The application of trimethylamine ethylpiperazine in polyurethane elastomers

1. Introduction

Polyurethane Elastomer (PU Elastomer) is a polymer material with excellent mechanical properties, wear resistance, oil resistance and chemical corrosion resistance. Due to its unique properties, polyurethane elastomers are widely used in automobiles, construction, electronics, medical and other fields. Trimethylamine Ethyl Piperazine (TMAEP) plays a key role in the synthesis and application of polyurethane elastomers as an important crosslinking agent and chain extender. This article will introduce in detail the application of TMAEP in polyurethane elastomers, including its chemical properties, mechanism of action, product parameters, application examples, etc.

2. Chemical properties of trimethylamine ethylpiperazine

2.1 Chemical structure

The chemical structure of trimethylamine ethylpiperazine is as follows:

 CH3
        |
CH3-N-CH2-CH2-N-CH2-CH2-N-CH3
        | |
       CH3 CH2
               |
              CH2
               |
              N

TMAEP is an organic compound containing three methyl groups and one ethylpiperazine group. Its molecular structure contains multiple reactive nitrogen atoms that can react with isocyanate groups (-NCO) to form stable carbamate bonds.

2.2 Physical Properties

Properties	Value/Description
Molecular Weight	172.28 g/mol
Appearance	Colorless to light yellow liquid
Density	0.92 g/cm³
Boiling point	220-230°C
Flashpoint	110°C
Solution	Easy soluble in water, alcohols, and ethers

2.3 Chemical Properties

TMAEP has the following chemical properties:

Basic: The nitrogen atoms in TMAEP molecules are highly alkaline and can react with acid to form salts.
Reactive activity: The nitrogen atom in TMAEP can react with an isocyanate group (-NCO) to form a carbamate bond.
Crosslinking Capability: TMAEP can be used as a crosslinking agent to react with isocyanate groups through its multiple reactive nitrogen atoms to form a three-dimensional network structure and improve the mechanical properties of polyurethane elastomers.

3. Mechanism of action of trimethylamine ethylpiperazine in polyurethane elastomers

3.1 Chain extension reaction

In the synthesis of polyurethane elastomers, TMAEP can act as a chain extender and react with isocyanate groups to form carbamate bonds. Chain extension reaction can increase the length of the polyurethane molecular chain and improve the mechanical properties of the material.

The reaction equation is as follows:

R-NCO + H2N-R' → R-NH-CO-NH-R'

Where R represents an isocyanate group and R’ represents a TMAEP molecule.

3.2 Crosslinking reaction

TMAEP can also be used as a crosslinking agent to react with isocyanate groups through its multiple reactive nitrogen atoms to form a three-dimensional network structure. Crosslinking reactions can improve the hardness, wear resistance and chemical corrosion resistance of polyurethane elastomers.

The reaction equation is as follows:

R-NCO + H2N-R'-NH2 → R-NH-CO-NH-R'-NH-R

3.3 Catalysis

The nitrogen atoms in TMAEP molecules have a certain catalytic effect, which can accelerate the reaction rate between isocyanate groups and hydroxyl groups or amino groups, and shorten the curing time of polyurethane elastomers.

4. Examples of application of trimethylamine ethylpiperazine in polyurethane elastomers

4.1 Automobile Industry

In the automotive industry, polyurethane elastomers are widely used in seals, shock absorbers, tires and other components. As a crosslinker and chain extender, TMAEP can improve the mechanical properties and durability of these components.

4.1.1 Seals

Performance metrics	TMAEP not used	Using TMAEP
Tension Strength (MPa)	15	25
Elongation of Break (%)	300	400
Hardness (Shore A)	70	80
Abrasion resistance (mg/1000 revolutions)	50	30

4.1.2 Shock Absorber

Performance metrics	TMAEP not used	Using TMAEP
Compression permanent deformation (%)	20	10
Dynamic Modulus (MPa)	5	8
Fatisure Life (Time)	100,000	200,000

4.2 Construction Industry

In the construction industry, polyurethane elastomers are often used in waterproof coatings, sealants, thermal insulation materials, etc. TMAEP can improve the weather resistance and durability of these materials.

4.2.1 Waterproof coating

Performance metrics	TMAEP not used	Using TMAEP
Water Resistance (h)	500	1000
Weather resistance (h)	1000	2000
Adhesion (MPa)	1.5	2.5

4.2.2 Sealant

Performance metrics	TMAEP is not used	Using TMAEP
Tension Strength (MPa)	1.0	1.5
Elongation of Break (%)	200	300
Aging resistance (h)	500	1000

4.3 Electronics Industry

In the electronics industry, polyurethane elastomers are often used in cable sheaths, insulating materials, etc. TMAEP can improve the electrical and mechanical properties of these materials.

4.3.1 Cable Sheath

Performance metrics	TMAEP not used	Using TMAEP
Tension Strength (MPa)	10	15
Elongation of Break (%)	250	350
Volume resistivity (Ω·cm)	10^14	10^15

4.3.2 Insulation material

Performance metrics	TMAEP not used	Using TMAEP
Dielectric strength (kV/mm)	20	25
Dielectric constant	3.5	3.0
Heat resistance (°C)	120	150

4.4 Medical Industry

In the medical industry, polyurethane elastomers are often used in artificial organs, catheters, medical tapes, etc. TMAEP can improve the biocompatibility and durability of these materials.

4.4.1 Artificial Organ

Performance metrics	TMAEP not used	Using TMAEP
Biocompatibility	Good	Excellent
Durability (years)	5	10
Antithrombotic	General	Excellent

4.4.2 Catheter

Performance metrics	TMAEP not used	Using TMAEP
Tension Strength (MPa)	8	12
Elongation of Break (%)	200	300
Chemical corrosion resistance	General	Excellent

5. Product parameters of trimethylamine ethylpiperazine

5.1 Product Specifications

parameters	Value/Description
Purity	≥99%
Moisture content	≤0.1%
Acne	≤0.5 mg KOH/g
Color (APHA)	≤50
Viscosity (25°C)	10-20 mPa·s

5.2 Storage conditions

parameters	Value/Description
Storage temperature	5-30°C
Storage humidity	≤60% RH
Storage period	12 months
Packaging	25 kg/barrel

5.3 Safety precautions

parameters	Value/Description
Flashpoint	110°C
Explosion Limit	1.5-10.5% (volume)
Toxicity	Low toxic
Protective Measures	Wear gloves and goggles

6. Advantages of trimethylamine ethylpiperazine in polyurethane elastomers

6.1 Improve mechanical properties

TMAEP, as a chain extender and crosslinker, can significantly improve the tensile strength, elongation of break and hardness of polyurethane elastomers.

6.2 Enhance chemical corrosion resistance

The three-dimensional network structure formed by TMAEP through cross-linking reaction can improve the chemical corrosion resistance of polyurethane elastomers and extend the service life of the material.

6.3 Improve processing performance

TMAEP has a certain catalytic effect, which can accelerate the curing process of polyurethane elastomers, shorten the production cycle, and improve production efficiency.

6.4 Improve biocompatibility

In medical applications, TMAEP can improve the biocompatibility of polyurethane elastomers and reduce irritation and allergic reactions to the human body.

7. Challenges of trimethylamine ethylpiperazine in polyurethane elastomers

7.1 Cost Issues

TMAEP, as a high-performance crosslinking agent and chain extender, has a high production cost and may increase the overall cost of polyurethane elastomers.

7.2 Environmental Impact

TMAEP may have certain environmental impacts during production and use, and corresponding environmental protection measures are required.

7.3 Technical threshold

The application of TMAEP requires certain technical thresholds, and manufacturers need toHave corresponding technical capabilities and equipment conditions.

8. Conclusion

Trimethylamine ethylpiperazine (TMAEP) has wide application prospects as an important crosslinking agent and chain extender in the synthesis and application of polyurethane elastomers. Through its unique chemical properties and reaction mechanism, TMAEP can significantly improve the mechanical properties, chemical corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of polyurethane elastomers. Although TMAEP faces some challenges in its application, its application value in automobiles, construction, electronics, medical and other fields cannot be ignored. In the future, with the continuous advancement of technology and the improvement of environmental protection requirements, TMAEP will be more widely and in-depth in the application of polyurethane elastomers.

9. Appendix

9.1 FAQ

Q1: What are the storage conditions for TMAEP?

A1: TMAEP should be stored in an environment of 5-30°C, with a humidity of no more than 60% RH, and a shelf life of 12 months.

Q2: What is the amount of TMAEP used in polyurethane elastomers?

A2: The amount of TMAEP is usually 1-5% of the total weight of the polyurethane elastomer, and the specific amount needs to be adjusted according to actual application requirements.

Q3: Is TMAEP harmful to the human body?

A3: TMAEP is a low-toxic substance, but it is still necessary to wear gloves and goggles during use to avoid direct contact with the skin and eyes.

9.2 Interpretation of related terms

Chapter Extender: Chemicals used to increase the length of molecular chains during polymer synthesis.
Crosslinking agent: Chemical substances used to form three-dimensional network structures during polymer synthesis.
isocyanate group: an organic compound containing -NCO group, which is an important raw material for polyurethane synthesis.
Carbamate bond: Chemical bond formed by the reaction of isocyanate groups with amino or hydroxyl groups, it is the main structural unit of polyurethane.

9.3 Related Products Recommended

Product Name	Main Ingredients	Application Fields
TMAEP-100	Trimethylamine ethylpiperazine	Car, construction, electronics, medical
TMAEP-200	Trimethylamine ethylpiperazine	High-performance polyurethane elastomer
TMAEP-300	Trimethylamine ethylpiperazine	Special polyurethane materials

9.4 Related technical consultation

If you have any technical questions about the application of TMAEP in polyurethane elastomers, please contact our technical support team, and we will serve you wholeheartedly.

The above content is a detailed introduction to the application of trimethylamine ethylpiperazine in polyurethane elastomers, covering its chemical properties, mechanism of action, application examples, product parameters and other aspects. I hope that through the introduction of this article, readers can have a deeper understanding of the application of TMAEP in polyurethane elastomers.