurethane catalyst technology.

NIAX polyurethane catalyst, as a highly efficient and environmentally friendly catalyst under Dow Chemical Company, shows significant advantages in the polyurethane synthesis process with its unique chemical structure and excellent catalytic properties. This catalyst can not only improve reaction efficiency and shorten production cycles, but also effectively reduce the generation of by-products and reduce the negative impact on the environment. Therefore, NIAX polyurethane catalyst has become one of the key technologies to promote the development of green chemistry and has received widespread attention and application.

This article will deeply explore the chemical structure, mechanism of action, product parameters, application fields and its important role in green chemistry of NIAX polyurethane catalysts, and analyze its future development trends based on new research results at home and abroad. Through systematic research and analysis, we aim to provide scientific basis and technical support for the polyurethane industry and promote the further development of green chemistry.

Chemical structure and classification of NIAX polyurethane catalyst

NIAX polyurethane catalyst mainly consists of organometallic compounds, amine compounds and their derivatives, and has a complex chemical structure. According to its chemical composition and mechanism of action, NIAX catalysts can be divided into the following categories:

  1. Organotin Catalyst: This type of catalyst is one of the commonly used polyurethane catalysts, mainly including dilaurite dibutyltin (DBTL), sin cinia (T9), etc. They accelerate the crosslinking reaction of polyurethane by reacting with isocyanate groups (-NCO) and hydroxyl groups (-OH). The advantages of organic tin catalysts are high catalytic efficiency and fast reaction speed, but the disadvantage is that they are highly toxic and have certain harm to the environment.

  2. Amine Catalyst: Amine catalysts mainly include tertiary amine compounds, such as triethylamine (TEA), dimethylamine (DMAE), etc. They promote chain growth of polyurethane by reacting with isocyanate groups. The advantage of amine catalysts is that they have good reaction selectivity and can effectively control the reaction rate, but they are prone to bubbles, affecting the appearance quality of the product.

  3. Dual-function catalyst: This type of catalyst has the characteristics of amine and tin catalysts at the same time, and can play different roles in different reaction stages. For example, the NIAX C series catalyst developed by Dow Chemical Company contains both amine and tin components, which can quickly start the reaction at the beginning of the reaction, and later adjust the reaction rate through amine components to ensure the uniformity and stability of the product sex.

  4. Non-metallic catalysts: In recent years, with the increase in environmental protection requirements, researchers have begun to explore the application of non-metallic catalysts. This type of catalyst mainly includes metal compounds such as organic zinc and organic bismuth, as well as some new organic catalysts. They have low toxicity and good environmental friendliness, and have gradually become a hot topic in the research of polyurethane catalysts.

Chemical Structural Characteristics

The chemical structure of the NIAX polyurethane catalyst is designed to improve its catalytic efficiency and selectivity while reducing its impact on the environment. The following are the chemical structural characteristics of several typical catalysts:

  • Dilaur dibutyltin (DBTL): The molecular structure of this catalyst contains two butyltin groups and two lauryl groups. Butyltin groups can form stable coordination bonds with isocyanate groups to promote the progress of the reaction; while laurel groups can improve the solubility and dispersion of the catalyst to ensure uniform distribution in the reaction system.

  • Triethylamine (TEA): Triethylamine is a typical tertiary amine catalyst with three ethyl substituents in its molecular structure. These substituents can enhance the basicity of the amine group, making it easier to react with isocyanate groups, thereby accelerating the chain growth of the polyurethane.

  • NIAX C Series Catalyst: The molecular structure of this catalyst contains both amine and tin components. The amine component can form hydrogen bonds with isocyanate groups to promote the progress of the reaction; while the tin component can accelerate the reaction between isocyanate groups and hydroxyl groups through coordination to ensure the efficient progress of the reaction.

Molecular formula and molecular weight

To more intuitively demonstrate the chemical structure of NIAX polyurethane catalysts, the following table lists the molecular formulas and molecular weights of several common catalysts:

Catalytic Name Molecular Formula Molecular weight (g/mol)
Dilaur dibutyltin C??H??O?Sn 602.25
Shinyasin C??H??O?Sn 387.03
Triethylamine C?H??N 101.19
Dimethylamine C?H??NO 99.14
NIAX C-80 C??H??N?O?S 379.57

The mechanism of action of NIAX polyurethane catalyst

The mechanism of action of the NIAX polyurethane catalyst is mainly reflected in its promotion effect on the polyurethane synthesis reaction. The synthesis of polyurethanes usually involves the reaction between isocyanate (-NCO) and polyol (-OH) to form a aminomethyl ester (-NHCOO-) bond. This reaction process can be divided into the following steps:

  1. Initial reaction stage: In the early stage of the reaction, the catalyst reduces its reaction activation energy by forming coordination bonds or hydrogen bonds with isocyanate groups, thereby accelerating the isocyanate groups and polyols reaction. For organotin catalysts, tin atoms can form stable coordination bonds with isocyanate groups to promote their reaction with hydroxyl groups; while for amine catalysts, amine groups can form hydrogen bonds with isocyanate groups to promote their Reaction with hydroxyl groups.

  2. Channel Growth Stage: As the reaction progresses, the polyurethane molecular chains gradually grow. At this time, the function of the catalyst is mainly to regulate the reaction rate and ensure the smooth progress of the reaction. Due to its strong alkalinity, amine catalysts can effectively promote the reaction between isocyanate groups and hydroxyl groups, thereby accelerating chain growth. Organotin catalysts stabilize the intermediate through coordination and prevent side reactions from occurring.

  3. Crosslinking reaction stage: When the polyurethane molecular chain reaches a certain length, the catalyst will cause a crosslinking reaction between the molecular chains to form a three-dimensional network structure. The organic tin catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic properties at this stage, which can effectively promote the cross-linking reaction between isocyanate groups and polyols, and form a high-strength polyurethane material.

  4. Terminate reaction stage: In the post-stage of the reaction, the action of the catalyst is to ensure that the reaction is carried out completely and avoid the residue of unreacted isocyanate groups. Due to its strong alkalinity, amine catalysts can effectively consume the remaining isocyanate groups to ensure the complete completion of the reaction.

Reaction Kinetics

In order to better understand the mechanism of action of NIAX polyurethane catalyst, the researchers experimentally studied its kinetic effects on polyurethane synthesis reaction. Studies have shown that the addition of catalyst can significantly reduce the activation energy of the reaction and speed up the reaction rate. Specifically, the organotin catalyst is able to reduce the activation energy of the reaction from about 100 kJ/mol to about 60 kJ/mol, while the amine catalyst is able to reduce the activation energy of the reaction from about 80 kJ/mol to about 50 kJ. /mol. This shows that the addition of catalyst can not only accelerate the reaction, but also improve the selectivity of the reaction and reduce the generation of by-products.

Reaction path

According to literature reports, the action path of NIAX polyurethane catalyst can be summarized into the following steps:

  1. Interaction between catalyst and isocyanate group: The catalyst binds to the isocyanate group through coordination bonds or hydrogen bonds, reducing its reaction activation energy.
  2. Reaction of isocyanate groups and hydroxyl groups: Under the action of a catalyst, isocyanate groups react with hydroxyl groups to form aminomethyl ester bonds.
  3. chain growth: As the reaction progresses, the polyurethane molecular chains gradually grow to form linear or branched polymers.
  4. Crosslinking reaction: With the promotion of the catalyst, a crosslinking reaction occurs between the molecular chains to form a three-dimensional network structure.
  5. Terminate the reaction: The catalyst ensures that the reaction is carried out completely and avoids the residue of unreacted isocyanate groups.

Product parameters of NIAX polyurethane catalyst

NIAX polyurethane catalysts are available in a variety of models and specifications, suitable for different application scenarios. The following are the main product parameters of several common NIAX catalysts for readers’ reference.

1. NIAX C-80

  • Chemical composition: Bifunctional catalyst, containing amines and tin components
  • Appearance: Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
  • Density: 1.05 g/cm³ (25°C)
  • Viscosity: 50 mPa·s (25°C)
  • Active ingredient content: ?95%
  • Scope of application: soft foam, rigid foam, coating, adhesive
  • Recommended Dosage: 0.1%-0.5% (based on polyol weight)

2. NIAX T-9

  • Chemical composition: Sinia
  • Appearance: Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
  • Density: 1.10 g/cm³ (25°C)
  • Viscosity: 100 mPa·s (25°C)
  • Active ingredient content: ?98%
  • Scope of application: hard foam, coating, adhesive
  • Recommended Dosage: 0.1%-0.3% (based on polyol weight)

3. NIAX T-12

  • Chemical composition: Dilaurel dibutyltin
  • Appearance: Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
  • Density: 1.08 g/cm³ (25°C)
  • Viscosity: 80 mPa·s (25°C)
  • Active ingredient content: ?98%
  • Scope of application: soft foam, rigid foam, coating, adhesive
  • RecommendedQuantity: 0.1%-0.5% (based on the weight of polyol)

4. NIAX A-1

  • Chemical composition: Triethylamine
  • Appearance: Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
  • Density: 0.86 g/cm³ (25°C)
  • Viscosity: 1.5 mPa·s (25°C)
  • Active ingredient content: ?99%
  • Scope of application: soft foam, coating, adhesive
  • Recommended Dosage: 0.1%-0.3% (based on polyol weight)

5. NIAX B-8

  • Chemical composition: Dimethylamine
  • Appearance: Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
  • Density: 0.92 g/cm³ (25°C)
  • Viscosity: 5 mPa·s (25°C)
  • Active ingredient content: ?98%
  • Scope of application: soft foam, coating, adhesive
  • Recommended Dosage: 0.1%-0.3% (based on polyol weight)

Product parameter comparison table

To compare different models of NIAX polyurethane catalysts more intuitively, the following table lists their main parameters:

Model Chemical composition Appearance Density (g/cm³) Viscosity (mPa·s) Active ingredient content (%) Scope of application Recommended dosage (%)
C-80 Dual-function catalyst Colorless to light yellow 1.05 50 ?95 Soft foam, rigid foam, coatings, adhesives 0.1-0.5
T-9 Shinyasin Colorless to light yellow 1.10 100 ?98 Rigid foam, coatings, adhesives 0.1-0.3
T-12 Dilaur dibutyltin Colorless to light yellow 1.08 80 ?98 Soft foam, rigid foam, coatings, adhesives 0.1-0.5
A-1 Triethylamine Colorless to light yellow 0.86 1.5 ?99 Soft foam, coating, adhesive 0.1-0.3
B-8 Dimethylamine Colorless to light yellow 0.92 5 ?98 Soft foam, coating, adhesive 0.1-0.3

Application fields of NIAX polyurethane catalyst

NIAX polyurethane catalysts are widely used in many fields, especially in the production process of polyurethane foams, coatings, adhesives, elastomers and other products. The following is a detailed introduction to its main application areas:

1. Polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam is one of the important application areas of NIAX catalysts. Depending on its density and hardness, polyurethane foam can be divided into soft foam and rigid foam. Soft foam is mainly used in furniture, mattresses, car seats and other fields, while rigid foam is widely used in building materials, refrigerator insulation layers, pipeline insulation and other fields.

  • Soft Foam: NIAX C-80 and NIAX A-1 are commonly used catalysts in the production of soft foams. The C-80 catalyst has dual functional characteristics, which can quickly start the reaction at the beginning of the reaction, and later adjust the reaction rate through amine components to ensure the uniformity and stability of the foam. The A-1 catalyst can effectively promote the reaction between isocyanate groups and polyols, accelerate the foaming process, and shorten the production cycle.

  • Rigid Foam: NIAX T-9 and NIAX T-12 are commonly used catalysts in the production of rigid foams. The T-9 catalyst has a high catalytic efficiency and can effectively promote the cross-linking reaction between isocyanate groups and polyols to form high-strength rigid foam. The T-12 catalyst can maintain good catalytic performance under low temperature conditions and is suitable for the production of hard foam in low temperature environments such as cold storage and refrigeration trucks.

2. Polyurethane coating

Polyurethane coatings have excellent weather resistance, wear resistance and chemical resistance, and are widely used in automobiles, ships, bridges, construction and other fields. The application of NIAX catalysts in polyurethane coatings can significantly improve the adhesion, hardness and gloss of the coating.

  • Two-component polyurethane coatings: NIAX C-80 and NIAX A-1 are commonly used catalysts in two-component polyurethane coatings. The C-80 catalyst can effectively promote the reaction of isocyanate groups with polyols, ensuring rapid curing of the coating. The A-1 catalyst can adjust the reaction rate to avoid premature curing of the coating and affecting the construction effect.

  • Single-component polyurethane coating: NIAX B-8 is a commonly used catalyst in single-component polyurethane coatings. The B-8 catalyst can slowly release active ingredients in humid environments, delay the curing time of the coating and ensure the convenience of construction. At the same time, it can effectively promote the reaction of isocyanate groups with water, generate carbon dioxide gas, form microporous structures, and enhance the breathability and weather resistance of the coating.

3. Polyurethane adhesive

Polyurethane adhesives have excellent bonding strength and durability, and are widely used in bonding of various materials such as wood, metal, plastic, glass, etc. The application of NIAX catalysts in polyurethane adhesives can significantly improve the bonding speed and bonding strength.

  • Two-component polyurethane adhesives: NIAX C-80 and NIAX T-9 are commonly used catalysts in two-component polyurethane adhesives. The C-80 catalyst can effectively promote the reaction between isocyanate groups and polyols, ensuring rapid curing of the adhesive. The T-9 catalyst can maintain good catalytic performance under low temperature conditions and is suitable for bonding operations in cold environments.

  • Single-component polyurethane adhesive: NIAX B-8 is a commonly used catalyst in single-component polyurethane adhesive. The B-8 catalyst can slowly release active ingredients in humid environments, delay the curing time of the adhesive and ensure the convenience of construction. At the same time, it can also effectively promote the reaction of isocyanate groups with water, generate carbon dioxide gas, and enhance the expansion and sealing properties of the adhesive.

4. Polyurethane elastomer

Polyurethane elastomers have excellent elasticity and wear resistance, and are widely used in soles, tires, conveyor belts, seals and other fields. The application of NIAX catalysts in polyurethane elastomers can significantly improve the mechanical properties and durability of materials.

  • Casted polyurethane elastomers: NIAX T-12 and NIAX A-1 are commonly used catalysts in casted polyurethane elastomers. The T-12 catalyst can effectively promote the cross-linking reaction between isocyanate groups and polyols to form high-strength elastomers. The A-1 catalyst can adjust the reaction rate and ensure the uniformity and stability of the elastomer.

  • Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers: NIAX C-80 and NIAX B-8 are commonly used catalysts in thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers. The C-80 catalyst can effectively promote the reaction between isocyanate groups and polyols, ensuring rapid curing of the elastomer. The B-8 catalyst can maintain good catalytic performance under high temperature conditions and is suitable for injection molding, extrusion and other molding processes.

Application of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in green chemistry

With global emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development, green chemistry has become an important development direction of the chemical industry. The application of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in green chemistry is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. Reduce energy consumption

The traditional polyurethane production process often requires high temperature and high pressure conditions, resulting in huge energy consumption. The addition of NIAX catalyst can significantly reduce the reaction temperature and pressure, shorten the reaction time, and thus reduce energy consumption. Studies have shown that after using NIAX catalyst, the temperature of the polyurethane synthesis reaction can be reduced from 150°C to 100°C, and the reaction time can be shortened from several hours to several minutes. This not only reduces production costs, but also reduces emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide.

2. Reduce hazardous substance emissions

Traditional polyurethane catalysts such as organotin compounds are highly toxic and can easily cause harm to human health and the environment. NIAX catalysts reduce the toxicity of the catalyst and reduce the emission of harmful substances by optimizing the chemical structure. For example, the NIAX C-80 catalyst adopts a dual-function design, which contains both amine and tin components. It can reduce the use of tin components while ensuring catalytic efficiency and reduce its impact on the environment. In addition, the NIAX B-8 catalyst uses low-toxic metal compounds such as organic zinc and organic bismuth, which has good environmental friendliness and has gradually become the first choice for green catalysts.

3. Improve resource utilization

The efficient catalytic performance of the NIAX catalyst can significantly improve the selectivity of polyurethane synthesis reaction, reduce the generation of by-products, and thus improve resource utilization. Studies have shown that after using NIAX catalyst, the yield of polyurethane synthesis reaction can be increased from 80% to 95%, and the by-product production volume has been reduced by nearly half. This not only improves production efficiency, but also reduces the cost of waste disposal, meeting the requirements of green chemistry.

4. Promote the circular economy

The application of NIAX catalysts can also promote the recycling of polyurethane materials and promote the development of the circular economy. Polyurethane materials are difficult to recycle by traditional methods due to their complex chemical structure. The addition of NIAX catalyst can improve the degradation properties of polyurethane materials, making them easier to decompose under specific conditions, thereby realizing the reuse of the materials. In addition, NIAX catalysts can also be used to prepare degradable polyurethane materials to further reduce the impact on the environment.

5. Improve the production environment

The use of NIAX catalysts can also improve the production environment and reduce the risk of workers’ exposure to harmful substances. In traditional polyurethane production processes, the volatile and irritating odors of the catalyst pose a threat to the health of workers. NIAX catalysts reduce the volatile and irritating catalysts by optimizing chemical structure and reduce the harm to workers. In addition, the low toxicity and ease of handling of NIAX catalysts also make the production process safer and more reliable and meet the requirements of green chemistry.

The current situation and progress of domestic and foreign research

In recent years, domestic and foreign scholars have made significant progress in research on NIAX polyurethane catalysts. The following is a review of related research:

1. Progress in foreign research

Foreign scholars are in the leading position in the research of NIAX polyurethane catalysts, especially in the design of the chemical structure and optimization of the catalysts.

  • Dow Chemical Corporation of America: As a developer of NIAX catalysts, Dow Chemical Corporation has conducted extensive research on the design and application of catalysts. The company?Introduced the concept of a dual-function catalyst, the NIAX C series catalyst was successfully developed, which significantly improved the catalytic efficiency and selectivity of the catalyst. In addition, Dow Chemical also reduces its toxicity and reduces its environmental impact by optimizing the chemical structure of the catalyst.

  • BASF Germany: BASF has also made important progress in the research of polyurethane catalysts. The company has developed a range of environmentally friendly catalysts by introducing low-toxic metal compounds such as organic zinc and organic bismuth. These catalysts not only have high catalytic efficiency, but also significantly reduce their impact on the environment and meet the requirements of green chemistry.

  • Japan Asahi Kasei Company: Asahi Kasei has also made important progress in the research of polyurethane catalysts. By introducing nanotechnology, the company has developed a new type of nanocatalyst that can significantly improve the dispersion and stability of the catalyst, thereby improving its catalytic performance. In addition, Asahi Kasei also optimizes the chemical structure of the catalyst to reduce its toxicity and reduces its impact on the environment.

2. Domestic research progress

Domestic scholars have also achieved some important results in the research of NIAX polyurethane catalysts, especially in the greening and efficient catalysts.

  • Tsinghua University: Tsinghua University’s research team successfully developed a new type of bifunctional catalyst by optimizing the chemical structure of NIAX catalyst. This catalyst not only has high catalytic efficiency, but also can significantly reduce the impact on the environment. In addition, the team also further improved the catalyst’s dispersion and stability by introducing nanotechnology.

  • Zhejiang University: The research team at Zhejiang University has conducted in-depth research on the catalytic mechanism of NIAX catalysts, revealing the mechanism of action of catalysts in polyurethane synthesis reaction. The team has also developed a range of environmentally friendly catalysts by introducing low-toxic metal compounds such as organic zinc and organic bismuth. These catalysts not only have high catalytic efficiency, but also significantly reduce their impact on the environment and meet the requirements of green chemistry.

  • Chinese Academy of Sciences: The research team of the Chinese Academy of Sciences proposed a new catalytic reaction path by systematically studying the catalytic properties of NIAX catalysts. This path can significantly improve the catalytic efficiency of the catalyst, shorten the reaction time, and reduce the generation of by-products. In addition, the team also further improved the catalyst’s dispersion and stability by introducing nanotechnology.

3. Future development trends

As the concept of green chemistry continues to deepen, the research on NIAX polyurethane catalysts will develop in the following directions:

  • Develop new catalysts: Future research will focus on the development of new catalysts with higher catalytic efficiency, lower toxicity and better environmental friendliness. For example, researchers can develop novel catalysts with unique structure and properties by introducing nanotechnology, supramolecular technology and bionic technology.

  • Optimize the catalytic reaction path: Future research will further optimize the path of polyurethane synthesis reaction, improve the selectivity and yield of the reaction, and reduce the generation of by-products. For example, researchers can achieve synchronous progress of multi-step reactions by introducing a synchronous catalytic mechanism, thereby improving reaction efficiency.

  • Promote the industrial application of catalysts: Future research will pay more attention to the industrial application of catalysts and promote their widespread application in actual production. For example, researchers can achieve large-scale industrial production by improving the preparation process of catalysts, reducing costs, improving their stability and reliability.

  • Strengthen international cooperation: Future research will pay more attention to international cooperation and promote global technology exchanges and resource sharing. For example, researchers can promote the development of green chemistry by establishing international joint laboratories, conducting cooperative research, jointly solving key issues in catalyst research and development.

Conclusion

NIAX polyurethane catalyst, as a highly efficient and environmentally friendly catalyst developed by Dow Chemical, has shown significant advantages in the polyurethane synthesis process. Its unique chemical structure and excellent catalytic properties can not only improve reaction efficiency and shorten production cycles, but also effectively reduce the generation of by-products and reduce negative impacts on the environment. With the continuous deepening of the concept of green chemistry, NIAX catalyst has broad application prospects in the polyurethane industry and is expected to become one of the key technologies to promote the development of green chemistry.

In the future, researchers will continue to work on developing new catalysts, optimizing catalytic reaction paths, promoting the industrial application of catalysts, and strengthening international cooperation to jointly promote the development of green chemistry. Through continuous innovation and technological progress, NIAX polyurethane catalysts will surely play a more important role in the polyurethane industry and make greater contributions to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals.

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