Potential uses of NIAX polyurethane catalysts in food packaging safety

Introduction

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

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

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

Product parameters of NIAX polyurethane catalyst

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

1. Chemical composition and structure

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

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

2. Physical properties

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

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

3. Catalytic properties

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

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

4. Environmental protection and toxicity

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

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

5. Application scope

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

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

Application of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in food packaging

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

1. Food grade polyurethane film

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

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

2. Food grade polyurethane coating

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

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

3. Food grade polyurethane adhesive

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

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

Safety Assessment

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

1. Chemical substance migration

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

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

2. Biocompatibility

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

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

3. Toxicology Test

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

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

4. Compliance with regulations

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

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

Status of domestic and foreign research

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

1. Current status of foreign research

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

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

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

2. Current status of domestic research

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

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

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

Future development trends

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

1. Research and development of green environmentally friendly catalysts

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

2. Development of intelligent food packaging materials

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

3. Personalized custom food packaging materials

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

4. Improvement of regulations and standards

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

Conclusion

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

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

Introduction

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

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

The basic principles of NIAX catalyst

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

1. Amines Catalyst

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

2. Metal salt catalysts

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

3. Compound catalyst

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

NIAX Catalyst Product Parameters

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

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

Factors affecting the performance of NIAX catalyst

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

1. Reaction temperature

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

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

2. Humidity

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

3. Raw material ratio

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

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

4. Stirring speed

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

Optimization method of NIAX catalyst

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

1. Select the right catalyst type

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

2. Optimize the catalyst dosage

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

3. Control reaction conditions

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

4. Adopt advanced detection technology

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

Progress in domestic and foreign research

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

1. Catalyst Modification

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

2. Development of new catalysts

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

3. Research on reaction mechanism

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

Introduction

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

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

8154 Mechanism of Action of Catalyst

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

1. Delayed catalytic effect

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

2. Selective Catalysis

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

3. Thermal Stability

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

4. Low toxicity

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

8154 Catalyst Application Scope

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

1. Soft foam polyurethane

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

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

2. Hard foam polyurethane

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

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

3. Polyurethane coating

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

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

4. Polyurethane adhesive

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

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

8154 Product parameters of catalyst

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

1. Physical and chemical properties

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

2. Recommended dosage

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

Summary of relevant domestic and foreign literature

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

1. Overview of foreign literature

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

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

2. Domestic literature review

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

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

Conclusion

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

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