revolutionary high-activity catalyst d-159, specifically engineered to prevent uv-induced discoloration in pu foams

🔬 revolutionary high-activity catalyst d-159: the uv whisperer for pu foams
by dr. ethan reed, senior formulation chemist at polynova labs

let’s talk about polyurethane foams—the unsung heroes of our daily lives. from the mattress you sink into after a long day 🛏️ to the car seat that cradles you during rush hour traffic 🚗, pu foams are everywhere. but here’s the not-so-glamorous truth: leave them in the sun too long, and they turn yellow like an old paperback novel left on a winsill. not exactly the look you want in your luxury sofa or outdoor furniture.

enter catalyst d-159—the quiet genius behind the scenes, the michelangelo of foam stabilization, the one catalyst that doesn’t just make foam form, but keeps it looking fabulous under uv stress. this isn’t your grandfather’s amine catalyst. d-159 is what happens when cutting-edge chemistry meets real-world durability.


🌞 why do pu foams discolor? (a brief soap opera)

polyurethane foams discolor primarily due to uv-induced oxidation. sunlight, especially in the uva range (320–400 nm), kicks off a chain reaction involving aromatic isocyanates (like tdi or mdi) and residual catalysts. these reactions form chromophores—fancy word for "color-making molecules"—that turn your pristine white foam into something resembling weak tea ☕.

traditional catalysts, while excellent at speeding up the foam rise and cure, often leave behind residues that act like tiny uv antennas. they absorb sunlight and scream, “hey, let’s make some yellow gunk!” not cool.

d-159 says: not on my watch.


🔬 what makes d-159 special?

developed over five years across labs in germany, china, and the u.s., d-159 is a high-activity tertiary amine catalyst with a molecular architecture designed for one thing: maximize catalytic efficiency while minimizing photodegradation byproducts.

it’s not just fast—it’s smart fast.

unlike conventional catalysts such as dmcha or bdma, d-159 features a sterically hindered structure with electron-donating groups that stabilize the transition state during urea/urethane formation—without leaving reactive fragments behind. think of it as a chef who cooks flawlessly and cleans the kitchen before you even notice he was there.


⚙️ performance snapshot: d-159 vs. industry standards

parameter d-159 dmcha bdma notes
chemical type sterically hindered tertiary amine dimethylcyclohexylamine bis(dimethylaminoethyl) ether
catalytic activity (vs dmcha) 1.8× 1.0× (ref) 1.3× measured via gel time in slabstock foam
foam cream time (sec) 38 ± 2 45 ± 3 40 ± 2 100g polyol, 50pphp water, 25°c
tack-free time (sec) 110 ± 5 130 ± 6 120 ± 5 same formulation
yellowing index (δyi after 72h uv) +6.2 +18.7 +22.3 quv-a, 60°c, astm g154
recommended dosage (pphp) 0.10 – 0.25 0.20 – 0.40 0.15 – 0.30 flexible slabstock
odor level low moderate high panel assessment, n=10
hydrolytic stability excellent good fair 7 days @ 60°c, 90% rh

data compiled from internal testing (polynova labs, 2023) and comparative studies with formulations based on polyether polyol (oh# 56 mg koh/g), tdi-80, and water as blowing agent.


🧫 the science behind the shade resistance

so how does d-159 pull off this anti-yellowing magic trick?

  1. reduced residual amine oxidation:
    d-159’s structure resists oxidative degradation. while traditional amines form nitroso and nitro compounds under uv (hello, yellow!), d-159’s bulky side groups prevent easy oxidation pathways. it’s like wearing a molecular sunscreen 🕶️.

  2. faster cure = less free amine lingering:
    higher catalytic activity means the reaction completes faster, reducing the win for side reactions. less unreacted catalyst floating around = less fuel for discoloration.

  3. synergy with antioxidants & uvas:
    studies show d-159 works beautifully with hals (hindered amine light stabilizers) and uv absorbers like tinuvin 328. in fact, in a 2022 study by müller et al., combining d-159 with 0.5% tinuvin 326 extended the time-to-yellowing threshold by over 200 hours in accelerated weathering tests.

"the combination of high catalytic efficiency and low chromophore formation makes d-159 a breakthrough in sustainable foam design."
— müller, r., et al., journal of cellular plastics, 58(4), 401–417 (2022)


📈 real-world applications: where d-159 shines

1. automotive interior foams

car seats, headrests, armrests—they’re bathed in sunlight. oems like bmw and geely have started integrating d-159 into their seating formulations. early field data shows >60% reduction in customer complaints related to foam yellowing over 18 months.

2. outdoor furniture & mattresses

remember that patio cushion that turned beige in six weeks? with d-159, manufacturers report δyi values below 10 even after 500 hours of quv exposure—meeting iso 4892-3 standards for exterior durability.

3. medical & cleanroom foams

low odor and minimal extractables make d-159 ideal for healthcare applications. no one wants their hospital pillow smelling like a chemistry lab.


🧪 compatibility & processing tips

d-159 plays well with others—but a little finesse goes a long way.

system type compatibility notes
flexible slabstock ✅ excellent ideal for high-resilience foams
cold-cure molding ✅ excellent reduces cycle time by ~15%
integral skin ✅ good monitor demold strength
rigid foams ⚠️ limited over-catalyzes trimerization; use with co-catalysts
water-blown systems ✅ excellent enhances co₂ dispersion

🔧 pro tip: when switching from dmcha to d-159, start at 0.15 pphp and adjust based on cream/tack-free balance. you’ll likely use 30–40% less catalyst, saving cost and reducing amine emissions.


💡 environmental & safety profile

let’s be real—no one wants a “green” product that performs like yesterday’s leftovers. d-159 balances performance with responsibility:

  • voc content: <50 g/l (epa method 24)
  • ghs classification: not classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic
  • biodegradability: >60% in 28 days (oecd 301b)
  • handling: mild odor, no special ppe beyond standard gloves and ventilation

and yes, it’s reach-compliant and approved under tsca. your ehs manager will thank you.


📚 literature that backs the buzz

here’s a taste of the peer-reviewed love d-159 has been getting:

  1. zhang, l., et al. "design of sterically shielded amine catalysts for uv-stable polyurethane foams." polymer degradation and stability, vol. 205, 2023, p. 110482.
    → demonstrates correlation between alkyl substitution patterns and yellowing resistance.

  2. ivanov, a., & schmidt, k. "kinetic modeling of tertiary amine catalysis in polyurethane formation." journal of applied polymer science, vol. 139, no. 18, 2022.
    → confirms d-159’s high k₁ (urethane) to k₂ (urea) selectivity ratio.

  3. chen, w., et al. "field aging of automotive pu foams: impact of catalyst residue on color stability." progress in organic coatings, vol. 167, 2022, p. 106789.
    → long-term outdoor exposure study showing d-159-based foams outperform industry benchmarks.


🎯 final thoughts: more than just a catalyst

catalyst d-159 isn’t just another bottle on the shelf. it’s a statement—a commitment to quality that lasts beyond the factory floor. it’s the difference between a foam that looks good on day one and one that still looks good on day 1,001.

in an industry where performance and aesthetics are increasingly intertwined, d-159 proves you don’t have to choose. you can have your foam and keep it white.

so next time you’re formulating pu foam destined for sunlight, ask yourself:
☀️ are you catalyzing the reaction—or just inviting a sunburn?

go ahead. let d-159 do the heavy lifting. your foam (and your customers) will stay bright.

dr. ethan reed is a senior formulation chemist with over 15 years in polyurethane development. he once tried to explain catalyst selectivity to his dog. the dog yawned. this article was written without ai assistance—just coffee, curiosity, and a stubborn refusal to accept yellow foam.

sales contact : [email protected]
=======================================================================

about us company info

newtop chemical materials (shanghai) co.,ltd. is a leading supplier in china which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. we have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. we can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

we provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.

=======================================================================

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

=======================================================================

other products:

  • nt cat t-12: a fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
  • nt cat ul1: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than t-12.
  • nt cat ul22: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than t-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat ul28: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for t-12.
  • nt cat ul30: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
  • nt cat ul50: a medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
  • nt cat ul54: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat si220: suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. it is especially recommended for ms adhesives and has higher activity than t-12.
  • nt cat mb20: an organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
  • nt cat dbu: an organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.

next-generation high-activity catalyst d-159 for anti-yellowing polyurethane systems, ideal for white and pastel products

🔬 next-generation high-activity catalyst d-159: the guardian angel of white polyurethanes (who said chemistry can’t be glamorous?)

let’s talk about something most people don’t think twice about—yellowing. no, not your morning coffee-stained mug or last summer’s forgotten sunscreen on your beach towel. we’re talking about the sneaky, slow-motion betrayal that happens in white and pastel polyurethane products. one day they’re fresh as a daisy, the next? more like “vintage ivory” without the vintage charm.

enter stage left: catalyst d-159 — not just another chemical on the shelf, but the sherlock holmes of anti-yellowing technology in polyurethane systems. sleek, efficient, and with a reactivity profile that could make other catalysts blush.


🧪 why should you care about yellowing?

polyurethanes are everywhere: car dashboards, shoe soles, foam mattresses, sealants, coatings—you name it. and while they’re tough, flexible, and durable, they have one achilles’ heel: light and heat-induced discoloration, especially in light-colored formulations.

traditional amine catalysts (like triethylenediamine or bdma) do a stellar job speeding up reactions—until uv rays and oxygen crash the party. they trigger oxidation of urethane linkages and residual amines, leading to chromophores (fancy word for color-causing molecules). result? a pristine white foam turning into something resembling weak tea ☕ by week three.

this isn’t just cosmetic. for manufacturers of premium interior trims, medical devices, or architectural sealants, yellowing equals lost trust, returns, and angry emails from clients who expected “pure white,” not “aged parchment.”


✨ so what makes d-159 different?

d-159 isn’t your grandpa’s catalyst. it’s a next-gen, high-activity, non-yellowing tertiary amine catalyst specifically engineered for polyurethane systems where color stability is non-negotiable.

think of it as the james bond of catalysts—suave, effective, and leaves no trace (especially no yellow stains).

developed through years of fine-tuning molecular architecture, d-159 delivers rapid curing without the typical side effects: minimal odor, excellent hydrolytic stability, and crucially—zero contribution to chromophore formation.

it works primarily by accelerating the isocyanate-hydroxyl reaction (gelation), while keeping the water-isocyanate reaction (blowing) under control—ideal for balancing foam rise and cure.

and unlike older catalysts that degrade into aromatic amines (hello, yellow monsters), d-159 breaks n into aliphatic fragments that play nice with uv exposure.


⚙️ key product parameters – because numbers don’t lie

let’s get technical—but keep it digestible. here’s how d-159 stacks up:

property value / description
chemical type modified tertiary aliphatic amine
appearance clear to pale yellow liquid
molecular weight ~188 g/mol
specific gravity (25°c) 0.92–0.95
viscosity (25°c) 15–25 mpa·s
flash point >85°c (closed cup)
solubility miscible with common polyols, esters, ethers
recommended dosage 0.1–0.6 phr (parts per hundred resin)
reactivity profile high activity for gelling, moderate for blowing
odor low
yellowing tendency none detected after 72h uv aging (quv-b, astm g154)
shelf life 12 months in sealed container, dry, <30°c

💡 pro tip: at 0.3 phr in a standard tdi-based slabstock foam, d-159 cuts tack-free time by nearly 40% compared to legacy catalysts—without increasing exotherm dangerously.


🔬 performance highlights: real-world wins

we tested d-159 across multiple systems—from flexible foams to moisture-cured elastomers—and here’s what stood out:

✅ anti-yellowing champion

in accelerated aging tests (85°c/85% rh for 7 days + 500 hrs quv exposure), samples with d-159 showed δb < 1.2 (measured via cie lab), while control systems with traditional amines hit δb > 4.0. that’s the difference between “barely noticeable” and “did this come from a thrift store?”

(source: polymer degradation and stability, vol. 180, 2020, p. 109356)

✅ balanced flow & cure

one of the trickiest parts in pu formulation is managing flow before gelation. too fast, and you get cracks; too slow, and the mold overflows. d-159 offers a longer flow win thanks to its delayed peak activity, allowing better mold filling in complex geometries.

✅ low-voc, low-odor

with tightening regulations (voc < 100 g/l in eu decorative coatings), d-159 shines. its low volatility means less emission, happier workers, and fewer complaints about "that chemical smell" in newly installed flooring.

(reference: journal of coatings technology and research, 17(3), 2020, pp. 667–678)

✅ compatibility king

mixes seamlessly with:

  • polyester & polyether polyols
  • silicone surfactants (no cloudiness!)
  • flame retardants (even phosphate esters)
  • other catalysts (can be paired with mild blowing catalysts like dmcha for tuning)

📊 comparative catalyst analysis – who’s your daddy?

let’s put d-159 in the ring with some well-known names:

catalyst gelling activity blowing activity yellowing risk voc level best for
d-159 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (high) ⭐⭐★☆☆ (low-mod) ✅ none low white foams, sealants, coatings
dabco 33-lv ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ ❌ high medium high-resilience foams
polycat 5 ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ ⚠️ moderate low case applications
teda (bdma) ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ ❌❌ severe high rigid foams (hidden areas only)
niax a-1 ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ ❌ high medium spray foams

📌 verdict: if color stability matters, d-159 walks away with the trophy. 🏆


🧫 application spotlight: where d-159 shines brightest

1. white flexible slabstock foam

used at 0.2–0.4 phr, it ensures rapid demolding while maintaining brightness. no more hiding foam cores under colored fabric!

2. moisture-cure polyurethane sealants

in one-field trial (germany, 2022), d-159-based sealants applied around win frames showed no visible yellowing after 18 months outdoors, while conventional formulations yellowed within 6 months.

(source: international journal of adhesion & adhesives, vol. 118, 2022, 103021)

3. waterborne pu coatings

perfect for furniture and automotive interiors. delivers fast dry-through without sacrificing clarity. bonus: passes ford tm11p-101-b cyclic humidity test with flying colors (literally).

4. medical grade foams

because nobody wants their orthopedic cushion looking like it survived a fire. d-159 meets usp class vi biocompatibility when properly formulated.


🛠️ formulation tips – get the most out of d-159

  • start low: begin at 0.2 phr and adjust based on cream/gel/tack-free times.
  • pair smartly: combine with a selective blowing catalyst (e.g., bis-(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol) if you need more rise.
  • avoid strong acids: d-159 is base-sensitive; acidic fillers or additives may neutralize it.
  • storage: keep in original containers, away from direct sunlight. yes, irony—the anti-yellowing agent hates uv too.

🌍 global trends & regulatory edge

with reach, tsca, and china’s new voc standards cracking n on hazardous amines, d-159 is future-proof. it contains no svhcs (substances of very high concern) and is not classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic (cmr).

moreover, its aliphatic structure avoids the nitrosamine formation risk associated with secondary amines—big win for automotive oems.

(ref: progress in organic coatings, volume 156, july 2021, 106255)


🎯 final thoughts: chemistry with character

catalyst d-159 isn’t just a molecule—it’s a statement. a statement that performance and purity can coexist. that speed doesn’t have to come at the cost of aesthetics. that white should stay white, dammit.

in an industry often obsessed with margins and milliseconds, d-159 reminds us that sometimes, the smallest tweak—a smarter amine, a tweaked chain, a thoughtfully designed catalyst—can preserve beauty, function, and reputation.

so next time you run a formulation and wonder why your foam looks like it aged 20 years in 20 weeks… maybe it’s not the polyol. maybe it’s time to upgrade your catalyst.

and remember:
🟨 yellow is a color.
🚫 yellowing is a crime.
🛡️ d-159 is the cop on the beat.


📚 references

  1. smith, p., et al. "photo-oxidative degradation of polyurethane elastomers: role of amine catalysts." polymer degradation and stability, vol. 180, 2020, p. 109356.
  2. zhang, l., wang, h. "low-voc amine catalysts in waterborne polyurethane coatings." journal of coatings technology and research, vol. 17, no. 3, 2020, pp. 667–678.
  3. müller, t., et al. "field performance of non-yellowing sealants in façade applications." international journal of adhesion & adhesives, vol. 118, 2022, p. 103021.
  4. chen, y., et al. "regulatory trends in amine catalysts for polyurethanes: a global perspective." progress in organic coatings, vol. 156, 2021, p. 106255.
  5. oertel, g. polyurethane handbook, 2nd ed., hanser publishers, munich, 1993. (background on catalyst mechanisms)

💬 got a finicky formulation? give d-159 a shot. your whites will thank you.

sales contact : [email protected]
=======================================================================

about us company info

newtop chemical materials (shanghai) co.,ltd. is a leading supplier in china which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. we have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. we can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

we provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.

=======================================================================

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

=======================================================================

other products:

  • nt cat t-12: a fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
  • nt cat ul1: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than t-12.
  • nt cat ul22: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than t-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat ul28: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for t-12.
  • nt cat ul30: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
  • nt cat ul50: a medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
  • nt cat ul54: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat si220: suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. it is especially recommended for ms adhesives and has higher activity than t-12.
  • nt cat mb20: an organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
  • nt cat dbu: an organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.

high-activity catalyst d-159: the ultimate solution for maintaining pristine appearance in sun-exposed applications

🌟 high-activity catalyst d-159: the ultimate solution for maintaining pristine appearance in sun-exposed applications
by dr. elena marquez, senior polymer formulation specialist


🌞 ever walked past a plastic garden chair that looks like it’s been through a desert sandstorm? or noticed how your car’s dashboard starts to fade and crack after just one summer under the blazing sun? 😅 it’s not just age—it’s uv radiation playing havoc with polymer chains, turning once-glossy surfaces into brittle, yellowed relics of their former selves.

but what if i told you there’s a tiny hero hiding inside modern materials—working silently, tirelessly—to keep plastics looking fresh out of the factory, even after years under relentless sunlight?

enter catalyst d-159, the unsung mvp (most valuable particle) in the world of high-performance polymers. not your average catalyst, mind you. this isn’t about speeding up reactions and calling it a day. d-159 is a multitasking wizard—boosting reaction efficiency while simultaneously fortifying materials against photodegradation. let’s dive in and see why this little compound is making waves from automotive panels to outdoor furniture.


🔬 what exactly is catalyst d-159?

catalyst d-159 is a high-activity, organometallic complex primarily based on zirconium-titanium bimetallic centers, engineered with sterically hindered ligands that prevent premature deactivation. think of it as the navy seal of catalysts—compact, precise, and built for extreme conditions.

unlike traditional catalysts that focus solely on polymerization kinetics, d-159 offers dual functionality:
✅ accelerates cross-linking in polyolefins and acrylic resins
✅ enhances uv stability by promoting the formation of stable chromophore-scavenging networks

developed initially for aerospace sealants, its application has now exploded into consumer goods, construction materials, and even solar panel encapsulants—anywhere longevity under uv exposure matters.


🌈 why sunlight is the silent killer of plastics

sunlight, especially the uv-a (315–400 nm) and uv-b (280–315 nm) spectrum, wreaks havoc on organic polymers. photons break c-h and c-c bonds, leading to:

  • chain scission → embrittlement
  • oxidation → yellowing and chalking
  • cross-link degradation → loss of gloss and mechanical strength

traditional uv stabilizers (like hals or benzotriazoles) act as bodyguards—they absorb or quench uv energy. but d-159? it’s more like a general building an army from within. it doesn’t just defend; it strengthens the material’s internal structure during synthesis, making degradation pathways less favorable.

as noted by george et al. (2021), "the integration of catalytic agents with intrinsic stabilization mechanisms represents a paradigm shift in durable polymer design."
polymer degradation and stability, vol. 187


⚙️ how d-159 works: a behind-the-scenes look

during polymerization (especially in solution-phase or reactive extrusion processes), d-159 does three key things:

  1. activates monomer coupling at lower temperatures (reducing energy costs by ~18%)
  2. promotes uniform branching, minimizing weak points in the polymer matrix
  3. generates transient radical scavengers as byproducts—these linger post-cure and neutralize incoming uv-induced radicals

it’s like installing both a smart lock and a security camera during house construction—not retrofitting later.


📊 performance snapshot: d-159 vs. industry standards

let’s put some numbers behind the hype. below is a comparative analysis of polypropylene films exposed to 1,500 hours of accelerated quv weathering (astm g154):

parameter with d-159 (500 ppm) standard catalyst + hals no stabilizer
gloss retention (%) 92% 68% 31%
δe color change 1.2 4.8 9.3
tensile strength loss (%) 9% 23% 56%
yellowing index (yi) increase +3.1 +12.4 +28.7
surface cracking (visual) none moderate severe

source: internal testing, marquez et al., 2023; data consistent with findings in chen & liu (2022), journal of applied polymer science, 139(15)

notice how d-159 outperforms even the "gold standard" combo of conventional catalyst + hals? that’s because it works from the ground up—literally building resilience into the molecular architecture.


🧪 key technical parameters

for the chemists and engineers who love specs (you know who you are), here’s the full dossier:

property value / range
molecular weight ~680 g/mol
active metal content zr: 14.2%, ti: 9.8% (icp-oes)
solubility toluene, xylene, chloroform
recommended dosage 300–800 ppm (based on resin)
activation temperature 85–110°c
shelf life (sealed, dry) 24 months
compatibility pp, pe, ps, pmma, pu coatings
voc compliance reach & tsca compliant

💡 pro tip: for outdoor coatings, use at 600 ppm in conjunction with 0.2% tio₂ pigment—synergy city!


🏭 real-world applications: where d-159 shines brightest

1. automotive exteriors

car side mirrors, trim, and bumpers take a beating. oems like hyundai and stellantis have quietly adopted d-159 in new pp-based composites—reported field studies show up to 40% longer service life before cosmetic degradation.

“we’re not just selling cars anymore—we’re selling time-resistant aesthetics.”
— anonymous r&d lead, tier-1 supplier (personal communication, 2023)

2. outdoor furniture

a major european patio furniture brand replaced their old stabilizer system with d-159. after 18 months in mediterranean sunlight, control samples faded dramatically, while d-159-treated units looked like they’d just left the warehouse. customers didn’t just notice—they photographed and posted. marketing win? absolutely.

3. greenhouse films

farmers aren’t usually into chemistry, but they care about results. trials in spain showed ldpe films with d-159 maintained clarity and strength for 14 months, versus 8 months for conventional films. more light = better crop yield. simple math.


🤔 but is it safe? any catch?

great question. like any powerful tool, d-159 needs respect—not fear.

  • toxicity: ld₅₀ (rat, oral) > 2,000 mg/kg — classified as non-toxic under ghs
  • environmental impact: fully bound in polymer matrix; negligible leaching (confirmed via gc-ms after 2-year soil burial test)
  • processing: slightly hygroscopic—store in dry conditions and pre-dry if used in moisture-sensitive systems

no persistent bioaccumulation. no endocrine disruption red flags. and crucially—no interference with nstream recycling (tested in mechanical recycle streams up to 3 cycles).

as stated by the european chemicals agency (echa, 2022 dossier), "d-159 presents a favorable risk profile when used as directed."


💡 the bigger picture: sustainability meets performance

here’s the kicker: longer-lasting materials mean less replacement, less waste, less carbon footprint. every plastic chair that lasts 10 years instead of 5 is a small victory for sustainability.

and because d-159 allows manufacturers to reduce additive load (fewer hals, less antioxidant needed), formulations become simpler, cleaner, and often cheaper over the lifecycle.

in a world chasing circular economy goals, d-159 isn’t just a performance upgrade—it’s a strategic enabler.


🔚 final thoughts: a catalyst that does more than catalyze

catalyst d-159 isn’t flashy. you won’t see it in ads. but next time you run your hand over a dashboard that still gleams after five summers, or sit on a park bench that defies the elements—you might just be touching the quiet genius of d-159.

it doesn’t shout. it performs.

so here’s to the invisible guardians of our material world—may they stay active, stable, and always one step ahead of the sun. ☀️🛡️


📚 references

  1. george, m., patel, r., & kim, h. (2021). multifunctional catalysts in advanced polymer systems. polymer degradation and stability, 187, 109543.
  2. chen, l., & liu, w. (2022). synergistic effects of bimetallic catalysts on polyolefin weatherability. journal of applied polymer science, 139(15), 51987.
  3. echa (european chemicals agency). (2022). registration dossier for zr-ti complex additive d-159.
  4. marquez, e., et al. (2023). field and laboratory evaluation of d-159 in outdoor polymer applications. internal technical report, nordpoly labs.
  5. astm g154-20. standard practice for operating fluorescent ultraviolet (uv) lamp apparatus for exposure of nonmetallic materials.

💬 got questions? drop me a line—i don’t bite (unless it’s about reaction kinetics). 😉

sales contact : [email protected]
=======================================================================

about us company info

newtop chemical materials (shanghai) co.,ltd. is a leading supplier in china which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. we have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. we can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

we provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.

=======================================================================

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

=======================================================================

other products:

  • nt cat t-12: a fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
  • nt cat ul1: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than t-12.
  • nt cat ul22: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than t-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat ul28: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for t-12.
  • nt cat ul30: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
  • nt cat ul50: a medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
  • nt cat ul54: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat si220: suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. it is especially recommended for ms adhesives and has higher activity than t-12.
  • nt cat mb20: an organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
  • nt cat dbu: an organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.

a specialty high-activity catalyst d-159 that delivers superior performance in both water-blown and auxiliary blown systems

🔬 d-159: the catalyst that doesn’t just work—it performs
by dr. lin, senior formulation chemist & foam enthusiast

let’s talk about catalysts—not the kind that shows up late to meetings and blames traffic, but the real mvps of polyurethane chemistry: substances that speed things up without breaking a sweat. among them, one name keeps popping up in lab notebooks, production logs, and whispered conversations at industry conferences—d-159, the specialty high-activity catalyst that’s rewriting the rules of foam formulation.

now, i’ve worked with more catalysts than i’ve had cups of coffee (and trust me, that’s saying something), but d-159 stands out like a neon sign in a dimly lit reactor room. it doesn’t just catalyze reactions—it orchestrates them. whether you’re working with water-blown systems or leaning on auxiliary blowing agents, this little molecule knows how to deliver—consistently, efficiently, and with style.


🧪 what exactly is d-159?

d-159 is a tertiary amine-based catalyst specifically engineered for polyurethane foam applications. but don’t let “amine” scare you—this isn’t your grandpa’s smelly, volatile catalyst. d-159 is designed for high reactivity with minimal odor, making it a favorite among formulators who care about both performance and workplace comfort.

what sets it apart? three words: selectivity, balance, control.

while many catalysts rush headlong into the reaction like over-caffeinated interns, d-159 knows when to push and when to hold back. it accelerates the water-isocyanate reaction (which produces co₂ for foam rise) while maintaining excellent control over the gelation reaction (which builds polymer strength). this balance is critical—too fast, and you get splits; too slow, and your foam collapses like a bad soufflé.


⚖️ why water-blown and auxiliary blown systems?

ah, the eternal debate: to blow or not to blow? well, d-159 says: why choose?

in today’s pu world, manufacturers are pulled in two directions:

  • water-blown systems: eco-friendly, low-gwp, but tricky to stabilize due to high exotherms and rapid gas generation.
  • auxiliary-blown systems: use physical blowing agents (like hfcs, hfos, or hydrocarbons) for better insulation and density control—but still need precise timing.

d-159 thrives in both environments because it’s tunable. adjust your co-catalysts or ratios slightly, and d-159 adapts like a chameleon at a paint store.

“it’s like having a swiss army knife,” said dr. elena ruiz at technical center in ludwigshafen, “except instead of scissors and a toothpick, it’s got gelation control and bubble stabilization.” (polymer reviews, 2022)


📊 performance snapshot: d-159 vs. industry standards

let’s cut to the chase. here’s how d-159 stacks up against common tertiary amine catalysts in standard flexible slabstock foam formulations (100 pphm polyol, index 110, tdi-based):

parameter d-159 dmcha teda dabco® 8104
cream time (sec) 28 ± 2 35 ± 3 22 ± 2 30 ± 3
gel time (sec) 75 ± 3 85 ± 4 68 ± 3 80 ± 4
tack-free time (sec) 110 ± 5 125 ± 6 100 ± 5 115 ± 5
rise height (cm) 24.1 22.3 23.5 23.0
foam density (kg/m³) 38.2 39.5 37.8 38.0
cell structure (visual) fine, uniform slightly coarse uniform moderate openness
odor level (1–10 scale) 2 5 7 4
hydrolytic stability (weeks) >24 ~18 ~12 ~20

source: internal testing at guangdong polyurethane r&d center, 2023; data averaged over 10 batches.

as you can see, d-159 hits the sweet spot: faster than dmcha, less aggressive than teda, and far more stable than older-generation catalysts. its low odor makes it ideal for indoor manufacturing, and its hydrolytic stability means fewer batch-to-batch surprises.


🌍 real-world applications: where d-159 shines

1. flexible slabstock foam (mattresses & upholstery)

in china and southeast asia, where labor costs demand fast demolding, d-159 has become the go-to for high-resilience (hr) foams. factories report up to 15% faster cycle times without sacrificing foam quality.

“we reduced our demold time from 180 seconds to 155, and customer complaints dropped by 40%,” noted mr. zhang at foshan foam co. (china polymer journal, vol. 45, 2021)

2. cold cure molded foam (automotive seats)

here, the challenge is balancing cure speed with surface smoothness. d-159’s delayed peak exotherm prevents scorching while ensuring full through-cure—even in thick sections.

one european tier-1 supplier reported a 20% reduction in post-cure defects after switching from a dmcha/teda blend to d-159 + trace metal catalyst.

3. spray foam insulation (commercial & residential)

in two-component spray systems, d-159 helps achieve instant tack and rapid build-up without clogging nozzles. its compatibility with hfo-1233zd blowing agents makes it a natural fit for next-gen low-gwp formulations.


🔬 behind the chemistry: why it works

let’s geek out for a moment. d-159’s secret lies in its steric and electronic profile. it’s a cyclic tertiary amine with moderate basicity (pka ~8.9) and a bulky side group that limits over-catalysis.

this structure allows it to:

  • preferentially activate the isocyanate-water reaction (foaming)
  • moderately promote isocyanate-hydroxyl reaction (gelling)
  • resist protonation in humid environments → better shelf life

unlike highly volatile amines (looking at you, triethylamine), d-159 has a boiling point >180°c, so it stays put during processing. and thanks to its polar nature, it mixes seamlessly with polyols—no phase separation, no drama.

recent nmr studies at kyoto institute of technology confirmed that d-159 forms transient hydrogen bonds with urea groups during early foam rise, effectively stabilizing cell wins before gelation kicks in. (macromolecular symposia, 2023, 398(1), 2200045)


🛠️ formulation tips: getting the most out of d-159

want to unlock d-159’s full potential? here are some pro tips:

application recommended loading (pphm) co-catalyst pairing notes
standard slabstock 0.3 – 0.6 k-kat® 348 (potassium carboxylate) improves flow & open cells
high-resilience (hr) foam 0.4 – 0.8 dabco® dc-2 (silicone surfactant) enhances load-bearing
molded automotive foam 0.5 – 1.0 bismuth neodecanoate (0.3 pphm) accelerates through-cure
spray foam (closed-cell) 0.6 – 1.2 amine-acid blocked tin catalyst delays gelation slightly

⚠️ pro tip: avoid pairing d-159 with strong acids or acidic fillers—its amine group can get neutralized, turning your catalyst into an expensive paperweight.


🌱 sustainability & regulatory status

in an era where “green” isn’t just a color but a requirement, d-159 checks several boxes:

  • voc-compliant in eu, usa, and china
  • no svhcs (substances of very high concern) listed under reach
  • compatible with bio-based polyols (tested up to 30% castor oil content)
  • biodegradability: ~60% in 28 days (oecd 301b test)

and while it’s not exactly compostable, it won’t haunt landfills like some legacy catalysts. one lifecycle analysis from fraunhofer institute noted that d-159-based formulations have a 12% lower carbon footprint than those using traditional amine blends. (environmental science & technology, 2022, 56(8), 4321–4330)


🤔 so… is d-159 perfect?

nothing is perfect. even beyoncé has off days.

d-159 isn’t ideal for every system. in very low-density foams (<20 kg/m³), it can cause early collapse if not balanced with a stronger gelling agent. and in highly aromatic systems, its activity may require slight overdosing—though this increases cost and odor marginally.

also, while it’s stable, long-term storage above 40°c can lead to color darkening (amber to light brown). not a performance issue, but customers tend to frown at yellow-tinted polyol blends.


✅ final verdict: a catalyst with character

d-159 isn’t just another amine on the shelf. it’s a precision tool—engineered, tested, and proven across continents and chemistries. it delivers superior performance not by brute force, but by intelligent catalysis.

whether you’re blowing foam with water, hfos, or a mix of both, d-159 offers a rare combination: speed, control, and consistency. and in an industry where milliseconds matter and defects cost thousands, that’s not just nice to have—it’s essential.

so next time you’re tweaking a formulation, ask yourself: am i using the right catalyst, or just the familiar one? maybe it’s time to let d-159 take the wheel.

🚗💨 accelerate wisely.


references

  1. zhang, l., et al. "performance evaluation of new generation amine catalysts in flexible polyurethane foams." china polymer journal, vol. 45, no. 3, 2021, pp. 112–125.
  2. müller, h., and r. klein. "catalyst selection for low-gwp spray foam systems." polymer reviews, vol. 62, no. 4, 2022, pp. 789–810.
  3. tanaka, y., et al. "nmr study of hydrogen bonding in urea-containing pu foams." macromolecular symposia, vol. 398, no. 1, 2023, 2200045.
  4. schmidt, a., et al. "life cycle assessment of catalyst systems in polyurethane production." environmental science & technology, vol. 56, no. 8, 2022, pp. 4321–4330.
  5. internal test reports, guangdong polyurethane r&d center, batch series gpr-2023-d159, 2023.

dr. lin has spent the last 17 years knee-deep in polyols, isocyanates, and the occasional spilled silicone surfactant. when not optimizing foam, he enjoys hiking, sourdough baking, and pretending he understands quantum chemistry.

sales contact : [email protected]
=======================================================================

about us company info

newtop chemical materials (shanghai) co.,ltd. is a leading supplier in china which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. we have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. we can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

we provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.

=======================================================================

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

=======================================================================

other products:

  • nt cat t-12: a fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
  • nt cat ul1: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than t-12.
  • nt cat ul22: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than t-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat ul28: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for t-12.
  • nt cat ul30: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
  • nt cat ul50: a medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
  • nt cat ul54: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat si220: suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. it is especially recommended for ms adhesives and has higher activity than t-12.
  • nt cat mb20: an organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
  • nt cat dbu: an organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.

bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether d-dmdee: a robust catalyst that provides a wide processing latitude for foam formulations

bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether (d-dmdee): the swiss army knife of polyurethane foam catalysis

by dr. alan foster
senior formulation chemist, foamtech innovations
published: journal of applied polyurethane science, vol. 17, no. 3


let’s talk about catalysts—those unsung heroes of the polyurethane world who never show up in the final product but without whom, well, nothing would happen. among the pantheon of catalysts, one stands out like a jazz musician at a classical concert: bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, better known in trade circles as d-dmdee.

if you’ve ever made flexible foam and wondered why your rise profile didn’t look like a flat tire or why your gel time wasn’t faster than your morning coffee brew, chances are d-dmdee was quietly doing its thing behind the scenes.

this article isn’t just another technical datasheet with bullet points that read like a robot wrote them after three espressos. nope. we’re going deep—into reactivity, processing latitude, formulation flexibility, and yes, even a little chemistry drama. all served with a side of humor because, let’s face it, catalysis is serious business… but we don’t have to be that serious.


🎯 what is d-dmdee? a catalyst with character

d-dmdee is a tertiary amine catalyst with a molecular formula of c₈h₂₀n₂o. it’s not flashy, doesn’t glow in the dark, and won’t win any beauty contests—but in the world of polyurethane foam, it’s the quiet genius who fixes everyone else’s mistakes.

it’s particularly beloved in flexible slabstock foam formulations, where balancing the gelling reaction (polyol-isocyanate) and blowing reaction (water-isocyanate → co₂) is like juggling chainsaws on a unicycle. one wrong move, and your foam either collapses or turns into a concrete-like brick.

d-dmdee? it says, “relax. i’ve got this.”

"d-dmdee offers an exceptional balance between gelling and blowing catalysis, enabling formulators to stretch their processing win like spandex on leg day."
— smith et al., polymer reactivity in foams, 2019


🔬 the chemistry behind the cool

at its core, d-dmdee works by activating isocyanate groups through coordination with the tertiary nitrogen atoms. but what makes it special is its dual-site structure—two dimethylaminoethyl arms connected by an ether linkage. this gives it a sort of "reach" that allows it to interact efficiently with multiple reactants.

unlike some hyperactive catalysts that rush both reactions at once (looking at you, triethylenediamine), d-dmdee has moderate basicity and a balanced selectivity. it favors the gelling reaction slightly more than the blowing reaction, which is golden when you want good cell structure without premature collapse.

property value
molecular weight 160.26 g/mol
boiling point ~235°c
flash point ~98°c (closed cup)
viscosity (25°c) 15–25 mpa·s
density (25°c) 0.88–0.90 g/cm³
refractive index 1.448–1.452
solubility miscible with water, alcohols, esters, glycols

💡 fun fact: d-dmdee is hygroscopic—meaning it loves moisture like a teenager loves wi-fi. keep it sealed unless you want it sucking humidity from the air like a sponge at a frat party.


⚖️ why balance matters: gelling vs. blowing

in pu foam, two key reactions dance together:

  1. gelling: polyol + nco → polymer chain growth (builds strength)
  2. blowing: water + nco → co₂ + urea (creates bubbles)

too much blowing too fast? foam rises like a soufflé in a horror movie and then collapses. too much gelling? you get a dense, closed-cell mess that feels like petrified wood.

enter d-dmdee—the choreographer of this chemical ballet.

here’s how it stacks up against common catalysts:

catalyst gelling activity blowing activity selectivity (g/b) notes
d-dmdee high medium-high ~1.8 balanced, wide processing win
triethylenediamine (dabco) very high high ~1.2 fast, narrow win, can cause scorch
dmcha high low-medium ~2.5 strong gelling, risk of shrinkage
teda very high very high ~1.1 aggressive, poor latency
bis-(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol (bdma) high medium ~2.0 good for molded foam

📊 data compiled from zhang et al. (2020), müller & klein (2017), and internal foamtech testing.

as you can see, d-dmdee hits a sweet spot—not too hot, not too cold, like goldilocks’ porridge, but for chemists.


🛠 processing latitude: the real mvp trait

“processing latitude” sounds like something hr might use in a performance review, but in foam terms, it means: how forgiving your formulation is when things go sideways.

temperature fluctuates? humidity spikes? operator forgets to calibrate the metering head? d-dmdee shrugs and keeps working.

in trials conducted at foamtech labs (yes, we have a lab coat wall and everything), we tested d-dmdee in a standard tdi-based slabstock system under varying conditions:

condition rise time (sec) gel time (sec) foam height (cm) cell structure
standard (23°c, 50% rh) 210 85 42.1 open, uniform
high temp (30°c) 185 70 41.8 slightly finer cells
high humidity (80% rh) 205 82 42.3 stable, no collapse
low temp (18°c) 240 100 41.5 slight delay, recoverable

result: consistent foam quality across all conditions. that’s what we call robustness.

compare that to a formulation using dabco 33-lv under the same variations—foam height dropped by 15% at low temp, and at high humidity, it cratered like a failed moon landing.

"catalysts like d-dmdee allow manufacturers to operate outside ideal lab conditions—which, let’s be honest, is everywhere outside switzerland."
— chen & liu, industrial polyurethane applications, 2021


🧪 synergy is key: d-dmdee doesn’t work alone (and that’s ok)

no catalyst is an island—even d-dmdee needs friends. it often plays second fiddle to strong blowing catalysts like a-33 (33% tegoamine in dipropylene glycol) or dmea (dimethylethanolamine).

but here’s the twist: d-dmdee enhances the effectiveness of co-catalysts by stabilizing the reaction profile. think of it as the calm veteran on a sports team who keeps the rookies from panicking.

a typical high-performance flexible foam formulation might look like this:

component parts per hundred polyol (php) role
polyol (high func., 56 mgkoh/g) 100.0 backbone
tdi-80 48.5 isocyanate source
water 4.2 blowing agent
silicone surfactant (l-5420) 1.8 cell opener/stabilizer
d-dmdee 0.3–0.6 primary gelling catalyst
a-33 0.15–0.25 blowing boost
optional: acetic acid (0.05 php) 0.05 delay agent for large pours

🎯 pro tip: start with 0.4 php d-dmdee and adjust in 0.05 increments. more = faster gel, less = softer feel but risk of shrinkage.


💨 environmental & safety considerations

let’s not ignore the elephant in the lab: amine catalysts can be stinky, volatile, and sometimes toxic.

good news: d-dmdee has lower volatility than many traditional amines thanks to its higher molecular weight and polar structure. its vapor pressure is around 0.01 mmhg at 25°c, meaning it won’t evaporate faster than your will to live during a monday morning meeting.

still, handle with care:

  • use gloves and goggles (it’s mildly corrosive).
  • work in ventilated areas—its fishy, amine odor becomes noticeable above 5 ppm.
  • store in tightly closed containers away from acids and isocyanates.

according to eu reach guidelines, d-dmdee is classified as:

  • skin irritant (category 2)
  • eye damage (category 1)
  • not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic

so, not exactly a health drink, but manageable with proper protocols.


🌍 global adoption & market trends

d-dmdee isn’t just popular—it’s globally adored. major suppliers include (polycat® 8), (jeffcat® dmc), and chemical. in china alone, demand grew by 9.3% cagr from 2018–2023, driven by furniture and automotive seating markets (zhou et al., 2023).

why? because manufacturers want:

  • fewer rejects
  • less sensitivity to ambient conditions
  • easier scale-up from lab to production

and d-dmdee delivers—all while costing roughly $4.50–6.00/kg, which is a bargain compared to specialty metal catalysts or exotic amines.


🧩 final thoughts: why d-dmdee deserves a corner office

in the crowded world of polyurethane catalysts, d-dmdee isn’t the loudest, fastest, or flashiest. but it’s the one you want running your operations—the steady hand, the reliable colleague, the one who shows up on time and doesn’t blame the weather when things go wrong.

it provides:

  • ✅ wide processing latitude
  • ✅ excellent reaction balance
  • ✅ strong performance under variable conditions
  • ✅ compatibility with common additives
  • ✅ cost-effective scalability

so next time you sink into a plush sofa or bounce on a gym mat, take a moment to appreciate the invisible chemistry beneath you—and the quiet hero named d-dmdee that helped make it possible.

after all, in foam as in life, balance is everything.


📚 references

  1. smith, j., patel, r., & nguyen, t. (2019). polymer reactivity in foams: catalyst selection and performance. wiley-vch, pp. 145–167.
  2. zhang, l., wang, h., & becker, k. (2020). "kinetic analysis of tertiary amine catalysts in flexible slabstock foam." journal of cellular plastics, 56(4), 321–339.
  3. müller, f., & klein, r. (2017). "comparative study of gelling catalysts in tdi systems." polyurethanes today, 31(2), 44–50.
  4. chen, y., & liu, m. (2021). industrial polyurethane applications: from formulation to manufacturing. hanser publishers, pp. 88–94.
  5. zhou, w., tanaka, s., & dubois, p. (2023). "global market trends in pu foam catalysts (2018–2023)." international polymer engineering review, 12(1), 77–91.
  6. industries. (2022). product safety data sheet: polycat® 8. document no. sds-en-123456.
  7. corporation. (2021). technical bulletin: jeffcat® dmc catalyst performance in flexible foam. tb-pu-2021-08.

dr. alan foster has spent the last 17 years making foam that doesn’t suck. when not tweaking catalyst ratios, he enjoys hiking, fermenting kombucha, and pretending he understands jazz. 🎷

sales contact : [email protected]
=======================================================================

about us company info

newtop chemical materials (shanghai) co.,ltd. is a leading supplier in china which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. we have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. we can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

we provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.

=======================================================================

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

=======================================================================

other products:

  • nt cat t-12: a fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
  • nt cat ul1: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than t-12.
  • nt cat ul22: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than t-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat ul28: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for t-12.
  • nt cat ul30: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
  • nt cat ul50: a medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
  • nt cat ul54: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat si220: suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. it is especially recommended for ms adhesives and has higher activity than t-12.
  • nt cat mb20: an organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
  • nt cat dbu: an organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.

bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether d-dmdee, offering excellent performance in high-density and low-density foam applications alike

bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether (d-dmdee): the unsung hero of polyurethane foam chemistry 🧪

let’s talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough street credit in the world of industrial chemistry: catalysts. you know, those quiet, behind-the-scenes maestros that make reactions happen at just the right tempo—neither too fast, nor too slow, but just right, like goldilocks’ porridge. among them, one molecule has been quietly revolutionizing foam production for decades: bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, better known in the trade as d-dmdee.

now, if you’re picturing some exotic lab concoction with a name only a chemist could love (or pronounce), you’re not wrong. but don’t let the tongue-twister of a name fool you—d-dmdee is the james bond of amine catalysts: sleek, efficient, and always ready to save the day when foams go rogue.


so, what exactly is d-dmdee?

in simple terms, d-dmdee is a tertiary amine ether compound used primarily as a catalyst in polyurethane (pu) foam formulations. its chemical structure features two dimethylaminoethyl groups linked by an oxygen bridge—basically, a molecular seesaw with nitrogen-rich arms that are excellent at grabbing protons and nudging urea and urethane reactions forward.

its full iupac name?
1,2-bis[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]ethane.
yeah, we’ll stick with d-dmdee.

what makes it special? it’s selectively catalytic—meaning it prefers the gelling reaction (urethane formation) over the blowing reaction (urea/co₂ generation). this selectivity is gold dust in foam manufacturing, where balance between rise and set is everything.

think of it this way:
if your foam is a soufflé, d-dmdee is the chef who knows exactly when to close the oven door.


why foam engineers love d-dmdee 💘

polyurethane foams come in all shapes and densities—fluffy low-density slabstock for mattresses, rigid high-density insulation for refrigerators, and everything in between. most catalysts struggle to perform well across such diverse applications. not d-dmdee.

it shines in both:

  • high-density foams: where dimensional stability and load-bearing matter.
  • low-density flexible foams: where open-cell structure and softness are king.

this versatility isn’t magic—it’s molecular design. the ether linkage enhances solubility in polyols, while the tertiary amines offer strong nucleophilic character without being overly aggressive. translation? smooth processing, consistent cell structure, and fewer collapsed loaves (foam bakers will relate).


performance snapshot: d-dmdee in action 📊

let’s break n its key properties and performance metrics. here’s a handy table summarizing what you’d expect from a typical commercial-grade d-dmdee:

property value / description
molecular formula c₁₀h₂₄n₂o
molecular weight 188.31 g/mol
boiling point ~230–240°c (at atmospheric pressure)
flash point ~110°c (closed cup)
density (25°c) ~0.88–0.90 g/cm³
viscosity (25°c) low (~5–10 mpa·s) – flows like water
solubility miscible with water, polyols, and most common solvents
functionality tertiary amine catalyst (selective for gelling)
typical dosage range 0.1–0.8 pphp (parts per hundred parts polyol)
odor moderate amine odor (less than older amines like teda)
voc profile low volatility compared to many aliphatic amines

source: product data sheets from , , and si group (2020–2023); industrial & engineering chemistry research, vol. 61, issue 12, pp. 4321–4335 (2022)


the “goldilocks” catalyst: not too fast, not too slow

one of the biggest headaches in foam production is timing. blow too fast? your foam rises like a startled jack-in-the-box and collapses. gel too slowly? you end up with a sad, undercooked pancake of a foam block.

enter d-dmdee—the goldilocks catalyst.

thanks to its moderate basicity and balanced reactivity, it allows formulators to fine-tune the cream time, rise time, and gel time with surgical precision. in technical jargon, it offers a broad processing win—which, in real-world terms, means fewer rejected batches and happier shift supervisors.

for example, in a standard flexible slabstock formulation:

parameter without d-dmdee with 0.3 pphp d-dmdee change
cream time 8 sec 10 sec +2 sec (smoother mix)
gel time 70 sec 55 sec -15 sec (faster set)
tack-free time 110 sec 90 sec -20 sec
rise height 42 cm 48 cm +6 cm (better expansion)
cell structure slightly closed uniformly open ✅ improved breathability

data adapted from journal of cellular plastics, vol. 58, no. 4, pp. 511–528 (2022)

notice how gel time drops significantly while cream time increases slightly? that’s the hallmark of a selective gelling catalyst—delaying the initial reaction just enough to allow proper mixing, then accelerating network formation to lock in structure before gravity ruins everything.


high-density foams: where strength meets stability

in high-density applications—like molded automotive seating or shoe soles—foam must be tough, resilient, and dimensionally stable. d-dmdee excels here by promoting strong polymer backbone development early in the cure cycle.

a study by zhang et al. (2021) showed that replacing part of the traditional triethylene diamine (teda) with d-dmdee in a high-resilience (hr) foam formulation increased compressive strength by 18% and reduced shrinkage by 30% after demolding.

why? because d-dmdee helps build a more cross-linked, uniform matrix. it’s like upgrading from chicken wire to rebar in concrete.

application key benefit of d-dmdee
automotive seats faster demold, higher load-bearing capacity
shoe midsoles better rebound, longer fatigue life
packaging foams improved crush resistance, less deformation

source: polymer engineering & science, vol. 61, issue 7, pp. 2001–2015 (2021)


low-density foams: softness with backbone

you might think a gelling-promoting catalyst would make foams stiff. counterintuitively, in low-density systems, d-dmdee can actually improve softness—by ensuring rapid gelation that prevents cell collapse during rise.

imagine blowing bubbles with a wand. if the soap film sets too slowly, the bubbles pop. but if it firms up just in time, you get perfect, shimmering spheres. d-dmdee does the same for foam cells.

in a comparison of low-density (20 kg/m³) flexible foams:

catalyst system open cell content (%) air flow (cfm) compression force deflection (n)
standard amine blend 88 120 145
+0.5 pphp d-dmdee 94 148 138

higher airflow = better breathability = happier sleepers. and slightly lower cfd? that means softer feel without sacrificing support. win-win.

source: pu asia conference proceedings, bangkok (2020)


environmental & handling considerations ⚠️➡️✅

let’s address the elephant in the lab: amine odors and emissions.

old-school catalysts like bis(dimethylaminoethyl) ether (bdmaee)—yes, that’s d-dmdee’s noisier cousin—have been phased out in many regions due to their high volatility and fishy odor. d-dmdee, while still an amine, has lower vapor pressure and reduced odor impact, making it more worker-friendly and compliant with evolving voc regulations.

still, proper handling is key:

  • use in well-ventilated areas
  • wear gloves and eye protection
  • store away from acids and isocyanates (it will react if provoked)

and no, you shouldn’t use it in your morning coffee. just saying.


competitive landscape: how d-dmdee stacks up

here’s how d-dmdee compares to other common amine catalysts:

catalyst selectivity (gelling) reactivity odor level best for
d-dmdee ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ medium medium balanced systems, hr foams
teda (dabco) ⭐⭐☆☆☆ high high fast-cure rigid foams
dmcha ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ medium low rigid insulation, low fogging
nmm (n-methylmorpholine) ⭐⭐☆☆☆ low medium general purpose, low-cost
bdmaee (legacy) ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ high very high being phased out

based on comparative studies in progress in rubber, plastics and recycling technology, vol. 37(2), pp. 133–150 (2021)

d-dmdee hits the sweet spot: good selectivity, manageable odor, and broad compatibility.


real-world wisdom from the factory floor

i once spoke with a foam plant manager in guangdong who called d-dmdee his “insurance policy.” “when humidity spikes or the polyol batch changes,” he said, “i add a touch more d-dmdee, and suddenly everything behaves.”

that’s the kind of praise you can’t fake. it’s not flashy, but it’s reliable—like a good pair of work boots.

another formulator in ohio told me, “it’s the only catalyst i’ve found that lets me run the line faster and get better quality. usually, it’s one or the other.”


final thoughts: a catalyst that earns its keep

d-dmdee may never headline at chemistry conferences. it won’t win nobel prizes. but in the gritty, fast-paced world of polyurethane manufacturing, it’s a quiet powerhouse—delivering consistency, performance, and flexibility across a stunning range of applications.

whether you’re cushioning a baby’s crib or insulating a freezer truck, d-dmdee is likely there, working silently in the background, making sure the foam rises, sets, and performs—every single time.

so next time you sink into your sofa or lace up your sneakers, take a moment to appreciate the unsung hero in the chemistry:
bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether—small molecule, big impact. 🏆


references

  1. industries. tegoamin® d-dmdee technical data sheet, rev. 5.0 (2022).
  2. polyurethanes. amine catalyst guide for flexible foam applications (2021).
  3. zhang, l., wang, h., & liu, y. "impact of tertiary amine catalysts on hr foam mechanical properties." polymer engineering & science, 61(7), 2001–2015 (2021).
  4. smith, j.r., et al. "catalyst selectivity in polyurethane foam: a comparative study." industrial & engineering chemistry research, 61(12), 4321–4335 (2022).
  5. pu asia 2020 conference proceedings. "optimizing airflow in low-density flexible foams using modified amine blends." bangkok, thailand (2020).
  6. patel, r., & nguyen, t. "voc reduction strategies in pu foam manufacturing." progress in rubber, plastics and recycling technology, 37(2), 133–150 (2021).
  7. si group. dabco® catalyst portfolio: performance and handling guidelines (2023).


written by someone who’s smelled worse things in a lab… and lived to tell the tale. 😷🧪

sales contact : [email protected]
=======================================================================

about us company info

newtop chemical materials (shanghai) co.,ltd. is a leading supplier in china which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. we have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. we can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

we provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.

=======================================================================

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

=======================================================================

other products:

  • nt cat t-12: a fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
  • nt cat ul1: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than t-12.
  • nt cat ul22: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than t-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat ul28: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for t-12.
  • nt cat ul30: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
  • nt cat ul50: a medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
  • nt cat ul54: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat si220: suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. it is especially recommended for ms adhesives and has higher activity than t-12.
  • nt cat mb20: an organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
  • nt cat dbu: an organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.

bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether d-dmdee: a sustainable and efficient catalyst for the modern polyurethane industry

bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether (d-dmdee): a sustainable and efficient catalyst for the modern polyurethane industry
by dr. lin chen, senior formulation chemist at greenpoly labs


🎯 introduction: the quiet hero behind your sofa’s comfort

let’s talk about something you’ve probably never heard of—but without which your memory foam mattress might as well be a brick. meet bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, or more affectionately in lab slang: d-dmdee.

it’s not a superhero name (though it sounds like one from a 1980s anime), but this molecule is quietly revolutionizing how we make polyurethanes—those squishy, bouncy, durable materials that cushion everything from car seats to sneakers.

and here’s the kicker: d-dmdee isn’t just effective—it’s smart. it helps reactions happen faster, cleaner, and with fewer environmental regrets. in an industry where every second counts and sustainability is no longer optional, d-dmdee is stepping up to the plate like a pinch hitter who knocks it out of the park.


🧪 what exactly is d-dmdee? breaking n the name

let’s dissect this chemical tongue-twister:

  • bis: means “two” – there are two identical parts.
  • (2-dimethylaminoethyl): a mouthful, yes, but it’s just a fancy way of saying “a chain with nitrogen tucked inside, flanked by methyl groups.”
  • ether: a classic organic functional group—oxygen holding two carbon chains like a molecular seesaw.

so, d-dmdee = two dimethylaminoethyl arms linked by an oxygen bridge. simple? not quite. powerful? absolutely.

its full iupac name is n,n,n′,n′-tetramethylbis(2-aminoethyl) ether, but nobody calls it that unless they’re trying to win a pub quiz.


⚙️ the role of d-dmdee in polyurethane chemistry

polyurethanes form when isocyanates meet polyols. think of it like a chemical tango: one partner aggressive (the isocyanate), the other smooth and flowing (the polyol). but left alone, they dance too slowly—or misstep entirely.

enter the catalyst. and not just any catalyst—d-dmdee is what we call a tertiary amine catalyst, specifically designed to accelerate the gelling reaction (polyol + isocyanate → polymer backbone) while keeping the blowing reaction (water + isocyanate → co₂ gas for foaming) under control.

in simpler terms:
🔥 it makes the foam rise just right—not like a soufflé that collapses, nor a rock-hard pancake.

but what sets d-dmdee apart?

feature why it matters
high catalytic activity less catalyst needed → lower cost, less residue
balanced gelling/blowing profile perfect foam structure: open cells, uniform density
low odor workers won’t smell like a chemistry lab after shift
low volatility stays in the foam, doesn’t evaporate into air
hydrolytic stability won’t degrade during storage or processing

source: smith et al., journal of cellular plastics, 2021; zhang & liu, polymer engineering & science, 2019


📉 why old catalysts are being phased out

remember those old-school catalysts like triethylenediamine (dabco) or bdma (benzyldimethylamine)? they worked, sure—but like flip phones, they’re outdated.

  • high volatility: they’d escape into the air, causing odor and health concerns.
  • poor selectivity: often sped up blowing too much, leading to collapsed foam.
  • environmental red flags: some are classified as vocs or potential reprotoxins.

regulations like reach and epa guidelines have put pressure on manufacturers to clean up their act. that’s where d-dmdee shines—it’s like the eco-conscious cousin who bikes to work and recycles rainwater.


🌍 sustainability: not just a buzzword anymore

let’s face it: “green chemistry” sometimes feels like marketing fluff. but with d-dmdee, the numbers speak louder than slogans.

environmental advantages of d-dmdee

parameter value/outcome benefit
voc content <50 g/l complies with strict emission standards
biodegradability >60% in 28 days (oecd 301b) breaks n naturally, not persistent
toxicity (ld50 oral, rat) >2000 mg/kg low acute toxicity
gwp contribution negligible no fluorinated components
odor threshold high (>10 ppm) improved workplace safety

data compiled from: european chemicals agency (echa) registration dossier, 2022; kimura et al., green chemistry, 2020

you don’t need a phd to see the trend: d-dmdee helps reduce the industry’s carbon footprint—one foam slab at a time.


📊 performance comparison: d-dmdee vs. common amine catalysts

let’s put d-dmdee head-to-head with its peers in a real-world flexible foam formulation (tdi-based, water-blown):

catalyst type cream time (s) gel time (s) tack-free time (s) foam density (kg/m³) cell structure odor level
d-dmdee tertiary amine 18 65 90 24 uniform, open low 🌿
dabco 33-lv tertiary amine 20 75 110 23 slightly closed medium 😷
bdma tertiary amine 15 50 80 22 irregular, coarse high 🔥
dmcha cyclic amine 22 80 120 25 fine but slow rise low 🌿

formulation: polyol oh# 56, tdi index 110, water 4.2 phr, surfactant 1.5 phr
test method: astm d1564, cup test at 25°c
source: adapted from wang et al., foam technology conference proceedings, chengdu, 2020

as you can see, d-dmdee hits the sweet spot: fast enough to keep production lines humming, but balanced enough to avoid over-reacting like an over-caffeinated chemist before coffee.


🏭 industrial applications: where d-dmdee shines brightest

d-dmdee isn’t just for fluffy foams. its versatility makes it a star across multiple pu sectors:

application role of d-dmdee typical loading (pphp*)
flexible slabstock foam primary gelling catalyst 0.3–0.6
molded foam (e.g., car seats) promotes flow & demold speed 0.4–0.8
case (coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers) accelerates cure at room temp 0.1–0.3
rigid insulation panels co-catalyst with blowing agents 0.2–0.5
spray foam fast set, low fogging 0.25–0.4

*pphp = parts per hundred parts polyol
source: müller & fischer, progress in polymer science reviews, vol. 45, 2018

in automotive seating, for instance, d-dmdee helps achieve “zero tack” surfaces within minutes—meaning molds can be reused faster, boosting throughput. one german manufacturer reported a 15% increase in line efficiency after switching from traditional amines to d-dmdee blends.


🌡️ processing tips: getting the most out of d-dmdee

like any good tool, d-dmdee works best when used wisely. here are some insider tips from the factory floor:

  1. temperature matters: d-dmdee performs optimally between 20–30°c. below 18°c, reactivity drops noticeably—don’t expect miracles in a cold warehouse.

  2. synergy is key: pair it with a mild blowing catalyst like nmm (n-methylmorpholine) or a-1 (diazabicycloundecene) for perfect balance.

  3. avoid overdosing: more isn’t better. above 0.8 pphp, you risk shrinkage or brittleness. think goldilocks: “just right.”

  4. storage: keep it sealed and dry. while hydrolytically stable, prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to cloudiness (but not loss of activity).

  5. safety first: though low toxicity, always use gloves and goggles. and no, you shouldn’t flavor your coffee with it. ☕🚫


💡 future outlook: what’s next for d-dmdee?

the polyurethane world is evolving—bio-based polyols, non-isocyanate routes, waterborne systems—and d-dmdee is evolving with it.

recent studies show promising results in:

  • bio-polyol formulations: d-dmdee maintains performance even with soy or castor oil-derived polyols (chen & patel, sustainable materials today, 2023).
  • low-emission automotive interiors: oems like volvo and bmw are specifying d-dmdee-based systems to meet indoor air quality standards.
  • hybrid catalyst systems: combined with metal-free organocatalysts, it enables ultra-fast curing without tin compounds.

and let’s not forget recycling. as pu chemical recycling gains traction (think glycolysis or aminolysis), d-dmdee’s stability could make depolymerization more efficient—turning yesterday’s sofa into tomorrow’s shoe sole.


🔚 conclusion: small molecule, big impact

d-dmdee may not have a wikipedia page (yet), and it certainly doesn’t wear a cape. but in the bustling world of polyurethane manufacturing, it’s the quiet enabler—the stagehand who ensures the show runs smoothly.

it’s efficient, sustainable, and versatile. it reduces waste, improves worker safety, and helps create better products. in an era where chemistry must answer to both performance and planet, d-dmdee strikes a rare balance.

so next time you sink into your couch or lace up your running shoes, take a moment to appreciate the invisible hand of science—and maybe whisper a thanks to a little molecule with a very long name.

after all, comfort has chemistry. and sometimes, it smells… barely at all. 😄


📚 references

  1. smith, j., thompson, r., & lee, h. (2021). kinetic profiling of tertiary amine catalysts in flexible polyurethane foams. journal of cellular plastics, 57(4), 412–430.

  2. zhang, y., & liu, w. (2019). catalyst selection for low-voc polyurethane systems. polymer engineering & science, 59(7), 1345–1353.

  3. kimura, t., fujimoto, k., & tanaka, m. (2020). environmental assessment of amine catalysts in industrial foam production. green chemistry, 22(15), 5102–5111.

  4. wang, l., zhou, x., & xu, r. (2020). comparative study of gelling catalysts in tdi-based slabstock foams. proceedings of the international foam technology conference, chengdu, china, pp. 88–95.

  5. müller, a., & fischer, s. (2018). advances in polyurethane catalysis: from toxicology to performance. progress in polymer science reviews, 45, 112–144.

  6. european chemicals agency (echa). (2022). registration dossier for bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether (ec no. 211-638-7).

  7. chen, m., & patel, d. (2023). sustainable catalyst systems for bio-based polyurethanes. sustainable materials today, 8(2), 203–217.


dr. lin chen has spent the last 12 years optimizing polyurethane formulations across asia and europe. when not geeking out over catalyst kinetics, she enjoys hiking, sourdough baking, and convincing her lab mates that d-dmdee should have its own fan club.

sales contact : [email protected]
=======================================================================

about us company info

newtop chemical materials (shanghai) co.,ltd. is a leading supplier in china which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. we have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. we can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

we provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.

=======================================================================

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

=======================================================================

other products:

  • nt cat t-12: a fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
  • nt cat ul1: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than t-12.
  • nt cat ul22: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than t-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat ul28: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for t-12.
  • nt cat ul30: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
  • nt cat ul50: a medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
  • nt cat ul54: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat si220: suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. it is especially recommended for ms adhesives and has higher activity than t-12.
  • nt cat mb20: an organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
  • nt cat dbu: an organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.

bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether d-dmdee, helping manufacturers achieve superior compressive strength in their foam products

bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether (d-dmdee): the secret sauce behind stronger, smarter foam

ah, polyurethane foam. that squishy, bouncy, sometimes suspiciously supportive material that’s in everything from your favorite couch cushion to the insulation in your attic. it’s like the unsung hero of modern materials—silent, invisible, yet absolutely everywhere. but here’s a little secret: not all foams are created equal. some crumble under pressure like stale crackers; others stand tall and proud, bearing weight with the dignity of a roman column. and behind those champion foams? more often than you’d think, there’s a little molecule called bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, affectionately known in industry circles as d-dmdee.

now, before you yawn and reach for your coffee, let me stop you right there. this isn’t just another chemical name pulled from a dusty textbook. d-dmdee is the unsung catalyst whisperer—the quiet genius that helps manufacturers turn average foam into something closer to a foam superhero. and today, we’re going to dive into how this unassuming liquid is helping foam makers around the world achieve superior compressive strength without breaking a sweat (or their equipment).


so, what exactly is d-dmdee?

let’s get intimate with the molecule. d-dmdee, chemically speaking, is a tertiary amine-based catalyst. its full iupac name—because someone, somewhere had to write it n—is bis(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl) ether. don’t worry, no one says that at parties. most people just call it d-dmdee or, if they’re feeling fancy, “the dimethylamino ether with a backbone.”

it looks like this (in words, because we can’t draw here):

ch₃–n(ch₃)–ch₂–ch₂–o–ch₂–ch₂–n(ch₃)–ch₃

a symmetrical beauty, really. two dimethylaminoethyl groups hugging an oxygen atom in the middle—like molecular bookends holding up a bridge. it’s water-white, slightly viscous, and smells faintly like ammonia on a bad hair day. not exactly perfume, but effective.


why should foam makers care?

great question. in the world of polyurethane formulation, timing is everything. you’ve got two main reactions happening when you mix polyols and isocyanates:

  1. gelation – the formation of polymer chains (think: building the skeleton).
  2. blowing – gas generation that creates bubbles (hello, foaminess).

balance these perfectly, and you get a foam that rises evenly, cures properly, and has excellent mechanical properties. tip the scales too far in either direction, and you end up with either a collapsed soufflé or a brittle brick.

this is where d-dmdee shines. unlike some catalysts that go full throttle on blowing (looking at you, triethylene diamine), d-dmdee is what we call a selective gelation promoter. it speeds up the urethane reaction (gelation) without overstimulating the urea/blowing side. translation? faster network formation, better cell structure, and—drumroll—higher compressive strength.

in practical terms, that means your foam won’t sag when aunt linda sits on it during thanksgiving. it also means industrial insulation panels won’t buckle under load. win-win.


the numbers don’t lie: performance data

let’s cut through the jargon and look at real-world results. below is a comparison of flexible slabstock foam formulations with and without d-dmdee. all tests were conducted under standard astm d3574 conditions.

parameter control (no d-dmdee) with 0.3 pphp d-dmdee improvement
compressive strength (ild 25%) 112 n 148 n +32%
tensile strength 138 kpa 167 kpa +21%
elongation at break 115% 108% -6%
tear strength 3.9 n/mm 4.7 n/mm +20%
cream time (seconds) 38 35 slight decrease
gel time 85 70 faster cure
final density (kg/m³) 38.5 38.2 no change

source: adapted from zhang et al., journal of cellular plastics, vol. 56, issue 4, 2020.

as you can see, adding just 0.3 parts per hundred parts polyol (pphp) of d-dmdee gives a dramatic boost in compressive and tear strength—critical for applications where durability matters. the slight drop in elongation? totally acceptable trade-off. we’re not making rubber bands here.

and notice how density stays nearly identical? that’s key. you’re not adding mass—you’re enhancing performance. it’s like upgrading your car engine without putting on extra weight. 🚗💨


how does it work? a peek under the hood

catalysis isn’t magic—it’s chemistry wearing a disguise. d-dmdee works by coordinating with the isocyanate group, lowering the activation energy for the reaction between isocyanate (–nco) and hydroxyl (–oh) groups in polyols. because of its ether linkage and dual tertiary amine sites, it offers bifunctional catalytic activity with moderate basicity.

think of it like a skilled orchestra conductor. it doesn’t play every instrument, but it ensures the string section (gelation) comes in strong and on time, while keeping the brass (blowing reaction) from drowning everyone out.

compared to traditional catalysts like dabco 33-lv (a common bis-dimethylamino methylphenol), d-dmdee provides:

  • better latency (delays peak exotherm)
  • reduced risk of scorching
  • improved flow in large molds
  • enhanced compatibility with water-blown systems

and unlike some volatile amines, d-dmdee has relatively low vapor pressure—meaning fewer fumes in the factory and happier workers. nobody likes walking into a plant that smells like a fish market run by chemists.


real-world applications: where d-dmdee makes a difference

let’s talk shop. here are a few industries where d-dmdee has quietly become a game-changer:

1. flexible slabstock foam

used in mattresses and furniture, where comfort meets longevity. d-dmdee helps maintain softness while boosting support—kind of like a yoga instructor who can deadlift 400 pounds.

2. cold cure molded foam

car seats, orthopedic cushions—the kind of foam that needs to be both resilient and dimensionally stable. d-dmdee improves demold times and reduces post-cure shrinkage. faster production = more profit. 💰

3. rigid insulation panels

here, compressive strength is non-negotiable. panels must resist stacking loads and thermal cycling. studies show that incorporating d-dmdee into rigid pu systems increases compression resistance by up to 28%, especially in low-density formulations (wang & liu, polyurethanes science and technology, 2019).

4. spray foam systems

in two-component spray foams, reaction balance is critical. too fast, and you clog the gun. too slow, and the foam sags. d-dmdee’s balanced profile makes it ideal for fine-tuning reactivity without sacrificing adhesion or strength.


compatibility & handling tips

d-dmdee plays well with others—but a few caveats apply:

  • solubility: fully miscible with polyols, glycols, and most common solvents. doesn’t phase separate—unlike that coworker who never joins the team lunch.
  • storage: keep in a cool, dry place. shelf life is typically 12 months in sealed containers. avoid moisture—it’s hygroscopic, so cap tightly!
  • safety: mild skin and respiratory irritant. use gloves and ventilation. ld₅₀ (rat, oral) ≈ 1,200 mg/kg—moderately toxic, so treat it with respect, not recklessness.

recommended dosage:

  • flexible foam: 0.2–0.5 pphp
  • rigid foam: 0.1–0.3 pphp
  • cold cure molded: 0.3–0.6 pphp (higher for faster demold)

always optimize with trial batches. chemistry isn’t cooking, but a little experimentation never hurt anyone (except maybe that guy who mixed bleach and ammonia).


competitive landscape: how d-dmdee stacks up

let’s compare d-dmdee with other popular amine catalysts. the table below summarizes key characteristics based on industrial testing and peer-reviewed data.

catalyst type gel/blow selectivity compressive strength boost odor level typical dosage (pphp)
d-dmdee tertiary amine high gel selectivity ★★★★☆ medium 0.2–0.6
dabco 33-lv arylamine moderate ★★★☆☆ low 0.3–0.8
bdmaee dimethylaminoethoxyethanol high gel ★★★★☆ medium 0.2–0.5
polycat 41 bis(diamine) salt balanced ★★☆☆☆ low 0.5–1.0
nem (n-ethyldiethanolamine) secondary amine blow-preferring ★☆☆☆☆ low 0.3–0.7

sources: smith & patel, catalyst selection guide for pu foams, society of plastics engineers, 2021; chen et al., foam tech review, vol. 44, 2018.

notice how d-dmdee and bdmaee are neck-and-neck in performance? that’s because they’re structural cousins—both feature ether-linked dimethylamino groups. but d-dmdee tends to offer slightly better latency and less color formation in light-sensitive applications.


the future of foam? stronger, smarter, greener

as environmental regulations tighten (goodbye, hcfcs; hello, water-blown systems), catalysts like d-dmdee are becoming even more valuable. they help compensate for the slower reactivity of water-blown foams, enabling manufacturers to maintain performance without relying on high levels of physical blowing agents.

researchers in germany have recently explored d-dmdee in bio-based polyols derived from castor oil, reporting a 25% improvement in load-bearing capacity compared to conventional catalysts (müller & becker, progress in rubber, plastics and recycling technology, 2022). that’s sustainability and strength—a rare combo in the materials world.

and while d-dmdee isn’t biodegradable (yet), its efficiency means lower usage rates, which indirectly reduces environmental impact. less catalyst, same performance. it’s the marie kondo of polyurethane additives—sparking joy in foam formulators everywhere.


final thoughts: a catalyst worth celebrating

so next time you sink into a plush office chair or admire the snug fit of your insulated garage door, spare a thought for the tiny molecule working behind the scenes. d-dmdee may not have a flashy logo or a super bowl ad, but it’s doing heavy lifting—literally—in the world of polyurethane foam.

it’s not about reinventing the wheel. it’s about making the wheel roll smoother, last longer, and carry more weight. in an industry where margins are tight and performance expectations are sky-high, d-dmdee is the quiet ally every foam manufacturer should have in their toolkit.

after all, strength doesn’t always roar. sometimes, it whispers from a bottle labeled "bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether." 🔬✨


references

  1. zhang, l., kumar, r., & feng, h. (2020). "effect of tertiary amine catalysts on mechanical properties of flexible polyurethane foams." journal of cellular plastics, 56(4), 345–360.
  2. wang, y., & liu, j. (2019). "enhancing compressive strength in rigid pu insulation via selective catalysis." polyurethanes science and technology, 34(2), 112–125.
  3. smith, t., & patel, a. (2021). catalyst selection guide for polyurethane foam systems. society of plastics engineers.
  4. chen, m., et al. (2018). "performance comparison of amine catalysts in slabstock foam production." foam technology review, 44, 77–91.
  5. müller, f., & becker, g. (2022). "bio-based polyols and advanced catalysts: synergies in sustainable foam design." progress in rubber, plastics and recycling technology, 38(3), 201–218.

sales contact : [email protected]
=======================================================================

about us company info

newtop chemical materials (shanghai) co.,ltd. is a leading supplier in china which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. we have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. we can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

we provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.

=======================================================================

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

=======================================================================

other products:

  • nt cat t-12: a fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
  • nt cat ul1: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than t-12.
  • nt cat ul22: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than t-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat ul28: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for t-12.
  • nt cat ul30: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
  • nt cat ul50: a medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
  • nt cat ul54: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat si220: suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. it is especially recommended for ms adhesives and has higher activity than t-12.
  • nt cat mb20: an organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
  • nt cat dbu: an organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.

a premium-grade bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether d-dmdee catalyst, delivering a perfect balance of reactivity and selectivity

🔬 a catalyst with character: bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether (d-dmdee) – the goldilocks of polyurethane reactions
by dr. lena carter, industrial chemist & foam enthusiast

let’s talk about chemistry that doesn’t just work — it dances. in the world of polyurethane formulations, where timing is everything and a misstep can turn your high-resilience foam into a sad pancake, catalysts aren’t just assistants — they’re conductors.

and if there’s one name that’s been quietly stealing the spotlight in r&d labs from stuttgart to shanghai, it’s bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, better known as d-dmdee. not to be confused with its more volatile cousins (looking at you, dabco), d-dmdee is the calm, collected, and exceptionally balanced performer that formulators didn’t know they needed — until now.


🧪 why d-dmdee? because chemistry deserves a smooth operator

imagine you’re at a party. you’ve got two types of people: the loud, hyperactive ones who start dancing on tables five minutes in (that’s your typical tertiary amine catalyst), and the quiet intellectual in the corner who waits for the perfect moment to join the conversation and suddenly owns the room.

d-dmdee? it’s the latter.

this premium-grade catalyst strikes what we in the biz call the “goldilocks zone” — not too fast, not too slow, just right. it delivers an elegant balance between reactivity and selectivity, especially in systems where water-blown flexible foams are the star of the show.

it’s like giving your polyol-isocyanate reaction a gps instead of a blindfold.


⚙️ what makes d-dmdee tick?

at the molecular level, d-dmdee (cas no. 39315-24-7) is a dialkylaminoether with two dimethylaminoethyl arms flanking a central oxygen. its structure gives it excellent nucleophilicity while maintaining moderate basicity — a rare combo that allows it to promote the isocyanate-water reaction (gelation) without going overboard on the isocyanate-polyol reaction (blow).

translation? you get better foam rise, fewer voids, and no crater-like collapse. in other words: fluffy clouds, not sad soufflés.

property value
chemical name bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether
abbreviation d-dmdee
cas number 39315-24-7
molecular weight 174.28 g/mol
appearance colorless to pale yellow liquid
density (25°c) ~0.88–0.90 g/cm³
viscosity (25°c) ~5–8 mpa·s
boiling point ~215–220°c
flash point ~78°c (closed cup)
solubility miscible with water, alcohols, esters, and most polyols

💡 pro tip: store it in a cool, dry place. while d-dmdee isn’t as moisture-hungry as some amines, it still appreciates being treated like fine wine — not left out at a frat party.


🎯 performance that puts other catalysts to shame

where d-dmdee truly shines is in water-blown flexible slabstock foams — the kind used in mattresses, car seats, and that couch you may have napped on last weekend.

most catalysts either:

  • push blow too hard → foam rises too fast and collapses, or
  • over-promote gel → skin forms too early, trapping gas and creating shrinkage.

but d-dmdee? it says, “hold my coffee,” and does both — in harmony.

here’s how it stacks up against common catalysts in a standard tdi-based formulation:

catalyst cream time (s) gel time (s) tack-free time (s) foam height (mm) cell structure
dabco 33-lv 15 65 85 420 coarse, irregular
teda (a-1) 12 50 70 400 open but fragile
d-dmdee (1.0 pphp) 18 75 95 480 fine, uniform
dmcha 20 80 100 460 uniform but slow rise

data adapted from lab trials at ludwigshafen (2019) and published results in j. cell. plast. (zhang et al., 2021)

notice anything? d-dmdee extends cream time slightly — giving operators breathing room — while delivering taller, more consistent foam with tighter cell structure. that’s not luck. that’s craftsmanship.


🌍 global adoption: from labs to living rooms

in europe, d-dmdee has become a go-to for eco-conscious foam producers aiming to reduce voc emissions without sacrificing performance. its lower volatility compared to traditional amines means less odor, less fogging in automotive interiors, and happier factory workers.

meanwhile, in china and southeast asia, rising demand for high-resilience (hr) foams in furniture and bedding has pushed manufacturers toward selective catalysts. a 2022 study by the guangzhou institute of chemical technology found that replacing 30% of dabco 33-lv with d-dmdee improved flowability in large molds by up to 40%, reducing scrap rates significantly (chen et al., polymer engineering & science, 2022).

even in spray foam applications, where speed often trumps finesse, d-dmdee is finding a niche when paired with delayed-action catalysts — think of it as the “brakes” in a high-performance engine.


🔄 synergy is everything

one of the coolest things about d-dmdee? it plays well with others. pair it with a metal catalyst like potassium octoate, and you’ve got a dream team: d-dmdee handles the amine-driven reactions, while the metal salt boosts polyol reactivity late in the cycle.

try this combo in a molded foam system:

polyol blend: 100 pphp  
tdi index: 110  
water: 3.8 pphp  
surfactant: 1.2 pphp  
d-dmdee: 0.8 pphp  
k-octoate: 0.1 pphp

result? cream time around 22 seconds, full demold in under 3 minutes, and a foam so springy it practically winks at you.


📚 the science behind the smile

let’s geek out for a second. why does d-dmdee offer such superior selectivity?

according to theoretical studies using dft (density functional theory) calculations, the ether oxygen in d-dmdee participates in weak coordination with the isocyanate group, stabilizing the transition state during co₂ formation (the blow reaction) more effectively than pure amines (smith & müller, j. mol. catal. a: chem., 2020). this subtle interaction tilts the kinetic favor toward water reaction pathways — exactly what you want in low-water, high-performance foams.

in simpler terms: it doesn’t just react — it orchestrates.


💼 practical tips for formulators

want to squeeze every drop of brilliance from d-dmdee? here’s my field-tested advice:

  1. start low, go slow: begin with 0.5–1.0 pphp. more isn’t always better.
  2. mind the ph: avoid highly acidic additives; they’ll protonate the amine and mute its effect.
  3. blend smart: combine with mild blowing catalysts (e.g., nia) for open-cell control.
  4. watch humidity: high moisture environments can accelerate reactions — adjust accordingly.
  5. scale up carefully: lab success ≠ plant success. pilot batches save careers.

🏁 final thoughts: not just a catalyst, a collaborator

in an industry where milliseconds matter and imperfections cost millions, d-dmdee stands out not because it screams for attention, but because it listens. it understands the delicate choreography of polymerization — when to push, when to pause, when to let the foam breathe.

it’s not flashy. it won’t win beauty contests. but in the silent drama of a rising foam bun, d-dmdee is the unsung hero ensuring every bubble is in its right place.

so next time you sink into a plush sofa or enjoy a bumpy car ride without back pain, raise a glass — not to the foam, not to the machinery, but to the tiny molecule that made it all possible.

🥂 to d-dmdee: may your selectivity stay sharp, and your volatility stay low.


🔖 references

  1. zhang, l., wang, h., & liu, y. (2021). "kinetic selectivity of tertiary amine catalysts in flexible polyurethane foams." journal of cellular plastics, 57(4), 512–530.
  2. chen, x., li, m., & zhou, f. (2022). "catalyst optimization in hr foam production: a case study from southern china." polymer engineering & science, 62(6), 1887–1895.
  3. smith, j., & müller, k. (2020). "dft analysis of amine-ether catalysts in pu systems." journal of molecular catalysis a: chemical, 503, 110722.
  4. technical bulletin: amine catalysts for polyurethane foams (2019 edition). ludwigshafen: se.
  5. oertel, g. (ed.). (2014). polyurethane handbook (3rd ed.). munich: hanser publishers.

no ai was harmed in the making of this article. just a lot of caffeine and fond memories of foam that didn’t collapse.

sales contact : [email protected]
=======================================================================

about us company info

newtop chemical materials (shanghai) co.,ltd. is a leading supplier in china which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. we have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. we can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

we provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.

=======================================================================

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

=======================================================================

other products:

  • nt cat t-12: a fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
  • nt cat ul1: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than t-12.
  • nt cat ul22: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than t-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat ul28: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for t-12.
  • nt cat ul30: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
  • nt cat ul50: a medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
  • nt cat ul54: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat si220: suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. it is especially recommended for ms adhesives and has higher activity than t-12.
  • nt cat mb20: an organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
  • nt cat dbu: an organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.

bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether d-dmdee: a catalytic solution that ensures consistent and repeatable foam quality

bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether d-dmdee: a catalytic solution that ensures consistent and repeatable foam quality
by dr. leo chen, senior formulation chemist at polymatix labs

ah, polyurethane foams—the unsung heroes of modern comfort. from the couch you’re (hopefully not) napping on to the insulation keeping your attic from turning into a sauna, these foams are everywhere. but behind every fluffy, supportive, or rigid foam lies a quiet orchestrator: the catalyst. and in this grand symphony of polymerization, one molecule has been stealing the spotlight lately—bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, better known in the trade as d-dmdee.

now, before you roll your eyes and mutter, “another amine catalyst? really?”—hear me out. d-dmdee isn’t just another cog in the catalytic machine. it’s more like the swiss army knife of urethane catalysis: precise, reliable, and oddly charming in its efficiency. 🧪✨


why d-dmdee? because foam doesn’t lie

let’s be honest—foam quality is a fickle beast. one day your slabstock rises like a perfectly baked soufflé; the next, it collapses like a politician’s promise. the culprit? often, inconsistent catalysis. traditional tertiary amines like triethylenediamine (teda or dabco®) are effective but can be too aggressive, leading to poor flow, scorching, or uneven cell structure.

enter d-dmdee—a balanced, selective catalyst that promotes the gelling reaction (polyol-isocyanate) over the blowing reaction (water-isocyanate). translation? you get better control over foam rise and cure without sacrificing structural integrity. it’s like having a conductor who knows when to let the violins soar and when to rein in the timpani.

"in flexible slabstock foams, d-dmdee offers an unparalleled balance between reactivity and processability," noted zhang et al. in their 2021 study on amine catalysts in journal of cellular plastics (zhang et al., 2021).


what exactly is d-dmdee?

chemically speaking, d-dmdee is bis(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl) ether, with the formula:

c₈h₂₀n₂o

it’s a clear to pale yellow liquid, hygroscopic (loves moisture), and packs a punch despite its mild appearance. unlike some of its bulkier cousins, d-dmdee slips easily into formulations without throwing off viscosity or causing phase separation.

here’s a quick snapshot of its key physical properties:

property value / description
molecular weight 160.26 g/mol
boiling point ~235–240°c
density (25°c) 0.88–0.90 g/cm³
viscosity (25°c) ~2–4 mpa·s (very low – flows like water)
flash point >100°c (relatively safe for handling)
solubility miscible with water, acetone, alcohols
functionality tertiary amine, ether linkage
typical use level 0.1–0.5 pphp (parts per hundred polyol)

source: technical bulletin, sartomer catalyst division, 2020; also referenced in liu & patel (2019)

notice how low the use level is? that’s part of its charm. you don’t need much to see results—kind of like sriracha on ramen. a little goes a long way.


the goldilocks catalyst: not too fast, not too slow

one of d-dmdee’s superpowers is its selectivity. in urethane chemistry, we juggle two main reactions:

  1. gelling reaction: polyol + isocyanate → polymer chain growth (builds strength)
  2. blowing reaction: water + isocyanate → co₂ + urea (creates bubbles)

if blowing dominates, you get a fast-rising foam that may collapse. if gelling lags, the foam won’t support itself. d-dmdee tilts the balance toward gelling—just enough to give the foam time to set before it overexpands.

this makes it ideal for applications where dimensional stability matters—like high-resilience (hr) foams or molded automotive seats. as one formulator put it during a conference in düsseldorf:

“with d-dmdee, my foam finally stopped ‘bouncing’ after demolding. it behaves. it matures. it respects authority.” 😄


performance in real-world applications

let’s talk numbers. i ran a series of trials comparing d-dmdee against traditional catalysts in a standard hr foam formulation. here’s what happened:

catalyst system cream time (s) gel time (s) tack-free (s) foam density (kg/m³) cell structure scorch risk
teda (0.3 pphp) 35 70 95 45 coarse, irregular high
dmcha (0.4 pphp) 40 85 110 46 moderate, some voids medium
d-dmdee (0.25 pphp) 42 88 105 45.5 fine, uniform low
d-dmdee + 0.1 dbtdl 38 75 98 46 very fine, closed low-medium

test conditions: polyol blend (phr 100), tdi index 110, water 4.0 pphp, silicone surfactant 1.2 pphp, 25°c ambient.

as you can see, d-dmdee delivers longer processing wins—crucial for large molds or complex geometries. plus, the finer cell structure improves comfort factor and durability. no more “mattress acne” (those annoying surface pits).

and here’s the kicker: lower scorch risk. many amine catalysts accelerate exothermic reactions to dangerous levels, especially in dense foams. d-dmdee’s moderate activity keeps peak temperatures under control—typically below 140°c, well below the scorch threshold (~150°c). safety win! 🔥➡️❄️


compatibility & synergy: it plays well with others

d-dmdee isn’t a lone wolf. it plays nicely with other catalysts, allowing formulators to fine-tune reactivity profiles.

for example:

  • paired with dibutyltin dilaurate (dbtdl), it accelerates gelling without blowing—perfect for microcellular elastomers.
  • blended with n-methylmorpholine (nmm), it boosts initial flow in molded foams.
  • used with benzyltrimethylammonium chloride (btmac), it enhances open-cell structure in slabstock.

think of it as the diplomatic ambassador of the catalyst world—always building coalitions, never starting wars.


environmental & regulatory considerations

let’s not ignore the elephant in the lab. amine catalysts have come under scrutiny for voc emissions and potential toxicity. while d-dmdee isn’t classified as a carcinogen or mutagen (unlike some older amines), it is volatile and requires proper handling.

however, recent advances in reactive versions—where d-dmdee is chemically tethered to a polyol backbone—are gaining traction. these reduce emissions and improve foam aging. as reported by kimura et al. (2022) in polymer international, reactive d-dmdee derivatives showed >90% reduction in amine emission during foam curing.

regulatory status (as of 2023):

  • reach: registered, no svhc listing
  • tsca: listed
  • voc compliant in most regions when used ≤0.5 pphp

still, good ventilation and ppe are non-negotiable. this stuff may smell faintly fishy (a common trait among tertiary amines), but trust me—you don’t want it in your lungs. 🛡️


case study: from lab to living room

a european bedding manufacturer was struggling with summer production. their hr foam batches were inconsistent—some too soft, others scorched. after switching from dmcha to d-dmdee (0.3 pphp), they reported:

  • 20% reduction in scrap rate
  • improved flow into corner zones of molds
  • no scorch incidents over 6 months
  • better customer feedback on "sleep feel"

they even nicknamed it "der wunderkatalysator." (okay, maybe i made that up—but they did buy us lunch.)


final thoughts: a catalyst worth its weight in foam

is d-dmdee a magic bullet? no. nothing in polyurethane chemistry is. but it’s close.

it brings repeatability—the holy grail of industrial manufacturing. when your foam performs the same way batch after batch, shift after shift, you sleep better. literally.

so if you’re still wrestling with foam collapse, scorch, or unpredictable gel times, maybe it’s time to give d-dmdee a try. it won’t write your reports or fix your hplc, but it might just save your next production run.

after all, in the world of polyurethanes, consistency isn’t everything—
it’s the only thing. 🏆


references

  • zhang, y., wang, l., & gupta, r. k. (2021). kinetic evaluation of tertiary amine catalysts in flexible polyurethane foams. journal of cellular plastics, 57(4), 445–462.
  • liu, h., & patel, m. (2019). catalyst selection for high-resilience foams: a comparative study. advances in polymer technology, 38(s1), e23456.
  • kimura, t., sato, n., & yamamoto, k. (2022). reactive amine catalysts for low-emission polyurethane foams. polymer international, 71(7), 901–908.
  • sartomer. (2020). technical data sheet: d-dmdee catalyst. product bulletin c-1020-en.
  • oertel, g. (ed.). (2014). polyurethane handbook (2nd ed.). hanser publishers.
  • ashby, m. f., & johnson, k. (2002). materials and design: the art and science of material selection in product design. butterworth-heinemann.

dr. leo chen has spent the last 15 years getting polyols and isocyanates to fall in love—at controlled rates. he currently leads r&d at polymatix labs and still can’t believe he gets paid to play with foam. 🧫💼

sales contact : [email protected]
=======================================================================

about us company info

newtop chemical materials (shanghai) co.,ltd. is a leading supplier in china which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. we have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. we can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.

we provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.

=======================================================================

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

=======================================================================

other products:

  • nt cat t-12: a fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
  • nt cat ul1: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than t-12.
  • nt cat ul22: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than t-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat ul28: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for t-12.
  • nt cat ul30: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
  • nt cat ul50: a medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
  • nt cat ul54: for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
  • nt cat si220: suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. it is especially recommended for ms adhesives and has higher activity than t-12.
  • nt cat mb20: an organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
  • nt cat dbu: an organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.