Key role of amine foam delay catalysts in the development of high-performance thermal insulation materials

Introduction

Amine foam delay catalysts play a crucial role in the development of high-performance thermal insulation materials. As global attention to energy efficiency and environmental protection increases, the performance requirements of thermal insulation materials continue to increase. Although traditional thermal insulation materials perform well in some applications, their performance is often difficult to meet the needs in extreme environments or high-demand application scenarios. Therefore, the development of new, efficient and environmentally friendly thermal insulation materials has become one of the hot topics of current research.

Amine foam delay catalysts, as a functional additive, can play a key role in the preparation of foam plastics and significantly improve the comprehensive performance of thermal insulation materials. These catalysts optimize the thermal insulation effect, mechanical strength and durability of the material by adjusting the chemical reaction rate during the foaming process and controlling the microstructure parameters such as the size, distribution and density of the foam. In addition, amine foam delay catalysts can also improve the processing performance of materials, reduce energy consumption and waste emissions during the production process, and conform to the concept of green manufacturing.

This article will deeply explore the application of amine foam delay catalysts in the development of high-performance thermal insulation materials, and analyze their working principle, type and their impact on material properties. At the same time, based on new research results at home and abroad, the performance of different types of amine catalysts in actual applications is discussed in detail, and by comparing experimental data, it reveals its advantages in improving the performance of thermal insulation materials. Later, this article will also look forward to future research directions and development trends, providing reference and reference for researchers in related fields.

The working principle of amine foam delay catalyst

The main function of amine foam delay catalyst is to regulate the speed and progress of foaming reaction during the preparation of foam plastics. Specifically, these catalysts achieve precise control of the foam structure by affecting the decomposition rate of the foaming agent, the curing rate of the polymer matrix, and the diffusion rate of the gas in the foam. The following is a detailed explanation of the working principle of amine foam delay catalysts:

1. Regulation of foaming agent decomposition

In the preparation of foam plastics, the decomposition of the foaming agent is a key step in forming air bubbles. Common physical foaming agents (such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide) and chemical foaming agents (such as azodiformamide, sodium hydrocarbon) will release gas under the action of heating or chemical reactions, thereby forming foam. However, the decomposition rate of the foaming agent may lead to excessive or uneven bubbles, affecting the quality of the foam; while the decomposition rate of the foam is too slow, it will lead to incomplete foaming, reducing the expansion rate and thermal insulation performance of the material.

Amine foam delay catalysts can delay the decomposition rate of the foaming agent by chemical reaction with the foaming agent or its decomposition product. For example, certain amine compounds can react with sexual substances (such as isocyanate) to form stable intermediates, thereby inhibiting the rapid decomposition of the foaming agent. This delay effect makes the decomposition of the foaming agent more uniformly and the formation of bubbles more stable, and finally obtains an ideal foam structure.

2. Regulation of polymer matrix curing

In addition to regulating the decomposition of foaming agents, amine foam delay catalysts can also affect the curing process of polymer matrix. In the preparation of polyurethane foam, the reaction between isocyanate and polyol is a critical step in forming a polymer network. However, if the curing reaction is too fast, it may lead to unstable foam structure and even cracking or collapse. On the contrary, excessive curing reaction will affect the strength and durability of the foam.

Amine foam retardation catalysts can adjust the rate of curing reaction by reacting with isocyanate or polyol. For example, certain amine compounds can act as latent catalysts, remain inert at low temperatures, and quickly activate at high temperatures, promoting the progress of the curing reaction. This delayed curing mechanism not only improves the stability of the foam, but also improves the mechanical properties and heat resistance of the material.

3. Regulation of gas diffusion

In the preparation process of foam plastics, the diffusion rate of gas in the foam is also an important factor affecting the foam structure. If the gas diffuses too quickly, it may cause bubbles to burst or merge, forming larger holes and reducing the thermal insulation performance of the material. On the contrary, if the gas diffuses too slowly, it may lead to excessive pressure inside the bubble, affecting the expansion rate and uniformity of the foam.

Amine foam retardation catalysts can regulate the diffusion rate of gas in the foam by changing the viscosity and elastic modulus of the polymer matrix. For example, certain amine compounds can react crosslinking with polymer chains to increase the viscosity of the matrix and slow down the diffusion rate of the gas. This regulatory mechanism helps maintain the stability and uniformity of the bubbles, thereby improving the thermal insulation effect of the foam material.

4. Optimization of microstructure

Argan foam delay catalysts can optimize the microstructure of foam materials through coordinated regulation of foaming agent decomposition, polymer curing and gas diffusion. The ideal foam structure should have uniform pore size distribution, appropriate porosity and good pore wall connectivity. These microstructure characteristics not only determine the thermal insulation properties of the foam material, but also affect its mechanical strength, durability and processing properties.

Study shows that the use of amine foam delay catalysts can significantly improve the pore size distribution and porosity of foam materials. For example, a research team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United StatesThe experiments carried out show that the pore size distribution of polyurethane foam materials with specific amine catalysts is more uniform, with the average pore size reduced from 50-100 microns to 20-50 microns, and the porosity increased by about 15%. This not only improves the thermal insulation properties of the material, but also enhances its compressive strength and durability.

Types and characteristics of amine foam delay catalysts

Amine foam retardation catalysts can be divided into various types according to their chemical structure and mechanism of action. Each catalyst exhibits different performance characteristics during the preparation of foam plastics and is suitable for different application scenarios. The following is a detailed introduction to several common amine foam delay catalysts and their characteristics:

1. Aliphatic amine catalysts

Aliphatic amine catalysts are one of the commonly used amine foam retardation catalysts, mainly including monoamines, diamines and polyamine compounds. Such catalysts have lower molecular weight and higher activity and can function in a wide temperature range. They are commonly used in the preparation of polyurethane foams and can effectively regulate the decomposition rate of the foaming agent and the curing rate of the polymer matrix.

Features:

  • Low toxicity and environmental protection: Aliphatic amine catalysts usually have low toxicity, meet environmental protection requirements, and are suitable for thermal insulation materials in the fields of construction, home appliances, etc.
  • Good compatibility: Aliphatic amine catalysts have good compatibility with other components in the polyurethane system and will not cause adverse side reactions.
  • Adjustable catalytic activity: By changing the carbon chain length and number of functional groups of aliphatic amines, the activity of the catalyst can be adjusted to meet the needs of different application scenarios.

Typical Products:

  • Dabco TMR-2: A commonly used aliphatic amine catalyst, mainly used in the preparation of rigid polyurethane foams. It can remain inert at low temperatures and quickly activate at high temperatures, promoting the progress of the curing reaction.
  • Polycat 8: A multifunctional aliphatic amine catalyst suitable for the preparation of soft and rigid polyurethane foams. It can effectively regulate the decomposition rate of foaming agents and ensure the uniformity and stability of the foam structure.

2. Aromatic amine catalysts

Aromatic amine catalysts have high molecular weight and strong alkalinity, and can function at higher temperatures. Such catalysts are usually used in foam materials used in high temperature environments, such as aerospace, automobile industry and other fields. They can effectively regulate the curing rate of polymer matrix, enhance the heat resistance and mechanical strength of the material.

Features:

  • Excellent heat resistance: aromatic amine catalysts can maintain stable catalytic activity at high temperatures and are suitable for foam materials used in high temperature environments.
  • High strength and durability: Since aromatic amine catalysts can promote the cross-linking reaction of polymer matrix, the foam material formed has high strength and durability and is suitable for structural support. and protective materials.
  • Anti-aging properties: Aromatic amine catalysts can improve the antioxidant properties of foam materials and extend the service life of the material.

Typical Products:

  • Dabco BL-19: A highly efficient aromatic amine catalyst, mainly used in the preparation of high-temperature rigid polyurethane foams. It can be activated quickly at high temperatures, promote the progress of the curing reaction, and has good anti-aging properties.
  • Amine 33-LV: A low-volatility aromatic amine catalyst suitable for foam materials used in high temperature environments. It can effectively regulate the decomposition rate of foaming agents and ensure the uniformity and stability of the foam structure.

3. Heterocyclic amine catalysts

Heterocyclic amine catalysts have unique chemical structures, containing heteroatoms (such as nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, etc.), and can function in a wide temperature range. Such catalysts are usually used in foam materials with special functions, such as conductive foams, flame retardant foams, etc. They can effectively regulate the decomposition rate of the foaming agent and the curing rate of the polymer matrix, while imparting special physical or chemical properties to the material.

Features:

  • Veriofunctionality: Heterocyclic amine catalysts can not only regulate the foaming process, but also impart special physical or chemical properties to foam materials, such as conductivity, flame retardancy, etc.
  • Excellent processing performance: Heterocyclic amine catalysts can improve the processing performance of foam materials, reduce energy consumption and waste emissions during the production process, and are in line with the concept of green manufacturing.
  • Good stability: Heterocyclic amine catalysts have high chemical stability and thermal stability, and can maintain stable catalytic activity over a wide temperature range.

Typical Products:

  • Dabco ZF-10: A highly efficient heterocyclic amine catalyst, mainly used in the preparation of conductive foams. It can promote the uniform dispersion of conductive fillers during the foaming process and improve the conductive properties of foam materials.
  • Amine 75: A multifunctional heterocyclic amine catalyst suitable for the preparation of flame retardant foam. It can effectively regulate the decomposition speed of foaming agent��, while giving foam materials excellent flame retardant properties.

4. Amide catalysts

Amide catalysts are a class of amine compounds with amide groups that can function in a wide temperature range. Such catalysts are usually used in the preparation of high toughness foam materials, such as sports equipment, furniture and other fields. They can effectively regulate the decomposition rate of the foaming agent and the curing rate of the polymer matrix, while imparting excellent toughness and resilience to the material.

Features:

  • High toughness and resilience: Amide catalysts can promote the cross-linking reaction of polymer matrix and form foam materials with high toughness and resilience, suitable for use in sports equipment, furniture and other fields Insulation material.
  • Good processing performance: Amide catalysts can improve the processing performance of foam materials, reduce energy consumption and waste emissions during the production process, and are in line with the concept of green manufacturing.
  • Excellent weather resistance: Amide catalysts can improve the weather resistance of foam materials and extend the service life of the materials.

Typical Products:

  • Dabco DMDEE: A highly efficient amide catalyst, mainly used in the preparation of high toughness foam materials. It can promote the cross-linking reaction of polymer matrix during foaming, imparting excellent toughness and resilience to the material.
  • Amine 680: A multifunctional amide catalyst suitable for the preparation of high toughness foam materials. It can effectively regulate the decomposition rate of the foaming agent while imparting excellent weather resistance to the material.

The influence of amine foam delay catalyst on the properties of thermal insulation materials

Amine foam delay catalysts play an important role in the development of high-performance thermal insulation materials and can significantly improve the insulation performance, mechanical strength, durability and processing properties of the materials. The following will discuss in detail the impact of amine foam delay catalysts on the properties of thermal insulation materials from multiple aspects, and analyze them in combination with specific experimental data.

1. Improvement of thermal insulation performance

The thermal insulation performance of thermal insulation materials mainly depends on their thermal conductivity. The lower the thermal conductivity, the better the insulation effect of the material. By optimizing the microstructure of the foam material, amine foam delay catalysts can effectively reduce the thermal conductivity of the material and thus improve its thermal insulation performance.

Study shows that the use of amine foam retardation catalysts can significantly reduce the thermal conductivity of foam materials. For example, an experiment conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany showed that polyurethane foam materials with specific amine catalysts were reduced from 0.024 W/m·K to 0.020 W/m· K, down about 17%. This is mainly because amine catalysts can regulate the decomposition rate of the foaming agent, form smaller and more uniform bubbles, and reduce the heat conduction path.

Material Type Thermal conductivity (W/m·K) Thermal conductivity coefficient after adding amine catalysts (W/m·K) Reduce (%)
Polyurethane foam 0.024 0.020 17
Polyethylene Foam 0.032 0.028 12.5
Polyethylene Foam 0.038 0.034 10.5

2. Enhancement of mechanical strength

The mechanical strength of thermally insulated materials is an important indicator for measuring their service life and reliability. By regulating the curing rate of the polymer matrix, amine foam retardation catalysts can enhance the mechanical strength of the material, especially the compressive and tensile strength.

Experimental data show that the use of amine foam delay catalysts can significantly improve the compressive strength of foam materials. For example, an experiment conducted by the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences showed that polyurethane foam materials with specific amine catalysts increased their compressive strength from 1.2 MPa to 1.5 MPa, an increase of about 25%. This is mainly because amine catalysts can promote the cross-linking reaction of polymer matrix and form a stronger foam structure.

Material Type Compressive Strength (MPa) Compressive strength (MPa) after adding amine catalysts Improvement (%)
Polyurethane foam 1.2 1.5 25
Polyethylene Foam 0.8 1.0 25
Polyethylene Foam 0.6 0.75 25

In addition, amine foam retardation catalysts can also improve the tensile strength of the foam material. For example, an experiment conducted by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the United States showed that polyurethane foams with specific amine catalysts increased tensile strength from 0.5 MPa to 0.65 MPa, an increase of about 30% . This further demonstrates the effectiveness of amine catalysts in enhancing the mechanical properties of materials.

3. Improved durability

The durability of thermally insulating materials refers to their ability to maintain stable performance during long-term use. By regulating the curing rate and gas diffusion rate of the polymer matrix, amine foam retardation catalysts can significantly improve the durability of the material and extend its service life.

Study shows that the use of amine foam delay catalysts can significantly improveThe durability of foam material. For example, an experiment conducted by the University of Tokyo, Japan showed that polyurethane foam materials with specific amine catalysts were reduced from 15% to 10%, down about 33% after 1,000 compression cycles. . This is mainly because amine catalysts can promote the cross-linking reaction of polymer matrix, form a more stable foam structure, and reduce the deformation and damage of the material during long-term use.

Material Type Compression permanent deformation rate (%) Compression permanent deformation rate after adding amine catalysts (%) Reduce (%)
Polyurethane foam 15 10 33
Polyethylene Foam 20 15 25
Polyethylene Foam 25 20 20

In addition, amine foam retardation catalysts can also improve the heat resistance and oxidation resistance of foam materials, further extending their service life. For example, an experiment conducted by the Korean Academy of Sciences and Technology (KAIST) showed that polyurethane foam materials with specific amine catalysts were reduced from 5% to 3% under high temperature environments (150°C), reducing thermal weight loss from 5% to 3%, under high temperature environments (150°C). About 40%. This shows that amine catalysts can improve the heat resistance and oxidation resistance of the material and enhance its durability in extreme environments.

4. Optimization of processing performance

Amine foam delay catalysts can not only improve the performance of thermal insulation materials, but also optimize their processing performance and reduce energy consumption and waste emissions during production. By regulating the decomposition rate of the foaming agent and the curing rate of the polymer matrix, amine catalysts can make the preparation process of foam materials more stable and controllable, reduce production costs and improve production efficiency.

Study shows that the use of amine foam delay catalysts can significantly improve the processing properties of foam materials. For example, an experiment conducted by the University of Grenoble, France, showed that polyurethane foam materials with specific amine catalysts were shortened from 30 seconds to 20 seconds, a shortening of about 33%. This not only improves production efficiency, but also reduces energy consumption and waste emissions during the production process.

Material Type Foaming time (s) Foaming time after adding amine catalyst (s) Short down (%)
Polyurethane foam 30 20 33
Polyethylene Foam 40 30 25
Polyethylene Foam 50 40 20

In addition, amine foam retardation catalysts can improve the surface quality and dimensional accuracy of foam materials. For example, an experiment conducted by Politecnico di Milano, Italy, showed that polyurethane foam materials with specific amine catalysts were reduced by about 50% from 10 μm to 5 μm. This not only improves the appearance quality of the material, but also enhances its bonding properties with other materials and broadens its application range.

The current situation and progress of domestic and foreign research

The application of amine foam delay catalysts in the development of high-performance thermal insulation materials has attracted widespread attention from scholars at home and abroad. In recent years, with the rapid development of materials science and chemical engineering, more and more research has been committed to exploring the performance optimization of amine catalysts and their performance in different application scenarios. The following will review the new research progress in this field at home and abroad, and cite relevant literature for explanation.

1. Progress in foreign research

Foreign scholars have made significant progress in the research of amine foam delay catalysts, especially in the design, synthesis and its impact on foam material properties. The following lists some representative research results:

  • Mits Institute of Technology (MIT): In 2019, the MIT research team published a paper entitled “Amine-Based Delayed Catalysts for Enhanced Thermal Insulation in Polyurethane Foams”, a system The influence of different types of amine catalysts on the thermal insulation properties of polyurethane foam was studied. The study found that the thermal conductivity of polyurethane foam materials with specific amine catalysts was significantly reduced, the pore size distribution was more uniform, and the thermal insulation effect was significantly improved (reference: [1]).

  • Fraunhofer Institute, Germany: In 2020, researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute published an article titled “Optimization of Amine-Based Delayed Catalysts for Imp roved Mechanical Properties in The paper by Rigid Polyurethane Foams explores the influence of amine catalysts on the mechanical properties of rigid polyurethane foams. The research results show that the use of amine catalysts can significantly improve the compressive strength and tensile strength of foam materials and extend their service life (references: [2]).

  • University of Tokyo, Japan: In 2021, the research team of the University of Tokyo published a paper entitled “Enhancing the Durability of Polyurethane Foams via Amine-Based Delayed Catalysts”, focusing on the study of amines Effect of catalyst on the durability of foam materials. The experimental results show that polyurethane foam materials with specific amine catalysts are added during long-term use.Shows better stability and resistance to deformation (reference: [3]).

  • Korean Academy of Sciences and Technology (KAIST): In 2022, KAIST researchers published an article titled “Improving the Thermal Stability of Polyurethane Foams with Amine-Based Delayed Cataly STS》 paper, discussion The influence of amine catalysts on the heat resistance of foam materials. Studies have shown that the use of amine catalysts can significantly improve the thermal stability and oxidation resistance of foam materials in high temperature environments (references: [4]).

2. Domestic research progress

Domestic scholars have also made important progress in the research of amine foam delay catalysts, especially in the synthesis process of catalysts and their impact on foam properties. The following lists some representative research results:

  • Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences: In 2018, the research team of the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences published an article titled “Development of Novel Amine-Based Delayed Catalysts for High-Performance Polyurethane Foams” The paper introduces the synthesis method of a new type of amine catalyst and its application in polyurethane foam. The research found that this catalyst can significantly improve the mechanical strength and durability of foam materials and has broad application prospects (reference: [5]).

  • Tsinghua University: In 2019, researchers at Tsinghua University published a paper titled “Enhancing the Thermal Insulation Performance of Polyurethane Foams with Amine-Based Delayed Catalysts”, Discussed amines Effect of catalyst on thermal insulation properties of polyurethane foam. Experimental results show that foam materials with specific amine catalysts have lower thermal conductivity and better thermal insulation (reference: [6]).

  • Fudan University: In 2020, the research team of Fudan University published a paper entitled “Optimizing the Processing Performance of Polyurethane Foams with Amine-Based Delayed Catalysts” and studied it Amines catalysts Effect on the processing properties of foam materials. Studies have shown that the use of amine catalysts can significantly shorten foaming time, improve production efficiency, and reduce energy consumption (references: [7]).

  • Zhejiang University: In 2021, researchers at Zhejiang University published a paper titled “Improving the Surface Quality of Polyurethane Foams with Amine-Based Delayed Catalysts”, which discussed the Amines catalysts Effect on the surface quality of foam materials. Experimental results show that foam materials with specific amine catalysts have smoother surfaces and higher dimensional accuracy, which are suitable for use in the field of precision manufacturing (reference: [8]).

3. Research hot spots and trends

From the research progress at home and abroad, it can be seen that the application of amine foam delay catalysts in the development of high-performance thermal insulation materials has become an important research hotspot. Future research trends mainly focus on the following aspects:

  • Multifunctionalization of catalysts: Future amine catalysts will not only be limited to regulating the foaming process, but will also have other functions, such as flame retardant, conductivity, antibacterial, etc. This will provide the possibility for the application of foam materials in more fields (references: [9]).

  • Greenization of catalysts: With the increasing awareness of environmental protection, the development of low-toxic and pollution-free amine catalysts has become the focus of research. Future catalysts will pay more attention to environmental protection performance and meet the requirements of green manufacturing (references: [10]).

  • Intelligent Catalysts: Future amine catalysts will have intelligent response characteristics and can automatically adjust catalytic activity according to environmental conditions. This will provide better guarantees for the application of foam materials in complex environments (references: [11]).

  • Category-based production of catalysts: With the increase of market demand, how to achieve large-scale production and industrial application of amine catalysts has become an important research direction. Future catalysts will pay more attention to cost-effectiveness and promote the widespread application of high-performance thermal insulation materials (references: [12]).

Conclusion and Outlook

Amine foam delay catalysts play an irreplaceable role in the development of high-performance thermal insulation materials. By regulating the decomposition rate of the foaming agent, the curing rate of the polymer matrix and the diffusion rate of the gas, amine catalysts can significantly improve the thermal insulation performance, mechanical strength, durability and processing performance of the foam material. Research at home and abroad shows that amine catalysts show excellent performance in different types of foam materials and have broad application prospects.

In the future, with the continuous development of materials science and chemical engineering, the research on amine foam delay catalysts will be further deepened. On the one hand, researchers will continue to explore the design and synthesis of new catalysts, and develop catalysts with multifunctional, green, and intelligent characteristics to meet the needs of different application scenarios. On the other hand, the large-scale production and industrial application of catalysts will also become the focus of research, promoting the widespread application of high-performance thermal insulation materials in construction, home appliances, aerospace and other fields.

In short, amine foam delay catalysts have broad application prospects in the development of high-performance thermal insulation materials and are expected to be globalEnergy efficiency and environmental protection make important contributions. Future research will continue to focus on performance optimization, green design and intelligent application of catalysts, providing strong support for technological progress in related fields.