Application of polyurethane foam amine catalyst in high-performance sports soles

Introduction

As people’s requirements for sports shoes continue to improve, polyurethane (PU) foam material has gradually become the first choice for high-performance sports soles due to its excellent elasticity, wear resistance and lightness. In the production process of polyurethane foam, the selection and use of catalysts have a crucial impact on the performance of the final product. This article will conduct in-depth discussion on the application of polyurethane foam amine catalyst in high-performance sports soles, covering its working principle, product parameters, performance advantages and practical application cases.

1. Basic concepts of polyurethane foam

1.1 Definition of polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam is a polymer material produced by chemical reactions of polyols, isocyanates, catalysts, foaming agents and other additives. Its structure consists of hard and soft segments, which provide strength and rigidity, while the soft segments impart elasticity and flexibility to the material.

1.2 Classification of polyurethane foam

Depending on the foaming method, polyurethane foam can be divided into open-cell foam and closed-cell foam. Open-cell foam has good breathability and sound absorption properties, while closed-cell foam has high strength and thermal insulation properties. In high-performance sports soles, open-cell foam is often used to provide better cushioning and breathability.

2. The role of polyurethane foam amine catalyst

2.1 Basic functions of catalysts

Catalytics play a crucial role in the formation of polyurethane foam. They can accelerate the reaction between polyols and isocyanates and control the reaction rate, thereby affecting the density, hardness, elasticity and other properties of the foam.

2.2 Advantages of amine catalysts

Amine catalysts are a commonly used polyurethane foam catalysts, which have the following advantages:

High efficiency: Amines catalysts can significantly accelerate the reaction rate and shorten the production cycle.
Controlability: By adjusting the type and dosage of amine catalysts, the performance of the foam can be accurately controlled.
Environmentality: Some amine catalysts have low volatility and low toxicity, and meet environmental protection requirements.

2.3 Types of amine catalysts

Common amine catalysts include:

Catalytic Types	Main Ingredients	Features
Term amine catalyst	Triethylamine, dimethylamine	Efficient and low price
Ququaternary ammonium salt catalyst	Tetramethylammonium hydroxide	High activity, low volatility
Metal Organocatalyst	Organic tin, organic bismuth	High selectivity, environmental protection

III. Application of polyurethane foam amine catalyst in high-performance sports soles

3.1 Requirements for high-performance sports soles

High-performance sports soles require the following characteristics:

cushioning: effectively absorbs impact force and protects the feet.
Elasticity: Provides good rebound performance and enhances sports performance.
Abrasion Resistance: Extend the service life of the sole.
Lightness: Reduce the weight of the shoes and improve the comfort of wearing.
Breathability: Keep your feet dry and prevent odors.

3.2 Application of amine catalysts in sole production

In the production of high-performance sports soles, amine catalysts are mainly used in the following aspects:

3.2.1 Control reaction rate

By selecting the appropriate amine catalyst, the reaction rate of the polyol and isocyanate can be precisely controlled, thereby obtaining the ideal foam structure and performance. For example, the use of high-efficiency tertiary amine catalysts can shorten foaming time and improve production efficiency.

3.2.2 Adjusting foam density

The type and amount of amine catalyst have a significant impact on the density of the foam. By adjusting the ratio of the catalyst, foam of different densities can be obtained to meet the needs of different sports soles. For example, high-density foam is suitable for soles that require high strength and wear resistance, while low-density foam is suitable for soles that require lightweight and cushioning.

3.2.3 Improve foam performance

Amine catalysts can also improve the elasticity, wear resistance and breathability of foams. For example, the use of quaternary ammonium catalysts can improve the elasticity and resilience of the foam, and the use of metal organic catalysts can enhance the wear resistance and durability of the foam.

3.3 Practical Application Cases

The following are some practical application cases that demonstrate the specific application of amine catalysts in high-performance sports soles:

3.3.1 Case 1: Basketball soles

Basketball sports have high requirements for cushioning and elasticity of the soles. By using high-efficiency tertiary aminesThe chemical agent can generate highly elastic and high-cushioning polyurethane foam in a short period of time, effectively absorbing the impact force in basketball and protecting athletes’ feet.

3.3.2 Case 2: Running soles

The running soles need to be good lightweight and breathable. By using low-volatile quaternary ammonium catalysts, low-density, high-breathability polyurethane foam can be generated, reducing the weight of shoes, keeping the feet dry and improving running comfort.

3.3.3 Case 3: Mountaineering soles

Hiking soles need to be high strength and wear resistance. By using metal organic catalysts, high-density and high-strength polyurethane foam can be generated, which enhances the wear resistance and durability of the sole and adapts to complex mountain environments.

IV. Product parameters of polyurethane foam amine catalyst

4.1 Catalyst selection

When selecting an amine catalyst, the following parameters need to be considered:

parameters	Instructions
Activity	The higher the activity of the catalyst, the faster the reaction rate
Volatility	Low volatile catalysts are more environmentally friendly
Toxicity	Safety low toxic catalysts
Price	Price factors affect production costs

4.2 Dosage of catalyst

The amount of catalyst used has a significant impact on foam performance. Generally, the amount of catalyst is between 0.1% and 1%, and the specific amount needs to be adjusted according to production conditions and product requirements.

4.3 Catalyst ratio

In actual production, a combination of multiple catalysts is usually used to equilibrium the reaction rate and foam properties. For example, a high-efficiency tertiary amine catalyst can be used in combination with a low-volatile quaternary ammonium catalyst to obtain ideal reaction rates and foam properties.

V. Performance advantages of polyurethane foam amine catalyst

5.1 Improve production efficiency

The high efficiency of amine catalysts can significantly shorten foaming time, improve production efficiency, and reduce production costs.

5.2 Improve product performance

By precisely controlling the type and amount of catalyst, ideal foam performance can be obtained and meet the requirements of high-performance sports soles.

5.3 Environmental protection and safety

Some amine catalysts have low volatility and low toxicity, meet environmental protection and safety requirements, and reduceHazards to the environment and the human body.

VI. Future development trends

6.1 Research and development of new catalysts

With the continuous improvement of environmental protection and safety requirements, more low-volatility and low-toxicity new amine catalysts will be developed in the future to meet market demand.

6.2 Intelligent production

By introducing intelligent production technology, precise control and automated addition of catalysts can be achieved, and production efficiency and product consistency can be improved.

6.3 Multifunctional development

The future amine catalysts will not only be limited to catalytic functions, but will also have other functions, such as antibacterial and mildew, further improving the performance of sports soles.

Conclusion

The application of polyurethane foam amine catalyst in high-performance sports soles is of great significance. By rationally selecting and using amine catalysts, the cushioning, elasticity, wear resistance and lightness of sports shoes can be significantly improved, and the needs of different sports scenarios can be met. In the future, with the research and development of new catalysts and the introduction of intelligent production, the application of polyurethane foam amine catalysts in high-performance sports soles will be more extensive and in-depth.