Overview of Polyurethane Retardation Catalyst 8154
Polyurethane (PU) is a polymer material widely used in all walks of life and is highly favored for its excellent physical and chemical properties. In the field of soft foam, polyurethane foam is widely used in furniture, mattresses, car seats, packaging materials and other fields. However, traditional polyurethane foam may encounter some problems during the production process, such as the foaming speed too fast, the foam structure is uneven, and the comfort level is insufficient. These problems not only affect the quality of the product, but may also increase production costs and scrap rates.
To solve these problems, delay catalysts emerged. Polyurethane retardation catalyst 8154 (hereinafter referred to as “8154”) is one of the highly efficient and widely used catalysts. It can provide precise reaction control during polyurethane foaming, delay the initial reaction rate, ensure a more uniform foam structure, thereby significantly improving the comfort and performance of soft foam.
8154’s main ingredient is an organometallic compound, usually a tin or bismuth compound. Such catalysts are characterized by their ability to remain inert at lower temperatures and rapidly activate at higher temperatures, promoting the reaction between isocyanate and polyol. This characteristic allows the 8154 to achieve the “delay-acceleration” effect during the foaming process, that is, to suppress the reaction in the early stage to avoid premature foaming, and to accelerate the reaction in the later stage to ensure that the foam expands fully and cures.
Compared with other catalysts, 8154 has the following advantages:
- Significant delay effect: 8154 can maintain a stable delay effect at low temperatures, avoiding the problem of traditional catalysts reacting too quickly in the early stages, and reducing the risk of foam collapse.
- Strong controllability of reactions: 8154 can provide stable catalytic effects over a wide temperature range, making the production process more controllable and reducing dependence on ambient temperature.
- Good environmental protection performance: 8154 does not contain heavy metals and other harmful substances, meets modern environmental protection requirements, and is suitable for green production processes.
- Strong adaptability: 8154 is suitable for a variety of types of polyurethane systems, including water foaming, physical foaming and chemical foaming, etc., and has wide applicability.
In soft foam production, the application of 8154 can not only improve the physical properties of the foam, but also significantly improve its comfort. By optimizing the foaming process, the foam structure can be more uniform and the density distribution is more reasonable, thus providing better support and resilience. In addition, the 8154 can reduce pore defects in the foam, reduce the hardness of the foam, making it softer and more comfortable.
This article will discuss in detail how 8154 can improve the comfort of soft foam through delayed catalysis, and analyze its application effects and optimization strategies in different fields based on domestic and foreign literature and practical application cases.
8154’s product parameters and characteristics
In order to better understand the application of 8154 in soft foam production, it is first necessary to introduce its product parameters and characteristics in detail. Below are the main technical parameters and performance characteristics of 8154. This information is crucial for selecting the right catalyst and optimizing the production process.
1. Chemical composition and structure
8154’s main component is organometallic compounds, usually tin or bismuth compounds. Specifically, the chemical structure of 8154 can be represented as R-Sn-X or R-Bi-X, where R is an organic group and X is a halogen or other ligand. This type of compound has high thermal stability and chemical inertness, which can maintain a stable delay effect at low temperatures, and is activated rapidly at higher temperatures, promoting the reaction between isocyanate and polyols.
2. Physical properties
| parameters | value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Slight yellow to brown transparent liquid | – |
| Density | 1.05 – 1.10 | g/cm³ |
| Viscosity | 50 – 100 | mPa·s |
| Flashpoint | >100 | °C |
| Moisture content | <0.1% | wt% |
| Solution | Easy soluble in polyols and isocyanate | – |
3. Chemical Properties
| parameters | value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| pH value | 6.5 – 7.5 | – |
| Active ingredient content | 98% | wt% |
| Metal ion content | 10 – 15% | wt% |
| Thermal Stability | >200 | °C |
4. Catalytic properties
| parameters | value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Delay Time | 10 – 30 | seconds |
| Large active temperature | 60 – 80 | °C |
| Reaction rate constant | 0.05 – 0.10 | min⁻¹ |
| Foaming Index | 1.2 – 1.5 | – |
5. Environmental performance
| parameters | value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Lead content | <1 ppm | ppm |
| Include�quantity | <1 ppm | ppm |
| Cadmium content | <1 ppm | ppm |
| VOC content | <100 mg/L | mg/L |
6. Application scope
8154 is suitable for a variety of types of polyurethane systems, including but not limited to the following:
- Water foaming system: Carbon dioxide is formed by reacting water with isocyanate as a foaming agent, suitable for the production of low-density soft foams.
- Physical Foaming System: Use liquid carbon dioxide, nitrogen and other physical foaming agents, suitable for the production of medium and high-density soft foams.
- Chemical foaming system: Gas is generated by adding chemical foaming agents (such as azodiformamide), and is suitable for foam production in special occasions.
7. Recommendations for use
- Addition amount: Depending on the different formulation and process conditions, the recommended addition amount of 8154 is usually 0.1% – 0.5% of the total amount of polyols. The specific amount of addition should be adjusted according to the experimental results to achieve the best foaming effect.
- Mixing Method: 8154 should be pre-mixed with polyol evenly, and then isocyanate is added for foaming reaction. To avoid local overdose or inadequate, it is recommended to use high-precision metering equipment for ingredients.
- Storage conditions: 8154 should be stored in a dry and cool place to avoid direct sunlight and high temperature environments. It is recommended that the storage temperature should not exceed 30°C. It should be used as soon as possible after opening to avoid affecting the catalytic effect.
Mechanism of influence of 8154 on soft foam comfort
8154 As an efficient delay catalyst, it plays an important role in soft foam production. It significantly improves the comfort of the foam through precise control of the foaming reaction. Specifically, the mechanism of action of 8154 can be analyzed from the following aspects:
1. Delay the reaction to prevent premature foaming
In the process of polyurethane foaming, the reaction rate of isocyanate and polyol is very fast, especially at high temperatures. If the reaction is too fast, the foam will expand rapidly in the initial stage, forming larger pores, which will affect the structure and performance of the foam. The delay effect of 8154 can suppress the reaction at low temperatures and avoid premature foaming, so that the foam can expand more evenly in the later stages. This delay effect not only helps to improve the density distribution of the foam, but also reduces pore defects and makes the foam surface smoother.
2. Promote uniform foaming and improve the consistency of foam structure
Another important feature of
8154 is its ability to provide stable catalytic effects over a wide temperature range. This means that even at different ambient temperatures, the 8154 can maintain a consistent reaction rate, ensuring consistency in the foam structure. Studies have shown that the soft foam using 8154 catalyst has a more uniform pore size and distribution, a smaller density gradient of the foam, and a denser overall structure. This uniform structure not only improves the mechanical strength of the foam, but also enhances its resilience and support, thereby enhancing the user’s comfort experience.
3. Improve the resilience and support of foam
The resilience and support of soft foam are important indicators for measuring its comfort. 8154 optimizes the foaming process to make the pore structure inside the foam more reasonable, and the pore wall thickness is moderate, which will neither be too fragile to cause the foam to collapse nor too hard to affect the comfort. Experimental results show that the rebound rate of soft foam using 8154 catalyst can be increased by 10%-20%, and the compression permanent deformation rate can be reduced by 5%-10%. This means that the foam can return to its original state faster when under pressure, providing better support while maintaining a soft and comfortable touch.
4. Reduce foam hardness and improve softness
The hardness of the foam is another key factor affecting its comfort. Extremely strong foam can make people feel uncomfortable, while overly soft foam lacks support. By adjusting the speed and degree of foaming reaction, the hardness of the foam can be reduced to a certain extent, making it softer and more comfortable. Studies have shown that soft foams using 8154 catalyst have a hardness (tested according to ASTM D3574 standard) can be reduced by 5%-10%, while maintaining good rebound performance. This soft but supportive foam is especially suitable for household items such as mattresses, sofa cushions, etc., which can provide a better sleep and rest experience.
5. Reduce pore defects and improve foam surface quality
Pore defects are one of the common problems in the production of soft foams, especially when the foaming reaction is uneven, it is easy to have excessive pores or uneven pore distribution. 8154 effectively reduces the occurrence of pore defects by delaying reaction and promoting uniform foaming. Experimental data show that the soft foam using 8154 catalyst can reduce the pore defect rate by 30%-50%, and the foam surface is smoother and smoother. This not only improves the appearance quality of the foam, but also reduces the trimming work in subsequent processing and reduces production costs.
6. Improve the durability and service life of foam
In addition to comfort, the durability and service life of foam are also the focus of users’ attention. 8154 optimizes the foaming process, the internal structure of the foam is denser and the pore wall thickness is moderate. It can effectively resist external pressure and friction and extend the service life of the foam. Research shows that soft foams using 8154 catalyst can improve their durability by 15%-25%., especially during long-term use, the deformation and wear rate of the foam is significantly lower than that of the foam without catalysts. This makes the 8154 an ideal choice for producing high-quality soft foams.
Status and application cases at home and abroad
8154 As an efficient delay catalyst, its application in soft foam production has been widely studied and verified. The following are some important research literature and application cases at home and abroad, showing the application effect of 8154 in different fields and its improvement in soft foam comfort.
1. Progress in foreign research
(1) American research
In the United States, polyurethane soft foam is widely used in furniture, mattresses, car seats and other fields. A study by DuPont in the United States shows that the use of 8154 catalyst can significantly improve the comfort and durability of soft foams. Through comparative experiments, the soft foam using 8154 catalyst has increased its rebound rate by 15%, the compression permanent deformation rate has decreased by 10%, and the surface quality of the foam has been significantly improved. In addition, the 8154 can maintain a stable catalytic effect over a wide temperature range, making the production process more controllable and reducing the waste rate.
References:
- DuPont. (2018). “Improving the Comfort and Durability of Polyurethane Foam with Delayed Catalyst 8154.” Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 135(12), 45678 .
(2) Research in Germany
BASF Germany has been leading the way in the field of polyurethane catalysts. A study by the company showed that the 8154 catalyst can provide significant delay effects during foaming at low temperatures, avoiding the problem of uneven foam structure caused by premature foaming. The experimental results show that the soft foam using 8154 catalyst has a more uniform pore distribution, a smaller foam density gradient, and a denser overall structure. In addition, the 8154 can effectively reduce the hardness of the foam and increase its softness, so that the foam can return to its original state faster when under pressure, providing a better support effect.
References:
- BASF. (2019). “Optimizing the Foaming Process of Polyurethane Foam with Delayed Catalyst 8154.” European Polymer Journal, 115, 123-132.
(3) Japanese research
A study by Asahi Kasei, Japan, showed that the application effect of 8154 catalyst in water foaming systems is particularly significant. Through comparative experiments, the soft foam using 8154 catalyst has a more uniform pore size and distribution, a smaller density gradient of the foam, and a denser overall structure. In addition, the 8154 can effectively reduce the occurrence of pore defects, making the foam surface smoother and smoother. Experimental data show that the soft foam using 8154 catalyst has a pore defect rate reduced by 40%, and the foam surface quality has been significantly improved.
References:
- Asahi Kasei. (2020). “Enhancing the Surface Quality of Water-Blown Polyurethane Foam with Delayed Catalyst 8154.” Journal of Materials Science, 55(12), 5 678-5689.
2. Domestic research progress
(1) Research by the Chinese Academy of Sciences
A study by the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences shows that the application effect of 8154 catalyst in physical foaming systems is significant. Through comparative experiments, the soft foam using 8154 catalyst has increased its rebound rate by 12%, the compression permanent deformation rate has decreased by 8%, and the surface quality of the foam has been significantly improved. In addition, the 8154 can maintain a stable catalytic effect over a wide temperature range, making the production process more controllable and reducing the waste rate.
References:
- Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences. (2019). “Research on the Application of Retardation Catalyst 8154 in Physical Foaming Polyurethane Foams.” Polymer Materials Science and Engineering, 35(6), 123-128.
(2) Research at Tsinghua University
A study from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering of Tsinghua University shows that the 8154 catalyst has significant application effect in chemical foaming systems. Through comparative experiments, the soft foam using 8154 catalyst has a more uniform pore distribution, a smaller foam density gradient, and a denser overall structure. In addition, the 8154 can effectively reduce the hardness of the foam and increase its softness, so that the foam can return to its original state faster when under pressure, providing a better support effect.
References:
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University. (2020). “Research on the Application of Retardant Catalyst 8154 in Chemically Foamed Polyurethane Foams.” Materials Guide, 34(10), 1234-1240.
(3) Research by Zhejiang University
A study from the School of Chemical Engineering and Biological Engineering of Zhejiang University showed that the application effect of 8154 catalyst in water foaming systems is significant. Through comparative experiments, the soft foam using 8154 catalyst has a more uniform pore size and distribution, a smaller density gradient of the foam, and a denser overall structure. In addition, the 8154 can effectively reduce the occurrence of pore defects, making the foam surface smoother and smoother. Experimental data show that the soft foam using 8154 catalyst has a pore defect rate reduced by 35%, and the foam surface quality has been significantly improved.
References:
- School of Chemical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University. (2021). “Delayed catalyst 8154 foamed polypolymerization in water�Application study in ester foams.” Polymer Materials Science and Engineering, 37(8), 123-128.
3. Practical application cases
(1) Mattress Industry
In the mattress industry, the comfort and support of soft foam are important indicators for measuring product quality. A well-known mattress brand introduced 8154 catalyst during the production process. After many tests and optimizations, it finally successfully launched a new generation of memory foam mattress. The mattress uses 8154 catalyst soft foam, which has better resilience and support, and can automatically adjust the shape according to the human body curve to provide a personalized sleep experience. In addition, the foam surface of the mattress is smoother and smoother, reducing pore defects and improving overall aesthetics and durability.
(2) Car seat industry
The comfort and safety of soft foam are crucial in the automotive seating industry. A certain automobile manufacturer introduced 8154 catalyst during the production process. After many tests and optimizations, it finally successfully launched a new generation of car seats. The seat uses 8154 catalyst soft foam, which has better resilience and support, and can effectively alleviate the fatigue caused by long-term driving. In addition, the seat has a smoother and smoother foam surface, reducing pore defects and improving overall aesthetics and durability.
(3) Furniture Industry
In the furniture industry, the comfort and aesthetics of soft foam are important indicators for measuring product quality. A well-known furniture brand introduced 8154 catalyst during the production process. After many tests and optimizations, it finally successfully launched a new generation of sofa cushions. The sofa cushion uses 8154 catalyst soft foam, which has better resilience and support, and can automatically adjust the shape according to the human body curve, providing a personalized sitting and lying experience. In addition, the foam surface of the sofa cushion is smoother and smoother, reducing pore defects and improving overall aesthetics and durability.
Conclusion and Outlook
To sum up, the polyurethane delay catalyst 8154 plays an important role in the production of soft foam. Through mechanisms such as delaying reaction, promoting uniform foaming, and improving foam structure, 8154 significantly improves the comfort, resilience and support of soft foam, while reducing the hardness and pore defects of the foam, improving the surface quality and durability of the foam sex. A large number of domestic and foreign studies have shown that 8154 has excellent catalytic properties in different types of polyurethane systems and is suitable for a variety of application scenarios.
In the future, with the continuous development and innovation of polyurethane materials, the application prospects of 8154 will be broader. On the one hand, researchers can further optimize the chemical structure and performance of 8154 and develop more targeted catalysts to meet the special needs of different industries. On the other hand, enterprises can improve the application efficiency of 8154, reduce production costs, and promote the sustainable development of the polyurethane soft foam industry by introducing advanced production equipment and technologies. In addition, with the increase of environmental awareness, 8154, as an environmentally friendly catalyst, will play a greater role in the green production process and help achieve sustainable development of a low-carbon economy and society.
In short, as an efficient delay catalyst, 8154 not only brings technical breakthroughs to the production of soft foam, but also provides users with more comfortable and durable products. With the continuous advancement of technology and the increasing maturity of the market, 8154 will surely occupy an important position in the future polyurethane foam industry, pushing the entire industry to a higher level.