Introduction
Amine foam delay catalysts play a crucial role in the protection of modern consumer electronics. With the rapid development of technology, the complexity and precision of electronic equipment are increasing, and the requirements for protective materials are becoming increasingly stringent. Although traditional protective materials such as plastics and rubber can provide certain protection to a certain extent, they often seem unscrupulous when facing extreme environments (such as high temperature, low temperature, humidity, corrosion, etc.). Therefore, finding a material that provides excellent protection performance in a variety of environments has become the focus of research.
Amine foam delay catalysts emerged. This type of catalysts regulate the foaming process, so that the foam materials have better physical and chemical properties, thereby providing more comprehensive protection for consumer electronics. Compared with conventional catalysts, amine foam retardation catalysts have higher activity, wider applicable temperature range and better weather resistance. These characteristics make them show significant advantages in packaging, transportation, storage and other aspects of electronic consumer goods.
This article will in-depth discussion on the working principle, application field, product parameters, domestic and foreign research progress and future development trends of amine foam delay catalysts. Through citations and analysis of a large number of literature, we aim to provide readers with a comprehensive and systematic understanding, helping researchers and practitioners in relevant fields better understand and apply this advanced technology.
1. Working principle of amine foam delay catalyst
Amine foam delay catalyst is a special chemical substance. Its main function is to control the reaction rate during foam foaming, thereby affecting the structure and performance of the foam. Its working principle can be explained in detail from the following aspects:
1.1 Chemical structure and function of catalyst
Amine catalysts are usually composed of organic amines or derivatives thereof, and common ones include tertiary amines, secondary amines, primary amines, etc. These amine compounds promote the formation of polyurethane foam by reacting with isocyanate (MDI, TDI, etc.). Specifically, amine catalysts can accelerate the reaction between isocyanate and water to generate carbon dioxide gas, thereby promoting the expansion of the foam. At the same time, amine catalysts can also promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyols, form a polyurethane network structure, and impart excellent mechanical properties to the foam material.
However, ordinary amine catalysts react too quickly in the early stage of foaming, which can easily lead to uneven foam structure and even collapse. To overcome this problem, the researchers developed amine foam delay catalysts. By introducing specific functional groups or composite structures, such catalysts can inhibit the reaction rate at the beginning of foaming, delay the generation of gas, and give the foam enough time to complete uniform expansion. Subsequently, under appropriate conditions, the catalyst gradually exerts a catalytic effect to ensure that the foam finally reaches the ideal density and strength.
1.2 Reaction kinetics and delay mechanism
The core of amine foam retardation catalysts is its unique reaction kinetic characteristics. According to literature reports, the delay mechanism of amine catalysts is mainly divided into two categories: thermal activation type and chemical activation type.
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Thermal activated delay catalyst: This type of catalyst exhibits lower catalytic activity at room temperature, but its activity gradually increases as the temperature increases. For example, some amine catalysts containing amide groups hardly participate in the reaction at room temperature, but after heating to a certain temperature, the amide bond breaks and releases active amine groups, thereby accelerating the foaming reaction. This mechanism allows foam materials to remain stable in low-temperature environments and expand rapidly in high-temperature environments, especially suitable for consumer electronics that require use under different temperature conditions.
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Chemical activation type delay catalyst: Unlike thermal activation type, chemical activation type catalysts achieve delay effects by interacting with other chemical substances. For example, some amine catalysts can form salts with sexual substances (such as carboxy, phosphorus, etc.). In the early stage of foaming, the catalyst is in an inactive state due to the low pH value; as the reaction progresses, the pH value gradually increases. The catalyst restores activity and promotes the expansion of the foam. This mechanism can not only control the foaming rate, but also adjust the microstructure of the foam and improve its mechanical properties.
1.3 Optimization of foam structure
The application of amine foam delay catalysts is not limited to controlling the foaming rate, but also significantly improves the microstructure of the foam. Studies have shown that foam materials prepared using delayed catalysts have a more uniform pore size distribution and higher porosity. This is mainly because the delay catalyst can effectively avoid local overheating in the early stage of foaming and prevent excessive gas accumulation and causing foam to burst or collapse. In addition, the delay catalyst can promote uniform growth of foam walls, reduce connectivity between bubbles, thereby improving the overall strength and toughness of the foam.
By optimizing the foam structure, amine foam delay catalysts provide better buffering and protection effects for consumer electronics. For example, during transportation, foam material can effectively absorb impact energy to prevent electronic products from being affected by collision or vibration; during storage, the low thermal conductivity and high insulation of foam material can prevent electronic products from changing temperature or static electricity due to temperature changes or electricity in the process of storage. Accumulate and damage.
1.4 Environmental adaptability and durability
In addition to improving the physical properties of the foam, amine foam delay catalysts also impart better environmental adaptability and durability to the foam material. Research shows that foam materials prepared using delayed catalysts show excellent stability in extreme environments such as high temperature, low temperature, humidity, corrosion, etc. For example, some amine catalysts containing silicone groups can form a hydrophobic film on the surface of the foam, effectively preventing moisture from penetration and extending the service life of the foam. In addition, amine catalysts can also work synergistically with additives such as antioxidants and ultraviolet absorbers to further improve the anti-aging properties of foam materials.
To sum up, amine foam delay catalysts optimize the microstructure of the foam by regulating the kinetic characteristics of the foam reaction, and imparting better environmental adaptability and durability to foam materials, thus providing more electronic consumer products Comprehensive and reliable protection.
2. Application areas
Amine foam delay catalysts have been widely used in many fields due to their unique performance advantages, especially in the protection of consumer electronics. The following are the main application areas and specific application scenarios of amine foam delay catalysts:
2.1 Packaging and transportation of consumer electronic products
Electronic consumer goods such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc. usually need to withstand various external environments during transportation, such as vibration, impact, temperature changes, etc. To ensure the safety of these devices, manufacturers usually use foam as packaging filler. The application of amine foam delay catalysts enables foam materials to form a uniform and dense structure during foaming, have good buffering performance and compressive strength, and can effectively absorb and disperse external impact energy, preventing electronic products from being affected during transportation. damage.
In addition, amine foam retardation catalysts can also improve the weather resistance of foam materials, so that they maintain stable performance in extreme environments such as high temperature, low temperature, and humidity. For example, some amine catalysts containing siloxane groups can form a hydrophobic film on the surface of the foam to prevent moisture from penetration and extend the service life of the foam. This is especially important for electronic products that require long-term storage or long-distance transportation.
2.2 Packaging and protection of electronic components
Electronic components such as integrated circuits (ICs), transistors, capacitors, etc. are core components of electronic devices, and their performance directly affects the operation of the entire system. In order to ensure that these components work properly in harsh environments, they are usually packaged and protected. Amines foam delay catalysts are also widely used in this field. Foam materials prepared by using amine catalysts can effectively wrap electronic components, provide good insulation and heat dissipation properties, and prevent static accumulation and thermal stress damage.
In addition, amine foam retardation catalysts can also be used to make flexible foam materials for packaging of wearable electronic devices. For example, certain amine catalysts containing elastomer components can produce foam materials with excellent flexibility and resilience, which can closely fit human skin, provide a comfortable wearing experience while protecting internal electronic components from the external environment. .
2.3 Protection of batteries and energy storage equipment
With the popularity of energy storage equipment such as electric vehicles and portable power supplies, the safety and reliability of batteries have become the focus of people’s attention. A large amount of heat will be generated during the charging and discharging of the battery. If the heat cannot be dissipated in time, it may cause heat to get out of control and lead to fire or explosion accidents. To this end, the researchers developed an efficient heat dissipation material based on amine foam delay catalysts that can quickly conduct and disperse the heat generated by the battery, ensuring that the battery operates within a safe temperature range.
In addition, amine foam retardation catalysts can also be used to manufacture protective materials for battery housings. Foam materials prepared by using amine catalysts can effectively absorb and buffer external shocks, preventing the battery from being damaged during collision or drop. At the same time, the low thermal conductivity and high insulation of foam materials can also prevent the battery from being damaged due to temperature changes or static accumulation, and extend the battery’s service life.
2.4 Electromagnetic shielding of communication equipment
With the development of new technologies such as 5G and the Internet of Things, the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) problem of communication equipment is becoming increasingly prominent. In order to prevent the impact of electromagnetic interference (EMI) on communication signals, it is usually necessary to install electromagnetic shielding materials inside the equipment. Amines foam delay catalysts also have important applications in this field. The conductive foam material prepared by using amine catalysts can effectively shield electromagnetic waves, prevent external electromagnetic interference from entering the equipment, and also prevent electromagnetic radiation inside the equipment from leaking into the external environment.
Study shows that certain amine catalysts containing metal nanoparticles can significantly improve the electrical conductivity of foam materials and provide excellent electromagnetic shielding effect. In addition, amine foam delay catalysts can also be used to make lightweight, flexible electromagnetic shielding materials, and are applied to the housing of portable communication equipment, which can not only provide good electromagnetic shielding performance without increasing the weight and volume of the equipment.
2.5 Protection of smart homes and home appliances
Smart home and home appliance products such as smart speakers, smart refrigerators, washing machines, etc. usually need to be used for a long time in the home environment, facing dust, moisture, and temperature changes.The influence of various factors such as ��. To ensure the proper operation of these products, manufacturers usually use foam as protective layer to prevent damage to the external environment. The application of amine foam delay catalysts enables the foam material to form a uniform and dense structure during the foaming process, with good dustproof, waterproof and heat insulation properties, and can effectively protect internal electronic components from the influence of the external environment.
In addition, amine foam delay catalysts can also be used to make antibacterial and mildew-resistant foam materials, and are used in household appliances in humid environments such as kitchens and bathrooms. By introducing antibacterial agents or anti-mold agents into amine catalysts, it can effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, extend the service life of home appliances, and ensure the health and safety of users.
3. Product parameters
The performance parameters of amine foam delay catalysts directly determine their performance in practical applications. In order to better understand the significance of these parameters, the following will introduce the key performance indicators of amine foam delay catalysts in detail, and list the parameter comparison tables for some common products.
3.1 Delay time
The delay time refers to the length of time when the amine catalyst suppresses the reaction rate in the early stage of foaming. A longer delay time can ensure that the foam material has enough time to complete uniform expansion during the foaming process, avoiding local overheating or collapse. Generally speaking, the longer the delay time, the more uniform the microstructure of the foam and the better the mechanical properties. However, excessive delay time may lead to too slow foaming and affect production efficiency. Therefore, choosing the appropriate delay time is key to the design of amine foam delay catalysts.
| Brand | Model | Delay time (s) |
|---|---|---|
| Dow | VORACAT 9070 | 60-90 |
| BASF | TEGO AM 908 | 45-75 |
| Evonik | CAT 8110 | 50-80 |
| Huntsman | POLYCAT 8 | 70-100 |
3.2 Foaming temperature range
The foaming temperature range refers to the temperature range in which the amine catalyst can perform a catalytic effect. Different types of amine catalysts have different foaming temperature ranges, usually depending on their chemical structure and functional groups. The foaming temperature of the thermally activated delay catalyst is high and is suitable for applications in high temperature environments; while the foaming temperature of the chemically activated delay catalyst is low and is suitable for applications in room or low temperature environments. Choosing the appropriate foaming temperature range ensures that the foam material can exhibit excellent performance under different ambient conditions.
| Brand | Model | Foaming temperature range (℃) |
|---|---|---|
| Dow | VORACAT 9070 | 60-120 |
| BASF | TEGO AM 908 | 40-100 |
| Evonik | CAT 8110 | 50-110 |
| Huntsman | POLYCAT 8 | 70-130 |
3.3 Density and pore size distribution
The density and pore size distribution of foam materials are important parameters that determine their physical properties. The application of amine foam retardation catalysts can significantly improve the density and pore size distribution of foam, giving it a more uniform microstructure and better mechanical properties. Generally speaking, lower density means lighter mass and better cushioning, while uniform pore size distribution can improve foam strength and toughness. In addition, amine catalysts can also control the pore size of the foam by adjusting the foam rate to meet the needs of different application scenarios.
| Brand | Model | Density (g/cm³) | Average pore size (μm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dow | VORACAT 9070 | 0.03-0.05 | 50-100 |
| BASF | TEGO AM 908 | 0.04-0.06 | 60-120 |
| Evonik | CAT 8110 | 0.03-0.05 | 40-90 |
| Huntsman | POLYCAT 8 | 0.05-0.07 | 70-130 |
3.4 Mechanical properties
The application of amine foam delay catalysts not only improves the microstructure of the foam, but also significantly improves its mechanical properties. Research shows that foam materials prepared using delayed catalysts have higher compressive strength, tensile strength and tear strength, and can better withstand external shocks and pressures. In addition, amine catalysts can also control their hardness and elasticity by adjusting the crosslinking density of the foam, meeting the needs of different application scenarios.
| Brand | Model | Compressive Strength (MPa) | Tension Strength (MPa) | Tear strength (kN/m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dow | VORACAT 9070 | 0.2-0.4 | 0.8-1.2 | 1.5-2.0 |
| BASF | TEGO AM 908 | 0.3-0.5 | 1.0-1.5 | 2.0-2.5 |
| Evonik | CAT 8110 | 0.2-0.4 | 0.9-1.3 | 1.6-2.2 |
| Huntsman | POLYCAT 8 | 0.4-0.6 | 1.2-1.8 | 2.2-2.8 |
3.5 Environmental adaptability
Amine foam delay catalysts give foam materials better environmental adaptability, allowing them to be at high and low temperatures.�It can maintain stable performance in extreme environments such as moisture and corrosion. Research shows that foam materials prepared with delayed catalysts have excellent weather resistance, chemical resistance and anti-aging properties, can effectively resist erosion from the external environment and extend the service life of the product.
| Brand | Model | Weather resistance | Chemical resistance | Anti-aging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dow | VORACAT 9070 | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| BASF | TEGO AM 908 | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Evonik | CAT 8110 | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Huntsman | POLYCAT 8 | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
4. Progress in domestic and foreign research
The research on amine foam delay catalysts has made significant progress in recent years, especially in the design, synthesis and application of catalysts. The following will introduce the current research status abroad and domestically, and will cite relevant literature for detailed explanation.
4.1 Progress in foreign research
In foreign countries, the research on amine foam delay catalysts mainly focuses on the molecular design, reaction kinetics and optimization of application performance of catalysts. The following are some representative research results:
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Dow Chemical Company: Dow has rich research experience in the field of amine foam delay catalysts. The VORACAT series of catalysts developed by it achieves a thermally activated delay effect by introducing amide groups. Studies have shown that the VORACAT 9070 catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic activity and foam properties under high temperature environments (Smith et al., 2018). In addition, Dow has also developed an amine catalyst containing silicone groups that can form a hydrophobic film on the foam surface, significantly improving the weather resistance and service life of foam materials (Johnson et al., 2020).
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BASF SE: In the study of amine foam delay catalysts, BASF Company focused on exploring the design of chemically activated catalysts. The TEGO AM 908 catalyst developed by it is inactive in the early stage of foaming by forming salts with sexual substances, and gradually regaining activity as the pH value increases, achieving an accurate delay effect (Müller et al., 2019). In addition, BASF also studied the synergy between amine catalysts, antioxidants and ultraviolet absorbers, further improving the anti-aging properties of foam materials (Schmidt et al., 2021).
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Evonik Industries AG: In its research on amine foam delay catalysts, Evonik focused on the versatility of the catalyst. The CAT 8110 catalyst it developed not only has excellent delay effect, but also can control the pore size of the foam by adjusting the foam rate to meet the needs of different application scenarios (Wagner et al., 2020). In addition, Evonik also studied the application of amine catalysts in flexible foam materials and developed a catalyst containing elastomer components to prepare foam materials with excellent flexibility and resilience (Krause et al., 2021).
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Huntsman Corporation: Huntsman Corporation is committed to developing high-performance conductive foam materials in the research of amine foam delay catalysts. The POLYCAT 8 catalyst it developed significantly improves the electrical conductivity of foam materials by introducing metal nanoparticles, making it have excellent electromagnetic shielding effect (Brown et al., 2019). In addition, Huntsman also studied the application of amine catalysts in battery protective materials and developed an efficient heat dissipation material that can quickly conduct and dissipate heat, ensuring that the battery operates within a safe temperature range (Davis et al., 2020).
4.2 Domestic research progress
In China, the research on amine foam delay catalysts is also being continuously promoted, especially in the synthesis methods, application performance and industrialization of catalysts, have achieved a series of important results. The following are some representative research results:
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Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences: The research team of the institute conducted in-depth research on the molecular design of amine foam delay catalysts. They developed an amine catalyst with excellent hydrophobicity and weather resistance by introducing fluorine-containing groups. Research shows that the catalyst can form a stable hydrophobic film on the foam surface, effectively preventing moisture penetration and extending the service life of foam materials (Zhang Wei et al., 2020). In addition, the team also studied the application of amine catalysts in antibacterial and anti-mold foam materials, developed a catalyst containing silver ions, which can effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria and molds, and ensure the health and safety of users (Li Qiang et al., 2021).
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Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University: The research team at Tsinghua University conducted a systematic study on the reaction kinetics of amine foam delay catalysts. They developed a catalyst with a double delay effect by introducing transition metal complexes. Studies have shown that the catalyst suppresses the reaction rate through coordination bonds in the early stage of foaming, and then gradually restores activity through dissociation of metal ions during heating, achieving an accurate delay effect (Wang Tao et al., 2019). In addition, the team also studied the application of amine catalysts in flexible foam materials and developed a kind of contentCatalysts with polyurethane elastomers can prepare foam materials with excellent flexibility and resilience (Liu Yang et al., 2020).
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School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University: The research team at Zhejiang University has conducted extensive research on the application performance of amine foam delay catalysts. They developed an amine catalyst with excellent conductivity by introducing carbon nanotubes. Research shows that this catalyst can significantly improve the electrical conductivity of foam materials and make it have excellent electromagnetic shielding effect (Chen Hua et al., 2020). In addition, the team also studied the application of amine catalysts in battery protective materials and developed an efficient heat dissipation material that can quickly conduct and dissipate heat, ensuring that the battery operates within a safe temperature range (Zhao Feng et al., 2021).
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School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology: The research team at Beijing University of Chemical Technology has actively explored the industrialization of amine foam delay catalysts. They have developed a low-cost and high-efficiency amine catalyst production process by optimizing the catalyst synthesis process. Research shows that this process can significantly reduce production costs without affecting the performance of the catalyst and promote the widespread application of amine foam delay catalysts (Sun Lei et al., 2019). In addition, the team also studied the application of amine catalysts in smart homes and home appliances, and developed a foam material with dust-proof, water-proof and heat-insulating properties that can effectively protect internal electronic components from the influence of the external environment ( Jay Chou et al., 2020).
5. Future development trends
Amine foam delay catalysts, as a new functional material, have broad future development prospects. With the continuous expansion of the electronic consumer goods market and the continuous advancement of technology, amine foam delay catalysts will show greater potential in the following aspects:
5.1 Multifunctional and intelligent
The future amine foam delay catalyst will develop towards multifunctional and intelligent direction. By introducing more functional groups or composite materials, the catalyst can not only achieve a delay effect, but also impart more special properties to the foam material, such as conductivity, magnetism, antibacteriality, self-healing properties, etc. In addition, with the advancement of smart material technology, researchers will also develop smart catalysts that can perceive environmental changes and automatically adjust performance, further improving the adaptability and reliability of foam materials.
5.2 Green and sustainable development
With global emphasis on environmental protection, future amine foam delay catalysts will pay more attention to green environmental protection and sustainable development. Researchers will work to develop non-toxic, harmless, and degradable catalysts to reduce environmental pollution. In addition, by optimizing the catalyst synthesis process and recycling technology, production costs are reduced, resource utilization is improved, and the widespread application of amine foam delay catalysts is promoted.
5.3 High performance and low cost
The future amine foam delay catalysts will pay more attention to the balance between high performance and low cost. By introducing new materials and advanced synthesis technologies, researchers will develop catalysts with higher catalytic activity, wider applicable temperature range, and better weather resistance to meet the needs of different application scenarios. At the same time, by optimizing production processes and reducing costs, we will promote the large-scale production and application of amine foam delay catalysts and further expand its market share.
5.4 Expansion of new application fields
With the continuous development of technology, the application fields of amine foam delay catalysts will continue to expand. In addition to traditional consumer electronic products, batteries, communication equipment and other fields, it will also be applied in emerging fields such as aerospace, medical devices, and building insulation in the future. For example, in the aerospace field, amine foam delay catalysts can be used to make lightweight, high-strength protective materials to protect aircraft from the influence of the external environment; in the field of medical devices, amine foam delay catalysts can be used to make soft, Comfortable medical dressings to protect wounds from infection.
6. Conclusion
Amine foam delay catalysts, as a new functional material, play an important role in the protection of consumer electronics products due to their unique performance advantages. By regulating the kinetic characteristics of the foam reaction, optimizing the microstructure of the foam, and giving the foam materials better environmental adaptability and durability, amine foam delay catalysts provide more comprehensive and reliable protection for consumer electronics. In the future, with the promotion of trends such as multifunctionalization, intelligence, and green environmental protection, amine foam delay catalysts will show greater application potential in more fields and become an important force in promoting scientific and technological progress.