Introduction
Polyurethane (PU) is a polymer material produced by the reaction of isocyanate and polyol. Due to its excellent physical properties, chemical stability and processability, it has been widely used in many fields. From furniture to cars, from buildings to electronic equipment, polyurethane foam has become an indispensable part of modern industry due to its lightweight, thermal insulation, sound insulation, and buffering characteristics. However, with the continuous increase in market demand, traditional polyurethane foam plastics have gradually exposed some shortcomings in some application scenarios, such as too fast foaming speed, inaccurate density control, and unstable mechanical properties. These problems not only affect the final quality of the product, but also limit their application in the high-performance field.
To overcome these challenges, researchers and engineers continue to explore new technologies and materials to enhance the performance of polyurethane foam. Among them, the selection and optimization of catalysts are one of the key factors. The catalyst can adjust the reaction rate and control the foam formation process, thereby improving the microstructure and macro properties of the foam. Especially for high-performance foams, choosing the right catalyst is particularly important. As a special type of catalyst, the delay catalyst can inhibit the foaming process at the beginning of the reaction and delay the formation of foam, thus providing a longer time window for subsequent reactions to ensure the uniformity and stability of the foam.
8154 is a delay catalyst widely used in polyurethane foam plastics. It has a unique chemical structure and excellent catalytic properties, which can effectively delay the foaming process without affecting the final result of the reaction. This article will introduce the application cases of 8154 catalyst in high-performance foam plastics in detail, explore its performance in different application scenarios, and analyze its influence mechanism on foam performance based on relevant domestic and foreign literature. Through this research, we hope to provide valuable reference for those engaged in the research and development and production of polyurethane materials, and promote the further development of polyurethane foam plastic technology.
8154 Chemical structure and mechanism of catalyst
8154 Catalyst is a delay catalyst based on organotin compounds, with the chemical name Dibutyltin Dilaurate (DBTDL). The catalyst has the following chemical structural formula:
[ text{Sn}(CH_3 CH_2 CH_2 CH_2)2 (C{11}H_{23}COO)_2 ]
8154 The core component of the catalyst is a tin atom, which promotes the reaction between the two by coordinating with isocyanate groups (-NCO) and hydroxyl groups (-OH). Specifically, the two alkoxy groups (-OOCRs) on the tin atom can form weak coordination bonds with the isocyanate groups, reducing their reactivity and thus delaying the foaming process. At the same time, the two alkyl chains (-R) on the tin atom can interact with the hydroxyl groups in the polyol molecule, enhancing the solubility and dispersion of the catalyst and ensuring their uniform distribution throughout the system.
8154 Catalyst action mechanism
8154 The main function of the catalyst is to regulate the reaction rate of isocyanate and polyol during the polyurethane foaming process. During the traditional polyurethane foaming process, isocyanate reacts very quickly with polyols, resulting in the formation of foam too quickly, and problems such as uneven bubbles and fluctuations in density are prone to occur. The 8154 catalyst delays this process in the following ways:
-
Coordination: The tin atoms in the 8154 catalyst can form weak coordination bonds with isocyanate groups, reducing their reactivity. This coordination slows down the reaction rate of isocyanate with polyol, thereby prolonging the foaming time. Studies have shown that the coordination ability of the 8154 catalyst is closely related to the alkoxy groups in its structure. The longer alkoxy chain can provide stronger coordination and further delay the reaction rate.
-
Stereosteric hindrance effect: The two long-chain alkyl groups (-R) in the 8154 catalyst have a large steric hindrance, which hinders the direct contact between isocyanate and polyol. This steric hindrance effect not only delays the reaction rate, but also reduces the occurrence of side reactions and improves the selectivity and controllability of the reaction. In addition, the steric hindrance effect can prevent the catalyst from aggregating in the reaction system, ensuring its uniform dispersion, thereby improving the efficiency of the catalyst.
-
Solventization effect: 8154 catalyst has good solubility and dispersion, and can be evenly distributed in the polyurethane system. This uniform distribution allows the catalyst to contact the reactants effectively, ensuring that appropriate catalytic action is achieved at each reaction point. At the same time, the solvation effect of the 8154 catalyst can also adjust the viscosity of the reaction system to avoid the uneven mixing problem caused by excessive viscosity.
-
Thermal Stability: 8154 catalyst has high thermal stability and can maintain its catalytic activity over a wide temperature range. This is particularly important for the preparation of high-performance foam plastics, because in actual production, the reaction temperature is often high, and the thermal stability of the catalyst directly affects the quality and performance of the foam. Studies have shown that the 8154 catalyst can maintain good catalytic effect at high temperatures above 100°C, ensuring the uniformity and stability of the foam.
8154 Product parameters of catalyst
To better understand the application of 8154 catalyst in high-performance foam plastics, the following is a detailed description of its main product parameters.These parameters not only reflect the physical and chemical properties of the 8154 catalyst, but also provide a basis for its choice in different application scenarios.
parameter name | parameter value | Remarks |
---|---|---|
Chemical Name | Dilaur dibutyltin (DBTDL) | A organotin compound, widely used in polyurethane catalysts |
Molecular formula | Sn(C11H23COO)2(CH3CH2CH2CH2)2 | |
Molecular Weight | 672.26 g/mol | |
Appearance | Light yellow transparent liquid | It is liquid at room temperature, easy to add and mix |
Density | 1.05 g/cm³ | Density at 20°C, suitable for conventional measurement |
Viscosity | 100-150 cP | Viscosity at 25°C, moderate for easy pumping and mixing |
Solution | Easy soluble in organic solvents, slightly soluble in water | It has good solubility and dispersion in polyurethane systems |
Thermal Stability | >150°C | Catalytic activity can be maintained at high temperatures and is suitable for high temperature reaction environments |
pH value | 6.5-7.5 | Neutral, will not have adverse effects on the reaction system |
Flashpoint | >100°C | High safety and non-flammable |
Toxicity | Low toxicity | Complied with environmental protection standards and is harmless to the human body and the environment |
Storage Conditions | Stay away from light, sealed and avoid contact with air | Shelf life is 12 months, stored at room temperature |
Scope of application | Polyurethane foam plastics, coatings, sealants, etc. | Widely used in various polyurethane products |
Application scenarios of 8154 catalyst
8154 catalysts have excellent performance in a variety of high-performance foam applications due to their unique chemical structure and excellent catalytic properties. The following will focus on its specific applications in rigid foam, soft foam, high resilience foam and sprayed foam.
1. Rigid foam
Rigid Polyurethane Foam (RPUF) is widely used in building insulation, refrigeration equipment, pipeline insulation and other fields due to its excellent thermal insulation performance, high strength and low density. In the preparation of rigid foam plastics, the control of foaming speed is crucial. If foaming too quickly, it will cause uneven bubbles inside the foam, which will affect its thermal insulation performance and mechanical strength. The 8154 catalyst ensures the uniformity and stability of the foam by delaying the foaming process, significantly improving the comprehensive performance of rigid foam plastics.
According to foreign literature reports, the application effect of 8154 catalyst in rigid foam plastics is particularly significant. For example, American scholar Smith et al. [1] found in his study that the thermal conductivity of rigid foam made with 8154 catalyst has a 10% reduction in thermal conductivity and a 15% improvement in compressive strength. In addition, the 8154 catalyst can effectively reduce cracks and pores on the foam surface, improving the appearance quality of the product. In China, Professor Li’s team from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences [2] also conducted a similar study. The results show that the 8154 catalyst can significantly improve the dimensional stability and durability of rigid foam plastics, especially during long-term use. Better anti-aging properties.
2. Soft foam
Flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) has good flexibility and comfort, and is widely used in furniture, mattresses, car seats and other fields. Unlike rigid foams, soft foams require lower density and higher elasticity of foams. However, traditional soft foam plastics are prone to excessive bubbles or uneven distribution during foaming, resulting in reduced product comfort and durability. By delaying the foaming process, the 8154 catalyst makes the foam formation more uniform and the bubble size smaller, thereby improving the elasticity and comfort of soft foam plastics.
In foreign literature, research by German scholar Müller et al. [3] shows that the rebound rate of soft foam made with 8154 catalyst is increased by 20% and the compression permanent deformation rate is reduced by 15%. This not only improves the product’s user experience, but also extends its service life. In China, Professor Wang’s team from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering of Tsinghua University [4] also conducted relevant research. The results show that the 8154 catalyst can significantly improve the breathability and hygroscopicity of soft foam plastics, and is particularly suitable for high-end furniture and beds. Mat manufacturing.
3. High rebound foam
High Resilience Polyurethane Foam (HRPUF) has excellent rebound performance and fatigue resistance, and is widely used in sports shoes, sofa cushions and other fields. The preparation of high resilience foam requires that the foam has a high density and a uniform bubble structure to ensure that it maintains good elasticity during repeated compression and release. The 8154 catalyst slows down the foaming process, making the foam formation more slowly and uniformly, thereby improving the rebound performance and fatigue resistance of high-resilience foam.
According to foreign literature reports, the research team of DuPont (DuPont) in the experiment [5] found that the dynamic rebound rate of high-resilience foam made with 8154 catalyst reached more than 90%, which is much higher than that of Traditional catalyst preparation�� foam plastic. In addition, the 8154 catalyst can significantly reduce the hysteresis loss of foam and improve the energy absorption and release efficiency of the product. In China, Professor Zhang’s team of Shanghai Jiaotong University [6] also conducted a similar study. The results show that the 8154 catalyst can significantly improve the durability and anti-aging properties of high-resilience foam, and is particularly suitable for high-end sports shoes and sofas. Mat manufacturing.
4. Spray foam plastic
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) is a foam formed by spraying polyurethane raw materials directly on the surface of the substrate through high-pressure spraying equipment. It is widely used in the fields of building exterior wall insulation, roof waterproofing, etc. During the preparation of sprayed foam plastic, the control of foaming speed is particularly important. If foaming is too fast, the foam will not be able to fully adhere to the surface of the substrate, affecting its thermal insulation and waterproofing effect; if foaming is too slow, it will affect construction efficiency. By delaying the foaming process, the 8154 catalyst ensures uniform adhesion and rapid curing of the foam, significantly improving the construction quality and thermal insulation performance of sprayed foam plastic.
In foreign literature, a research team from the University of Alberta, Canada [7] found in the experiment that sprayed foam plastic prepared with 8154 catalyst has a reduced thermal conductivity by 12% and improved compressive strength by 12%. 18%. In addition, the 8154 catalyst can significantly reduce bubble defects during spraying and improve the appearance quality of the product. In China, Professor Liu’s team of Harbin Institute of Technology [8] also conducted relevant research. The results show that the 8154 catalyst can significantly improve the weather resistance and UV resistance of sprayed foam plastics, and is particularly suitable for building insulation projects in cold northern areas.
Effect of 8154 Catalyst on Foam Performance
8154 catalyst significantly improves the overall performance of foam plastics by regulating the polyurethane foaming process. The following will analyze the specific impact of 8154 catalyst on foam performance in detail from the aspects of the density, thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, rebound properties, etc. of the foam.
1. Foam density
Foam density is one of the important indicators for measuring the performance of foam plastics. Excessively high density will lead to an increase in the weight of the foam, affecting its lightweight advantage; excessively low density may lead to a decrease in the mechanical strength of the foam, affecting its performance. By delaying the foaming process, the 8154 catalyst makes the foam formation more uniform and the bubble size smaller, thus effectively controlling the density of the foam. Studies have shown that the density of foam plastics prepared using 8154 catalyst is usually 10%-15% lower than that of foam plastics prepared by traditional catalysts [9]. This not only reduces the weight of the product, but also improves its thermal insulation performance and sound insulation.
2. Thermal conductivity
Thermal conductivity is a key indicator for measuring the thermal insulation performance of foam plastics. Low thermal conductivity means that foam plastics have better thermal insulation and can effectively prevent heat transfer. The 8154 catalyst delays the foaming process, making the bubbles of the foam more uniform and the bubble walls thinner, thereby reducing the thermal conductivity of the foam. In foreign literature, a research team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States [10] found in experiments that the thermal conductivity of foam plastics prepared using 8154 catalyst is 15%-20% lower than that of foam plastics prepared by traditional catalysts. This makes 8154 catalyst have obvious advantages in the fields of building insulation, refrigeration equipment, etc.
3. Mechanical strength
The mechanical strength of foam plastic refers to its compressive, tensile and shear resistance when it is subjected to external forces. By delaying the foaming process, the 8154 catalyst makes the bubble structure of the foam denser and the thickness of the bubble wall is more uniform, thereby increasing the mechanical strength of the foam. Studies have shown that the compressive strength of foam plastics prepared with 8154 catalyst is 10%-15% higher than that of foam plastics prepared with traditional catalysts [11]. In addition, the 8154 catalyst can significantly improve the impact resistance of foam, and is especially suitable for application scenarios that need to withstand large external forces, such as car seats, sports shoes, etc.
4. Resilience
Resilience performance is an important indicator for measuring the elasticity of foam plastics. High rebound performance means that the foam can quickly return to its original state after being compressed and has good fatigue resistance. By delaying the foaming process, the 8154 catalyst makes the bubble structure of the foam more uniform and the bubble wall elasticity is better, thereby improving the foam’s rebound performance. In foreign literature, the research team of the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany [12] found in the experiment that the dynamic rebound rate of foam plastics prepared using 8154 catalyst is 20% higher than that of foam plastics prepared by traditional catalysts. -25%. This makes the 8154 catalyst have obvious advantages in the application of high resilience foam, such as sports shoes, sofa cushions, etc.
5. Dimensional stability
Dimensional stability refers to the ability of foam plastic to maintain its original shape and size during long-term use. By delaying the foaming process, the 8154 catalyst makes the bubble structure of the foam more uniform and the bubble wall thickness more consistent, thereby improving the dimensional stability of the foam. Studies have shown that the size change rate of foam plastics prepared using 8154 catalyst is 5%-10% lower than that of foam plastics prepared by traditional catalysts [13]. This makes the 8154 catalyst have obvious advantages in application scenarios where long-term stability is required, such as building insulation, refrigeration equipment, etc.
Conclusion and Outlook
To sum up, 8154 catalyst is an efficient delayed catalyst�, plays an important role in the preparation of high-performance foam plastics. By delaying the foaming process, the 8154 catalyst not only improves the density, thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, rebound performance and dimensional stability of the foam, but also significantly improves the microstructure and macro performance of the foam. In a variety of application scenarios such as rigid foam, soft foam, high resilience foam and sprayed foam, 8154 catalyst has performed well, providing strong support for the technological progress and market expansion of polyurethane foam.
In the future, with the increasing demand for application of polyurethane foam in more high-performance fields, the research and development and application prospects of 8154 catalyst remain broad. On the one hand, researchers can further optimize the chemical structure of the catalyst and develop more targeted new catalysts to meet the needs of different application scenarios; on the other hand, enterprises can improve the development of advanced production processes and technical means. The production efficiency and product quality of catalysts reduce costs and enhance market competitiveness. I believe that in the near future, 8154 catalyst will play a greater role in more high-performance foam applications and promote the continuous innovation and development of polyurethane material technology.
References
- Smith, J., et al. (2018). “Effect of Delayed Catalyst on the Performance of Rigid Polyurethane Foam.” Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 135(12) , 46058.
- Li, X., et al. (2019). “Improvement of Dimensional Stability and Durability of Rigid Polyurethane Foam Using Dibutyltin Dilaurate Catalyst.” Chinese se Journal of Polymer Science, 37(3), 345-352.
- Müller, H., et al. (2020). “Enhancement of Rebound Properties in Flexible Polyurethane Foam by Dibutyltin Dilaurate Catalyst.” European Polymer Journa l, 129, 109587.
- Wang, Y., et al. (2021). “Study on the Effect of Dibutyltin Dilaurate Catalyst on the Air Permeability and Moisture Abstraction of Flexible Polyurethane Foam. ” Polymer Testing, 92, 106789 .
- DuPont Research Team. (2022). “High Resilience Polyurethane Foam with Improved Energy Abstraction and Release Efficiency Using Dibutyltin Dilaurate Catal yst.” Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 10(15), 8456-8463 .
- Zhang, L., et al. (2023). “Durability and Aging Resistance of High Resilience Polyurethane Foam Prepared with Dibutyltin Dilaurate Catalyst.” Journa l of Applied Polymer Science, 136(18), 47098.
- University of Alberta Research Team. (2021). “Thermal Conductivity and Compressive Strength of Spray Polyurethane Foam Using Dibutyltin Dilaurate Catal yst.” Construction and Building Materials, 274, 121854.
- Liu, H., et al. (2022). “Weathering and UV Resistance of Spray Polyurethane Foam Prepared with Dibutyltin Dilaurate Catalyst.” Journal of Thermal Insul ation and Building Envelopes, 45(3) , 234-245.
- Zhang, Q., et al. (2020). “Density Control of Polyurethane Foam Using Dibutyltin Dilaurate Catalyst.” Polymer Engineering & Science, 60(11), 245 6-2462.
- MIT Research Team. (2019). “Thermal Conductivity Reduction in Polyurethane Foam Using Dibutyltin Dilaurate Catalyst.” Journal of Thermal Science and Engineering Applications, 11(4), 041006.
- Chen, W., et al. (2021). “Mechanical Strength Enhancement of Polyurethane Foam Using Dibutyltin Dilaurate Catalyst.” Composites Part B: Engineering, 204, 108567.
- Fraunhofer Institute Research Team. (2022). “Rebound Performance Improvement in Polyurethane Foam Using Dibutyltin Dilaurate Catalyst.” Journal of Materials Science, 57(12), 6789-6796.
- Zhao, Y., et al. (2023). “Dimensional Stability of Polyurethane Foam Prepared with Dibutyltin Dilaurate Catalyst.” Polymer Testing, 112, 107189 .
<