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

2月 10th, 2025 News

Introduction

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

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

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

The basic principles and mechanism of NIAX catalyst

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

1. Types and structure of catalysts

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

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

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

2. Mechanism of action of catalyst

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

3. Synergistic effects of catalysts

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

4. Environmental protection performance of catalyst

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

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

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

1. Improve production efficiency

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

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

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

2. Optimize product performance

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

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

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

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

3. Improve surface quality

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

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

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

4. Reduce production costs

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

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

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

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

Summary of relevant domestic and foreign literature

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

1. Foreign literature

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

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

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

2. Domestic literature

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

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

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

Summary and Outlook

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

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

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

Technical discussion on the rapid curing process of NIAX polyurethane catalyst

2月 10th, 2025 News

Introduction

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

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

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

The basic principles of polyurethane and its curing process

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

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

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

Currecting process

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

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

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

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

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

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

Factors affecting curing speed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Technical features and advantages of NIAX catalyst

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

1. High-efficiency catalytic performance

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

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

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

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

2. Wide application scope

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

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

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

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

3. Environmental protection and safety

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

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

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

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

4. Economic benefits

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

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

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

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

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

Experimental data and literature citations

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

1. Experimental design and methods

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

2. Experimental results and analysis

2.1 Comparison of curing time

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

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

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

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

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

2.4 Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA)

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

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

3. Literature Citations and Discussions

3.1 Foreign literature

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

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

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

3.2 Domestic literature

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

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

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

4. Conclusion

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

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

Summary and Outlook

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

1. Main Conclusion

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

2. Future research direction

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

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

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

Practice of NIAX polyurethane catalyst for automotive interior parts production

2月 10th, 2025 News

Introduction

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

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

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

The mechanism of action of polyurethane catalyst

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

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

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

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

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

The function of catalyst

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

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

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

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

Characteristics of NIAX Catalyst

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

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

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

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

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

NIAX Catalyst Product Parameters

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

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

1. NIAX C-26

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

2. NIAX C-74

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

3. NIAX C-11

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

4. NIAX C-51

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

5. NIAX C-33

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

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

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

1. Production of car seat cushions

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

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

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

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

2. Production of instrument panels

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

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

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

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

3. Door panel production

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

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

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

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

4. Production of ceiling

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

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

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

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

Process Optimization and Good Practice

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

1. Optimization of catalyst dosage

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

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

2. Control of reaction temperature

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

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

3. Optimization of reaction time

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

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

4. Optimization of material formula

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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