Polyurethane catalyst PMDETA: a “secret weapon” to reduce odors in production

In the industrial field, polyurethane (PU) materials are widely used in many industries such as automobiles, construction, furniture, and shoe materials due to their excellent performance. However, the odor problems generated during their production have always plagued manufacturers and consumers. This odor not only affects product quality, but can also pose a potential threat to the environment and human health. Therefore, how to effectively reduce odor in the production process has become one of the key points of attention in the industry.

In recent years, a highly efficient catalyst called PMDETA (N,N,N’,N’-tetramethylethylenediamine) has stood out with its excellent performance and has become an ideal choice for solving this problem. This article will conduct in-depth discussion on the application of PMDETA and its significant effect in reducing odor in polyurethane production. At the same time, combining specific parameters and domestic and foreign literature research, it presents a comprehensive and practical technical guide for readers.

What is PMDETA?

PMDETA is an organic amine catalyst with a chemical name N,N,N’,N’-tetramethylethylenediamine, a molecular formula C6H16N2 and a molecular weight of 112.20. It has the following physical characteristics:

parameters	value
Appearance	Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
Density (g/cm³)	About 0.87
Boiling point (°C)	153-155
Refractive	1.425-1.430

As a commonly used catalyst in polyurethane reaction, PMDETA can significantly accelerate the chemical reaction between isocyanate and polyol, thereby improving production efficiency and optimizing product performance. More importantly, it performs well in controlling reaction rates and reducing by-product production, which is why it plays a key role in reducing odor.

Principle of PMDETA

To understand how PMDETA can help reduce odors during production, we first need to understand the basic reaction mechanisms of polyurethane production. The synthesis of polyurethanes usually involves the addition reaction between an isocyanate (such as TDI or MDI) and a polyol (such as polyether or polyester polyol). In this process, some by-products may be produced, such as carbon dioxide, amine compounds and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are positiveIt is the main source of odor.

PMDETA works by:

Precisely regulate the reaction rate: PMDETA can accurately control the reaction rate without changing the quality of the final product to avoid adverse consequences of too fast or too slow reactions.
Reduce by-product generation: Because PMDETA has high selectivity, it can preferentially promote the main reaction, thereby reducing the occurrence of unnecessary side reactions, and thus reducing VOCs emissions.
Improving foam stability: For soft bubble applications, good foam stability is one of the key factors in ensuring product uniformity and reducing odor. PMDETA performed particularly well in this regard.

Status of domestic and foreign research

Domestic research progress

In recent years, with the continuous increase in environmental awareness and the increasingly strict relevant laws and regulations, domestic scholars have conducted in-depth research on the application of PMDETA in polyurethane production. For example, a research team from a university’s School of Chemical Engineering found that using PMDETA as a catalyst under specific conditions can reduce VOCs emissions by more than 30%, without sacrificing any mechanical performance indicators.

In addition, another enterprise-led study shows that using PMDETA instead of traditional amine catalysts can not only effectively reduce odor, but also significantly shorten the maturation time, bringing significant economic benefits to the enterprise.

International Frontier Trends

In foreign countries, research on PMDETA has also achieved fruitful results. A well-known American chemical company has developed a new formula based on PMDETA, designed for high-performance rigid foams, achieving ultra-low VOCs emission levels while ensuring good thermal insulation performance. Experimental data show that compared with traditional solutions, the new formula can reduce the total VOCs emissions by more than 40%.

A European research institution focused on analyzing the impact of PMDETA on human health. Studies have shown that PMDETA is less toxic and has a lower risk of long-term exposure than other common amine catalysts, making it very suitable for use in areas such as food packaging.

Practical application cases of PMDETA

In order to better illustrate the effect of PMDETA in actual production, we will list a few specific cases below.

Case 1: Automobile interior parts production

A large auto parts manufacturer introduced PMDETA as the main catalyst in its seat foaming process. The results show that after using PMDETA, the TVOC concentration in the workshop air dropped from the original 80mg/m³ to less than 50.mg/m³ meets the national emission standards requirements; at the same time, the odor emitted by the finished seats has been significantly weakened, and customer satisfaction has been significantly improved.

Case 2: Manufacturing of home refrigerator insulation layer

A company focused on home appliance production has tried a new catalyst system containing PMDETA on its refrigerator insulation production line. The test results show that compared with the original process, the new process not only reduces VOCs emissions by about 35%, but also improves the uniformity of foam density, further enhancing the thermal insulation effect of the product.

How to use PMDETA correctly?

Although PMDETA has obvious advantages, in order to fully realize its potential, it is necessary to master the correct usage method. The following suggestions are available for reference:

Accurate metering: Determine the appropriate amount of addition based on specific formula needs. The general recommended initial dosage range is 0.1%-0.5% (calculated based on the total amount of polyol).
Full mix: Ensure that PMDETA is well mixed with other raw materials to obtain the best catalytic effect.
Temperature Control: Pay attention to changes in the temperature of the reaction system. Too high or too low may affect the performance of PMDETA.
Storage conditions: PMDETA should be stored in a cool and dry place to avoid direct sunlight and high temperature environments to extend the shelf life.

Conclusion

To sum up, PMDETA, as an efficient polyurethane catalyst, has shown great potential in reducing odors in the production process. By rationally using this technology, it can not only improve the quality of the working environment and protect the health of employees, but also meet the increasingly strict environmental protection regulations and win more market opportunities for enterprises. In the future, with the continuous advancement of science and technology, I believe that PMDETA will be widely used in more fields to help achieve the green and sustainable development goals.

Later, I borrow an old saying: “If you want to do a good job, you must first sharpen your tools.” For friends in the polyurethane industry, choosing the right catalyst is as important as choosing a good tool. And PMDETA is undoubtedly the “weapon” that can help us create high-quality and low-pollution products.