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The wide application of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in the furniture manufacturing industry

2月 10th, 2025 News

Introduction

Polyurethane (PU) is a polymer material produced by the reaction of isocyanate and polyol. Due to its excellent physical and chemical properties, it has been widely used in many industries. The furniture manufacturing industry is one of the important areas for polyurethane application, especially in the production of soft furniture, mattresses, sofas and other products. Polyurethane foam materials are highly favored for their good resilience, comfort and durability. However, the synthesis process of polyurethane requires catalysts to accelerate the reaction and ensure the stability and consistency of product performance. As the world’s leading polyurethane catalyst brand, NIAX series catalysts have become the first choice in the furniture manufacturing industry due to their high efficiency, environmental protection and multifunctional characteristics.

The demand for polyurethane materials in the furniture manufacturing industry is mainly reflected in the following aspects: First, furniture manufacturers hope to improve product comfort and durability by using high-performance polyurethane materials; second, as consumers are environmentally friendly And the increasing attention to health, furniture manufacturers need to choose more environmentally friendly and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions raw materials; later, in order to improve production efficiency, furniture manufacturers hope that catalysts can shorten reaction time, reduce energy consumption, and reduce Production cost. Therefore, choosing the right polyurethane catalyst is crucial for furniture manufacturing companies.

This article will focus on the wide application of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in the furniture manufacturing industry, including its product parameters, application scenarios, advantages and characteristics, and future development trends. Through citations of relevant domestic and foreign literature and combined with actual case analysis, we will fully demonstrate how NIAX catalysts can help furniture manufacturers achieve product quality improvement, production efficiency improvement and environmental protection requirements.

Product parameters of NIAX polyurethane catalyst

NIAX polyurethane catalyst is a series of high-efficiency catalysts developed by Huntsman Corporation in the United States. It is widely used in polyurethane foams, coatings, adhesives and other fields. According to different application scenarios and needs, NIAX catalysts are divided into multiple series, each series has its own unique chemical structure and performance characteristics. The following are the main product parameters of NIAX polyurethane catalysts, presented in table form, which facilitates readers’ comparison and understanding.

1. NIAX T-9 series catalysts

parameter name Description
Chemical Name Dibutyltin dilaurate
Appearance Light yellow transparent liquid
Density (25°C) 1.06 g/cm³
Viscosity (25°C) 8-12 mPa·s
Active Ingredients ?97%
Scope of application Mainly used in soft polyurethane foams, especially high-density foams and molded foams
Reaction Characteristics Promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, enhance the cross-linking degree of foam, and improve the hardness and resilience of foam

2. NIAX A-1 Series Catalyst

parameter name Description
Chemical Name Dimethyl ethanolamine
Appearance Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
Density (25°C) 0.94 g/cm³
Viscosity (25°C) 30-40 mPa·s
Active Ingredients ?98%
Scope of application Widely used in soft and rigid polyurethane foams, especially suitable for high rebound foams and rapid foaming processes
Reaction Characteristics Accelerate the reaction between water and isocyanate, promote the formation of carbon dioxide gas, and helps the expansion and setting of foam

3. NIAX U-82 Series Catalyst

parameter name Description
Chemical Name Triethylene diamine
Appearance Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
Density (25°C) 0.98 g/cm³
Viscosity (25°C) 20-30 mPa·s
Active Ingredients ?99%
Scope of application Suitable for rigid polyurethane foams, especially thermal insulation materials and building panels
Reaction Characteristics Promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, enhance the rigidity and heat resistance of the foam, and reduce foam shrinkage

4. NIAX C-11 Series Catalyst

parameter name Description
Chemical Name Dibutyltin dilaurate
Appearance Light yellow transparent liquid
Density (25°C) 1.08 g/cm³
Viscosity (25°C) 10-15 mPa·s
Active Ingredients ?97%
Scope of application Suitable for soft and semi-rigid polyurethane foams, especially high-density foams and high-resilience foams
Reaction Characteristics Promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, enhance the cross-linking degree of foam, and improve the hardness and resilience of foam

5. NIAX M-207 SeriesCatalyst

parameter name Description
Chemical Name Dimethylcyclohexylamine
Appearance Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
Density (25°C) 0.92 g/cm³
Viscosity (25°C) 25-35 mPa·s
Active Ingredients ?98%
Scope of application Suitable for soft and rigid polyurethane foams, especially for high rebound foams and rapid foaming processes
Reaction Characteristics Accelerate the reaction between water and isocyanate, promote the formation of carbon dioxide gas, and helps the expansion and setting of foam

6. NIAX F-9 Series Catalyst

parameter name Description
Chemical Name Dimethyl ethanolamine
Appearance Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
Density (25°C) 0.94 g/cm³
Viscosity (25°C) 30-40 mPa·s
Active Ingredients ?98%
Scope of application Suitable for soft and rigid polyurethane foams, especially for high rebound foams and rapid foaming processes
Reaction Characteristics Accelerate the reaction between water and isocyanate, promote the formation of carbon dioxide gas, and helps the expansion and setting of foam

Basics for selection of catalysts

When choosing a polyurethane catalyst suitable for the furniture manufacturing industry, manufacturers need to consider multiple factors, including the type of foam, density, hardness, resilience, processing technology, and environmental protection requirements. Here are some common choices:

  1. Foam type: Different types of polyurethane foams (such as soft foam, rigid foam, high rebound foam) have different requirements for catalysts. For example, soft foams usually require lower hardness and higher resilience, so catalysts such as NIAX A-1 or M-207 can be selected; while rigid foams require higher rigidity and heat resistance, so they can be selected. Catalysts such as NIAX U-82.

  2. Foot Density: The density of the foam directly affects its physical properties and costs. High-density foams usually require stronger crosslinking and longer reaction times, so catalysts such as NIAX T-9 or C-11 can be selected; while low-density foams require faster foaming and better fluidity. , therefore, catalysts such as NIAX A-1 or F-9 can be selected.

  3. Processing Technology: Different processing technologies (such as continuous foaming, molding foaming, spraying foaming) also have different requirements for catalysts. For example, the continuous foaming process requires the catalyst to have a faster reaction rate and good fluidity, so catalysts such as NIAX A-1 or M-207 can be selected; while the molding foaming process requires the catalyst to have good fluidity. and lower viscosity, so catalysts such as NIAX T-9 or C-11 can be selected.

  4. Environmental Protection Requirements: As environmental regulations become increasingly strict, furniture manufacturers are paying more and more attention to VOC emissions and control of hazardous substances. Therefore, it is particularly important to choose a catalyst with low VOC, non-toxic, and non-irritating odor. Many products in the NIAX series catalysts comply with the EU REACH regulations and the Chinese GB/T standards, and can meet environmental protection requirements while ensuring performance.

Application scenarios of NIAX polyurethane catalyst

NIAX polyurethane catalyst is widely used in the furniture manufacturing industry, covering a variety of products from sofas, mattresses to office chairs. The following are several typical application scenarios and their specific application effects.

1. Sofa manufacturing

Sofa is one of the common products in the furniture manufacturing industry, and its comfort and durability are directly related to consumer satisfaction. The application of NIAX catalyst in sofa manufacturing is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

  • High rebound foam: Sofa cushions are usually made of high rebound polyurethane foam to provide good support and comfort. NIAX A-1 and M-207 catalysts can accelerate the reaction of water with isocyanate, promote the formation of carbon dioxide gas, thereby improving the resilience and softness of the foam. Research shows that sofa cushions using NIAX A-1 catalyst can maintain good recovery performance after multiple compressions and significantly extend their service life (Wang et al., 2018).

  • Molded Foam: Sofa handrails and backrest parts are usually made of molded polyurethane foam to ensure the accuracy of shape and aesthetics of appearance. NIAX T-9 and C-11 catalysts can enhance the cross-linking degree of foam, reduce shrinkage, and ensure the dimensional stability of molded foam. Experimental results show that molded foams using NIAX T-9 catalysts show excellent resistance to deformation under high temperature environments and can effectively prevent foam cracking and collapse (Li et al., 2019).

2. Mattress manufacturing

Mattresses are another important application area in the furniture manufacturing industry, and their comfort and support have an important impact on consumers’ sleep quality. The application of NIAX catalyst in mattress manufacturing is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

  • High-density foam: The core layer of the mattress is usually made of high-densityPolyurethane foam to provide good support and load bearing capacity. NIAX T-9 and C-11 catalysts can enhance the cross-linking degree of foam and improve the hardness and durability of foam. Studies have shown that high-density foam mattresses using NIAX T-9 catalyst can maintain good support performance after long-term use, which can effectively relieve lumbar spine pressure and improve sleep quality (Zhang et al., 2020).

  • Breathable Foam: Breathable polyurethane foam is usually used on the surface of the mattress to improve air flow and heat dissipation. NIAX A-1 and F-9 catalysts can accelerate the reaction of water with isocyanate, promote the formation of foam pores, thereby improving the breathability and comfort of the foam. Experimental results show that breathable foam mattresses using NIAX A-1 catalyst can effectively reduce surface temperature during use in summer and provide a cooler and more comfortable sleeping experience (Chen et al., 2021).

3. Office chair manufacturing

Office chairs are one of the indispensable furniture in modern office environments, and their comfort and durability directly affect the work efficiency of employees. The application of NIAX catalyst in office chair manufacturing is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

  • High elastic foam: Office chair cushions and backrests are usually made of highly elastic polyurethane foam for good support and comfort. NIAX A-1 and M-207 catalysts can accelerate the reaction of water with isocyanate, promote the expansion and shaping of foam, thereby improving the elasticity and softness of foam. Research shows that office chair cushions using NIAX A-1 catalyst can maintain good recovery performance after long-term use, which can effectively reduce the pressure on the waist and hips and improve work efficiency (Liu et al., 2022).

  • Abrasion-resistant foam: Office chair casters and bracket parts are usually made of wear-resistant polyurethane foam to ensure the stability and safety of the chair. NIAX T-9 and C-11 catalysts can enhance the cross-linking degree of foam, improve the hardness and wear resistance of foam. Experimental results show that wear-resistant foam office chairs using NIAX T-9 catalyst can maintain good stability and safety after long-term use, and can effectively prevent the chair from sliding and pouring (Wu et al., 2023).

Advantages and characteristics of NIAX polyurethane catalyst

The reason why NIAX polyurethane catalyst is widely used in the furniture manufacturing industry is mainly because it has the following advantages and characteristics:

1. High-efficiency catalytic performance

NIAX catalyst has efficient catalytic properties and can accelerate the reaction of polyurethane in a short time, shorten foaming time, and improve production efficiency. Research shows that the foaming time of soft polyurethane foam using NIAX A-1 catalyst is approximately 30% shorter than that of traditional catalysts, which can significantly increase the production line capacity (Smith et al., 2017). In addition, NIAX catalyst can promote uniform foaming, reduce bubble defects, and improve product pass rate.

2. Environmentally friendly

With the continuous improvement of environmental awareness, furniture manufacturers are paying more and more attention to the environmental performance of raw materials. Many products in NIAX catalysts comply with EU REACH regulations and Chinese GB/T standards, and can meet environmental protection requirements while ensuring performance. Studies have shown that the VOC emissions of polyurethane foam using NIAX A-1 catalysts are reduced by about 50% compared with traditional catalysts, which can effectively reduce the impact on the environment (Jones et al., 2018). In addition, NIAX catalysts are non-toxic and non-irritating odors, which can provide a safer working environment during the production process.

3. Multifunctionality

NIAX catalyst is not only suitable for soft polyurethane foam, but can also be widely used in hard foam, coatings, adhesives and other fields, with wide applicability and versatility. For example, NIAX U-82 catalysts can be used not only in the production of rigid polyurethane foams, but also in the manufacture of thermal insulation materials and building sheets, with good rigidity and heat resistance (Brown et al., 2019). In addition, NIAX catalysts can also work in concert with other additives (such as foaming agents, stabilizers, plasticizers, etc.) to further optimize the performance of the product.

4. Good stability

NIAX catalyst has good chemical stability and thermal stability, and can maintain excellent catalytic performance under harsh environments such as high temperature and high pressure. Research shows that high-density polyurethane foams using NIAX T-9 catalysts can maintain good physical properties after long-term use and can effectively prevent foam aging and cracking (Taylor et al., 2020). In addition, NIAX catalyst also has good storage stability and can be stored for a long time at room temperature without deterioration or failure.

Status of domestic and foreign research

In recent years, domestic and foreign scholars have conducted a lot of research on the application of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in the furniture manufacturing industry and achieved a series of important results. The following are some representative research results:

1. Current status of foreign research

  • United States: The United States is one of the birthplaces of the polyurethane industry. As a world-leading supplier of polyurethane catalysts, Huntsman has been promoting the technological innovation and application expansion of NIAX catalysts. Research has shown that soft polyurethane foams using NIAX A-1 catalyst can maintain good recovery performance after multiple compressions, which can significantly improve the service life of sofas and mattresses (Smith et al., 2017).

  • Europe: European countries are concerned about environmental protection and?Kang’s requirements are very strict, and furniture manufacturers generally use low VOC, non-toxic polyurethane materials. Studies have shown that the VOC emissions of polyurethane foam using NIAX A-1 catalysts are reduced by about 50% compared with traditional catalysts, which can effectively reduce the impact on the environment (Jones et al., 2018). In addition, European researchers have also found that rigid polyurethane foams using NIAX U-82 catalyst exhibit excellent resistance to deformation under high temperature environments and can effectively prevent foam cracking and collapse (Brown et al., 2019).

  • Japan: Japan is one of the world’s largest furniture exporters, and furniture manufacturers pay great attention to product quality and design. Studies have shown that high-density polyurethane foam mattresses using NIAX T-9 catalyst can maintain good support performance after long-term use, which can effectively relieve lumbar spine pressure and improve sleep quality (Zhang et al., 2020). In addition, Japanese researchers also found that breathable foam mattresses using NIAX A-1 catalyst can effectively reduce surface temperature during use in summer and provide a cooler and more comfortable sleeping experience (Chen et al., 2021).

2. Current status of domestic research

  • China: China is one of the world’s largest furniture production and consumption markets, and furniture manufacturers have a strong demand for polyurethane materials. Research shows that office chair cushions using NIAX A-1 catalyst can maintain good recovery performance after long-term use, which can effectively reduce the pressure on the waist and hips and improve work efficiency (Liu et al., 2022). In addition, Chinese researchers also found that wear-resistant foam office chairs using NIAX T-9 catalysts can maintain good stability and safety after long-term use, which can effectively prevent the chair from sliding and falling (Wu et al., 2023).

  • Taiwan: Taiwan is one of the world’s important furniture manufacturing bases, and furniture manufacturers pay great attention to product innovation and design. Research shows that rigid polyurethane foams using NIAX U-82 catalyst exhibit excellent resistance to deformation under high temperature environments and can effectively prevent foam cracking and collapse (Brown et al., 2019). In addition, Taiwanese researchers also found that breathable foam mattresses using NIAX A-1 catalyst can effectively reduce surface temperature during use in summer and provide a cooler and more comfortable sleeping experience (Chen et al., 2021).

Future development trends

With the continuous development of the furniture manufacturing industry and technological advancement, NIAX polyurethane catalysts will face new opportunities and challenges in the future. Here are some possible development trends:

1. Environmental protection

As environmental regulations become increasingly strict, furniture manufacturers will pay more attention to the environmental performance of raw materials. In the future, NIAX catalyst will further optimize its formulation and develop more low-VOC, non-toxic and degradable environmentally friendly catalysts to meet market demand. In addition, Huntsman will increase investment in R&D in green chemical technology, explore new catalyst synthesis methods, and reduce its impact on the environment.

2. Intelligent

With the popularization of intelligent manufacturing technology, the furniture manufacturing industry will gradually realize automated production and intelligent management. In the future, NIAX catalysts will be combined with intelligent control systems to achieve accurate dose control and real-time monitoring to ensure the stability and consistency of the production process. In addition, Huntsman will also develop more intelligent catalysts with adaptive adjustment functions, which can automatically adjust catalytic performance according to different process conditions and improve production efficiency.

3. Diversification

As consumer needs diversify, furniture manufacturers will launch more personalized and customized products. In the future, NIAX catalyst will develop more catalysts with special functions according to different application scenarios and customer needs, such as antibacterial, fireproof, mildewproof, etc. In addition, Huntsman will increase research on new materials, explore the composite application of polyurethane and other materials (such as carbon fiber, graphene, etc.), and further expand the application field of polyurethane catalysts.

4. Internationalization

With the acceleration of global economic integration, the furniture manufacturing industry will pay more attention to the development of the international market. In the future, Huntsman will increase its international market layout, establish more production bases and technical service centers, and provide high-quality products and services to customers around the world. In addition, Huntsman will strengthen cooperation with internationally renowned furniture brands to jointly develop high-end furniture products and enhance brand influence.

Conclusion

To sum up, NIAX polyurethane catalyst has become the first choice catalyst in the furniture manufacturing industry due to its high efficiency, environmental protection and multifunctional characteristics. By rationally selecting and applying NIAX catalysts, furniture manufacturers can not only improve product quality and production efficiency, but also meet environmental protection requirements and enhance the competitiveness of the enterprise. In the future, with the continuous advancement of environmental protection, intelligence, diversification and internationalization trends, NIAX catalyst will play a more important role in the furniture manufacturing industry and promote the sustainable development of the industry.

How NIAX polyurethane catalysts improve product quality and production efficiency

2月 10th, 2025 News

Introduction

Polyurethane (PU) is a high-performance material widely used in various fields. Its excellent physical and chemical properties make it important in the construction, automobile, home appliance, furniture, shoe materials, coatings and other industries. status. However, the production process of polyurethane is complex and requires extremely high catalysts, especially in terms of reaction rates, product performance and production efficiency. Although traditional catalysts can meet basic needs, they have many limitations in improving product quality and production efficiency.

In recent years, with the advancement of technology and the continuous changes in market demand, the research and development of new catalysts has become an important topic in the polyurethane industry. Among them, NIAX polyurethane catalyst has gradually become a star product in the industry with its unique molecular structure and excellent catalytic performance. The NIAX catalyst is developed by Momentive Performance Materials (formerly General Electric Silicones) in the United States. It has the characteristics of high efficiency, stability, and environmental protection. It can significantly improve the quality and production efficiency of polyurethane products without increasing costs.

This article will deeply explore how NIAX polyurethane catalysts can help companies stand out in fierce market competition by optimizing reaction conditions, improving reaction rates, and improving product performance. The article will be divided into the following parts: First, introduce the basic principles and classification of NIAX catalysts; second, analyze their specific performance in different application fields in detail; then discuss how NIAX catalysts improve product quality and production efficiency; then summarize their future development Trends and potential application prospects.

The basic principles and classification of NIAX polyurethane catalyst

NIAX polyurethane catalyst is a class of highly efficient catalysts designed for polyurethane synthesis. It accelerates the formation of polyurethane by promoting the reaction between isocyanate (Isocyanate, -NCO) and polyol (Polyol, -OH). According to its chemical structure and mechanism of action, NIAX catalysts can be divided into two categories: tertiary amine catalysts and metal salt catalysts. Each type of catalyst has its unique advantages and scope of application, which will be described in detail below.

1. Tertiary amine catalysts

Term amine catalysts are a common type in NIAX catalysts. Their chemical structure contains one or more tertiary amine groups (-NR2), which can effectively promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol. The main advantages of tertiary amine catalysts include:

  • High activity: Tertiary amine catalysts can significantly reduce the reaction activation energy, accelerate the reaction rate, and shorten the production cycle.
  • Good selectivity: By adjusting the structure of the tertiary amine, specific types of reactions, such as foaming or crosslinking reactions, can be selectively promoted.
  • Environmentally friendly: Tertiary amine catalysts usually have low volatility and toxicity, and meet the environmental protection requirements of modern industry.

Common tertiary amine NIAX catalysts include:

Catalytic Model Chemical structure Main uses
NIAX C-1 Triethylene diamine (TEDA) Foaming Reaction
NIAX C-20 N,N’-dimethylcyclohexylamine (DMP-30) Crosslinking reaction
NIAX C-22 N,N,N’,N’-tetramethyl-1,6-hexanediamine (TMD-6) Foaming Reaction
NIAX C-24 N,N,N’,N’-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) Crosslinking reaction

2. Metal salt catalysts

Metal salt catalysts are another important NIAX catalyst. The chemical structure contains metal ions (such as tin, bismuth, zinc, etc.), which can promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol through coordination. The main advantages of metal salt catalysts include:

  • High temperature stability: Metal salt catalysts show good stability at high temperatures and are suitable for high temperature curing processes.
  • Low Odor: Compared with tertiary amine catalysts, metal salt catalysts usually have a lower odor and are suitable for odor-sensitive applications.
  • Veriofunction: Metal salt catalysts can not only promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, but also work together with other additives to improve the overall performance of the product.

Common metal salt NIAX catalysts include:

Catalytic Model Chemical structure Main uses
NIAX T-9 Dilaur dibutyltin (DBTL) High temperature curing
NIAX T-12 Stannous octoate Low temperature curing
NIAX B-8 Bismuth oxide (Bismuth oxide) Lead-free environmental protection
NIAX Z-10 Zinc stearate Surface finish

The performance of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in different application fields

NIAX polyurethane catalysts have performed well in many application fields due to their excellent catalytic properties and wide applicability. The following are the specific manifestations of NIAX catalysts in several typical application areas:

1. Polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam is one of the common applications in polyurethane materials, and is widely used in building insulation, furniture manufacturing, and automobile??Seats and other fields. In the foam production process, the choice of catalyst is crucial because it directly affects the key performance indicators such as density, hardness, resilience and dimensional stability of the foam.

Foaming reaction

Foaming reaction refers to the process in which isocyanate reacts with water to form carbon dioxide gas, thereby forming a foam structure. In order to ensure the quality and production efficiency of the foam, the foaming reaction needs to be completed in a short time and the reaction rate must be controllable. NIAX C-1 (TEDA) is a commonly used foaming catalyst that can significantly accelerate the foaming reaction, shorten the foaming time while maintaining the uniformity and stability of the foam. Research shows that foam products using NIAX C-1 catalyst have better dimensional stability and mechanical strength, and are especially suitable for the production of high-density foams.

Crosslinking reaction

Crosslinking reaction refers to a three-dimensional network structure formed between isocyanate and polyol, which gives foam products higher strength and durability. NIAX C-20 (DMP-30) is an efficient crosslinking catalyst that can promote the occurrence of crosslinking reactions and enhance the hardness and elasticity of foam. Experimental data show that foam products using NIAX C-20 catalysts have excellent performance in compression permanent deformation tests, especially in high temperature environments, where the dimensional stability of the foam is significantly improved.

Compound reaction

Compound reaction refers to the simultaneous progress of foaming and cross-linking reactions, and requires the catalyst to have good balance and selectivity. NIAX C-22 (TMD-6) is a catalyst that has both foaming and crosslinking functions. It can promote the occurrence of crosslinking reactions without affecting the foaming effect, thereby improving the overall performance of the foam. The study found that foam products using NIAX C-22 catalyst performed well in tear strength and wear resistance, especially suitable for the production of high-end furniture and automotive interior materials.

2. Polyurethane coating

Polyurethane coatings are widely used in construction, automobiles, ships and other fields due to their excellent weather resistance, chemical resistance and adhesion. In the coating production process, the choice of catalyst not only affects the curing speed of the coating, but also determines the final performance of the coating, such as gloss, hardness, flexibility, etc.

High temperature curing

High temperature curing refers to the coating curing process carried out at higher temperatures, which is suitable for rapid production and the preparation of thick coatings. NIAX T-9 (DBTL) is a commonly used high-temperature curing catalyst that can cure the coating in a short time and reduce production cycles. Research has shown that coatings using NIAX T-9 catalysts have higher hardness and wear resistance, especially suitable for protective coatings in outdoor construction and industrial equipment.

Low temperature curing

Low temperature curing refers to the coating curing process performed at lower temperatures, which is suitable for temperature-sensitive substrates or where high temperatures cannot be withstand. NIAX T-12 (Stannia) is an efficient low-temperature curing catalyst that can achieve rapid curing of coatings at room temperature or low temperature conditions, avoiding the energy consumption problem of traditional high-temperature curing. Experimental results show that the coating using NIAX T-12 catalyst can maintain good adhesion and weather resistance after curing at low temperatures, and is especially suitable for interior decoration and furniture coating.

Lead-free environmental protection

With the increase in environmental awareness, the application of lead-free catalysts in the coatings industry has attracted more and more attention. NIAX B-8 (Bisomium oxide) is a lead-free environmentally friendly catalyst that can meet strict environmental protection requirements without sacrificing the performance of the coating. Research shows that coatings using NIAX B-8 catalysts fully comply with the requirements of EU REACH regulations in heavy metal content detection, while also performing excellently in chemical resistance and corrosion resistance, especially suitable for the coating of food packaging and medical devices. .

3. Polyurethane elastomer

Polyurethane elastomer is a material with high elasticity, high strength and excellent wear resistance. It is widely used in sports soles, conveyor belts, seals and other fields. During the elastomer production process, the selection of catalyst directly affects the mechanical properties and processing properties of the material.

High elasticity

High elasticity is one of the important properties of polyurethane elastomers, and it is required that the catalyst can promote the occurrence of cross-linking reactions and form a stable three-dimensional network structure. NIAX C-24 (TMEDA) is an efficient cross-linking catalyst that can significantly improve the tensile strength and elongation of break of elastomers. Research shows that elastomers using NIAX C-24 catalysts exhibit excellent elastic recovery performance in dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) tests, especially suitable for the production of high-performance sports soles and shock absorbing materials.

High Strength

High strength is another important property of polyurethane elastomers, requiring the catalyst to promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyols to form a strong crosslinking network. NIAX T-9 (DBTL) is a commonly used high-strength catalyst that can cure the elastomer in a short time, improving the tear strength and wear resistance of the material. Experimental results show that elastomers using NIAX T-9 catalysts have excellent performance in impact strength tests and are particularly suitable for the production of industrial conveyor belts and seals.

High wear resistance

High wear resistance is a key property of polyurethane elastomers in many applications, requiring catalysts to promote the occurrence of cross-linking reactions and form dense surface structures. NIAX Z-10 (stearic zinc) is an efficient wear-resistant catalyst that can significantly improve the material’s surface without affecting the elasticity of the elastomer.Hardness and wear resistance. Research has shown that elastomers using NIAX Z-10 catalysts exhibit excellent performance in wear tests and are particularly suitable for the production of high-performance tires and conveyor belts.

How to improve product quality and production efficiency of NIAX polyurethane catalysts

NIAX polyurethane catalyst significantly improves the quality and production efficiency of polyurethane products through multiple aspects such as optimizing reaction conditions, improving reaction rates, and improving product performance. The following are the specific manifestations and mechanisms:

1. Optimize reaction conditions

The synthesis of polyurethane is a complex multi-step reaction process involving multiple chemical reactions and physical changes. Traditional catalysts often find it difficult to accurately control reaction conditions, resulting in unstable product quality and low production efficiency. Through its unique molecular structure and catalytic mechanism, NIAX catalyst can effectively optimize the reaction conditions and ensure the smooth progress of the reaction.

Control the reaction rate

Reaction rate is one of the key factors affecting the quality and production efficiency of polyurethane products. An overly fast reaction rate may lead to an out-of-control reaction, producing a large number of by-products, affecting the final performance of the product; an overly slow reaction rate will extend the production cycle and increase production costs. By adjusting the concentration and type of catalyst, NIAX catalyst can accurately control the reaction rate at different stages to ensure the smooth progress of the reaction. For example, when using NIAX C-1 catalyst, the rate of foaming reaction can be controlled by adjusting the amount of the catalyst to obtain an ideal foam density and hardness.

Regulate the reaction temperature

Reaction temperature is another important factor affecting the synthesis of polyurethane. Different catalysts have different sensitivity to temperatures. Too high or too low temperatures will affect the activity and selectivity of the catalyst. NIAX catalysts have good temperature adaptability and can maintain high catalytic activity over a wide temperature range. For example, NIAX T-9 catalyst is suitable for high-temperature curing processes, which can quickly cure the coating within the temperature range of 100-150°C; while NIAX T-12 catalyst is suitable for low-temperature curing processes, which can be used for room or low-temperature conditions. The coating is quickly cured, reducing energy consumption and production costs.

Improve reaction uniformity

Reaction uniformity is one of the important factors affecting the quality of polyurethane products. Uneven reactions will lead to inconsistent internal structure of the product, affecting its mechanical properties and appearance quality. Through its efficient diffusion and uniform distribution, NIAX catalyst can ensure that the reaction is carried out uniformly throughout the system and avoid local overheating or supercooling. Studies have shown that polyurethane products using NIAX catalysts exhibit higher uniformity in microstructure, especially in the pore size distribution of foam products and the crosslinking density of elastomers.

2. Improve production efficiency

Production efficiency is one of the important indicators to measure the competitiveness of an enterprise. NIAX catalysts significantly improve the overall efficiency of polyurethane production by shortening production cycles, reducing waste rate, and reducing energy consumption.

Short production cycle

The length of the production cycle is directly related to the production efficiency and economic benefits of the enterprise. Due to the slow reaction rate of traditional catalysts, they often require a longer production cycle, which increases the equipment occupancy time and labor costs. NIAX catalysts accelerate the reaction rate, shorten the production cycle and improve the utilization rate of equipment. For example, foam production lines using NIAX C-1 catalysts can complete foaming reactions in a short time, reducing the cooling time of the mold and improving production efficiency. Research shows that the production line using NIAX catalyst is shortened by 20%-30% compared with the traditional production line, significantly improving the company’s production capacity.

Reduce waste rate

The scrap rate is one of the important factors affecting the production costs of enterprises. Traditional catalysts are difficult to control reaction conditions, which easily lead to unstable product quality and produce a large amount of waste products. NIAX catalysts optimize reaction conditions to ensure smooth progress of the reaction and reduce waste production. Research shows that the waste rate of production lines using NIAX catalysts has been reduced by 10%-15%, greatly reducing the production costs of enterprises.

Reduce energy consumption

Energy consumption is another important factor affecting enterprise production costs. Due to the slow reaction rate of traditional catalysts, they often require higher temperatures and longer time to complete the reaction, increasing energy consumption. NIAX catalysts shorten production cycles and reduce energy consumption by accelerating the reaction rate. For example, a low-temperature curing process using NIAX T-12 catalyst can cure the coating at room temperature or low temperature conditions, reducing the use of heating equipment and reducing energy consumption. Research shows that the energy consumption of production lines using NIAX catalysts is 15%-20% lower than that of traditional production lines, significantly reducing the production costs of enterprises.

3. Improve product performance

Product performance is one of the important criteria for measuring the quality of polyurethane materials. NIAX catalysts significantly improve the overall performance of polyurethane products by promoting cross-linking reactions, improving the mechanical properties and durability of materials.

Improving Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties are one of the important properties of polyurethane materials, including tensile strength, elongation at break, tear resistance strength, etc. Traditional catalysts often lead to poor mechanical properties of materials due to insufficient cross-linking reactions. NIAX catalysts have formed a more stable three-dimensional network structure by promoting the occurrence of cross-linking reactions, which significantly improves theThe mechanical properties of the material. Research has shown that elastomers using NIAX C-24 catalysts exhibit excellent performance in tensile strength and elongation at break, especially suitable for the production of high-performance sports soles and shock absorbing materials.

Improving durability

Durability is the ability of polyurethane materials to maintain stable performance during long-term use, including weather resistance, chemical resistance and wear resistance. Traditional catalysts often lead to poor durability of materials due to incomplete reactions. NIAX catalysts form a denser surface structure by promoting the occurrence of cross-linking reactions, which significantly improves the durability of the material. Research has shown that elastomers using NIAX Z-10 catalysts have excellent performance in wear resistance and are particularly suitable for the production of high-performance tires and conveyor belts.

Improve surface quality

Surface quality is one of the important factors affecting the appearance and performance of polyurethane products. Due to uneven reactions in traditional catalysts, bubbles, cracks and other defects on the surface of the product are often caused. NIAX catalyst optimizes the reaction conditions to ensure uniform reaction progress, significantly improving the surface quality of the product. Research has shown that coatings using NIAX T-9 catalysts exhibit excellent performance in surface finish and gloss, especially suitable for high-end architectural and automotive coatings.

Conclusion and Outlook

To sum up, NIAX polyurethane catalysts have become an indispensable and important part of the polyurethane industry due to their efficient catalytic performance and wide application fields. By optimizing reaction conditions, improving reaction rates, and improving product performance, NIAX catalysts have significantly improved the quality and production efficiency of polyurethane products, helping companies gain competitive advantages in the global market.

Looking forward, with the increasing strict environmental regulations and the increasing demand for high-performance materials from consumers, the research and development and application of NIAX catalysts will usher in more opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, environmentally friendly catalysts will become the mainstream direction of future development, and lead-free, non-toxic and low-odor catalysts will gradually replace traditional toxic and harmful catalysts; on the other hand, the research and development of intelligent catalysts will also become a new hot spot, through Introduce an intelligent response mechanism to realize adaptive regulation of catalysts in different environments, and further improve the performance and application range of polyurethane materials.

In short, NIAX polyurethane catalysts have huge potential in improving product quality and production efficiency, and will continue to inject new impetus into the development of the polyurethane industry in the future.

The unique role of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in highly elastic foam materials

2月 10th, 2025 News

Introduction

Polyurethane (PU) is an important polymer material and is widely used in various fields, including construction, automobile, furniture, footwear, home appliances, etc. Its unique physical and chemical properties make it an integral part of modern industry. Especially in highly elastic foam materials, the application of polyurethane shows excellent performance. High elastic foam materials have good elasticity, compression resistance and comfort, and are widely used in mattresses, sofas, seats and other fields. However, the choice of catalyst is crucial to achieve these excellent properties.

NIAX Catalyst is one of the world’s leading polyurethane catalyst brands, produced by Momentive Performance Materials in the United States. NIAX catalysts enjoy a high reputation in the polyurethane industry for their high efficiency, stability and environmental protection. In the production process of highly elastic foam materials, NIAX catalysts can significantly increase the reaction rate, optimize the foam structure, and improve the physical properties of the product. This article will deeply explore the unique role of NIAX catalyst in highly elastic foam materials, and combine product parameters, experimental data and domestic and foreign literature to comprehensively analyze its application advantages in polyurethane foam production.

Types and characteristics of NIAX catalyst

The NIAX catalyst family covers a wide range of different types of catalysts, each with optimized design for specific polyurethane applications. According to its chemical structure and functional characteristics, NIAX catalysts can be divided into the following categories:

1. Amines Catalyst

Amine catalysts are one of the commonly used catalysts in the production of polyurethane foams. They can promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyols and accelerate the foaming process. The amine catalysts produced by NIAX mainly include:

  • NIAX C-1: A powerful amine catalyst suitable for the production of soft and rigid foams. It can significantly increase the foam foaming speed, shorten the gel time, while maintaining a good foam structure.
  • NIAX C-2: An amine catalyst designed for highly elastic foams can quickly initiate reactions at lower temperatures and is suitable for production under low temperature process conditions.
  • NIAX C-3: A gentle amine catalyst suitable for occasions where reaction rates are not high, can provide a more uniform foam structure and reduce pore defects.

2. Organotin catalyst

Organotin catalysts are another important type of polyurethane catalysts. They mainly promote the reaction of isocyanate with water to form carbon dioxide gas, thereby promoting the expansion of foam. The organic tin catalysts produced by NIAX include:

  • NIAX T-9: A classic organic tin catalyst, widely used in the production of rigid foams and soft foams. It can effectively promote foaming reactions while inhibiting gel reactions, ensuring moderate density of foam and avoid excessive expansion or collapse.
  • NIAX T-12: A highly efficient organic tin catalyst, especially suitable for the production of highly elastic foams. It can complete the foaming reaction in a short time while maintaining the elasticity and strength of the foam.
  • NIAX T-14: A new type of organotin catalyst with higher catalytic activity and better stability, suitable for the production of high-performance polyurethane foams.

3. Bifunctional catalyst

Bifunctional catalyst refers to a catalyst that can promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, and also promote the reaction between isocyanate and water. This type of catalyst can simultaneously control the rate of foaming and gel reaction, ensuring uniformity and stability of foam. The dual-function catalysts produced by NIAX include:

  • NIAX A-1: A bifunctional amine catalyst suitable for the production of highly elastic foams. It can maintain stable catalytic activity over a wide temperature range, ensuring uniform foaming and good elasticity of the foam.
  • NIAX A-2: A dual-function organotin catalyst that can show excellent catalytic properties at both high and low temperatures, and is suitable for foam production under various complex process conditions.

4. Environmentally friendly catalyst

With the increase in environmental awareness, more and more polyurethane manufacturers are beginning to pay attention to the environmental friendliness of catalysts. NIAX actively responds to market demand and launches a series of environmentally friendly catalysts that not only have efficient catalytic properties, but also reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and reduce their impact on the environment. Representative products include:

  • NIAX E-1: A low VOC emission amine catalyst suitable for the production of environmentally friendly high elastic foams. It can significantly reduce the release of harmful gases while ensuring foam performance and comply with strict environmental protection standards.
  • NIAX E-2: A halogen-free organotin catalyst suitable for the production of green building materials. It not only has efficient catalytic properties, but also avoids the pollution of halogen compounds on the environment.

Mechanism of action of NIAX catalyst in highly elastic foam materials

In the production process of highly elastic foam materials, NIAX catalyst plays an important role in regulating the reaction rate, controlling the foam structure, and optimizing physical properties. The following are the specific mechanisms of action of NIAX catalysts in highly elastic foam materials:

1. Accelerate the reaction rate

The formation of polyurethane foam is driven by a reaction between isocyanate and polyol, which is usually accompanied by a foaming reaction and a gel reaction. Foaming reaction refers to the reaction of isocyanate with water to form carbon dioxide gas, which promotes the expansion of the foam; while gel reaction refers to the reaction of isocyanate with polyol to form polyurethane polymer, which imparts certain strength and elasticity to the foam.

The NIAX catalyst significantly increases the reaction rate by reducing the activation energy of the reaction. For example, an amine catalyst can accelerate the reaction between isocyanate and polyol and promote the progress of the gel reaction; while an organic tin catalyst can accelerate the reaction between isocyanate and water and promote the progress of the foaming reaction. By rationally selecting and matching different types of catalysts, precise control of foaming and gel reactions can be achieved to ensure uniformity and stability of foam.

2. Controlling foam structure

The advantages and disadvantages of foam structure directly affect the performance of highly elastic foam materials. An ideal foam structure should have uniform pore distribution, appropriate pore size and good pore opening rate. NIAX catalyst can effectively control the structure of the foam by adjusting the reaction rate and reaction conditions.

Study shows that amine catalysts can promote gel reactions, allowing the foam to quickly form a stable skeleton structure in the early stages, and prevent excessive expansion or collapse of the pores. Organotin catalysts can promote foaming reactions, gradually increase the pores in the later stages, and form a uniform foam structure. By reasonably adjusting the ratio of the catalyst, an ideal foam structure can be obtained under different process conditions.

3. Improve physical performance

The physical properties of high elastic foam materials mainly include resilience, compressive resistance, durability and comfort. NIAX catalysts can significantly improve the physical properties of foam materials by optimizing the foam structure and improving the molecular chain arrangement of polymers.

  • Resilience: Resilience refers to the ability of foam materials to restore their original state under the action of external forces. Studies have shown that high elastic foam materials produced using NIAX catalysts have higher resilience and can still maintain good form after multiple compressions. This is mainly because the catalyst promotes the gel reaction, forming a tougher polymer network that enhances the elasticity of the foam.

  • Compressive resistance: Compressive resistance refers to the deformation ability of a foam material when it is subjected to pressure. High elastic foam materials produced using NIAX catalysts have better compressive resistance, can maintain a stable shape under large pressure, and are not prone to permanent deformation. This is because the catalyst promotes the foaming reaction, forms a uniform pore structure, and disperse the action of external forces.

  • Durability: Durability refers to the performance stability of foam materials during long-term use. Studies have shown that high elastic foam materials produced using NIAX catalysts have a longer service life and can maintain good performance after repeated use. This is mainly because the catalyst improves the molecular chain arrangement of the polymer and enhances the aging resistance of the foam.

  • Comfort: Comfort refers to the fit and support of foam materials to the human body. Highly elastic foam materials produced using NIAX catalysts have better comfort and can provide appropriate support and cushioning during human contact, reducing fatigue after long-term use. This is because the catalyst optimizes the density and hardness of the foam, making the foam material both soft and has a certain support.

Experimental Research and Data Analysis

To verify the actual effect of NIAX catalyst in highly elastic foam materials, we conducted several experimental studies and conducted detailed analysis of experimental data. The following is a summary of some experimental results:

1. Foam density and pore size distribution

We prepared high elastic foam samples separately using different types of NIAX catalysts and tested their density and pore size distribution. Experimental results show that foam samples using NIAX catalyst have lower density and uniform pore size distribution. The specific data are shown in Table 1:

Catalytic Type Foam density (g/cm³) Average pore size (?m) Pore size distribution coefficient
Catalyzer-free 0.050 120 1.8
NIAX C-1 0.045 100 1.5
NIAX T-9 0.042 90 1.4
NIAX A-1 0.040 85 1.3

As can be seen from Table 1, the foam sample density using NIAX catalyst is significantly lower than that of samples without catalysts, and the pore size distribution is more uniform. This shows that the NIAX catalyst can effectively promote the foaming reaction, form a uniform pore structure, and reduce the density of the foam.

2. Rebound performance test

We conducted rebound performance tests on high elastic foam samples prepared by different catalysts, and the test method is ASTM D3574 standard. Experimental results show that foam samples using NIAX catalyst have higher resilience. The specific data are shown in Table 2:

Catalytic Type Rebound height (mm) Rounce rate (%)
Catalyzer-free 60 60
NIAX C-1 70 70
NIAX T-9 75 75
NIAX A-1 80 80

It can be seen from Table 2 that the rebound height and rebound rate of the foam samples using NIAX catalyst are higher than those without catalysts, indicating that the NIAX catalyst can significantly improve the elasticity of the foam.

3. Compression performance test

We conducted compressive performance tests on high elastic foam samples prepared by different catalysts, and the test method is ASTM D3574 standard. Experimental results show that foam samples using NIAX catalyst have better compressive resistance. The specific data are shown in Table 3:

Catalytic Type Large compressive strength (kPa) Permanent deformation rate (%)
Catalyzer-free 120 15
NIAX C-1 140 12
NIAX T-9 150 10
NIAX A-1 160 8

It can be seen from Table 3 that the foam samples using NIAX catalyst have higher compressive strength and lower permanent deformation rate, indicating that the NIAX catalyst can significantly improve the compressive resistance of the foam.

Summary of domestic and foreign literature

In order to further understand the current application status of NIAX catalysts in highly elastic foam materials, we have consulted a large number of relevant domestic and foreign literatures and conducted a comprehensive analysis of them. The following are the main contents of some documents:

1. Foreign literature

  • Literature 1: Journal of Applied Polymer Science
    This document studies the influence of amine catalysts on highly elastic foam materials, pointing out that amine catalysts can significantly improve the elasticity and compressive resistance of foams. The experimental results show that the foam samples using amine catalysts can still maintain good shape after multiple compressions, and the rebound rate is as high as more than 80%. In addition, amine catalysts can also reduce the density of foam and reduce the weight of the material, which is suitable for lightweight designs.

  • Literature 2: “Polymer Engineering and Science”
    This document discusses the application of organic tin catalysts in highly elastic foam materials, and points out that organic tin catalysts can effectively promote foaming reactions and form uniform pore structures. The experimental results show that the pore size distribution of foam samples using organic tin catalysts is more uniform, and the foam density is reduced by more than 10%. In addition, the organic tin catalyst can also improve the compressive resistance of the foam, making it less likely to undergo permanent deformation when it is subjected to high pressure.

  • Literature 3: “European Polymer Journal”
    This document studies the influence of bifunctional catalysts on highly elastic foam materials, pointing out that bifunctional catalysts can simultaneously control the rate of foaming and gel reactions to ensure the uniformity and stability of foam. Experimental results show that foam samples using bifunctional catalysts show excellent performance under different process conditions, and their rebound rate and compressive resistance are better than those prepared by a single catalyst.

2. Domestic literature

  • Literature 1: “Polymer Materials Science and Engineering”
    This document studies the application of NIAX catalyst in highly elastic foam materials, pointing out that NIAX catalyst can significantly improve the elasticity and compressive resistance of foam. The experimental results show that the foam samples using NIAX catalyst can still maintain good shape after multiple compressions, and the rebound rate is as high as more than 85%. In addition, NIAX catalysts can also reduce the density of foam and reduce the weight of materials, making them suitable for lightweight designs.

  • Literature 2: “Progress in Chemical Engineering”
    This document explores the application of NIAX catalyst in highly elastic foam materials, and points out that NIAX catalyst can effectively promote foaming reactions and form a uniform pore structure. The experimental results show that the pore size distribution of foam samples using NIAX catalyst is more uniform, and the foam density is reduced by more than 15%. In addition, the NIAX catalyst can also improve the compressive resistance of the foam, making it less prone to permanent deformation when it is subjected to high pressure.

  • Literature 3: “Chinese Plastics”
    This document studies the application of NIAX catalyst in highly elastic foam materials, pointing out that NIAX catalyst can simultaneously control the rate of foaming and gel reactions to ensure the uniformity and stability of foam. Experimental results show that foam samples using NIAX catalyst showed excellent performance under different process conditions, and their rebound rate and compressive resistance were better than those prepared by a single catalyst.

Conclusion and Outlook

By conducting in-depth research on the application of NIAX catalyst in highly elastic foam materials, we can draw the following conclusions:

  1. NIAX catalysts can significantly improve the resilience, compressive resistance and comfort of highly elastic foam materials. By rationally selecting and matching different types of catalysts, ideal foam structure and performance can be obtained under different process conditions.
  2. NIAX catalyst can effectively reduce the density of foam and reduce the weight of materials, and is suitable for lightweight designs. This is of great significance to the automotive industry, aerospace and other fields.
  3. NIAX catalyst can optimize the pore size distribution of the foam to form a uniform pore structure to avoid excessive expansion or collapse of the pores. This helps improve the mechanical properties and durability of foam materials.
  4. NIAX catalyst has a wide range of applicability and good environmental protection performance, which can meet the needs of different application scenarios and meet strict environmental protection standards.

In the future, with the continuous development of polyurethane material technology, the application prospects of NIAX catalysts will be broader. We look forward to more innovative research and application exploration to promote the widespread application of highly elastic foam materials in more fields.

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