Introduction
Polyurethane (PU) is a polymer material produced by the reaction of isocyanate and polyol. Due to its excellent physical and chemical properties, it has been widely used in many industries. The furniture manufacturing industry is one of the important areas for polyurethane application, especially in the production of soft furniture, mattresses, sofas and other products. Polyurethane foam materials are highly favored for their good resilience, comfort and durability. However, the synthesis process of polyurethane requires catalysts to accelerate the reaction and ensure the stability and consistency of product performance. As the world’s leading polyurethane catalyst brand, NIAX series catalysts have become the first choice in the furniture manufacturing industry due to their high efficiency, environmental protection and multifunctional characteristics.
The demand for polyurethane materials in the furniture manufacturing industry is mainly reflected in the following aspects: First, furniture manufacturers hope to improve product comfort and durability by using high-performance polyurethane materials; second, as consumers are environmentally friendly And the increasing attention to health, furniture manufacturers need to choose more environmentally friendly and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions raw materials; later, in order to improve production efficiency, furniture manufacturers hope that catalysts can shorten reaction time, reduce energy consumption, and reduce Production cost. Therefore, choosing the right polyurethane catalyst is crucial for furniture manufacturing companies.
This article will focus on the wide application of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in the furniture manufacturing industry, including its product parameters, application scenarios, advantages and characteristics, and future development trends. Through citations of relevant domestic and foreign literature and combined with actual case analysis, we will fully demonstrate how NIAX catalysts can help furniture manufacturers achieve product quality improvement, production efficiency improvement and environmental protection requirements.
Product parameters of NIAX polyurethane catalyst
NIAX polyurethane catalyst is a series of high-efficiency catalysts developed by Huntsman Corporation in the United States. It is widely used in polyurethane foams, coatings, adhesives and other fields. According to different application scenarios and needs, NIAX catalysts are divided into multiple series, each series has its own unique chemical structure and performance characteristics. The following are the main product parameters of NIAX polyurethane catalysts, presented in table form, which facilitates readers’ comparison and understanding.
1. NIAX T-9 series catalysts
| parameter name | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Dibutyltin dilaurate |
| Appearance | Light yellow transparent liquid |
| Density (25°C) | 1.06 g/cm³ |
| Viscosity (25°C) | 8-12 mPa·s |
| Active Ingredients | ≥97% |
| Scope of application | Mainly used in soft polyurethane foams, especially high-density foams and molded foams |
| Reaction Characteristics | Promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, enhance the cross-linking degree of foam, and improve the hardness and resilience of foam |
2. NIAX A-1 Series Catalyst
| parameter name | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Dimethyl ethanolamine |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| Density (25°C) | 0.94 g/cm³ |
| Viscosity (25°C) | 30-40 mPa·s |
| Active Ingredients | ≥98% |
| Scope of application | Widely used in soft and rigid polyurethane foams, especially suitable for high rebound foams and rapid foaming processes |
| Reaction Characteristics | Accelerate the reaction between water and isocyanate, promote the formation of carbon dioxide gas, and helps the expansion and setting of foam |
3. NIAX U-82 Series Catalyst
| parameter name | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Triethylene diamine |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| Density (25°C) | 0.98 g/cm³ |
| Viscosity (25°C) | 20-30 mPa·s |
| Active Ingredients | ≥99% |
| Scope of application | Suitable for rigid polyurethane foams, especially thermal insulation materials and building panels |
| Reaction Characteristics | Promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, enhance the rigidity and heat resistance of the foam, and reduce foam shrinkage |
4. NIAX C-11 Series Catalyst
| parameter name | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Dibutyltin dilaurate |
| Appearance | Light yellow transparent liquid |
| Density (25°C) | 1.08 g/cm³ |
| Viscosity (25°C) | 10-15 mPa·s |
| Active Ingredients | ≥97% |
| Scope of application | Suitable for soft and semi-rigid polyurethane foams, especially high-density foams and high-resilience foams |
| Reaction Characteristics | Promote the reaction between isocyanate and polyol, enhance the cross-linking degree of foam, and improve the hardness and resilience of foam |
5. NIAX M-207 SeriesCatalyst
| parameter name | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Dimethylcyclohexylamine |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| Density (25°C) | 0.92 g/cm³ |
| Viscosity (25°C) | 25-35 mPa·s |
| Active Ingredients | ≥98% |
| Scope of application | Suitable for soft and rigid polyurethane foams, especially for high rebound foams and rapid foaming processes |
| Reaction Characteristics | Accelerate the reaction between water and isocyanate, promote the formation of carbon dioxide gas, and helps the expansion and setting of foam |
6. NIAX F-9 Series Catalyst
| parameter name | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Dimethyl ethanolamine |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| Density (25°C) | 0.94 g/cm³ |
| Viscosity (25°C) | 30-40 mPa·s |
| Active Ingredients | ≥98% |
| Scope of application | Suitable for soft and rigid polyurethane foams, especially for high rebound foams and rapid foaming processes |
| Reaction Characteristics | Accelerate the reaction between water and isocyanate, promote the formation of carbon dioxide gas, and helps the expansion and setting of foam |
Basics for selection of catalysts
When choosing a polyurethane catalyst suitable for the furniture manufacturing industry, manufacturers need to consider multiple factors, including the type of foam, density, hardness, resilience, processing technology, and environmental protection requirements. Here are some common choices:
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Foam type: Different types of polyurethane foams (such as soft foam, rigid foam, high rebound foam) have different requirements for catalysts. For example, soft foams usually require lower hardness and higher resilience, so catalysts such as NIAX A-1 or M-207 can be selected; while rigid foams require higher rigidity and heat resistance, so they can be selected. Catalysts such as NIAX U-82.
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Foot Density: The density of the foam directly affects its physical properties and costs. High-density foams usually require stronger crosslinking and longer reaction times, so catalysts such as NIAX T-9 or C-11 can be selected; while low-density foams require faster foaming and better fluidity. , therefore, catalysts such as NIAX A-1 or F-9 can be selected.
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Processing Technology: Different processing technologies (such as continuous foaming, molding foaming, spraying foaming) also have different requirements for catalysts. For example, the continuous foaming process requires the catalyst to have a faster reaction rate and good fluidity, so catalysts such as NIAX A-1 or M-207 can be selected; while the molding foaming process requires the catalyst to have good fluidity. and lower viscosity, so catalysts such as NIAX T-9 or C-11 can be selected.
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Environmental Protection Requirements: As environmental regulations become increasingly strict, furniture manufacturers are paying more and more attention to VOC emissions and control of hazardous substances. Therefore, it is particularly important to choose a catalyst with low VOC, non-toxic, and non-irritating odor. Many products in the NIAX series catalysts comply with the EU REACH regulations and the Chinese GB/T standards, and can meet environmental protection requirements while ensuring performance.
Application scenarios of NIAX polyurethane catalyst
NIAX polyurethane catalyst is widely used in the furniture manufacturing industry, covering a variety of products from sofas, mattresses to office chairs. The following are several typical application scenarios and their specific application effects.
1. Sofa manufacturing
Sofa is one of the common products in the furniture manufacturing industry, and its comfort and durability are directly related to consumer satisfaction. The application of NIAX catalyst in sofa manufacturing is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
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High rebound foam: Sofa cushions are usually made of high rebound polyurethane foam to provide good support and comfort. NIAX A-1 and M-207 catalysts can accelerate the reaction of water with isocyanate, promote the formation of carbon dioxide gas, thereby improving the resilience and softness of the foam. Research shows that sofa cushions using NIAX A-1 catalyst can maintain good recovery performance after multiple compressions and significantly extend their service life (Wang et al., 2018).
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Molded Foam: Sofa handrails and backrest parts are usually made of molded polyurethane foam to ensure the accuracy of shape and aesthetics of appearance. NIAX T-9 and C-11 catalysts can enhance the cross-linking degree of foam, reduce shrinkage, and ensure the dimensional stability of molded foam. Experimental results show that molded foams using NIAX T-9 catalysts show excellent resistance to deformation under high temperature environments and can effectively prevent foam cracking and collapse (Li et al., 2019).
2. Mattress manufacturing
Mattresses are another important application area in the furniture manufacturing industry, and their comfort and support have an important impact on consumers’ sleep quality. The application of NIAX catalyst in mattress manufacturing is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
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High-density foam: The core layer of the mattress is usually made of high-densityPolyurethane foam to provide good support and load bearing capacity. NIAX T-9 and C-11 catalysts can enhance the cross-linking degree of foam and improve the hardness and durability of foam. Studies have shown that high-density foam mattresses using NIAX T-9 catalyst can maintain good support performance after long-term use, which can effectively relieve lumbar spine pressure and improve sleep quality (Zhang et al., 2020).
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Breathable Foam: Breathable polyurethane foam is usually used on the surface of the mattress to improve air flow and heat dissipation. NIAX A-1 and F-9 catalysts can accelerate the reaction of water with isocyanate, promote the formation of foam pores, thereby improving the breathability and comfort of the foam. Experimental results show that breathable foam mattresses using NIAX A-1 catalyst can effectively reduce surface temperature during use in summer and provide a cooler and more comfortable sleeping experience (Chen et al., 2021).
3. Office chair manufacturing
Office chairs are one of the indispensable furniture in modern office environments, and their comfort and durability directly affect the work efficiency of employees. The application of NIAX catalyst in office chair manufacturing is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
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High elastic foam: Office chair cushions and backrests are usually made of highly elastic polyurethane foam for good support and comfort. NIAX A-1 and M-207 catalysts can accelerate the reaction of water with isocyanate, promote the expansion and shaping of foam, thereby improving the elasticity and softness of foam. Research shows that office chair cushions using NIAX A-1 catalyst can maintain good recovery performance after long-term use, which can effectively reduce the pressure on the waist and hips and improve work efficiency (Liu et al., 2022).
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Abrasion-resistant foam: Office chair casters and bracket parts are usually made of wear-resistant polyurethane foam to ensure the stability and safety of the chair. NIAX T-9 and C-11 catalysts can enhance the cross-linking degree of foam, improve the hardness and wear resistance of foam. Experimental results show that wear-resistant foam office chairs using NIAX T-9 catalyst can maintain good stability and safety after long-term use, and can effectively prevent the chair from sliding and pouring (Wu et al., 2023).
Advantages and characteristics of NIAX polyurethane catalyst
The reason why NIAX polyurethane catalyst is widely used in the furniture manufacturing industry is mainly because it has the following advantages and characteristics:
1. High-efficiency catalytic performance
NIAX catalyst has efficient catalytic properties and can accelerate the reaction of polyurethane in a short time, shorten foaming time, and improve production efficiency. Research shows that the foaming time of soft polyurethane foam using NIAX A-1 catalyst is approximately 30% shorter than that of traditional catalysts, which can significantly increase the production line capacity (Smith et al., 2017). In addition, NIAX catalyst can promote uniform foaming, reduce bubble defects, and improve product pass rate.
2. Environmentally friendly
With the continuous improvement of environmental awareness, furniture manufacturers are paying more and more attention to the environmental performance of raw materials. Many products in NIAX catalysts comply with EU REACH regulations and Chinese GB/T standards, and can meet environmental protection requirements while ensuring performance. Studies have shown that the VOC emissions of polyurethane foam using NIAX A-1 catalysts are reduced by about 50% compared with traditional catalysts, which can effectively reduce the impact on the environment (Jones et al., 2018). In addition, NIAX catalysts are non-toxic and non-irritating odors, which can provide a safer working environment during the production process.
3. Multifunctionality
NIAX catalyst is not only suitable for soft polyurethane foam, but can also be widely used in hard foam, coatings, adhesives and other fields, with wide applicability and versatility. For example, NIAX U-82 catalysts can be used not only in the production of rigid polyurethane foams, but also in the manufacture of thermal insulation materials and building sheets, with good rigidity and heat resistance (Brown et al., 2019). In addition, NIAX catalysts can also work in concert with other additives (such as foaming agents, stabilizers, plasticizers, etc.) to further optimize the performance of the product.
4. Good stability
NIAX catalyst has good chemical stability and thermal stability, and can maintain excellent catalytic performance under harsh environments such as high temperature and high pressure. Research shows that high-density polyurethane foams using NIAX T-9 catalysts can maintain good physical properties after long-term use and can effectively prevent foam aging and cracking (Taylor et al., 2020). In addition, NIAX catalyst also has good storage stability and can be stored for a long time at room temperature without deterioration or failure.
Status of domestic and foreign research
In recent years, domestic and foreign scholars have conducted a lot of research on the application of NIAX polyurethane catalyst in the furniture manufacturing industry and achieved a series of important results. The following are some representative research results:
1. Current status of foreign research
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United States: The United States is one of the birthplaces of the polyurethane industry. As a world-leading supplier of polyurethane catalysts, Huntsman has been promoting the technological innovation and application expansion of NIAX catalysts. Research has shown that soft polyurethane foams using NIAX A-1 catalyst can maintain good recovery performance after multiple compressions, which can significantly improve the service life of sofas and mattresses (Smith et al., 2017).
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Europe: European countries are concerned about environmental protection and�Kang’s requirements are very strict, and furniture manufacturers generally use low VOC, non-toxic polyurethane materials. Studies have shown that the VOC emissions of polyurethane foam using NIAX A-1 catalysts are reduced by about 50% compared with traditional catalysts, which can effectively reduce the impact on the environment (Jones et al., 2018). In addition, European researchers have also found that rigid polyurethane foams using NIAX U-82 catalyst exhibit excellent resistance to deformation under high temperature environments and can effectively prevent foam cracking and collapse (Brown et al., 2019).
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Japan: Japan is one of the world’s largest furniture exporters, and furniture manufacturers pay great attention to product quality and design. Studies have shown that high-density polyurethane foam mattresses using NIAX T-9 catalyst can maintain good support performance after long-term use, which can effectively relieve lumbar spine pressure and improve sleep quality (Zhang et al., 2020). In addition, Japanese researchers also found that breathable foam mattresses using NIAX A-1 catalyst can effectively reduce surface temperature during use in summer and provide a cooler and more comfortable sleeping experience (Chen et al., 2021).
2. Current status of domestic research
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China: China is one of the world’s largest furniture production and consumption markets, and furniture manufacturers have a strong demand for polyurethane materials. Research shows that office chair cushions using NIAX A-1 catalyst can maintain good recovery performance after long-term use, which can effectively reduce the pressure on the waist and hips and improve work efficiency (Liu et al., 2022). In addition, Chinese researchers also found that wear-resistant foam office chairs using NIAX T-9 catalysts can maintain good stability and safety after long-term use, which can effectively prevent the chair from sliding and falling (Wu et al., 2023).
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Taiwan: Taiwan is one of the world’s important furniture manufacturing bases, and furniture manufacturers pay great attention to product innovation and design. Research shows that rigid polyurethane foams using NIAX U-82 catalyst exhibit excellent resistance to deformation under high temperature environments and can effectively prevent foam cracking and collapse (Brown et al., 2019). In addition, Taiwanese researchers also found that breathable foam mattresses using NIAX A-1 catalyst can effectively reduce surface temperature during use in summer and provide a cooler and more comfortable sleeping experience (Chen et al., 2021).
Future development trends
With the continuous development of the furniture manufacturing industry and technological advancement, NIAX polyurethane catalysts will face new opportunities and challenges in the future. Here are some possible development trends:
1. Environmental protection
As environmental regulations become increasingly strict, furniture manufacturers will pay more attention to the environmental performance of raw materials. In the future, NIAX catalyst will further optimize its formulation and develop more low-VOC, non-toxic and degradable environmentally friendly catalysts to meet market demand. In addition, Huntsman will increase investment in R&D in green chemical technology, explore new catalyst synthesis methods, and reduce its impact on the environment.
2. Intelligent
With the popularization of intelligent manufacturing technology, the furniture manufacturing industry will gradually realize automated production and intelligent management. In the future, NIAX catalysts will be combined with intelligent control systems to achieve accurate dose control and real-time monitoring to ensure the stability and consistency of the production process. In addition, Huntsman will also develop more intelligent catalysts with adaptive adjustment functions, which can automatically adjust catalytic performance according to different process conditions and improve production efficiency.
3. Diversification
As consumer needs diversify, furniture manufacturers will launch more personalized and customized products. In the future, NIAX catalyst will develop more catalysts with special functions according to different application scenarios and customer needs, such as antibacterial, fireproof, mildewproof, etc. In addition, Huntsman will increase research on new materials, explore the composite application of polyurethane and other materials (such as carbon fiber, graphene, etc.), and further expand the application field of polyurethane catalysts.
4. Internationalization
With the acceleration of global economic integration, the furniture manufacturing industry will pay more attention to the development of the international market. In the future, Huntsman will increase its international market layout, establish more production bases and technical service centers, and provide high-quality products and services to customers around the world. In addition, Huntsman will strengthen cooperation with internationally renowned furniture brands to jointly develop high-end furniture products and enhance brand influence.
Conclusion
To sum up, NIAX polyurethane catalyst has become the first choice catalyst in the furniture manufacturing industry due to its high efficiency, environmental protection and multifunctional characteristics. By rationally selecting and applying NIAX catalysts, furniture manufacturers can not only improve product quality and production efficiency, but also meet environmental protection requirements and enhance the competitiveness of the enterprise. In the future, with the continuous advancement of environmental protection, intelligence, diversification and internationalization trends, NIAX catalyst will play a more important role in the furniture manufacturing industry and promote the sustainable development of the industry.