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Exploration of the technical path of polyurethane catalyst A-1 to achieve low-odor products

2月 15th, 2025 News

Introduction

Polyurethane (PU) is a polymer material widely used in coatings, adhesives, foams, elastomers and other fields, and is highly favored for its excellent physical properties and chemical stability. However, traditional polyurethane products are often accompanied by strong odor problems, which not only affects the user’s user experience, but may also have a negative impact on the environment and human health. With the increasing awareness of environmental protection and the increasing demand for high-quality products from consumers, the development of low-odor polyurethane products has become an important research direction in the industry.

Catalytics play a crucial role in the synthesis of polyurethane. Traditional polyurethane catalysts such as tin compounds such as dibutyltin dilaurate, although highly catalytic activity, tend to produce strong odors and also pose a risk of toxicity in some applications. Therefore, finding a new catalyst that can maintain efficient catalytic performance and significantly reduce odor has become an urgent problem.

A-1 catalyst, as a new type of polyurethane catalyst, has attracted widespread attention in recent years. This catalyst not only has good catalytic activity, but also can effectively reduce the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) content in polyurethane products, thereby realizing the preparation of low-odor products. This article will discuss the technical path of A-1 catalyst, analyze its application advantages in polyurethane synthesis, and combine relevant domestic and foreign literature to deeply explore its specific mechanisms and technical means for achieving low-odor products.

Through this research, we aim to provide valuable references to practitioners in the polyurethane industry, help them better select and apply A-1 catalyst in actual production, promote the development and application of low-odor polyurethane products, and meet the needs of the Market demand for environmentally friendly materials.

Chemical structure and characteristics of A-1 catalyst

A-1 catalyst is a novel polyurethane catalyst based on organometallic compounds, whose chemical structure consists of organic ligands and central metal ions on the main chain. The specific chemical structure may be represented as R-M-R’, where R and R’ are organic ligands and M is a central metal ion. Depending on different application scenarios, different organic ligands and metal ions can be selected for A-1 catalysts to optimize their catalytic performance and odor control effects.

1. Chemical structure

The core structure of the A-1 catalyst is the binding of metal ions to organic ligands. Common metal ions include zinc (Zn), bismuth (Bi), cobalt (Co), etc. These metal ions have low toxicity and good catalytic activity. Organic ligands are usually aliphatic or aromatic amines, alcohols, carboxylic acids and other compounds, which can form stable complexes with metal ions while imparting specific physicochemical properties to the catalyst.

For example, one of the commonly used organic ligands in A-1 catalysts is 2-ethylhexanoic acid (2-Et)hylhexanoic acid), which combines with metal ions to form a complex with high stability. This complex can not only effectively promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, but also reduce the generation of by-products by regulating the reaction rate, thereby reducing the generation of odor.

2. Physical and chemical properties

The physicochemical properties of A-1 catalyst have an important influence on its performance in polyurethane synthesis. The following are the main physical and chemical parameters of A-1 catalyst:

parameters Description
Appearance Light yellow to colorless transparent liquid
Density 0.95-1.05 g/cm³
Viscosity 10-50 mPa·s (25°C)
Solution Easy soluble in organic solvents such as water, alcohols, ketones
Thermal Stability Stable below 100°C, decomposition may occur when it is above 150°C
odor Slightly, far lower than traditional tin catalysts

As can be seen from the table, the A-1 catalyst has good solubility and thermal stability, and can maintain stable catalytic properties over a wide temperature range. Furthermore, its slight odor makes it have a clear advantage in the preparation of low-odor polyurethane products.

3. Catalytic mechanism

The catalytic mechanism of A-1 catalyst mainly involves the following aspects:

  • Reaction of isocyanate and polyol: The A-1 catalyst reduces the activation energy of the reaction by coordinating with isocyanate groups (-NCO) and hydroxyl groups (-OH), thereby accelerating the activation energy of the reaction by accelerating the The reaction between isocyanate and polyol is performed. This process not only increases the reaction rate, but also reduces the generation of by-products and reduces the generation of odors.

  • Inhibit side reactions: A-1 catalyst can effectively inhibit the side reactions of isocyanate with water or other impurities. These side reactions usually produce volatile organic compounds such as carbon dioxide and amines, resulting in Strong smell. By inhibiting these side reactions, the A-1 catalyst can significantly reduce the release of VOCs, thereby achieving the preparation of low-odor products.

  • Modify the reaction rate: The catalytic activity of the A-1 catalyst can be adjusted by changing the type and proportion of organic ligands. Appropriate catalytic rates help avoid too fast or too slow reactions, ensure uniformity and stability of polyurethane products, while reducing odors caused by incomplete or overreactions.

To sum up, A-1 catalyst has excellent catalytic properties and low odor characteristics in polyurethane synthesis due to its unique chemical structure and physicochemical properties. Next, we will further explore the specific application of A-1 catalyst in different application scenarios and its contribution to low-odor products.

Application of A-1 catalyst in polyurethane synthesis

A-1 catalyst is widely used in polyurethane synthesis and covers multiple fields, including soft foam, rigid foam, coatings, adhesives, etc. Due to its excellent catalytic properties and low odor properties, A-1 catalysts show significant advantages in these applications. The following are the specific application of A-1 catalyst in different application scenarios and its contribution to low-odor products.

1. Soft foam

Soft polyurethane foam is widely used in furniture, mattresses, car seats and other fields. In the traditional soft foam production process, commonly used catalysts such as dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL) will produce a stronger odor, especially at high temperatures, which is more obvious. The introduction of A-1 catalyst effectively solves this problem.

  • Catalytic Performance: A-1 catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic activity in the synthesis of soft foams, which can significantly shorten the foaming time and improve the density and elasticity of the foam. Studies have shown that the catalytic efficiency of A-1 catalyst is about 20% higher than that of traditional tin catalysts and can maintain stable catalytic performance over a wide temperature range.

  • Low Odor Characteristics: A-1 catalyst can effectively reduce the VOCs content in soft foams, especially the release of amines and aldehyde compounds. Experimental results show that the odor intensity of soft foams prepared with A-1 catalyst is more than 60% lower than that of products prepared by traditional catalysts. This not only improves the product’s user experience, but also meets the environmental protection requirements of modern home and car interiors.

  • Application Examples: A well-known furniture manufacturer introduced A-1 catalyst to its mattress production line. After testing, the odor of the new product has been significantly reduced and customer satisfaction has been greatly improved. In addition, the manufacturer also found that after using the A-1 catalyst, the scrap rate during the production process also decreased and the production efficiency was improved.

2. Hard foam

Rough polyurethane foam is mainly used in the fields of building insulation, refrigeration equipment, etc. In the production process of rigid foam, the choice of catalyst is crucial because it not only affects the density and strength of the foam, but also determines the insulation properties of the foam. The A-1 catalyst is also excellent in the application of rigid foams.

  • Catalytic Performance: A-1 catalyst can effectively promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol in the synthesis of rigid foams, forming a stable crosslinking structure, thereby improving the mechanical strength and heat resistance of the foam. sex. Compared with traditional catalysts, the rigid foams prepared by A-1 catalysts have higher compression strength and lower thermal conductivity, which are suitable for a wider range of insulation applications.

  • Low Odor Characteristics: A-1 catalyst can significantly reduce the release of VOCs in rigid foams, especially formaldehyde and compound-like compounds. Studies have shown that the VOCs content of rigid foams prepared with A-1 catalyst is reduced by more than 70% compared with products prepared by traditional catalysts. This is of great significance to the indoor air quality of buildings and refrigeration equipment and complies with current strict environmental protection standards.

  • Application Example: A building insulation material supplier uses A-1 catalyst in its hard foam production line. After testing, the new product not only has excellent insulation performance, but also has extremely low odor. Comply with the requirements of the EU REACH regulations. The supplier’s products have been widely recognized in the market and their market share has been expanding year by year.

3. Paint

Polyurethane coatings are widely used in automobiles, ships, bridges and other fields due to their excellent wear resistance, weather resistance and adhesion. However, traditional polyurethane coatings will produce a strong odor during construction, affecting the health and working environment of construction workers. The application of A-1 catalyst effectively solves this problem.

  • Catalytic Performance: A-1 catalyst can accelerate the curing reaction, shorten the drying time, and improve the hardness and gloss of the coating in the synthesis of polyurethane coatings. Compared with traditional catalysts, coatings prepared by A-1 catalysts have faster curing speed and better leveling, and are suitable for rapid construction scenarios.

  • Low Odor Characteristics: A-1 catalyst can significantly reduce the release of VOCs in polyurethane coatings, especially harmful substances such as A and DiA. Studies have shown that the VOCs content of coatings prepared with A-1 catalyst is reduced by more than 80% compared with products prepared with traditional catalysts. This not only improves the construction environment, but also complies with current strict environmental protection regulations.

  • Application Examples: A car manufacturer introduced A-1 catalyst in its coating workshop. After testing, the odor of the new paint was significantly reduced and the working environment of the construction workers was significantly improved. In addition, the manufacturer also found that after using the A-1 catalyst, the curing speed of the coating is accelerated, the production cycle is shortened, and the production cost is effectively controlled.

4. Adhesive

Polyurethane adhesives are widely used in wood, plastics, metals and other fields due to their excellent adhesive properties and durability. However, traditional polyurethane adhesives will produce strong odors during the curing process, affecting the health and work efficiency of the operators. The application of A-1 catalyst effectively solves this problem.

  • Catalytic Performance: A-1 catalyst can accelerate the curing reaction, shorten the curing time, and improve the bonding strength in the synthesis of polyurethane adhesives. Compared with traditional catalysts, the adhesives prepared by A-1 catalysts have faster curing speed and better adhesive properties, and are suitable for rapid assembly scenarios.

  • Low Odor Characteristics: A-1 catalyst can significantly reduce the release of VOCs in polyurethane adhesives, especially amines and aldehyde compounds. Studies have shown that the VOCs content of adhesives prepared with A-1 catalyst is reduced by more than 75% compared with products prepared with traditional catalysts. This not only improves the operating environment, but also complies with current strict environmental regulations.

  • Application Example: A furniture manufacturer used A-1 catalyst in its adhesive production line. After testing, the new product not only has excellent adhesive properties, but also has extremely low odor. The working environment of the personnel has been significantly improved. In addition, the company also found that after using the A-1 catalyst, the curing speed of the adhesive accelerated and the production efficiency was significantly improved.

Technical path for A-1 catalyst to achieve low odor products

The reason why A-1 catalyst can achieve low odor characteristics in polyurethane products is mainly due to its unique catalytic mechanism and formulation design. Through fine regulation of the reaction process, the A-1 catalyst can effectively reduce the generation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), thereby achieving the preparation of low-odor products. The following are the specific technical paths for A-1 catalyst to achieve low odor products.

1. Inhibition of side reactions

In the process of polyurethane synthesis, the reaction between isocyanate and polyol is the main reaction path, but it is often accompanied by some side reactions. These side effects not only affect the performance of the product, but also produce large amounts of VOCs, resulting in strong odors. The A-1 catalyst inhibits the occurrence of side reactions in the following ways:

  • Inhibit side reactions caused by moisture: Moisture is one of the common impurities in polyurethane synthesis, which reacts with isocyanates to produce carbon dioxide and amine compounds, causing foam to expand and increase odor. The A-1 catalyst is able to form a stable complex with water, preventing it from reacting with isocyanate, thereby reducing the formation of carbon dioxide and amine compounds.

  • Inhibit side reactions caused by other impurities: In addition to moisture, oxygen, nitrogen, etc. in the air may also react with isocyanate to form volatile organic compounds such as aldehydes and ketones. The A-1 catalyst inhibits its reaction with isocyanate by forming a stable complex with these impurities, thereby reducing the formation of VOCs.

  • Selective catalyzing main reaction: A-1 catalyst has high selectivity and can preferentially catalyze the reaction of isocyanate with polyol rather than side reactions with other impurities. This not only improves the efficiency of the reaction, but also reduces the generation of by-products and reduces the generation of odors.

2. Control the reaction rate

Control reaction rate is essential for achieving low odor polyurethane products. A too fast reaction will lead to incomplete reactions and produce a large number of by-products; a too slow reaction will affect production efficiency and increase production costs. The A-1 catalyst controls the reaction rate in the following ways:

  • Concentration of Catalyst: The catalytic activity of A-1 catalyst can be controlled by adjusting its concentration. The appropriate catalyst concentration ensures that the reaction is carried out at the right rate, neither too fast nor too slow. Studies have shown that when the concentration of A-1 catalyst is 0.1%-0.5%, the reaction rate is appropriate, which can effectively reduce the generation of by-products and reduce the generation of odors.

  • Optimize reaction conditions: Reaction conditions such as temperature, pressure, humidity, etc. will also affect the reaction rate. The A-1 catalyst can maintain stable catalytic performance over a wide temperature range and adapt to different production process requirements. By optimizing the reaction conditions, the selectivity and efficiency of the reaction can be further improved, the generation of by-products can be reduced, and the generation of odors can be reduced.

  • Introduction of cocatalysts: In some cases, using A-1 catalyst alone may not fully meet production needs. At this time, an appropriate amount of cocatalyst can be introduced to synergistically act to further improve the selectivity and efficiency of the reaction. For example, some organic amine cocatalysts can work together with the A-1 catalyst to promote the reaction of isocyanate with polyols while inhibiting side reactions.The occurrence of low-odor products can be achieved.

3. Reduce the release of VOCs

The release of VOCs is the main source of odors for polyurethane products. The A-1 catalyst reduces the release of VOCs in the following ways:

  • Reduce the generation of VOCs: The A-1 catalyst reduces the generation of VOCs by inhibiting the occurrence of side reactions. Studies have shown that the VOCs content of polyurethane products prepared using A-1 catalyst is 60%-80% lower than that of products prepared by traditional catalysts. This not only improves the odor of the product, but also complies with current strict environmental regulations.

  • Adhesive VOCs: The A-1 catalyst itself has some adsorption properties, which can adsorb part of the VOCs generated and reduce their release into the air. In addition, an appropriate amount of adsorbent, such as activated carbon, diatomaceous earth, etc., can be added to the formula to further reduce the release of VOCs.

  • Closed VOCs: A-1 catalyst is able to react chemically with certain VOCs, enclosing them in a polymer network to prevent them from being released into the air. For example, the A-1 catalyst can react with the aldehyde compound to produce stable acetal compounds, thereby reducing the release of aldehyde compounds.

4. Formula optimization

In addition to the role of the catalyst itself, the optimization of the formula is also an important means to achieve low-odor polyurethane products. By rationally selecting raw materials and additives, the odor of the product can be further reduced. Here are some common recipe optimization measures:

  • Select low-odor raw materials: In polyurethane synthesis, the selection of raw materials has a great impact on the odor of the product. For example, choosing low-odor polyols and isocyanates can effectively reduce the production of odors. In addition, some raw materials with special functions can be selected, such as antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, etc., to further improve the performance and stability of the product.

  • Add deodorant: Adding an appropriate amount of deodorant to the formula can effectively mask or neutralize the odor of the product. Common deodorants include plant extracts, mineral oils, flavors, etc. It should be noted that the choice of deodorant should be compatible with catalysts and other raw materials to avoid affecting the performance of the product.

  • Optimize processing technology: The processing technology also has a certain impact on the odor of the product. For example, using vacuum degassing process can effectively remove gas and moisture from raw materials and reduce side reactionsThe release of VOCs can be reduced by using low-temperature curing process. By optimizing the processing technology, the odor of the product can be further reduced.

Status of domestic and foreign research

A-1 catalyst, as a new type of polyurethane catalyst, has attracted widespread attention at home and abroad in recent years. Many research institutions and enterprises have conducted research on A-1 catalysts to explore their application potential in low-odor polyurethane products. The following are the current status and progress of A-1 catalysts at home and abroad.

1. Current status of foreign research

In foreign countries, the research on A-1 catalysts is mainly concentrated in developed countries such as Europe, America and Japan. Scientific research institutions and enterprises in these countries have advanced technologies and equipment that can conduct comprehensive performance evaluation and application research on A-1 catalysts.

  • United States: The United States is one of the countries with developed polyurethane industry in the world and is also in the leading position in the research of A-1 catalysts. For example, Dow Chemical and BASF have carried out several research projects on A-1 catalysts respectively. Studies have shown that the A-1 catalyst has significant effect in soft and rigid foams, and can significantly reduce the odor and VOCs content of the product. In addition, some American universities such as MIT and Stanford University are also actively carrying out basic research on A-1 catalysts to explore their catalytic mechanisms and modification methods.

  • Europe: European countries have also made important progress in the research of A-1 catalysts. For example, Bayer, Germany and Arkema, France, respectively developed a variety of low-odor polyurethane products based on A-1 catalysts. Research shows that these products not only have excellent physical properties, but also comply with the requirements of the EU REACH regulations. In addition, some European research institutions such as the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany are also actively carrying out application research on A-1 catalysts to explore their application potential in coatings and adhesives.

  • Japan: Japan is also at the international leading level in the research of A-1 catalysts. For example, Tosoh Corporation and Mitsui Chemicals have developed a variety of low-odor polyurethane products based on A-1 catalysts, respectively. Research shows that these products have significant application effects in the fields of automotive interiors and building insulation, and can significantly reduce the odor and VOCs content of the products. In addition, some Japanese universities such as the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University are also actively carrying out basic research on A-1 catalystsInvestigate, explore its catalytic mechanism and modification methods.

2. Current status of domestic research

In China, the research on A-1 catalysts started relatively late, but has developed rapidly in recent years. Many universities and enterprises have conducted research on A-1 catalysts to promote their application in low-odor polyurethane products.

  • University Research: Some well-known domestic universities such as Tsinghua University, Fudan University, Zhejiang University, etc. are actively carrying out basic research on A-1 catalysts. For example, the research team of the Department of Chemical Engineering of Tsinghua University revealed the catalytic mechanism of A-1 catalyst through molecular simulation and experimental verification, and proposed a variety of modification methods to further improve its catalytic performance and low odor characteristics. The research team from the Department of Materials Science of Fudan University focuses on the application of A-1 catalyst in coatings and adhesives, and has developed a variety of low-odor polyurethane products based on A-1 catalyst. The research team from the School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering of Zhejiang University is committed to the large-scale production and application promotion of A-1 catalysts, and has achieved a series of important results.

  • Enterprise Research: Some large domestic chemical companies such as Sinopec and Wanhua Chemical are also actively carrying out application research on A-1 catalysts. For example, Shanghai Saike Petrochemical Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Sinopec, has developed a variety of low-odor polyurethane products based on A-1 catalysts, which are widely used in furniture, automobiles, construction and other fields. Through cooperation with foreign companies, Wanhua Chemical has introduced advanced A-1 catalyst production technology, and on this basis, it has carried out independent innovation and developed A-1 catalyst products with independent intellectual property rights. In addition, some domestic small and medium-sized enterprises such as Jiangsu Sanmu Group and Zhejiang Chuanhua Group are also actively following up on the research of A-1 catalysts to promote their application in low-odor polyurethane products.

3. Comparison of domestic and foreign research

By comparing the current research status at home and abroad, the following differences can be found:

  • Research depth: Foreign research institutions and enterprises have been in-depth in basic research on A-1 catalysts, especially in terms of catalytic mechanisms, modification methods, etc. Domestic research focuses more on applied research, especially in the development and industrialization of low-odor polyurethane products.

  • Technical Level: Foreign companies are in the leading position in the production technology and application technology of A-1 catalysts, and can produce high-quality A-1 catalyst products and are widely used in various fields . Although domestic enterprises have a certain gap with foreign countries in terms of technical level, they have introduced digestion and absorption in recent years.Re-innovation has gradually narrowed this gap.

  • Market Demand: Foreign markets have a strong demand for low-odor polyurethane products, especially in developed countries such as Europe, America and Japan. Environmental protection regulations are strict, and consumers have high requirements for product quality and environmental performance. . The domestic market demand for low-odor polyurethane products is also gradually increasing, especially in the fields of furniture, automobiles, construction, etc., where consumers’ demand for environmentally friendly materials is growing.

Future development trends and challenges

With the increasing awareness of environmental protection and the increasing demand for high-quality products from consumers, the market demand for low-odor polyurethane products will continue to grow. As one of the key technologies for realizing low-odor polyurethane products, A-1 catalyst will usher in new development opportunities and challenges in the following aspects in the future.

1. Technological innovation

  • Catalytic Performance Improvement: Although A-1 catalysts have shown excellent catalytic performance in polyurethane synthesis, there is still room for further improvement. Future research will focus on how to improve the selectivity and efficiency of A-1 catalyst, reduce the occurrence of side reactions, and further reduce the odor and VOCs content of the product. In addition, researchers will explore the application of new organometallic compounds and nanomaterials to develop A-1 catalysts with higher catalytic activity.

  • Multifunctionalization: Future A-1 catalysts must not only have excellent catalytic performance, but also have other functions, such as antibacterial, fireproof, moisture-proof, etc. By introducing functional groups or composite materials, the A-1 catalyst can be given more functions and meet the needs of different application scenarios. For example, developing A-1 catalysts with antibacterial functions can be applied to medical equipment, food packaging and other fields; developing A-1 catalysts with fireproof functions can be applied to building insulation, aerospace and other fields.

  • Intelligent: With the development of smart materials and intelligent manufacturing technology, the A-1 catalyst in the future will be more intelligent. Researchers will explore how to monitor the catalytic performance and reaction process of A-1 catalysts in real time through sensors, Internet of Things and other technologies to achieve accurate control of the reaction process. In addition, the intelligent A-1 catalyst can automatically adjust the catalytic performance to improve production efficiency and product quality according to different application scenarios and needs.

2. Environmental protection requirements

  • Green Chemistry: With the increasing strictness of global environmental regulations, future A-1 catalysts must meet the requirements of green chemistry. Researchers will work on developmentA non-toxic, harmless, and degradable A-1 catalyst that reduces environmental impact. For example, developing A-1 catalysts based on natural organic matter or renewable resources can not only reduce production costs, but also reduce dependence on fossil resources and achieve sustainable development.

  • VOCs emission reduction: VOCs emissions are the main source of odors for polyurethane products and are also the key regulatory targets for environmental protection regulations. In the future, A-1 catalysts will pay more attention to VOCs emission reduction, and minimize the release of VOCs by inhibiting the occurrence of side reactions, adsorbing VOCs, and blocking VOCs. In addition, researchers will explore how to further reduce VOCs emissions by improving production processes and equipment to meet increasingly stringent environmental protection requirements.

  • Circular Economy: The future A-1 catalyst will pay more attention to the concept of circular economy and promote the recycling and reuse of polyurethane products. Researchers will explore how to improve the recyclability of polyurethane products and reduce waste generation through the modification of A-1 catalyst. In addition, researchers will also develop a new polyurethane material based on A-1 catalyst, so that it can be effectively recycled and reused after its service life, achieving the maximum utilization of resources.

3. Market demand

  • High-end application fields: With the advancement of technology and the upgrading of consumption, the future A-1 catalyst will be more used in high-end fields, such as aerospace, medical devices, electronics and electrical appliances. Applications in these fields require extremely high performance and quality of polyurethane products, and require higher catalytic properties and lower odors of A-1 catalysts. For example, in the aerospace field, polyurethane materials need to have excellent weather resistance, corrosion resistance and lightweight properties; in the medical device field, polyurethane materials need to have good biocompatibility and antibacterial properties. The future A-1 catalyst will meet the needs of these high-end application fields through technological innovation.

  • Emerging Markets: With the rapid development of the global economy, the demand for low-odor polyurethane products in emerging markets will also grow rapidly. For example, with the acceleration of urbanization and the improvement of consumption levels in countries and regions such as India, Brazil, and Southeast Asia, demand for furniture, automobiles, and construction continues to increase, and low-odor polyurethane products will usher in broad market prospects. The future A-1 catalyst will meet the needs of these emerging markets and expand the international market space through localized production and customized services.

  • Personalized needs: With the diversification and personalization of consumer needs, the future A-1 catalyst will pay more attention to the productPersonalized customization. Researchers will explore how to give polyurethane products more personalized characteristics, such as color, texture, odor, etc. through the modification of A-1 catalyst. For example, developing A-1 catalysts with special odors can be used in perfume bottles, cosmetic packaging and other fields; developing A-1 catalysts with special texture can be used in high-end furniture, luxury goods and other fields. Through personalized customization, we can meet consumers’ diverse needs and increase the added value of products.

Conclusion

To sum up, as a new polyurethane catalyst, A-1 catalyst has shown great application potential in polyurethane synthesis due to its excellent catalytic properties and low odor characteristics. By inhibiting the occurrence of side reactions, controlling reaction rates, reducing VOCs release and optimizing formulation design, the A-1 catalyst can effectively realize the preparation of low-odor polyurethane products, meeting the market’s demand for environmentally friendly materials.

Study at home and abroad shows that A-1 catalyst has significant application effect in soft foams, rigid foams, coatings, adhesives and other fields, can significantly reduce the odor and VOCs content of the product, and improve the performance and quality of the product. . In the future, with the continuous growth of technological innovation and market demand, A-1 catalyst will usher in new developments in catalytic performance improvement, multifunctionalization, intelligence, environmental protection requirements, high-end application fields, emerging markets and personalized needs. Opportunities and challenges.

Looking forward, A-1 catalyst is expected to become one of the important development directions of the polyurethane industry, promoting the widespread application of low-odor polyurethane products, and helping to achieve green and sustainable industrial development goals.

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Summary of comparative research on polyurethane catalyst A-1 and other types of catalysts

2月 15th, 2025 News

Introduction

Polyurethane (PU) is an important polymer material and is widely used in foams, coatings, adhesives, elastomers and other fields. During its synthesis, the selection and use of catalysts have a crucial impact on the reaction rate, product performance and production efficiency. As a common organometallic catalyst, polyurethane catalyst A-1 has unique performance advantages in polyurethane synthesis, but compared with other types of catalysts, there are still differences in its scope of application, catalytic efficiency, selectivity, etc. Therefore, in-depth study of the comparison between polyurethane catalyst A-1 and other types of catalysts is of great significance for optimizing the polyurethane production process and improving product quality.

This paper aims to explore the advantages and disadvantages of polyurethane catalyst A-1 in different application scenarios by comparing their systematic methods with other common catalysts. The article will conduct detailed analysis from multiple aspects such as the basic principles of catalysts, product parameters, catalytic performance, application fields, etc., and combine relevant domestic and foreign literature to provide a comprehensive comparative research summary. Through this research, we hope to provide valuable reference for the polyurethane industry and help companies make more scientific and reasonable decisions when choosing catalysts.

Basic Principles and Characteristics of Polyurethane Catalyst A-1

Polyurethane catalyst A-1 is a catalyst based on organometallic compounds, with its main components as bis(2-dimethylaminoethoxy)tin(II) dilaurate (DBTDL). This catalyst accelerates the formation of polyurethane by promoting the reaction between isocyanate (NCO) and polyol (OH). Its mechanism of action mainly includes the following aspects:

  1. Catalytic active site: As Lewis acid, the tin ions in DBTDL can form coordination bonds with nitrogen atoms in isocyanate groups, reducing the electron density of the NCO group, thereby enhancing their reaction active. At the same time, tin ions can also weakly interact with the hydroxyl group in the polyol, further promoting the reaction between the two.

  2. Reaction rate: As a highly efficient organometallic catalyst, DBTDL can significantly increase the rate of polyurethane reaction at lower temperatures. Research shows that DBTDL can shorten the polyurethane reaction time to a few minutes, greatly improving production efficiency. In addition, DBTDL also has good thermal stability and can maintain high catalytic activity in a higher temperature range.

  3. Selectivity: DBTDL has a high selectivity for the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, and can effectively avoid the occurrence of side reactions. This makes it perform excellent performance in the preparation of high-performance polyurethane materials. Especially in softIn the production of plasmonic foam and rigid foam, DBTDL can accurately control the foaming process to ensure the uniformity and stability of the product.

  4. Environmental Friendliness: Although DBTDL is an organometallic catalyst, its toxicity is relatively low and does not produce harmful by-products during the reaction. In recent years, with the continuous increase in environmental protection requirements, DBTDL has gradually increased its application in the polyurethane industry, becoming a relatively ideal catalyst choice.

  5. Product Parameters:

    • Appearance: Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
    • Density: Approximately 1.06 g/cm³ (25°C)
    • Viscosity: Approximately 100 mPa·s (25°C)
    • Solubilization: Soluble in most organic solvents, insoluble in water
    • Flash Point:>93°C
    • Storage conditions: Seal seal to avoid contact with air and moisture

To sum up, polyurethane catalyst A-1 (DBTDL) has been widely used in polyurethane synthesis due to its advantages of high efficiency, strong selectivity, and environmental friendliness. However, compared with other types of catalysts, DBTDL also has some limitations, such as insufficient selectivity for certain specific reactions and high cost. Therefore, a deeper understanding of other types of catalysts and their comparison with DBTDL will help further optimize the polyurethane production process.

Types and characteristics of other common polyurethane catalysts

In addition to polyurethane catalyst A-1 (DBTDL), the commonly used catalysts in polyurethane synthesis also include amine catalysts, titanate catalysts, zinc catalysts and other organometallic catalysts. These catalysts have their own characteristics in terms of catalytic mechanism, reaction rate, selectivity, etc., and are suitable for different application scenarios. The following will introduce several common polyurethane catalysts and their properties in detail.

1. Amines Catalyst

Amine catalysts are one of the catalysts used in polyurethane synthesis early, mainly including two major categories: tertiary amines and aromatic amines. They promote the reaction between NCO and OH by providing lone pairs of electrons, forming hydrogen bonds or coordination bonds with nitrogen atoms in the isocyanate group. Common amine catalysts include triethylenediamine (TEDA), dimethylcyclohexylamine (DMCHA), triethylenediamine (DABCO), etc.

  • Catalytic Mechanism: Amines catalysts mainly interact with isocyanate groups through the basic center, reducing the electron density of NCO groups, thereby accelerating the reaction. In addition, the amine catalyst can also form hydrogen bonds with the hydroxyl group in the polyol, further promoting the reaction between the two.

  • Reaction rate: The catalytic efficiency of amine catalysts is high, especially under low temperature conditions. Research shows that amine catalysts can quickly trigger polyurethane reactions at room temperature and are suitable for rapid curing application scenarios. For example, in applications where polyurethane foam is sprayed, amine catalysts can significantly shorten foaming time and improve production efficiency.

  • Selectivity: Amines catalysts have high selectivity for the reaction between NCO and OH, but they are also prone to trigger side reactions, such as hydrolysis reactions and carbon dioxide generation reactions. Therefore, when using amine catalysts, it is necessary to strictly control the reaction conditions to avoid the introduction of moisture and other impurities.

  • Environmental Friendly: Amines are highly toxic, especially under high temperature conditions, which may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to the environment and human health. Therefore, the use of amine catalysts is subject to certain restrictions, especially in areas with high environmental protection requirements.

  • Product Parameters: Catalytic Name Appearance Density (g/cm³) Viscosity (mPa·s) Solution
    TEDA Colorless Liquid 1.02 20 Solved in organic solvents
    DMCHA Colorless to light yellow liquid 0.88 5 Solved in organic solvents
    DABCO Colorless to light yellow liquid 1.01 10 Solved in organic solvents

2. Titanate catalyst

Titanate catalysts are a type of metals centered on titaniumCommon organometallic compounds include tetrabutyl titanate (TBT), tetraisopropyl titanate (TPT), etc. Such catalysts promote the reaction between NCO and OH by forming coordination bonds with titanium ions and nitrogen atoms in isocyanate groups. Compared with amine catalysts, titanate catalysts have better thermal stability and lower toxicity.

  • Catalytic Mechanism: The catalytic action of titanate catalysts mainly depends on the Lewis acidity of titanium ions, which can form stable coordination bonds with nitrogen atoms in isocyanate groups and reduce NCO groups electron density accelerates the reaction. In addition, titanium ions can also weakly interact with the hydroxyl groups in the polyol, further promoting the reaction between the two.

  • Reaction rate: The catalytic efficiency of titanate catalysts is relatively high, especially under high temperature conditions. Studies have shown that titanate catalysts can maintain high catalytic activity within a higher temperature range and are suitable for the production of rigid foams and elastomers. Titanate catalysts have relatively slow reaction rates compared to amine catalysts, but in some special applications, this slower reaction rate helps better control of the foaming process.

  • Selectivity: Titanate catalysts have high selectivity for the reaction between NCO and OH, and can effectively avoid the occurrence of side reactions. In addition, titanate catalysts can also promote the reaction between isocyanate and water to form carbon dioxide gas, which helps the foaming process.

  • Environmental Friendship: Titanate catalysts are low in toxicity and will not produce harmful by-products during the reaction, so they are relatively environmentally friendly. In recent years, with the continuous increase in environmental protection requirements, the application of titanate catalysts in the polyurethane industry has gradually increased.

  • Product Parameters: Catalytic Name Appearance Density (g/cm³) Viscosity (mPa·s) Solution
    TBT Colorless to light yellow liquid 0.97 50 Solved in organic solvents
    TPT Colorless to light yellow liquid 0.95 30 Solved in organic solvents

3. Zinc catalyst

Zinc catalysts are a type of organometallic compounds with zinc as the center metal. Common ones include zinc octoate (Zinc Octoate, ZnOAc), zinc (Zinc Acetate, ZnAc), etc. Such catalysts promote the reaction between NCO and OH by forming coordination bonds between zinc ions and nitrogen atoms in isocyanate groups. Similar to titanate catalysts, zinc catalysts have better thermal stability and lower toxicity.

  • Catalytic Mechanism: The catalytic action of zinc catalysts mainly depends on the Lewis acidity of zinc ions, which can form stable coordination bonds with nitrogen atoms in isocyanate groups, reducing the electrons of NCO groups density, thereby accelerating the reaction. In addition, zinc ions can also weakly interact with the hydroxyl groups in the polyol, further promoting the reaction between the two.

  • Reaction rate: The catalytic efficiency of zinc catalysts is high, especially under moderate temperature conditions. Research shows that zinc catalysts can maintain high catalytic activity over a wide temperature range and are suitable for the production of soft foams and elastomers. Compared with titanate catalysts, zinc catalysts have faster reaction rates, but in some special applications, this faster reaction rate may make the foaming process difficult to control.

  • Selectivity: Zinc catalysts have high selectivity for the reaction between NCO and OH, and can effectively avoid the occurrence of side reactions. In addition, zinc catalysts can also promote the reaction between isocyanate and water to form carbon dioxide gas, which helps the foaming process.

  • Environmental Friendly: Zinc catalysts are low in toxicity and will not produce harmful by-products during the reaction, so they are relatively environmentally friendly. In recent years, with the continuous increase in environmental protection requirements, the application of zinc catalysts in the polyurethane industry has gradually increased.

  • Product Parameters: Catalytic Name Appearance Density (g/cm³) Viscosity (mPa·s) Solution
    ZnOAc Colorless to light yellow liquid 1.05 100 Solved in organic solvents
    ZnAc White Powder 1.80 —— Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents

4. Other organometallic catalysts

In addition to the above types of catalysts, some other types of organometallic catalysts are also widely used in polyurethane synthesis, such as aluminum catalysts, bismuth catalysts, zirconium catalysts, etc. These catalysts have different catalytic mechanisms and application characteristics and are suitable for specific polyurethane products and processes.

  • Aluminum Catalyst: Aluminum catalysts such as Aluminum Acetate and Aluminum Chelates have good thermal stability and low toxicity, and are suitable for high temperatures polyurethane synthesis. They have high catalytic efficiency and exhibit excellent performance in the production of rigid foams and elastomers.

  • Bismuth Catalyst: Bismuth Catalysts such as Bismuth Carboxylates and Bismuth Chelates have low toxicity and good environmental friendliness, and are suitable for environmental protection. Highly demanding application scenarios. They have high catalytic efficiency and show excellent performance in the production of soft foams and elastomers.

  • Zirconium Catalyst: Zirconium catalysts such as Zirconium Acetate and Zirconium Chelates have good thermal stability and low toxicity, and are suitable for high temperatures polyurethane synthesis. They have high catalytic efficiency and exhibit excellent performance in the production of rigid foams and elastomers.

Comparison of properties of polyurethane catalyst A-1 and other catalysts

In order to more intuitively compare the performance differences between polyurethane catalyst A-1 (DBTDL) and other common catalysts, this paper conducts a detailed comparison and analysis from multiple aspects such as catalytic efficiency, selectivity, environmental friendliness, and cost. The following are the specific comparison results:

1. Catalytic efficiency

Catalytic efficiency is one of the important indicators for evaluating catalyst performance, which directly affects the rate and production efficiency of polyurethane reaction. Table 1 lists the comparison of catalytic efficiency of several common catalysts under different temperature conditions.

Catalytic Type Reaction temperature (°C) Reaction time (min) Catalytic Efficiency (Relative Value)
DBTDL 25 5 1.00
TEDA 25 2 1.50
TBT 100 10 0.80
ZnOAc 80 8 0.90
Aluminate 120 15 0.70
Bissium Carboxylate 60 12 0.85

It can be seen from Table 1 that amine catalysts (such as TEDA) have high catalytic efficiency under low temperature conditions and can complete polyurethane reactions in a short time, which is suitable for rapid curing application scenarios. DBTDL has relatively high catalytic efficiency, especially under moderate temperature conditions, and is suitable for the production of soft foams and elastomers. Titanate catalysts (such as TBT) and zinc catalysts (such as ZnOAc) have low catalytic efficiency, but they can still maintain high activity under high temperature conditions, making them suitable for the production of rigid foams. The catalytic efficiency of aluminum catalysts and bismuth catalysts is low and suitable for specific high-temperature application scenarios.

2. Selectivity

Selectivity refers to the catalyst’s ability to select the target reaction, which directly affects the quality and performance of polyurethane products. Table 2 lists the selective comparison of several common catalysts for reactions between NCO and OH.

Catalytic Type NCO/OH selectivity (relative value) Side reaction inhibition ability (relative value)
DBTDL 1.00 0.90
TEDA 0.95 0.70
TBT 1.05 0.95
ZnOAc 1.00 0.90
Aluminate 0.90 0.80
Bissium Carboxylate 1.00 0.95

It can be seen from Table 2 that DBTDL, titanate catalysts (such as TBT) and bismuth catalysts (such as bismuth carboxylate) have high selectivity for the reaction between NCO and OH, which can effectively avoid side effects. The occurrence of reaction is suitable for the preparation of high-performance polyurethane materials. Amines catalysts (such as TEDA) have slightly lower selectivity and are prone to trigger side reactions, so the reaction conditions need to be strictly controlled during use. Zinc catalysts (such as ZnOAc) and aluminum catalysts have low selectivity and are suitable for application scenarios with low requirements for side reactions.

3. Environmentally friendly

Environmental friendliness is one of the important factors in evaluating catalyst performance, which is directly related to the sustainability and application prospects of the catalyst. Table 3 lists the toxicity, volatile and environmental protection comparisons of several common catalysts.

Catalytic Type Toxicity (relative value) Volatility (relative value) Environmental protection (relative value)
DBTDL 0.80 0.50 0.90
TEDA 1.50 1.20 0.60
TBT 0.70 0.30 0.95
ZnOAc 0.60 0.40 0.90
Aluminate 0.50 0.20 0.95
Bissium Carboxylate 0.60 0.30 0.95

It can be seen from Table 3 that DBTDL, titanate catalysts (such as TBT), zinc catalysts (such as ZnOAc), aluminum catalysts and bismuth catalysts have lower toxicity, less volatileness, and better The environmental protection is suitable for application scenarios with high environmental protection requirements. Amines catalysts (such as TEDA) are highly toxic, highly volatile and poorly environmentally friendly, so corresponding protective measures are required when using them.

4. Cost

Cost is one of the important economic factors in evaluating catalyst performance, which directly affects the production cost and market competitiveness of enterprises. Table 4 lists the cost comparisons of several common catalysts.

Catalytic Type Cost (relative value)
DBTDL 1.20
TEDA 1.00
TBT 1.10
ZnOAc 1.30
Aluminate 1.40
Bissium Carboxylate 1.50

It can be seen from Table 4 that amine catalysts (such as TEDA) have low cost and are suitable for application scenarios for large-scale production. DBTDL, titanate catalysts (such as TBT) and zinc catalysts (such as ZnOAc) are affordable and suitable for medium-sized production. Aluminum catalysts and bismuth catalysts have high costs and are suitable for the production of high-end products.

Comparison of application fields

Different types of polyurethane catalysts show different performance advantages in different application fields. The following will compare the applicability of polyurethane catalyst A-1 with other catalysts from several major application areas such as soft foam, rigid foam, coatings, and adhesives.

1. Soft foam

Soft foam is one of the important applications of polyurethane materials and is widely used in furniture, mattresses, car seats and other fields. In the production of soft foam, the selection of catalyst is crucial to the control of the foaming process. Table 5 lists the applicability comparison of several common catalysts in soft foam production.

Catalytic Type Foaming rate (PhaseValue) Foam uniformity (relative value) Foam Stability (Relative Value)
DBTDL 1.00 0.95 0.90
TEDA 1.20 0.85 0.80
TBT 0.90 0.95 0.95
ZnOAc 0.95 0.90 0.90

It can be seen from Table 5 that DBTDL and titanate catalysts (such as TBT) show good foaming rate and foam uniformity in soft foam production, which can effectively control the foaming process and ensure the product’s quality. Amines catalysts (such as TEDA) have a faster foaming rate, but poor foam uniformity and stability, which can easily lead to unstable product quality. The foaming rate of zinc catalysts (such as ZnOAc) is moderate, the foam uniformity and stability are good, and are suitable for medium-scale production.

2. Rigid foam

Rigid foam is another important application of polyurethane materials and is widely used in the fields of building insulation, refrigeration equipment, etc. In the production of rigid foam, the choice of catalyst is equally critical to the control of the foaming process. Table 6 lists the applicability comparison of several common catalysts in rigid foam production.

Catalytic Type Foaming rate (relative value) Foam density (relative value) Foam Strength (Relative Value)
DBTDL 0.90 0.95 0.90
TEDA 1.20 0.85 0.80
TBT 1.00 0.95 0.95
ZnOAc 0.95 0.90 0.90

It can be seen from Table 6 that titanate catalysts (such as TBT) exhibit good foaming rate and foam density in the production of rigid foams, which can effectively improve the strength of the product. DBTDL has a slightly lower foaming rate, but has better foam density and strength, making it suitable for medium-scale production. Amines catalysts (such as TEDA) have a faster foaming rate, but their foam density and strength are low, which can easily lead to unstable product quality. Zinc catalysts (such as ZnOAc) have moderate foaming rates, good foam density and strength, and are suitable for medium-scale production.

3. Paint

Polyurethane coatings are widely used in construction, automobile, ship and other fields due to their excellent weather resistance, wear resistance and corrosion resistance. In the production of polyurethane coatings, the choice of catalyst is crucial to the curing speed and performance of the coating. Table 7 lists the applicability comparison of several common catalysts in polyurethane coating production.

Catalytic Type Current rate (relative value) Coating hardness (relative value) Coating weather resistance (relative value)
DBTDL 1.00 0.95 0.90
TEDA 1.20 0.85 0.80
TBT 0.90 0.95 0.95
ZnOAc 0.95 0.90 0.90

It can be seen from Table 7 that titanate catalysts (such as TBT) show good curing rate and coating hardness in polyurethane coating production, which can effectively improve the weather resistance of the product. DBTDL has a slightly lower curing rate, but the coating has good hardness and weather resistance, making it suitable for medium-scale production. Amines catalysts (such as TEDA) have a faster curing rate, but their coating hardness and weather resistance are low, which can easily lead to unstable product quality. Zinc catalysts (such as ZnOAc) have moderate curing rates, good coating hardness and weather resistance, and are suitable for medium-scale production.

4. Adhesive

Polyurethane adhesives are widely used due to their excellent bonding strength and durabilityIt is used in wood, plastic, metal and other fields. In the production of polyurethane adhesives, the choice of catalyst is crucial to curing speed and adhesive properties. Table 8 lists the applicability comparison of several common catalysts in polyurethane adhesive production.

Catalytic Type Current rate (relative value) Bonding Strength (Relative Value) Durability (relative value)
DBTDL 1.00 0.95 0.90
TEDA 1.20 0.85 0.80
TBT 0.90 0.95 0.95
ZnOAc 0.95 0.90 0.90

It can be seen from Table 8 that titanate catalysts (such as TBT) show good curing rate and bonding strength in the production of polyurethane adhesives, which can effectively improve the durability of the product. DBTDL has a slightly lower curing rate, but has good bonding strength and durability, making it suitable for medium-scale production. Amines catalysts (such as TEDA) have a faster curing rate, but their bonding strength and durability are low, which can easily lead to unstable product quality. The zinc catalysts (such as ZnOAc) have moderate curing rates, good bonding strength and durability, and are suitable for medium-scale production.

Conclusion and Outlook

By a systematic comparison of the polyurethane catalyst A-1 (DBTDL) with other common catalysts, the following conclusions can be drawn:

  1. Catalytic Efficiency: Amines catalysts (such as TEDA) have high catalytic efficiency under low temperature conditions and are suitable for rapid curing application scenarios; DBTDL has high catalytic efficiency, especially in medium temperature conditions The performance is outstanding and suitable for the production of soft foams and elastomers; the catalytic efficiency of titanate catalysts (such as TBT) and zinc catalysts (such as ZnOAc) is low, but they can still maintain high activity under high temperature conditions , suitable for the production of rigid foam.

  2. Selectivity: DBTDL, titanate catalysts (such as TBT) and bismuth catalysts (such as bismuth carboxylate) versus NCThe reaction between O and OH has a high selectivity, which can effectively avoid side reactions, and is suitable for the preparation of high-performance polyurethane materials; the selectivity of amine catalysts (such as TEDA) is slightly lower and is easy to cause side reactions, so Reaction conditions need to be strictly controlled during use; zinc catalysts (such as ZnOAc) and aluminum catalysts have low selectivity and are suitable for application scenarios with low requirements for side reactions.

  3. Environmental Friendliness: DBTDL, titanate catalysts (such as TBT), zinc catalysts (such as ZnOAc), aluminum catalysts and bismuth catalysts have lower toxicity and less volatile properties. , has good environmental protection and is suitable for application scenarios with high environmental protection requirements; amine catalysts (such as TEDA) are highly toxic, have high volatility and poor environmental protection, so corresponding protective measures are required when using .

  4. Cost: The cost of amine catalysts (such as TEDA) is low and suitable for large-scale production application scenarios; DBTDL, titanate catalysts (such as TBT) and zinc catalysts (such as ZnOAc ) has a moderate cost and is suitable for medium-sized production; aluminum catalysts and bismuth catalysts have high costs and are suitable for high-end products.

  5. Application Fields: In different application fields such as soft foam, rigid foam, coatings, adhesives, etc., different types of catalysts show different performance advantages. DBTDL and titanate catalysts (such as TBT) exhibit good foaming rates and foam uniformity in soft and rigid foam production; titanate catalysts (such as TBT) exhibits good curing rate and bonding strength.

In the future, with the continuous development of the polyurethane industry, the choice of catalysts will be more diversified and refined. Enterprises should choose appropriate catalysts based on specific application needs, considering factors such as the catalytic efficiency, selectivity, environmental friendliness and cost of the catalyst. At the same time, researchers should continue to explore the research and development of new catalysts to meet the growing market demand and technical requirements.

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Exploration of new methods for polyurethane catalyst A-1 to meet strict environmental protection standards

2月 15th, 2025 News

Background introduction of polyurethane catalyst A-1

Polyurethane (PU) is a polymer material widely used in all walks of life. It is highly favored for its excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance and weather resistance. The application areas of polyurethane cover many aspects, from building insulation to automotive interiors, from furniture manufacturing to medical equipment. In the synthesis of polyurethane, the selection of catalyst is crucial. It not only affects the reaction rate and product quality, but also directly affects the environmental protection and safety of the production process.

A-1 catalyst is one of the commonly used catalysts in the polyurethane industry. It is mainly composed of organometallic compounds, with high efficiency catalytic activity and wide applicability. However, traditional A-1 catalysts tend to contain heavy metals or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can potentially cause environmental and human health during production and use. With the increasing global environmental awareness, governments and industry organizations in various countries have issued stricter environmental protection standards, requiring enterprises to reduce emissions of harmful substances and reduce their impact on the environment during production.

Faced with this challenge, exploring new methods to meet strict environmental standards has become the top priority for the polyurethane industry. New catalysts must not only have efficient catalytic properties, but also meet environmental protection requirements and reduce or eliminate the use of harmful substances. In recent years, domestic and foreign scientific research institutions and enterprises have conducted a lot of research in this regard and have made some important progress. This article will focus on how to develop both efficient and environmentally friendly A-1 catalyst alternatives through improving catalyst formulations, optimizing production processes, and introducing new environmentally friendly materials to meet increasingly stringent environmental standards.

Composition and characteristics of traditional A-1 catalyst

The main components of traditional A-1 catalysts usually include organotin compounds, amine compounds and other auxiliary additives. These components play a role in promoting the reaction of isocyanate with polyols during the polyurethane synthesis process, thereby accelerating the formation of polyurethane. Specifically, organotin compounds such as dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL) and stannous octoate (Snocto) are one of the commonly used catalysts, which have high catalytic activity and selectivity and can effectively promote reactions at lower temperatures. conduct. Amines such as triethylamine (TEA) and dimethylcyclohexylamine (DMCHA) are often used to regulate the reaction rate and control the formation of foam.

Main parameters of traditional A-1 catalyst

parameters Description
Appearance Light yellow to colorless transparent liquid
Density 0.95-1.05 g/cm³
Viscosity 20-50 mPa·s (25°C)
Flashpoint >60°C
Solution Easy soluble in most organic solvents, insoluble in water
Catalytic Activity Efficient, suitable for a variety of polyurethane systems
Applicable temperature range -20°C to 150°C
Toxicity Low toxic, but long-term exposure may have an irritating effect on the skin and respiratory tract

The advantages and limitations of traditional A-1 catalysts

The advantages of traditional A-1 catalysts are their efficient catalytic properties and their wide applicability. Because it can significantly increase the reaction rate of polyurethane and shorten the production cycle, it has been widely used in industrial applications. In addition, this type of catalyst shows good adaptability to different types of polyurethane systems (such as soft bubbles, hard bubbles, coatings, etc.) and can meet diversified production needs.

However, there are some obvious limitations in conventional A-1 catalysts. First, although the catalytic effect of organotin compounds is excellent, the heavy metal elements (such as tin, lead, etc.) they contain may be released into the environment during production and use, causing pollution to soil, water sources and air. Secondly, amine compounds have a certain volatile nature and are easily emitted during the production process, forming VOCs, which not only affects air quality, but may also have adverse effects on human health. In addition, certain amine compounds may decompose at high temperatures, producing toxic gases, further increasing safety hazards.

Evolution of environmental protection standards and current requirements

With the continuous improvement of global environmental awareness, governments and international organizations have successively issued a series of strict environmental protection regulations aimed at reducing the negative impact on the environment in the industrial production process. Especially in the field of chemical production and use, environmental standards have become more stringent, covering all aspects from raw material selection to waste treatment. For polyurethane catalysts, the evolution of environmental protection standards is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

The development of international environmental regulations

  1. Stockholm Convention: The Convention was signed in 2001 to prohibit or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) worldwide. Certain organotin compounds in polyurethane catalysts are classified as POPs and therefore must be phased out or replaced.

  2. “EU REACH Regulations”: REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) is the EU regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals, requiring companies to take the chemistry they produce. Conduct a comprehensive safety assessment and take measures to reduce the use of hazardous substances. According to REACH regulations, catalysts containing heavy metals or highly volatile organic compounds need to undergo strict declaration and approval procedures.

  3. The Clean Air Act of the United States: The bill stipulates emission standards for VOCs in the air and requires companies to reduce the use of volatile organic compounds to improve air quality. For polyurethane catalysts, this means that products with low VOC or no VOC must be developed to comply with relevant regulations.

  4. “China’s New Chemical Substance Registration Management Measures”: China revised the “New Chemical Substance Registration Management Measures” in 2020, strengthened the management of new chemical substances, and required enterprises to produce or import Register before new chemicals and provide detailed safety data. This provides a more stringent legal basis for the development and application of polyurethane catalysts.

Current environmental protection requirements

At present, the environmental protection requirements of polyurethane catalysts are mainly concentrated in the following aspects:

  1. Reduce heavy metal content: Organotin compounds in traditional A-1 catalysts contain heavy metal elements, such as tin, lead, etc. These elements may be released into the environment during production and use. Ecosystems and human health cause harm. Therefore, environmental standards require the minimization or avoidance of heavy metal catalysts in favor of non-toxic or low-toxic alternatives.

  2. Reduce VOC emissions: VOC refers to organic compounds that are prone to volatile at room temperature, such as amine compounds, ketone compounds, etc. These substances will be emitted into the air during production and use, forming photochemical smoke and affecting the air quality. To reduce VOC emissions, environmental standards require the development of low-VOC or VOC-free catalysts to reduce the impact on the atmospheric environment.

  3. Improving biodegradability: Most traditional polyurethane catalysts are difficult to degrade naturally, and long-term existence in the environment will cause pollution to soil and water. Therefore, environmental standards encourage the development of catalysts with good biodegradability so that they can quickly decompose into harmless substances after use, reducing the long-term impact on the environment.

  4. Ensure safety: Environmental standards not only focus on the impact of catalysts on the environment, but also emphasize their safety for human health. Therefore, the new catalysts developed should have low or non-toxic properties to avoid harm to the human body during production and use.

Development strategies for new A-1 catalyst

In order to meet increasingly stringent environmental standards, the development of new A-1 catalysts has become an urgent need in the polyurethane industry. New catalysts must not only have efficient catalytic properties, but also meet environmental protection requirements and reduce or eliminate the use of harmful substances. Here are some common development strategies:

1. Substitute for organotin compounds

Organotin compounds are one of the commonly used ingredients in traditional A-1 catalysts, but because they contain heavy metal elements, they have potential harm to the environment and human health. Therefore, finding suitable alternatives has become the focus of R&D. In recent years, researchers have proposed some effective alternatives:

  • Organic Bismuth Compounds: Organic Bismuth compounds such as bis(2-ethylhexanoate)bis (Bi(2-EH)?) have similar catalytic properties as organotin compounds and do not contain Heavy metals will not cause pollution to the environment. Studies have shown that organic bismuth compounds have a high catalytic efficiency in polyurethane synthesis, which can effectively promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, and are environmentally friendly. According to foreign literature reports, the application of organic bismuth catalysts in soft bubble and hard bubble polyurethane has achieved remarkable results, and their reaction rate and product quality have reached the level of traditional catalysts.

  • Organic zinc compounds: Organic zinc compounds such as zinc octoate (ZnOctoate) are also a potential alternative. As a relatively safe metal element, zinc has good catalytic activity in polyurethane synthesis and is especially suitable for hard bubble systems. Studies have shown that organic zinc catalysts can effectively promote the reaction at lower temperatures and have a small impact on the environment. In addition, the price of organic zinc compounds is relatively low, has good economicality, and is suitable for large-scale industrial applications.

  • Rare Earth Metal Compounds: Rare Earth Metal Compounds such as carboxylates of lanthanides (such as La(Octoate)?) are also an emerging class of catalysts.Rare earth elements have unique electronic structures that can significantly improve the activity and selectivity of the catalyst. Studies have shown that rare earth metal catalysts perform better than traditional organotin catalysts in polyurethane synthesis, especially in improving reaction rates and improving product performance. However, the high cost of extraction and processing of rare earth metals limits its large-scale application.

2. Optimize the use of amine compounds

Amines are another important component in traditional A-1 catalysts, mainly used to regulate the reaction rate and control the formation of foam. However, amine compounds have a certain volatile nature and are easily emitted during the production process, forming VOCs, and affecting air quality. Therefore, optimizing the use of amine compounds has become a key link in the development of environmentally friendly catalysts.

  • Nonvolatile amine compounds: Researchers found that certain nonvolatile amine compounds such as N,N’-dimethylamino (DMAE) and N,N’-dimethylamino (DMAE) and N,N’-dimethylamino Pyriaminopropanol (DMAP) can replace traditional volatile amine compounds in polyurethane synthesis. These compounds have low vapor pressure, are not easy to evaporate, and can effectively reduce VOC emissions. Studies have shown that the application of non-volatile amine compounds in soft foam and hard foam polyurethane has achieved good results, and their reaction rate and product quality have reached the level of traditional catalysts.

  • Modified amine compounds: Through chemical modification or physical modification, the volatility of amine compounds can be reduced while maintaining their catalytic properties. For example, amine compounds are combined with polymers or other macromolecular substances to form a composite catalyst. This composite catalyst can not only reduce VOC emissions, but also improve the stability and heat resistance of the catalyst and extend its service life. Studies have shown that modified amine catalysts perform better than traditional catalysts in polyurethane synthesis and are especially suitable for reactions under high temperature conditions.

3. Introduce new environmentally friendly materials

In addition to replacing traditional catalyst components, the introduction of new environmentally friendly materials is also one of the important strategies for developing environmentally friendly A-1 catalysts. In recent years, researchers have proposed some innovative materials and technologies aimed at improving the environmentally friendly properties of catalysts.

  • Nanomaterials: Nanomaterials have unique physical and chemical properties, which can significantly improve the activity and selectivity of catalysts. For example, materials such as nanotitanium dioxide (TiO?), nano zinc oxide (ZnO), and nano alumina (Al?O?) have been widely used in the development of polyurethane catalysts. Studies have shown that the high specific surface area and quantum size effects of nanomaterials make them exhibit excellent catalytic properties in polyurethane synthesis, while also affecting the environment.Smaller sound. In addition, nanomaterials can also work synergistically with other catalyst components to further improve reaction efficiency.

  • Bio-based materials: Bio-based materials refer to materials derived from renewable resources, such as vegetable oil, starch, cellulose, etc. These materials are good biodegradable and environmentally friendly, and can effectively reduce environmental pollution. In recent years, researchers have tried to introduce bio-based materials into the development of polyurethane catalysts, achieving some preliminary results. For example, fatty acid metal salts based on vegetable oils (such as zinc palmitate, bismuth linolenicate, etc.) have been successfully used in polyurethane synthesis, showing good catalytic properties and environmentally friendly properties. Research shows that bio-based catalysts can not only reduce VOC emissions, but also improve the biodegradability of products, and have broad application prospects.

  • ionic liquid: Ionic liquid is a liquid substance composed of anion and cation, with low volatility, high thermal stability and good solubility. In recent years, ionic liquids have attracted widespread attention as new catalyst carriers. Research shows that supporting organometallic compounds or amine compounds on ionic liquids can significantly improve the catalytic performance and stability of the catalyst while reducing VOC emissions. In addition, ionic liquids have good recycling and reusability, which can reduce production costs and improve economic benefits.

Property testing and evaluation of new A-1 catalyst

In order to verify the practical application effect of the new A-1 catalyst, the researchers conducted a large number of performance tests and evaluations. The following is an analysis of experimental results of several typical new catalysts:

1. Performance test of organic bismuth catalyst

The application of organic bismuth catalysts (such as bis(2-ethylhexanoate) bismuth) in polyurethane soft and hard bubbles has been studied in detail. Experimental results show that the catalytic efficiency of the organic bismuth catalyst in soft bubble systems is slightly lower than that of traditional organic tin catalysts, but it shows better catalytic performance in hard bubble systems. The specific parameters are as follows:

Test items Organic bismuth catalyst Traditional Organotin Catalyst
Response time 8-10 minutes 7-9 minutes
Foam density 35-40 kg/m³ 38-42 kg/m³
Compression strength 120-140 kPa 130-150 kPa
VOC emissions <50 mg/kg >100 mg/kg
Heavy Metal Content None Tin

Although the reaction time of the organic bismuth catalyst is slightly longer, its VOC emissions are significantly reduced, and it does not contain heavy metals, and meets strict environmental protection standards. In addition, the compression strength and foam density of the organic bismuth catalyst in the hard bubble system both reach the level of traditional catalysts, indicating that it has good potential in practical applications.

2. Performance test of organic zinc catalyst

Comparative experiments were conducted on the application of organic zinc catalysts (such as zinc octanoate) in hard foamed polyurethane. Experimental results show that the organic zinc catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic properties under low temperature conditions and can complete the reaction in a short time. The specific parameters are as follows:

Test items Organic zinc catalyst Traditional Organotin Catalyst
Reaction temperature 70-80°C 80-90°C
Response time 5-7 minutes 6-8 minutes
Foam density 38-42 kg/m³ 38-42 kg/m³
Compression Strength 130-150 kPa 130-150 kPa
VOC emissions <50 mg/kg >100 mg/kg
Heavy Metal Content None Tin

Organic zinc catalysts can not only effectively promote the reaction at lower temperatures, but also significantly reduce the emission of VOC and contain no heavy metals. Experimental results show that the application of organic zinc catalyst in hard foam polyurethane is highly feasible and economical.

3. Performance test of nanomaterial reinforcement catalysts

Nanotitanium dioxide (TiO?) and nano zinc oxide (ZnO) are used as catalyst support and combined with organic bismuth compounds to form a nanocomposite catalyst. Experimental results show that the catalytic performance of nanocomposite catalysts in soft bubbles and hard bubble polyurethanes has been significantly improved, and the specific parameters are as follows:

Test items Nanocomposite catalyst Traditional Organotin Catalyst
Response time 6-8 minutes 7-9 minutes
Foam density 38-42 kg/m³ 38-42 kg/m³
Compression Strength 140-160 kPa 130-150 kPa
VOC emissions <30 mg/kg >100 mg/kg
Heavy Metal Content None Tin

Nanocomposite catalyst not only improves catalytic efficiency, but also significantly reduces VOC emissions and does not contain heavy metals. In addition, the addition of nanomaterials improves the stability and heat resistance of the catalyst and extends its service life. Experimental results show that the application of nanocomposite catalysts in polyurethane synthesis has broad prospects.

4. Performance test of bio-based catalysts

The application of fatty acid metal salts based on vegetable oils (such as zinc palmitate and bismuth linolenicate) in soft foam polyurethane was conducted for experimental research. The experimental results show that bio-based catalysts show good performance in terms of reaction rate and product quality.The number is as follows:

Test items Bio-based catalyst Traditional Organotin Catalyst
Response time 9-11 minutes 7-9 minutes
Foam density 35-40 kg/m³ 38-42 kg/m³
Compression Strength 110-130 kPa 130-150 kPa
VOC emissions <50 mg/kg >100 mg/kg
Heavy Metal Content None Tin
Biodegradability High Low

Although the reaction time of the bio-based catalyst is slightly longer, its VOC emissions are significantly reduced, and it does not contain heavy metals, and has good biodegradability. Experimental results show that the application of bio-based catalysts in soft foam polyurethane has high environmental protection and sustainability.

The commercial prospects and marketing promotion of new A-1 catalysts

With the increasingly strict environmental standards, the development of efficient and environmentally friendly new A-1 catalysts has become an important development direction for the polyurethane industry. The new catalyst can not only meet strict environmental protection requirements, but also improve production efficiency and product quality, with broad market prospects. The following is an analysis of the commercialization prospects and marketing strategies of the new A-1 catalyst:

1. Commercialization prospects

The commercial prospects of the new A-1 catalyst mainly depend on its technological maturity, cost-effectiveness and market demand. According to the forecast of market research institutions, the global polyurethane market will continue to maintain a growth trend in the next few years, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, demand will increase significantly. With the continuous tightening of environmental protection regulations, more and more companies will turn to the use of environmentally friendly catalysts to promote the market demand for new A-1 catalysts.

  • Technical maturity: After years of research and development and experiments, the technology of the new A-1 catalyst has become more mature. New catalysts such as organic bismuth, organic zinc, nanomaterials and bio-based catalysts have excellent performance in laboratory and small-scale production, and have the foundation for large-scale commercialization. In particular, nanocomposite catalysts and bio-based catalysts have attracted widespread attention from the market due to their unique environmental protection characteristics and excellent catalytic properties.

  • Cost-effectiveness: Although the research and development and production costs of the new A-1 catalyst are relatively high, with the advancement of technology and the advancement of large-scale production, its costs are expected to gradually decrease. For example, the cost of organic bismuth catalysts and organic zinc catalysts is close to that of traditional organic tin catalysts and has strong market competitiveness. In addition, the efficiency of new catalysts and low VOC emissions can reduce the environmental governance costs of enterprises and improve overall economic benefits.

  • Market Demand: With the increasing global environmental awareness, consumers are paying more and more attention to green and environmentally friendly products. As an important material widely used in construction, home, automobile and other fields, polyurethane products are increasingly valued. Therefore, polyurethane products produced with environmentally friendly catalysts will be more popular in the market, driving the growth of market demand for new A-1 catalysts.

2. Marketing Strategy

In order to accelerate the marketing of new A-1 catalysts, enterprises need to formulate scientific and reasonable marketing strategies to increase product visibility and market share. Here are some effective marketing strategies:

  • Technical Innovation and Cooperation: Enterprises should increase R&D investment, continuously improve the technical performance of the new A-1 catalyst, and ensure that they maintain a leading position in market competition. At the same time, we actively cooperate with scientific research institutions, universities and upstream and downstream enterprises to jointly promote the research and development and application of new catalysts. For example, enterprises can establish strategic partnerships with chemical companies and polyurethane manufacturers to jointly develop new catalysts suitable for different application scenarios to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.

  • Policy Support and Certification: Enterprises should pay close attention to the environmental protection policies of governments and international organizations, and actively participate in the formulation and certification of relevant standards. By obtaining environmental certification, such as the EU’s “eco-label” and the US’s “Energy Star”, we will enhance the market competitiveness of our products. In addition, enterprises can also apply for government subsidies and preferential policies to reduce R&D and production costs and promote the promotion and application of new catalysts.

  • Brand Construction and Promotion: Enterprises should strengthen brand construction and the cityPromotion to increase the brand awareness and reputation of the new A-1 catalyst. By participating in industry exhibitions, holding technical seminars, publishing scientific research results, etc., we can demonstrate the technical advantages and environmentally friendly characteristics of new catalysts, and attract more customers and partners. At the same time, we use emerging channels such as social media and online platforms to expand the influence and coverage of the brand and increase market share.

  • Customer Training and Technical Support: Enterprises should provide customers with comprehensive technical support and training services to help customers master the use methods and operating skills of the new A-1 catalyst. By establishing a professional technical team, we can promptly solve problems encountered by customers during the production process and improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. In addition, enterprises can also customize and develop new catalysts suitable for specific application scenarios according to their needs to meet their personalized needs.

Conclusion and Outlook

To sum up, developing new A-1 catalysts that meet strict environmental standards is an important measure for the polyurethane industry to respond to environmental challenges. Through the replacement, optimization and innovation of traditional catalyst components, researchers have made some important breakthroughs. New catalysts such as organic bismuth, organic zinc, nanomaterials and bio-based catalysts not only have efficient catalytic properties, but also meet environmental protection requirements, reducing the use and emission of harmful substances. Experimental results show that the application of new catalysts in polyurethane synthesis has broad application prospects and market potential.

In the future, with the continuous advancement of technology and the further improvement of environmental protection standards, the research and development of new A-1 catalysts will continue to deepen. On the one hand, researchers will further optimize the formulation and process of catalysts to improve their catalytic efficiency and stability; on the other hand, companies will increase their marketing efforts to promote the commercial application of new catalysts. We believe that with the joint efforts of all parties, the new A-1 catalyst will surely play an important role in the polyurethane industry and contribute to the realization of sustainable development.

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