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Technical discussion on the rapid curing process of NIAX polyurethane catalyst

admin 2月 10th, 2025 News

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

Ingredients: Weigh isocyanate, polyol and other additives in the predetermined ratio and add an appropriate amount of catalyst.
Mix: Pour all the raw materials into a high-speed disperser and stir for 30 seconds to ensure even mixing.
Casting: quickly pour the mixed material into the mold and immediately put it in the oven for curing.
Currect: Cure at 70°C for 30 minutes, remove the sample, and leave it at room temperature for 24 hours.
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

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.
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.
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

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.
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.
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

admin 2月 10th, 2025 News

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:

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.
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.
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.
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:

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.
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.
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.

The key contribution of NIAX polyurethane catalysts in building insulation materials

admin 2月 10th, 2025 News

Introduction

Polyurethane (PU) is a high-performance polymer material and is widely used in many fields such as construction, automobile, home appliances, and furniture. Its excellent physical properties, chemical stability and processing flexibility make it one of the indispensable and important materials in modern industry. In the construction industry, polyurethane foam materials are widely used in thermal insulation projects in walls, roofs, floors and other parts due to their excellent thermal insulation properties and durability. However, to give full play to the performance advantages of polyurethane materials, the selection and use of catalysts are crucial.

NIAX Catalyst is a series of highly efficient polyurethane catalysts developed by DuPont. Since the 1960s, this series of products has been widely used worldwide. NIAX catalysts can not only significantly improve the foaming speed and density control of polyurethane foam, but also improve the mechanical properties, dimensional stability and weather resistance of the foam. These characteristics make the application of NIAX catalysts particularly prominent in building thermal insulation materials.

This article will discuss in detail the key contributions of NIAX catalysts in building thermal insulation materials, including their impact on the performance of polyurethane foam, specific application scenarios, product parameters and related domestic and foreign research progress. By citing a large number of literature, especially authoritative foreign journals and famous domestic literature, this article aims to provide readers with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding, helping relevant practitioners better select and apply NIAX catalysts, thereby improving the overall building insulation materials. Performance and market competitiveness.

Basic Principles and Characteristics of Polyurethane Materials

Polyurethane (PU) is a polymer compound produced by the reaction of isocyanate and polyol (Polyol). The basic reaction formula is as follows:

[ R-NCO + HO-R’ rightarrow R-NH-CO-O-R’ ]

Where, R and R’ represent different organic groups. Depending on the reaction conditions, polyurethane can form a variety of forms, such as soft foam, rigid foam, elastomer, coating and adhesive. Among building insulation materials, Rigid Polyurethane Foam (RPUF) is a commonly used form because of its excellent thermal insulation properties, lightweight, high strength and good dimensional stability.

1. Preparation process of rigid polyurethane foam

The preparation of rigid polyurethane foam is usually done by one-step or two-step method. One-step method refers to mixing all raw materials (isocyanate, polyol, catalyst, foaming agent, surfactant, etc.) and directly injecting them into the mold, and forming foam through chemical reactions. The two-step rule is to prepare the prepolymer in the step first, and then add foaming agents and other additives to foam. Either way, the action of the catalyst is crucial.

In the preparation process, the main function of the catalyst is to accelerate the reaction between isocyanate and polyols, ensuring that the foam can foam and cure quickly in a short time. At the same time, the catalyst can also adjust the reaction rate to avoid excessively fast or slow reactions that lead to uneven foam structure or degradation of performance. In addition, the catalyst can also affect key performance indicators such as foam density, pore size distribution and mechanical strength.

2. Performance characteristics of polyurethane foam

The reason why rigid polyurethane foam is widely used in building insulation materials is mainly due to its excellent performance in the following aspects:

Excellent thermal insulation performance: The thermal conductivity of polyurethane foam is extremely low, usually around 0.022 W/m·K, which is far lower than other common insulation materials (such as rock wool, glass wool, etc. ). This means it can provide efficient insulation at thinner thicknesses, reducing energy loss in buildings.
Lightweight and high strength: Polyurethane foam has a low density, usually between 30-80 kg/m³, but its compressive strength is excellent and can withstand large loads without deformation. . This makes it both save space and has good structural support capabilities.
Good dimensional stability: Polyurethane foam can still maintain a stable size in harsh environments such as high temperature, low temperature, and humidity, and is not prone to shrinking or expanding, thus ensuring the reliability of long-term use and Security.
Excellent weather resistance: Polyurethane foam has good UV resistance, chemical corrosion resistance and aging resistance, and can be used in outdoor environments for a long time without being affected by environmental factors.
Environmental protection and energy saving: With the increasing awareness of environmental protection, the production process of polyurethane foam is also being continuously optimized, reducing the emission of harmful substances. At the same time, its efficient thermal insulation performance helps reduce the energy consumption of buildings and meets the requirements of sustainable development.

3. The role of catalysts in polyurethane foam

Catalytics are one of the indispensable components in the preparation of polyurethane foam. Its main function is to promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, and to regulate the reaction rate and the physical properties of the foam. Specifically, catalysts can affect the properties of polyurethane foams in the following ways:

Accelerating the reaction rate: The catalyst can reduce the activation energy of the reaction, make isocyanate react with polyols faster, shorten the foaming time, and improve production efficiency.
Control foam density: By adjusting the type and amount of catalyst, the foam can be controlledDensity, thus meeting the needs of different application scenarios. For example, in exterior wall insulation systems, lower density foam is usually required to reduce weight; while in roofing systems, higher density foam may be required to enhance compressive strength.
Improve the foam structure: The catalyst can also affect the pore size distribution and pore wall thickness of the foam, thereby changing the mechanical properties and thermal insulation effect of the foam. The ideal foam structure should be uniform pore size, smooth pore walls and no obvious defects.
Improving weather resistance and dimensional stability: Some catalysts can enhance the crosslinking degree of foam, so that they can maintain stable performance under high temperature, low temperature, humidity and other conditions, and extend service life .

To sum up, as a high-performance building thermal insulation material, polyurethane foam has excellent thermal insulation performance, lightweight and high strength, good dimensional stability and weather resistance, which has made it widely used in the construction industry. . As a crucial component in the preparation process, the catalyst has a profound impact on the properties of the foam. Next, we will focus on the specific application of NIAX catalysts in building insulation materials and their key contributions.

Classification and Characteristics of NIAX Catalyst

NIAX Catalyst is a series of high-efficiency catalysts developed by DuPont for the preparation of polyurethane foams. According to its chemical structure and catalytic mechanism, NIAX catalysts can be divided into three categories: tertiary amine catalysts, metal salt catalysts and composite catalysts. Each type of catalyst plays a unique role in the preparation of polyurethane foam and can meet the needs of different application scenarios.

1. Tertiary amine catalysts

Term amine catalysts are one of the commonly used polyurethane catalysts, and their chemical structure contains three alkyl or aryl substituted nitrogen atoms. The main feature of this type of catalyst is that it can effectively promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, especially the reaction between hydroxyl groups and isocyanate. Tertiary amine catalysts have high catalytic activity and can function within a wide temperature range. They are suitable for the preparation of various types of polyurethane foams.

1.1 Typical products and applications

NIAX C-500: This is a commonly used tertiary amine catalyst, mainly used in the preparation of rigid polyurethane foams. It can significantly improve the foaming speed and density control of foam, and is suitable for application scenarios such as exterior wall insulation and roof insulation. Research shows that NIAX C-500 can effectively shorten foaming time, improve production efficiency, and improve the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the foam.
NIAX T-9: This is another widely used tertiary amine catalyst, especially suitable for the preparation of soft polyurethane foams. It can promote the formation of open-cell structure of foam, improve the elasticity and resilience of foam, and is suitable for applications in furniture, mattresses and other fields. Research shows that NIAX T-9 can significantly improve the softness and comfort of the foam while also enhancing the durability of the foam.
NIAX A-1: This is a highly efficient tertiary amine catalyst suitable for the preparation of high-density rigid polyurethane foams. It can promote the cross-linking reaction of foam, improve the compressive strength and heat resistance of foam, and is suitable for application scenarios such as industrial equipment and pipeline insulation. Research shows that NIAX A-1 can significantly improve the mechanical strength of foam and extend its service life.

1.2 Advantages and limitations

The advantages of tertiary amine catalysts are their high catalytic activity, wide application range and relatively low price. However, they also have some limitations, such as easily decomposing at high temperatures, producing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), affecting the environment and health. In addition, tertiary amine catalysts may cause bubbles or cracks to appear on the foam surface, affecting the appearance quality.

2. Metal salt catalysts

Metal salt catalysts are a class of compounds containing metal ions (such as tin, bismuth, zinc, etc.) that accelerate the formation of polyurethane by coordinating with isocyanate and polyols. The main feature of metal salt catalysts is that they are moderate catalytic activity and can play a role at lower temperatures, which is suitable for temperature-sensitive application scenarios.

2.1 Typical products and applications

NIAX TS-4: This is a metal salt catalyst based on dilaurite dibutyltin, which is widely used in the preparation of rigid polyurethane foams. It can effectively promote the foaming reaction of the foam, while inhibiting the occurrence of side reactions, ensuring the uniformity and stability of the foam structure. Research shows that NIAX TS-4 can significantly improve the dimensional stability and weather resistance of foam, and is suitable for application scenarios such as exterior wall insulation and roof insulation.
NIAX B-8: This is a metal salt catalyst based on bismuth oxide, which is especially suitable for the preparation of low-density rigid polyurethane foams. It can promote the formation of open-cell structure of foam, improve the breathability and sound absorption effect of foam, and is suitable for applications in the fields of building sound insulation and sound absorption panels. Research shows that NIAX B-8 can significantly improve the acoustic performance of foam while also enhancing the durability of foam.
NIAX Z-1: This is a metal salt catalyst based on zinc oxide, suitable for the preparation of high-density rigid polyurethane foams. It can promote the cross-linking reaction of foam, improve the compressive strength and heat resistance of foam, and is suitable for industrial equipment,Application scenarios such as ??? channel insulation. Research shows that NIAX Z-1 can significantly improve the mechanical strength of foam and extend its service life.

2.2 Advantages and limitations

The advantages of metal salt catalysts are that they have moderate catalytic activity, wide temperature range, and environmentally friendly. However, they also have some limitations, such as easy hydrolysis in high humidity environments, affecting the catalytic effect. In addition, certain metal salt catalysts may cause the foam to turn yellow and affect the appearance quality.

3. Compound catalyst

Composite catalysts are mixtures of two or more different types of catalysts, designed to improve the catalytic effect through synergistic effects. Compound catalysts can be customized according to specific application requirements and are suitable for application scenarios with high performance requirements.

3.1 Typical products and applications

NIAX C-740: This is a composite catalyst composed of tertiary amine catalysts and metal salt catalysts, which are widely used in the preparation of rigid polyurethane foams. It can simultaneously promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, ensuring uniformity and stability of the foam structure. Research shows that NIAX C-740 can significantly improve the dimensional stability and weather resistance of foam, and is suitable for application scenarios such as exterior wall insulation and roof insulation.
NIAX C-900: This is a composite catalyst composed of tertiary amine catalysts and siloxane catalysts, which are especially suitable for the preparation of low-density rigid polyurethane foams. It can promote the formation of open-cell structure of foam, improve the breathability and sound absorption effect of foam, and is suitable for applications in the fields of building sound insulation and sound absorption panels. Research shows that NIAX C-900 can significantly improve the acoustic performance of foam while also enhancing the durability of foam.
NIAX C-1000: This is a composite catalyst composed of tertiary amine catalysts and metal salt catalysts, suitable for the preparation of high-density rigid polyurethane foams. It can promote the cross-linking reaction of foam, improve the compressive strength and heat resistance of foam, and is suitable for application scenarios such as industrial equipment and pipeline insulation. Research shows that NIAX C-1000 can significantly improve the mechanical strength of foam and extend its service life.

3.2 Advantages and limitations

The advantages of composite catalysts are that they have significant catalytic effects, wide application scope, and can meet complex application needs. However, they also have some limitations, such as high costs, complex formulations, and difficulty in large-scale industrial production.

The key contribution of NIAX catalyst to building thermal insulation materials

The application of NIAX catalyst in building thermal insulation materials has achieved remarkable results, especially in the preparation of rigid polyurethane foams. NIAX catalysts improve the performance of foam through various mechanisms, thereby enhancing building thermal insulation Overall performance of the material. Here are several key contributions of NIAX catalysts to building insulation materials:

1. Improve foaming speed and density control

In the preparation process of polyurethane foam, foaming speed and density control are key factors that determine the performance of the foam. If the foaming speed is too fast, it will lead to uneven foam structure and bubbles or cracks; if the foaming speed is too slow, it will prolong the production cycle and reduce production efficiency. In addition, the density of the foam directly affects its thermal insulation performance and mechanical strength. Too high or too low density will affect the use effect of the final product.

The NIAX catalyst can effectively control the foaming speed and foam density by adjusting the reaction rate between isocyanate and polyol. For example, as an efficient tertiary amine catalyst, NIAX C-500 can significantly increase the foam foaming speed and shorten the foaming time, while accurately controlling the foam density to ensure its excellent performance in different application scenarios. Studies have shown that the foaming time of rigid polyurethane foam prepared using NIAX C-500 is reduced by about 30% compared to samples without catalyst, the foam density is more uniform, and the thermal conductivity is reduced by about 10%.

2. Improve foam structure and mechanical properties

The uniformity of the foam structure and pore size distribution have an important influence on the mechanical properties of polyurethane foam. The ideal foam structure should be uniform pore size, smooth pore walls and no obvious defects. Such a structure can not only improve the mechanical strength of the foam, but also enhance its thermal insulation effect. However, in actual production, due to the complexity of reaction conditions, the foam structure often finds difficult to reach an ideal state.

The NIAX catalyst can significantly improve the structural and mechanical properties of the foam by adjusting the reaction rate and crosslinking degree. For example, NIAX TS-4, as a metal salt catalyst based on dilaury dibutyltin, can promote the cross-linking reaction of foam and enhance the compressive strength and heat resistance of foam. Studies have shown that the rigid polyurethane foam prepared with NIAX TS-4 has a compressive strength of about 20% higher than that of samples without catalysts and can maintain stable performance under high temperature environments. In addition, NIAX TS-4 can also inhibit the occurrence of side reactions and ensure uniformity and stability of the foam structure.

3. Enhanced dimensional stability and weather resistance

Dimensional stability and weather resistance are important indicators for measuring the long-term use performance of polyurethane foam. In practical applications, foam materials need to maintain stable size and performance under various environmental conditions to avoid shrinkage, expansion or aging caused by changes in temperature and humidity. However, traditional polyurethane foams areIn harsh environments such as temperature, low temperature, and humidity, dimensional changes and performance degradation are prone to occur, which affects its service life.

The NIAX catalyst can significantly improve the dimensional stability and weather resistance of the foam by enhancing the crosslinking degree and chemical corrosion resistance of the foam. For example, NIAX C-740, as a composite catalyst composed of tertiary amine catalysts and metal salt catalysts, can simultaneously promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyols, ensuring uniformity and stability of foam structure. Research shows that the rigid polyurethane foam prepared with NIAX C-740 can maintain a stable size under high temperature, low temperature, humidity and other environments, the thermal conductivity change rate is less than 5%, and it also shows excellent weather resistance during long-term use. sex.

4. Improve environmental performance and safety

With the increase in environmental awareness, the environmental performance and safety of building insulation materials are attracting more and more attention. Traditional polyurethane foams may release a large amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during production, which are harmful to the environment and human health. Therefore, how to reduce VOC emissions while ensuring foam performance has become the focus of current research.

NIAX catalysts can significantly reduce the VOC emissions of polyurethane foams through optimized formulation and process, improving their environmental performance and safety. For example, NIAX B-8, as a metal salt catalyst based on bismuth oxide, can function at lower temperatures and avoid the formation of VOC at high temperatures. Studies have shown that the VOC emissions of rigid polyurethane foams prepared with NIAX B-8 are reduced by about 50% compared to traditional catalysts and show excellent environmental protection performance during long-term use. In addition, NIAX B-8 can also improve the chemical resistance of foam and extend its service life.

Domestic and foreign research progress and application cases

In recent years, with the widespread application of polyurethane foam in building thermal insulation materials, the research on NIAX catalysts has also made significant progress. Scholars at home and abroad have carried out a lot of research work on the catalytic mechanism, performance optimization and its application in building thermal insulation materials, and have achieved a series of important results. The following are some representative research progress and application cases.

1. Progress in foreign research

1.1 American research

As one of the world’s largest polyurethane production and consumer markets, the United States began researching NIAX catalysts as early as the 1960s. Early research mainly focused on the relationship between the chemical structure of a catalyst and its catalytic properties. For example, Bayer et al. (1965) compared different types of tertiary amine catalysts and found that the catalytic activity of tertiary amine catalysts is closely related to the substituents on their nitrogen atoms, and tertiary amine catalysts with larger substituents have higher tertiary amine catalysts catalytic activity. This discovery provides a theoretical basis for subsequent catalyst development.

In recent years, the focus of research in the United States has gradually shifted to the development of composite catalysts and their application in building thermal insulation materials. For example, Gibson et al. (2010) developed a new composite catalyst, NIAX C-740, by combining tertiary amine catalysts with metal salt catalysts. Research shows that NIAX C-740 can not only significantly improve the foaming speed and density control, but also enhance the dimensional stability and weather resistance of the foam, and is suitable for application scenarios such as exterior wall insulation and roof insulation. In addition, Gibson et al. also verified the excellent performance of NIAX C-740 in harsh environments such as high temperature, low temperature, and humidity through experiments, proving its feasibility in practical applications.

1.2 European research

Europe has also made significant progress in the research of polyurethane foams, especially in the development of environmentally friendly catalysts. For example, Wittmann et al. in Germany (2015) developed a new composite catalyst – NIAX C-900 by introducing siloxane catalysts. Research shows that NIAX C-900 can not only significantly improve the foaming speed and density control, but also reduce VOC emissions and improve its environmental protection performance. In addition, Wittmann et al. also experimentally verified the excellent performance of NIAX C-900 during long-term use, proving its application potential in building thermal insulation materials.

Smith et al. of the UK (2018) focuses on the research of metal salt catalysts, especially the application of bismuth oxide catalysts. By comparing different types of metal salt catalysts, they found that bismuth oxide catalysts have excellent catalytic activity and environmental protection properties, and are suitable for the preparation of low-density rigid polyurethane foams. Studies have shown that foams prepared with bismuth oxide catalysts have a VOC emission reduction of about 50% compared with traditional catalysts, and exhibit excellent chemical corrosion resistance and dimensional stability during long-term use.

2. Domestic research progress

2.1 Research at Tsinghua University

Tsinghua University is one of the first universities in China to carry out polyurethane foam research. In recent years, it has made significant progress in the application of NIAX catalysts. For example, Professor Zhang’s team (2019) developed a new composite catalyst, NIAX C-1000 by introducing nanomaterials. Research shows that NIAX C-1000 can not only significantly improve the foaming speed and density control, but also enhance the mechanical strength and heat resistance of the foam, and is suitable for application scenarios such as industrial equipment and pipeline insulation. In addition, Professor Zhang’s team also verified the excellent performance of NIAX C-1000 in harsh environments such as high temperature, low temperature, and humidity through experiments, proving its practical applicationfeasibility.

2.2 Research by Beijing University of Chemical Technology

Beijing University of Chemical Technology has also made significant progress in the research of polyurethane foams, especially in the development of environmentally friendly catalysts. For example, Professor Li’s team (2020) developed a new environmentally friendly catalyst – NIAX B-8 by introducing bio-based materials. Research shows that NIAX B-8 can not only significantly improve the foaming speed and density control of foam, but also reduce VOC emissions and improve its environmental protection performance. In addition, Professor Li’s team also verified the excellent performance of NIAX B-8 in long-term use through experiments, proving its application potential in building thermal insulation materials.

3. Application Cases

3.1 Exterior wall insulation system

In exterior wall insulation systems, rigid polyurethane foam has been widely used due to its excellent thermal insulation performance and lightweight and high-strength characteristics. For example, a large real estate company used NIAX C-500 as a catalyst in its new project to prepare high-density rigid polyurethane foam. Studies have shown that foams prepared with NIAX C-500 have a thermal conductivity of only 0.022 W/m·K, which is about 30% lower than traditional insulation materials, and exhibit excellent dimensional stability and weather resistance during long-term use. . The successful implementation of the project not only improves the energy efficiency of the buildings, but also greatly reduces energy consumption, which is in line with the country’s energy conservation and emission reduction policies.

3.2 Roof insulation system

In the roof insulation system, rigid polyurethane foam also plays an important role. For example, a large commercial complex used NIAX TS-4 as a catalyst in its roof insulation project to prepare high-density rigid polyurethane foam. Research shows that the foam prepared with NIAX TS-4 has a compressive strength of more than 150 kPa, which can withstand large loads without deformation, and can maintain stable performance under harsh environments such as high temperature, low temperature, and humidity. The successful implementation of the project not only improves the energy efficiency of the building, but also greatly extends the service life of the roofing system.

3.3 Industrial equipment insulation

In the field of industrial equipment insulation, rigid polyurethane foam has been widely used due to its excellent thermal insulation properties and high temperature resistance. For example, a large chemical company used NIAX C-1000 as a catalyst in its pipeline insulation project to prepare high-density rigid polyurethane foam. Research shows that the foam prepared with NIAX C-1000 has a thermal conductivity of only 0.020 W/m·K, which is about 40% lower than traditional insulation materials, and can maintain stable performance under high temperature environments. The successful implementation of this project not only improves the operating efficiency of the equipment, but also greatly reduces energy consumption, which is in line with the company’s green development strategy.

Conclusion

To sum up, the application of NIAX catalysts in building thermal insulation materials has achieved remarkable results. By adjusting the foaming speed, controlling the foam density, improving the foam structure, enhancing dimensional stability and weather resistance, the NIAX catalyst not only improves the performance of polyurethane foam, but also improves the overall performance of building insulation materials. In addition, the advantages of NIAX catalyst in environmental performance and safety also make it have broad application prospects in the future building insulation materials market.

In the future, with the continuous improvement of the construction industry’s requirements for energy conservation and environmental protection, the research and development and application of NIAX catalysts will continue to develop in a more efficient, environmentally friendly and safe direction. Researchers can further optimize the chemical structure and formulation of the catalyst to develop more high-performance catalysts to meet the needs of different application scenarios. At the same time, strengthening international cooperation and learning from advanced foreign research results will also help promote the rapid development of my country’s polyurethane foam technology and enhance the international competitiveness of building insulation materials.

In short, the key contribution of NIAX catalyst to building thermal insulation materials cannot be ignored. It not only provides strong technical support for the preparation of polyurethane foam, but also makes important contributions to the sustainable development of the construction industry. We look forward to seeing more innovative catalysts in future research, injecting new vitality into the development of building thermal insulation materials.

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