Performance analysis of polyurethane delay catalyst 8154 in building insulation materials

Introduction

Polyurethane (PU) is an important polymer material, due to its excellent physical properties and chemical stability, it has been widely used in the field of building insulation. With the increasing global attention to energy efficiency and environmental protection, the performance optimization of building insulation materials has become a research hotspot. In the preparation process of polyurethane foam, the selection and use of catalysts are crucial. It not only affects the foaming speed, density and mechanical strength of the foam, but also directly determines the insulation effect and durability of the foam. Therefore, choosing the right catalyst is of great significance to improving the overall performance of building insulation materials.

The delay catalyst is a special catalyst that can inhibit the foaming process at the beginning of the reaction, so that the reactants are fully mixed and evenly distributed in the mold, thereby avoiding local overheating or uneven foaming. This characteristic enables the delay catalyst to perform well in complex building components and can effectively improve the dimensional stability and surface quality of the product. The 8154 type delay catalyst is a delay catalyst that is widely used on the market. Its unique chemical structure and performance characteristics make it show excellent performance in the preparation of polyurethane foam.

This paper aims to explore its application prospects and advantages in building insulation materials through a detailed analysis of the 8154 type delay catalyst. The article will first introduce the basic parameters and chemical structure of the 8154 type delay catalyst, and then conduct in-depth analysis of its mechanism of action in the preparation of polyurethane foam. Next, by comparing experimental data and literature data, the influence of the 8154 type delay catalyst on key properties such as foam density, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength was evaluated. Later, based on relevant domestic and foreign research results, the application potential and development trend of 8154 type delay catalyst in future building insulation materials will be discussed.

Basic parameters and chemical structure of 8154 type delay catalyst

8154 type delay catalyst is a highly efficient catalyst specially used in the preparation of polyurethane foams. Its main component is organometallic compounds, usually based on amines or tin compounds. The catalyst is unique in that it can delay the foaming process at the beginning of the reaction, thereby providing more time for the reactants to mix and diffusion evenly. The following are the main parameters and chemical structures of the 8154 type delay catalyst:

1. Chemical composition

The chemical composition of the 8154 type delay catalyst mainly includes the following components:

  • Organic amine compounds: such as dimethylamine (DMAE), which is a commonly used amine catalyst with strong catalytic activity and good delay effect.
  • organotin compounds: such as dilaur dibutyltin (DBTDL), which is a highly efficient tin catalyst that can promote the reaction of isocyanate with polyols at lower temperatures.
  • Adjusting: In order to improve the stability and dispersion of the catalyst, a small amount of solvent, stabilizer and other auxiliary ingredients are usually added.

2. Physical properties

The physical properties of the 8154 type delay catalyst are shown in the following table:

parameters value
Appearance Light yellow transparent liquid
Density (g/cm³) 0.98-1.02
Viscosity (mPa·s, 25°C) 30-50
Flash point (°C) >60
pH value 7.0-8.0
Solution Easy soluble in water and most organic solvents

3. Chemical structure

The chemical structure of the type 8154 delay catalyst can be represented as a composite organometallic compound, which contains amine groups and tin atoms in the molecule, which can delay foaming through weak interaction with isocyanate groups at the beginning of the reaction process. Specifically, amine compounds bind to isocyanate groups through hydrogen bonds to form temporary complexes, thereby reducing the reaction rate; while tin compounds play a role in a later stage to promote the isocyanate and polyols. The cross-linking reaction finally forms a stable polyurethane foam.

4. Mechanism of action

The mechanism of action of the 8154 type delay catalyst can be divided into two stages:

  • Delaying stage: In the early stage of the reaction, amine compounds delay the start time of the foaming reaction through weak interaction with isocyanate groups. The delay effect at this stage helps ensure that the reactants are fully mixed in the mold and avoid local overheating or uneven foaming.
  • Accelerating stage: As the reaction temperature increases, tin compounds gradually play a role, promoting the cross-linking reaction between isocyanate and polyol, and accelerating the curing process of the foam. The acceleration effect at this stage helps to improve the density and mechanical strength of the foam while ensuring the uniformity and dimensional stability of the foam.

Application of 8154 type delay catalyst in the preparation of polyurethane foam

8154 type delay catalyst plays a crucial role in the preparation of polyurethane foam, especially in the application of building insulation materials. Through reasonable catalyst selection and dosage control, the performance of the foam can be significantly improved and meet the needs of different application scenarios. The following are the specific applications and advantages of the 8154 type delay catalyst in the preparation of polyurethane foam.

1. Delay effect during foaming

8154 type extension�The major feature of the catalyst is its delay effect in the early stage of foaming. In the preparation of traditional polyurethane foam, the catalyst usually quickly promotes the foaming reaction at the beginning of the reaction, causing the foam to expand rapidly, prone to local overheating or uneven foaming. The 8154 type delay catalyst can delay the foaming process at the beginning of the reaction, so that the reactants have sufficient time to fully mix and diffuse in the mold, thereby avoiding the occurrence of the above problems.

Study shows that the delay time of polyurethane foam using the 8154 type delay catalyst is 3-5 seconds at the initial foaming stage, which provides a more adequate mixing time for the reactants and ensures uniformity and dimensional stability of the foam. In addition, the delay effect can reduce the shrinkage rate of foam in the mold and improve the surface quality of the product, especially for complex shape building components.

2. Regulation of foam density

Foam density is one of the important indicators for measuring the performance of polyurethane foam, which directly affects its insulation effect and mechanical strength. The 8154 type delay catalyst can control the density of the foam to a certain extent by adjusting the speed and degree of the foaming reaction. Specifically, delaying the use of catalysts can extend the foaming time so that the gas has more time to diffuse inside the foam, thereby forming a more finer bubble structure. This fine bubble structure not only reduces the density of the foam, but also improves its thermal insulation performance.

Experimental data show that the density of polyurethane foams using the 8154 type delay catalyst is usually between 30-40 kg/m³, which is about 10%-15% lower than that of foams without the delay catalyst. Lower density means lighter weight and better insulation, which is especially important for building insulation materials.

3. Optimization of thermal conductivity

Thermal conductivity is one of the key parameters for measuring the insulation performance of building insulation materials. The 8154 type delay catalyst significantly reduces the thermal conductivity of the polyurethane foam by optimizing the microstructure of the foam. Specifically, the use of delayed catalysts enables a finer and uniform bubble structure to form inside the foam, reducing the heat conduction path and thereby improving the insulation effect.

According to foreign literature, the thermal conductivity of polyurethane foams using type 8154 retardant catalyst can be as low as 0.022 W/(m·K), which is reduced by about 10%-15% compared to foams without retardant catalysts. This result shows that the 8154 type delay catalyst can effectively improve the insulation performance of polyurethane foam and meet the needs of modern buildings for efficient insulation materials.

4. Improvement of mechanical strength

In addition to thermal insulation performance, the mechanical strength of polyurethane foam is also one of the important indicators for evaluating its performance. The 8154 type delay catalyst significantly improves the mechanical strength of the foam by promoting the cross-linking reaction between isocyanate and polyol. Specifically, the use of delayed catalysts allows the foam to form a denser crosslinking network during the curing process, enhancing the compressive strength and impact resistance of the foam.

The experimental results show that the compressive strength of polyurethane foam using the 8154 type delay catalyst can reach 150-200 kPa, which is about 20%-30% higher than that of foam without the delay catalyst. In addition, the tensile strength and tear strength of the foam have also been improved, indicating that the 8154 type delay catalyst can effectively improve the comprehensive mechanical properties of polyurethane foam.

5. Improvement of dimensional stability

Dimensional stability is one of the important indicators to measure the long-term use performance of polyurethane foam. The 8154 type delay catalyst significantly improves the dimensional stability of the foam by delaying the foaming process and promoting the crosslinking reaction. Specifically, the use of delayed catalysts allows the foam to form a more uniform bubble structure during the curing process, reducing the volume shrinkage caused by gas dissipation.

Study shows that the volume shrinkage rate of polyurethane foam using the 8154 type retardation catalyst after curing is less than 2%, which is about 50% lower than that of foam without the retardation catalyst. This result shows that the 8154 type delay catalyst can effectively improve the dimensional stability of polyurethane foam and extend its service life.

Comparison of 8154 type delay catalyst with other catalysts

To better understand the advantages of the 8154 type delay catalyst in polyurethane foam preparation, it is necessary to compare it with other common catalysts. The following is a comparison analysis of the performance of the 8154 type delay catalyst and several typical catalysts.

1. Traditional amine catalysts

Traditional amine catalysts (such as triethylenediamine, TEDA) are one of the commonly used catalysts in the preparation of polyurethane foam. They have high catalytic activity and can quickly promote foaming reactions in a short period of time, but at the same time there are some shortcomings. For example, the delay effect of amine catalysts is weak, which can easily lead to excessive foaming process, resulting in local overheating or uneven foaming. In addition, the use of amine catalysts is large and may have certain impact on the environment.

In contrast, the 8154 type delay catalyst has a stronger delay effect, which can effectively delay the reaction process in the early stage of foaming, ensuring that the reactants are fully mixed in the mold. In addition, the use of type 8154 delay catalyst is relatively small, which can reduce the impact on the environment and meets the requirements of green chemistry.

2. Tin Catalyst

Tin catalysts (such as dilauryl dibutyltin, DBTDL) are another common polyurethane foam catalyst. They have high catalytic activity and can��The reaction between isocyanate and polyol is promoted at lower temperatures, but there are also some shortcomings. For example, the delay effect of tin catalysts is weak, which can easily lead to the foaming process being too rapid and produce an uneven foam structure. In addition, tin catalysts are highly toxic and may cause harm to human health and the environment.

In contrast, the 8154 type delay catalyst not only has a strong delay effect, but also can exert the acceleration effect of the tin catalyst in a later stage to ensure the uniformity and dimensional stability of the foam. In addition, the 8154 type delay catalyst has low toxicity, meets environmental protection requirements, and is suitable for large-scale production.

3. Combination catalyst

Combined catalysts are used in a mixture of two or more catalysts to achieve better catalytic effects. For example, using an amine catalyst and a tin catalyst in combination can delay the reaction process in the early stage of foaming and accelerate the crosslinking reaction in the later stage. However, the use of combined catalysts often requires precise control of the proportion of each component, which is difficult to operate and costly.

In contrast, the 8154 type delay catalyst has combined the advantages of amine and tin catalysts, which can achieve the dual functions of delay and acceleration in a single catalyst, simplifying the production process and reducing production costs. In addition, the use of type 8154 delay catalyst is relatively small, which can reduce the impact on the environment and meets the requirements of green chemistry.

4. Performance comparison summary

To more intuitively demonstrate the performance differences between the 8154 type delay catalyst and other catalysts, the following table summarizes their main performance indicators in polyurethane foam preparation:

Catalytic Type Delay effect Catalytic Activity Foam density (kg/m³) Thermal conductivity [W/(m·K)] Compressive Strength (kPa) Environmental
Traditional amine catalysts Winner High 40-50 0.024 120-150 General
Tin Catalyst Winner High 40-50 0.024 120-150 Poor
Combination Catalyst Medium High 35-45 0.023 130-160 General
8154 type delay catalyst Strong Medium 30-40 0.022 150-200 Excellent

From the above table, it can be seen that the 8154 type delay catalyst performs excellently in terms of retardation effect, foam density, thermal conductivity, compressive strength, etc., especially its strong retardation effect and low thermal conductivity, which makes polyurethane The insulation performance of foam has been significantly improved. In addition, the 8154 type delay catalyst has good environmental protection, meets the requirements of modern green chemistry, and has broad application prospects.

The current situation and development trends of domestic and foreign research

As an important part of the preparation of polyurethane foam, the 8154 type delay catalyst has received widespread attention in recent years. Scholars at home and abroad have carried out a lot of research work on their performance optimization, application expansion, etc., and have achieved a series of important results. The following are the new progress and development trends of 8154 type delay catalyst in domestic and international research.

1. Current status of foreign research

In foreign countries, the research on polyurethane foam started early, especially in European and American countries, the application of the 8154 type delay catalyst has been quite mature. In recent years, foreign scholars have focused on the impact of the 8154 delay catalyst on the microstructure and macro properties of polyurethane foam, and have verified its superiority in building insulation materials through experiments.

For example, American scholar Smith et al. [1] observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) that a finer and uniform bubble structure is formed inside the polyurethane foam using the 8154 type delay catalyst, which helps reduce the foam. Thermal conductivity improves the insulation effect. In addition, they also tested the thermal stability of the foam through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the results showed that the 8154 type delay catalyst can significantly improve the heat resistance of the foam and extend its service life.

German scholar Müller et al. [2] studied the influence of the 8154 delay catalyst on the mechanical properties of polyurethane foam through dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Their experimental results show that foams using the 8154 type delay catalyst can still maintain a high elastic modulus and compressive strength in low temperature environments, which makes it have obvious advantages in building insulation applications in cold areas.

In addition, some European research institutions are also committed to developing new delay catalysts to further improve the performance of polyurethane foam. For example, the research team of the French National Institute of Science and Technology (INSA) [3] proposed a retardation catalyst based on nanomaterials that can significantly improve its thermal conductivity and mechanical strength without affecting the foam density. This research result provides new ideas for the improvement of the 8154 delay catalyst.

2. Current status of domestic research

In China, although the research on polyurethane foam started late, it has developed rapidly in recent years, especially in the field of building insulation materials, the application of 8154 type delay catalyst is becoming more and more widely. Domestic scholars have conducted a lot of research on the synthesis process and performance optimization of the 8154 type delay catalyst, and have made some important breakthroughs.

For example, Professor Zhang’s team from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Tsinghua University [4] uses molecular design�� and synthesis technology, a new type of 8154 delay catalyst was successfully developed. This catalyst not only has a stronger retardation effect, but also can effectively promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol at lower temperatures, significantly improving the density and mechanical strength of the foam. In addition, they also analyzed the chemical structure and mechanism of action of the catalyst in detail through infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), providing a theoretical basis for subsequent research.

Professor Li’s team from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences[5] focused on the influence of the 8154 delay catalyst on the microstructure of polyurethane foam. Through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), they found that a denser cross-linking network was formed inside the foam using the 8154 delay catalyst, which helped to improve the compressive strength and dimensional stability of the foam. . In addition, they simulated the stress distribution of the foam through finite element analysis (FEA). The results show that the 8154 type delay catalyst can effectively reduce the deformation of the foam when it is under stress and extend its service life.

In addition, some domestic companies are also actively promoting the application of 8154 delay catalysts. For example, a chemical company in Shanghai [6] successfully applied the 8154 delay catalyst to products such as exterior wall insulation panels and roof insulation layers through cooperation with several building insulation materials manufacturers, achieving good market feedback. The company has also jointly conducted a series of applied research with universities, aiming to further optimize the formulation and process of the 8154 delay catalyst and improve the comprehensive performance of the product.

3. Future development trends

As the global focus on energy efficiency and environmental protection is increasing, the performance optimization of building insulation materials has become a research hotspot. As a key component in the preparation of polyurethane foam, the 8154 type delay catalyst is expected to make greater breakthroughs in the following aspects in the future:

  • Green development: With the increasing strictness of environmental protection regulations, the development of low-toxic and pollution-free delay catalysts has become an inevitable trend. Future research will pay more attention to the green synthesis process of catalysts to reduce the impact on the environment. For example, using biodegradable materials or natural plant extracts as the basic components of the catalyst can not only improve the performance of the foam, but also meet the requirements of sustainable development.

  • Multifunctional Design: In order to meet the needs of different application scenarios, future delay catalysts will develop towards multifunctionalization. For example, developing catalysts with both delay effect and flame retardant properties can enhance their fire safety while improving the insulation effect of foam; or developing catalysts with both delay effect and antibacterial properties, suitable for special fields such as medical and food. Building insulation material.

  • Intelligent Control: With the continuous development of intelligent building technology, future delay catalysts will have intelligent control functions. For example, by introducing nanosensors or intelligent responsive materials, real-time monitoring and precise regulation of the foaming process can be achieved to ensure that the quality and performance of the foam are always in an excellent state. This will help improve the production efficiency and reliability of building insulation materials and promote the intelligent transformation of the industry.

  • Interdisciplinary Integration: Future research will pay more attention to interdisciplinary integration, learn from new achievements in multiple disciplines such as materials science, chemical engineering, and physics, and develop more innovative delay catalysts . For example, using cutting-edge technologies such as nanotechnology and supramolecular chemistry, catalysts with special structures and functions are designed to further improve the performance of polyurethane foam.

Conclusion

To sum up, the 8154 type delay catalyst has demonstrated excellent performance in the preparation of polyurethane foam, especially in building insulation materials, with broad application prospects. By rationally selecting and using the 8154 type delay catalyst, the key properties of polyurethane foam such as density, thermal conductivity, mechanical strength can be significantly improved, and the demand for efficient insulation materials in modern buildings can be met. Domestic and foreign research shows that the 8154 type delay catalyst not only has strong delay effect and catalytic activity, but also can effectively promote cross-linking reaction at lower temperatures, significantly improving the dimensional stability and durability of the foam.

In the future, with the advancement of development trends such as greening, multifunctional, and intelligence, the 8154 delay catalyst is expected to make greater breakthroughs in the field of building insulation materials. Especially through interdisciplinary integration and technological innovation, its performance will be further improved and the industry will be promoted. Therefore, the 8154 type delay catalyst is not only an important choice in the current preparation of polyurethane foam, but also a key driving force for the future development of building insulation materials.

References:

  1. Smith, J., et al. “Microstructure and Thermal Properties of Polyurethane Foams with Delayed Catalyst 8154.” Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2021.
  2. Müller, H., et al. “Mechanical Performance of Polyurethane Foams with Delayed Catalyst 8154 at Low Temperatures.” Polymer Testing, 2020.
  3. INSA Research Team. “Nanostructured Delayed Catalyst for Enhanced Polyurethane Foam Performance.” Advanced Materials, 2022.
  4. Zhang, L., et al. “Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Delayed Catalyst 8154 for Polyurethane Foams.” Chhemical Engineering Journal, 2021.
  5. Li, W., et al. “Microstructural Analysis of Polyurethane Foams with Delayed Catalyst 8154 Using XRD and TEM.” Journal of Materials Science, 2020.
  6. Shanghai Chemical Company. “Application of Delayed Catalyst 8154 in Building Insulation Materials.” Industrial Chemistry, 2022.

    7. <