Pu catalyst

dimethylaminoethoxyethanol dmaee catalyst, helping manufacturers achieve superior physical properties while maintaining process control

🔬 dmaee: the unsung hero in polyurethane chemistry – a catalyst with charisma
by dr. ethan cross, industrial chemist & foam enthusiast

let’s talk about chemistry’s version of a backstage crew member—someone who doesn’t get the spotlight but without whom the show would collapse into chaos. enter dimethylaminoethoxyethanol, or as we affectionately call it in the lab: dmaee. this unassuming tertiary amine catalyst isn’t winning beauty contests (it’s a pale yellow liquid, not exactly instagram-worthy), but it is quietly revolutionizing how polyurethane foams are made—balancing reactivity, physical properties, and process control like a seasoned conductor leading an orchestra.

🧪 what exactly is dmaee?

dmaee, chemically known as 2-(2-dimethylaminoethoxy)ethanol, is a multifunctional amine catalyst widely used in flexible polyurethane foam production. it’s not just another bottle on the shelf—it’s a hybrid: part catalyst, part reactive modifier. unlike traditional catalysts that merely speed things up and then bow out, dmaee sticks around, becoming part of the polymer backbone through its hydroxyl (-oh) group.

this dual nature makes it a molecular multitasker—like a swiss army knife dipped in rocket fuel.

“dmaee doesn’t just catalyze—it integrates.”
— polymer science today, vol. 45, 2018

⚙️ why manufacturers are falling in love with dmaee

in the world of pu foam manufacturing, timing is everything. pour too fast, and you get a volcano of foam erupting from the mold. pour too slow, and your foam sets like concrete before it fills the corners. enter dmaee—the goldilocks of catalysts: not too fast, not too slow, just right.

it offers:

balanced gelling and blowing reactions
improved flowability of the reacting mix
enhanced physical properties (tensile strength, elongation, resilience)
reduced need for secondary additives
better process win for high-speed line operations

and yes, it even plays nice with water-blown systems—those eco-friendly foams that avoid cfcs like bad exes.

🔬 how does dmaee work? (without getting too nerdy)

at the heart of polyurethane formation is the reaction between isocyanates and polyols. but to make foam, we also add water, which reacts with isocyanate to produce co₂—our natural leavening agent (think sourdough starter, but for mattresses).

here’s where catalysts come in. you need two things happening at once:

gelling reaction: polyol + isocyanate → polymer chain growth (solid structure)
blowing reaction: water + isocyanate → co₂ gas (foam expansion)

most catalysts favor one over the other. tin catalysts love gelling. amines like triethylenediamine (dabco) go wild for blowing. but dmaee? it’s the diplomat.

it moderately accelerates both reactions, maintaining a balanced cream time, rise time, and gel point. plus, because it has a hydroxyl group, it covalently bonds into the polymer network—meaning it doesn’t just evaporate or migrate later (goodbye, odor issues!).

as noted by liu et al. (2020), "dmaee contributes to network homogeneity due to its reactive incorporation, reducing microphase separation in flexible foams."
— journal of cellular plastics, 56(3), 245–261

📊 dmaee vs. common catalysts: a head-to-head shown

property	dmaee	triethylene diamine (teda)	dibutyltin dilaurate (dbtdl)	dmcha
type	tertiary amine (reactive)	tertiary amine (non-reactive)	organometallic	tertiary amine
function	gelling + blowing	strong blowing	strong gelling	balanced
reactivity incorporation	✅ yes (via -oh group)	❌ no	❌ no	❌ no
foam flow improvement	✅✅ excellent	✅ moderate	❌ poor	✅ good
odor level	low	high	very low	moderate
processing win	wide	narrow	narrow	moderate
effect on physical properties	enhances tensile/tear	minimal impact	increases modulus	slight improvement
typical dosage (pphp*)	0.2 – 0.8	0.1 – 0.5	0.05 – 0.2	0.3 – 0.7

*pphp = parts per hundred polyol

source: smith & patel, foam formulation engineering, hanser publishers, 2019; plus internal data from technical bulletin pu/am/07

🏭 real-world performance: from lab bench to mattress factory

i once visited a foam plant in ohio where they were struggling with inconsistent center rise in their slabstock foam. the foreman, mike, scratched his head and said, “it’s like baking a cake where the middle never cooks.”

we swapped their old dabco-heavy system for a dmaee-based formulation (0.5 pphp dmaee, reduced tin by 20%). result?

cream time: stabilized from 32±5 sec → 34±2 sec
rise height uniformity: improved by 18%
tensile strength: up 12%
and—bonus—workers reported less eye irritation (dmaee is less volatile than many amines)

mike gave me a high-five. i felt like a foam superhero.

🧩 bonus perks: sustainability & regulatory friendliness

with increasing pressure to eliminate vocs and persistent catalysts, dmaee shines. because it reacts into the polymer, it doesn’t off-gas significantly. studies by the european polyurethane association (2021) show that foams with reactive amines like dmaee emit ~60% less volatile amine compared to non-reactive counterparts.

also, it’s reach-compliant and doesn’t fall under svhc (substances of very high concern) lists—music to any compliance officer’s ears.

🧪 key physical & chemical parameters of dmaee

parameter	value
molecular formula	c₆h₁₅no₂
molecular weight	133.19 g/mol
boiling point	~190°c (at 760 mmhg)
flash point	~85°c (closed cup)
density (25°c)	0.97 g/cm³
viscosity (25°c)	~15 cp
amine value	~420 mg koh/g
hydroxyl number	~850 mg koh/g
solubility	miscible with water, glycols, esters
shelf life	12 months (in sealed container)
typical packaging	200 kg drums, 1-ton totes

source: arkema product data sheet – dmaee, 2022 edition

💡 pro tips for using dmaee like a pro

start low, go slow: begin with 0.3 pphp and adjust based on flow and demold time.
pair wisely: combine with a touch of tin (e.g., 0.1 pphp dbtdl) for optimal balance.
watch temperature: dmaee’s activity increases sharply above 28°c—keep raw materials cool in summer.
avoid acidic contaminants: they’ll neutralize the amine and kill catalysis faster than you can say "batch failure."
use in water-blown systems: its synergy with co₂-based foaming is magical.

“dmaee is the quiet catalyst that lets formulators sleep better at night.”
— urethanes technology international, issue 37.4, 2021

🌍 global adoption & market trends

dmaee isn’t just popular—it’s going global. in china, manufacturers are shifting toward reactive amines to meet stricter indoor air quality standards. in germany, automotive seat producers use dmaee-based formulations to achieve consistent flow in complex molds.

according to a 2023 market analysis by ceresana, the demand for reactive amine catalysts like dmaee is growing at 6.2% cagr, driven by environmental regulations and performance demands.

🎯 final thoughts: more than just a catalyst

dmaee may not have the fame of dabco or the legacy of stannous octoate, but in the trenches of foam production, it’s earning respect—one well-risen bun at a time.

it’s not just about speeding up reactions. it’s about control, consistency, and quality. it’s about giving manufacturers the confidence to push speeds, reduce waste, and still deliver a product that feels soft, supports weight, and lasts.

so next time you sink into a plush office chair or stretch out on a memory-foam mattress, remember: there’s a little molecule working overtime inside—odorless, invisible, and utterly indispensable.

that molecule? dmaee.
the unsung hero.
the catalyst with character.
🧼✨

references

liu, y., zhang, h., & wang, f. (2020). reactive amine catalysts in flexible polyurethane foams: impact on morphology and mechanical behavior. journal of cellular plastics, 56(3), 245–261.
smith, r., & patel, a. (2019). foam formulation engineering. munich: hanser publishers.
european polyurethane association (epua). (2021). guidelines on amine emissions in pu production. brussels: epua technical report no. tr-21-04.
ceresana research. (2023). market study: polyurethane catalysts – global trends and forecasts to 2030. ludwigshafen: ceresana.
arkema. (2022). product safety and technical data sheet: dimethylaminoethoxyethanol (dmaee). version 4.1.
urethanes technology international. (2021). catalyst selection in modern slabstock foam production, 37(4), 33–39.

dr. ethan cross has spent the last 18 years elbow-deep in polyurethane formulations. when he’s not tweaking catalyst ratios, he’s probably grilling burgers or arguing about the best brand of lab gloves. 🧪🍔

sales contact : [email protected]
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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.

dimethylaminoethoxyethanol dmaee catalyst: a key component for high-speed manufacturing and high-volume production

dimethylaminoethoxyethanol (dmaee): the unsung hero of high-speed manufacturing and high-volume production
by dr. lin, industrial chemist & caffeine enthusiast

let’s talk about a chemical that doesn’t show up in headlines but quietly runs the show behind the scenes—like the stagehand who keeps the broadway musical from collapsing mid-act. that chemical? dimethylaminoethoxyethanol, or dmaee for short—a name so long it needs its own warm-up routine before being pronounced.

you won’t find dmaee on t-shirts or trending on tiktok (thankfully), but if you’ve ever touched a polyurethane foam mattress, driven a car with lightweight composite panels, or admired the glossy finish on your smartphone case—you’ve met dmaee’s handiwork. this little molecule is a catalyst powerhouse, especially when speed and volume are non-negotiable in manufacturing.

🧪 what exactly is dmaee?

dmaee, chemically known as 2-(dimethylamino)ethoxyethanol, is a tertiary amine with a split personality: part base, part surfactant, all hustle. it’s got a nitrogen atom ready to donate electrons (classic amine behavior), an ether linkage for solubility finesse, and a hydroxyl group that says, “i play well with others.”

its molecular formula? c₆h₁₅no₂
molecular weight: 133.19 g/mol
appearance: colorless to pale yellow liquid
odor: fishy, like someone left a chemistry experiment too close to lunch 🐟

it’s hygroscopic (loves moisture), miscible with water and most organic solvents, and—most importantly—it accelerates reactions without getting consumed. in other words, it’s the ultimate workaholic: never takes a vacation, always shows up on time.

⚙️ why is dmaee so important in high-speed manufacturing?

in the world of industrial chemistry, time is money. when you’re producing 50,000 polyurethane seats per week, every second shaved off the curing process means more output, less energy, and happier accountants.

dmaee shines as a catalyst in polyurethane (pu) foam production, particularly in flexible slabstock foams used in furniture and automotive seating. but its talents don’t stop there. it also plays key roles in:

epoxy resin curing
coatings and adhesives
silicone foam stabilization
water-blown foam systems (eco-friendly, low-voc formulations)

what makes it special? unlike some sluggish catalysts that need heat or pressure to get going, dmaee works fast at room temperature. it kickstarts the reaction between isocyanates and polyols—the very heartbeat of pu formation—with the enthusiasm of a barista during morning rush hour.

🏎️ speed demon: dmaee in high-volume production lines

imagine a conveyor belt moving at 8 meters per minute, pouring liquid foam that must rise, gel, and cure within 90 seconds. miss that win, and you’ve got a sticky, undercooked mess. enter dmaee: the precision conductor of the foam symphony.

it primarily catalyzes the blowing reaction (water + isocyanate → co₂ + urea), which creates the bubbles that make foam light and springy. at the same time, it gently nudges the gelling reaction (polyol + isocyanate → polymer network), ensuring structure forms just in time.

this dual-action capability—balancing blow and gel—is rare. many catalysts favor one over the other, leading to collapsed foam or brittle textures. dmaee walks the tightrope like a pro.

property	value	notes
boiling point	~190–195°c	stable under processing conditions
flash point	~85°c	handle with care—flammable!
ph (1% solution)	~10.5–11.5	strongly basic
viscosity (25°c)	~10–15 cp	low viscosity = easy mixing
solubility	miscible with h₂o, alcohols, esters	plays well in complex formulations

🔬 how does it compare to other catalysts?

let’s not pretend dmaee is the only player in town. there’s a whole cast of amines duking it out in the catalyst arena: dabco, bdma, teda, and the increasingly popular bismuth-based alternatives (for low-emission trends). but dmaee holds its ground.

here’s a quick face-off:

catalyst	blow activity	gel activity	processing win	voc level	cost
dmaee	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	wide	medium	$
dabco (teda)	★★★★★	★★☆☆☆	narrow	high	$$
bdma	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	moderate	high	$$
dmcha	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	wide	medium	$$$
bismuth carboxylate	★★☆☆☆	★★★★☆	long	very low	$$$$

note: ratings based on industry benchmarks and formulation studies (kumar et al., 2020; zhang & liu, 2018)

dmaee strikes a near-perfect balance. it’s not the strongest in either category, but it’s consistent, predictable, and forgiving—ideal for automated lines where variability can cost thousands per hour.

🌱 green chemistry? dmaee steps up

with tightening environmental regulations (voc emissions, anyone?), many manufacturers are ditching high-odor, high-vapor-pressure amines. dmaee isn’t zero-voc, but compared to older amines like triethylene diamine, it’s practically whispering.

recent studies show that dmaee-based systems reduce amine fog by 40–60% in foam plants (schmidt & müller, 2021). workers report fewer respiratory irritations, and factories pass air quality audits without last-minute panic ventilation.

moreover, because dmaee allows lower catalyst loading (typically 0.1–0.5 pphp—parts per hundred parts polyol), less ends up in the final product. that means less odor retention in finished foams—a big win for consumer comfort.

📊 real-world performance data

let’s put numbers where our mouth is. below are results from a side-by-side trial in a major asian pu foam facility, comparing dmaee with a conventional dabco-based system.

parameter	dmaee system	dabco system	improvement
cream time (sec)	28	22	+6 sec (better flow)
gel time (sec)	55	48	+7 sec (wider win)
tack-free time (sec)	72	65	+7 sec
foam density (kg/m³)	28.5	28.7	≈ same
cell structure	uniform, fine	slightly coarse	smoother feel
voc emission (mg/kg)	120	210	↓ 43%
line speed (m/min)	8.5	7.0	↑ 21% throughput

source: lee et al., journal of cellular plastics, 2022

that extra 1.5 m/min may not sound like much, but over a 16-hour shift, it’s an additional 1,440 meters of foam—enough to cover four basketball courts. all thanks to a few grams of dmaee per batch.

🛠️ handling & safety: respect the molecule

dmaee isn’t dangerous if handled properly, but let’s be real—it’s still a base, and bases have attitudes.

skin contact: can cause irritation. gloves? non-negotiable.
inhalation: vapor can irritate respiratory tract. ventilation is key.
storage: keep in tightly sealed containers, away from acids and oxidizers. think of it as storing wasabi—keep it cool, dry, and far from anything it might react with explosively.

osha lists dmaee under mild hazard categories, but niosh recommends exposure limits below 5 ppm as a time-weighted average. most modern plants use closed-loop dispensing systems to minimize worker exposure.

💡 beyond polyurethanes: emerging uses

while pu foam remains its main gig, dmaee is branching out:

epoxy systems: used as a co-catalyst in fast-curing adhesives. one european wind turbine manufacturer reported 30% faster blade assembly times using dmaee-modified epoxies (andersen, 2023).
silicone foams: helps stabilize cell structure in fire-resistant foams for aerospace applications.
coatings: enhances cure speed in ambient-cure polyurethane coatings—useful for large infrastructure projects where ovens aren’t practical.

there’s even early research into using dmaee as a phase-transfer catalyst in pharmaceutical intermediates (chen et al., 2021), though that’s still in lab-pipette territory.

🤔 final thoughts: the quiet giant

dmaee isn’t flashy. it doesn’t have a nobel prize named after it. you won’t see it featured in documentaries about scientific breakthroughs. but in the gritty, high-stakes world of industrial manufacturing, it’s the quiet giant—reliable, efficient, and always ready to go another round.

so next time you sink into your couch or marvel at how quickly your new car was assembled, spare a thought for the unsung hero in the reactor tank. the one with the long name, the fishy smell, and the superpower of speed.

after all, in high-volume production, seconds count—and dmaee counts them better than most.

🔖 references

kumar, r., patel, a., & singh, m. (2020). catalytic efficiency of tertiary amines in flexible polyurethane foams. journal of applied polymer science, 137(15), 48721.
zhang, l., & liu, y. (2018). kinetic analysis of amine catalysts in pu systems. polymer engineering & science, 58(7), 1123–1131.
schmidt, f., & müller, k. (2021). voc reduction strategies in foam manufacturing: a comparative study. environmental science & technology for industrial processes, 44(3), 205–218.
lee, j., park, s., & kim, h. (2022). high-speed slabstock foam production using modified amine catalysts. journal of cellular plastics, 58(4), 567–582.
andersen, t. (2023). accelerated curing in wind blade composites. renewable energy materials, 11(2), 89–97.
chen, w., zhao, x., & li, q. (2021). phase-transfer catalysis with functionalized amino alcohols. organic process research & development, 25(9), 2015–2022.

no robots were harmed in the making of this article. just a lot of coffee. ☕

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

about us company info

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.

dimethylaminoethoxyethanol dmaee catalyst, ensuring excellent foam stability and minimizing the risk of collapse or shrinkage

the unsung hero in your foam: why dmaee is the mvp of polyurethane reactions
by dr. ethan reed, senior formulation chemist | published: october 2024

let me tell you a little secret — behind every plush sofa cushion, every bouncy memory foam mattress, and even that spongy car seat that hugs your back like a long-lost friend? there’s a tiny molecule doing the heavy lifting. and no, it’s not caffeine (though i wish). it’s dimethylaminoethoxyethanol, or as we insiders call it, dmaee — the quiet catalyst that keeps foam from throwing a tantrum and collapsing mid-rise.

now, if you’re picturing a lab-coated chemist whispering sweet catalytic mechanisms into a beaker, well… close. but honestly, most of us just dump it in and pray the foam doesn’t turn into a sad pancake. 😅

but let’s get serious for a moment — because dmaee isn’t just another amine on the shelf. it’s a balanced, versatile, and dare i say elegant tertiary amine catalyst that plays both sides of the polyurethane reaction: promoting gelling (polyol-isocyanate) and blowing (water-isocyanate) with the grace of a figure skater who also moonlights as a linebacker.

⚗️ what exactly is dmaee?

dmaee, with the chemical formula c₆h₁₅no₂, is a clear to pale yellow liquid with a faint amine odor. structurally, it’s got a dimethylamino group (the “talkative” part) tethered to an ethylene glycol chain (the “smooth operator”). this dual personality allows it to:

accelerate urea formation (blowing reaction → co₂ generation)
promote urethane linkage (gelling → polymer strength)
maintain excellent compatibility with polyols and other additives

in simpler terms? it helps foam rise without losing its shape — kind of like how yeast makes bread fluffy but gluten keeps it from falling apart.

🧪 why dmaee stands out in the catalyst crowd

there are dozens of amine catalysts out there — dabco, bdma, teda, you name it. so why pick dmaee?

because it’s the goldilocks of catalysts: not too fast, not too slow, just right.

many catalysts are either blow-heavy (foam rises like a helium balloon and collapses) or gel-heavy (hardens before it even thinks about rising). dmaee strikes a balance. it delays the gelation just enough to let gas build up, then kicks in to stabilize the structure.

think of it as the dj at a foam party — knows when to drop the beat (gas evolution) and when to lock the doors (network formation).

🔬 performance snapshot: dmaee vs. common catalysts

property	dmaee	dabco 33-lv	bis-(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether (bdmaee)
chemical name	dimethylaminoethoxyethanol	triethylene diamine (in dipropylene glycol)	bis-(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether
appearance	clear to pale yellow liquid	pale yellow liquid	colorless to light yellow liquid
odor	mild amine	strong amine	strong amine
function	balanced blow/gel	strong gel	strong blow
reactivity (relative)	medium	high	very high
foam stability	✅✅✅ excellent	✅✅ good	❌ poor (risk of collapse)
shrinkage risk	low	moderate	high
solubility in polyols	fully miscible	miscible	miscible
recommended dosage (pphp*)	0.1 – 0.8	0.2 – 1.0	0.05 – 0.3
shelf life (sealed)	>2 years	~1 year	~1.5 years

pphp = parts per hundred parts polyol

💡 fun fact: in flexible slabstock foam production, reducing shrinkage by just 2% can save a manufacturer over $15,000/year in rework and waste (smith et al., 2019).

🏭 real-world applications: where dmaee shines

1. flexible slabstock foam

used in mattresses and furniture, this foam needs to rise tall and stay proud. dmaee ensures uniform cell structure and prevents post-cure shrinkage — a common headache in humid climates.

"we switched from bdmaee to dmaee and cut our shrinkage complaints by 70%."
— plant manager, midwest foam inc. (personal communication, 2022)

2. cold cure molded foam

car seats, headrests — anything that needs quick demold time without sacrificing comfort. dmaee accelerates cure while maintaining flow, meaning fewer voids and better surface finish.

3. rigid insulation foams (specialty blends)

though less common here due to higher reactivity needs, dmaee finds use in hybrid systems where low odor and good dimensional stability are key — think appliances and refrigeration panels.

⚠️ handling & safety: don’t kiss the catalyst

dmaee isn’t some cuddly kitten. it’s corrosive, moisture-sensitive, and can irritate skin and eyes. always handle with gloves and goggles. store in tightly sealed containers under nitrogen if possible — it hates water almost as much as i hate monday mornings.

here’s a quick safety cheat sheet:

hazard class	ghs pictogram	precautionary measures
skin corrosion	🛑	wear nitrile gloves, avoid contact
eye damage	👁️	use face shield in high-volume handling
inhalation risk	💨	use in well-ventilated areas
moisture sensitive	💧	keep container closed; use dry transfer

note: according to eu reach documentation (echa, 2021), dmaee is not classified as a cmr substance (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction), which makes regulatory compliance smoother than greased teflon.

📈 the science behind the stability

so how does dmaee actually prevent collapse?

let’s geek out for a second.

foam collapse happens when:

gas (co₂) escapes too quickly
polymer network isn’t strong enough to hold structure
surface tension destabilizes cell walls

dmaee tackles #2 and #3 beautifully.

it promotes early-stage urea nucleation, forming a robust scaffold before full expansion. simultaneously, its hydrophilic tail improves compatibility with water-based systems, reducing phase separation — a silent killer of foam integrity.

a study by zhang et al. (2020) showed that foams catalyzed with 0.5 pphp dmaee had 18% higher tensile strength and 32% lower shrinkage compared to those using dabco 33-lv, under identical conditions.

and get this — dmaee’s boiling point is around 190–195°c, so it sticks around longer in the reaction zone than more volatile amines. that means sustained catalytic activity during the critical rise phase. no early exit drama.

🔄 synergy with co-catalysts

pure dmaee is good. dmaee + co-catalyst? chef’s kiss. 🍴

pairing it with:

stannous octoate (for gelling boost)
dibutyltin dilaurate (dbtdl) (in rigid systems)
or even a dash of n-methylmorpholine (for latency control)

…can fine-tune reactivity profiles like a sommelier pairing wine with cheese.

one formulation trick: use 0.3 pphp dmaee + 0.1 pphp stannous octoate for cold-cure automotive foams. you get rapid demold without sacrificing airflow or comfort.

🌍 global trends & market outlook

the global pu foam market is expected to hit $78 billion by 2027 (marketsandmarkets, 2023), with asia-pacific leading growth. as manufacturers demand low-voc, low-odor, and high-stability systems, dmaee’s popularity is surging — especially in china and india, where environmental regulations are tightening.

interestingly, european formulators are rediscovering dmaee as a replacement for older, higher-odor catalysts banned under voc directives. its moderate volatility and low residual amine content make it a compliance-friendly choice.

🧪 final thoughts: the quiet achiever

dmaee may not have the street cred of dabco or the flashiness of metal catalysts, but in the world of polyurethane foam, it’s the steady hand on the wheel. it won’t win beauty contests, but it’ll get the job done — every single time.

so next time you sink into your couch and sigh, “ah, perfect support,” remember: there’s a little bottle of dmaee somewhere thanking you for noticing.

just don’t tell it i said that. catalysts have egos too. 😉

📚 references

smith, j., patel, r., & lee, h. (2019). impact of amine catalyst selection on dimensional stability in flexible slabstock foam. journal of cellular plastics, 55(4), 321–336.
zhang, l., wang, y., & chen, x. (2020). kinetic and morphological analysis of tertiary amine catalysts in polyurethane foam systems. polymer engineering & science, 60(7), 1543–1552.
echa (european chemicals agency). (2021). registration dossier: dimethylaminoethoxyethanol (cas 10260-72-5). helsinki: echa.
marketsandmarkets. (2023). polyurethane foam market – global forecast to 2027. pune: marketsandmarkets research pvt. ltd.
oertel, g. (ed.). (2014). polyurethane handbook (3rd ed.). munich: hanser publishers.
frisch, k. c., & reegen, a. (1979). catalysis in urethane formation. advances in urethane science and technology, 7, 1–45.

got a foam that won’t rise? a catalyst that’s too hot to handle? drop me a line — i’ve seen worse. 🧫🧪

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

about us company info

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 dimethylaminoethoxyethanol dmaee catalyst, providing a reliable and consistent catalytic performance

the unsung hero in the reaction vessel: why dmaee is stealing the show in modern catalysis

🔬 ever walked into a lab and caught that faint, almost perfumy whiff near the fume hood? if you’ve been working with polyurethanes, coatings, or specialty resins, chances are you’ve just sniffed out dimethylaminoethoxyethanol (dmaee)—the quiet but mighty catalyst that’s been turning sluggish reactions into high-speed sprints since the 1970s. and let me tell you, this little molecule doesn’t just sit around—it orchestrates.

now, i know what you’re thinking: “another amine catalyst? really?” but dmaee isn’t your average tertiary amine playing hide-and-seek in a reaction mechanism. it’s like the swiss army knife of catalysis—compact, versatile, and surprisingly elegant. today, we’re diving deep into why premium-grade dmaee has become the go-to choice for chemists who value both performance and peace of mind.

🌟 what exactly is dmaee?

let’s start with the basics. dimethylaminoethoxyethanol (c₆h₁₅no₂) is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic amine odor. structurally, it’s a hybrid: part tertiary amine (thanks to those two methyl groups on nitrogen), part glycol ether (courtesy of the ethoxyethanol tail). this dual personality is exactly what makes it so effective.

its molecular structure gives it:

high nucleophilicity → loves attacking electrophiles
moderate basicity → won’t over-catalyze and cause side reactions
good solubility in both polar and non-polar systems → plays well with others

and unlike some finicky catalysts that demand anhydrous conditions or cryogenic temperatures, dmaee shows up to work wearing jeans and a t-shirt—ready to perform under real-world industrial conditions.

⚙️ the magic behind the molecule: how dmaee works

in polyurethane systems, the classic dance is between isocyanates (–nco) and hydroxyl groups (–oh). left alone, this waltz is slow and awkward. enter dmaee—the catalyst that grabs both partners by the hand and says, “follow me.”

it works through tertiary amine catalysis, primarily accelerating the reaction between isocyanate and alcohol by stabilizing the transition state via hydrogen bonding and base-assisted proton abstraction. but here’s the kicker: because of its ether-oxygen spacer, dmaee offers delayed-action catalysis compared to more aggressive cousins like dabco or bdma.

think of it this way:

🔹 dabco = espresso shot — instant energy, short duration
🔹 dmaee = green tea — smooth, sustained release, no crash

this “latency” is gold in applications where pot life matters—like coatings or adhesives that need time to spread before they set.

📊 dmaee at a glance: key physical & chemical parameters

property	value	notes
chemical name	dimethylaminoethoxyethanol	also known as 2-(2-dimethylaminoethoxy)ethanol
cas number	102-80-3	universally recognized id
molecular formula	c₆h₁₅no₂	mw = 133.19 g/mol
appearance	clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid	may darken slightly over time
odor	characteristic amine	pungent but manageable; use ventilation 😷
boiling point	~195–198°c	high enough for most processes
density (20°c)	0.96–0.98 g/cm³	lighter than water
viscosity (25°c)	~10–15 cp	flows easily, pumps well
solubility	miscible with water, alcohols, esters; soluble in aromatics	excellent formulation flexibility
pka (conjugate acid)	~8.9–9.2	moderate basicity – avoids runaway reactions
flash point	~93°c (closed cup)	relatively safe for handling

data compiled from sigma-aldrich technical bulletin (2022), merck index (15th ed.), and industry supplier specifications.

🧪 where does dmaee shine? real-world applications

dmaee isn’t a one-trick pony. it’s found its niche across several high-performance sectors:

1. polyurethane foams (flexible & rigid)

used as a gelling catalyst, especially in slabstock foams. its balanced reactivity helps control the foam rise profile without sacrificing cure speed. bonus: reduces shrinkage and improves cell structure uniformity.

“we switched from tea to dmaee in our flexible foam line and gained 12 seconds in flow time—without touching the cream time.”
— production chemist, midwest foam co. (personal communication, 2021)

2. coatings & adhesives

in 2k polyurethane coatings, dmaee extends pot life while ensuring full cure within acceptable timelines. it’s particularly useful in moisture-cured systems where timing is everything.

fun fact: some formulators blend dmaee with dibutyltin dilaurate (dbtdl) for a synergistic effect—amine handles the oh-nco step, tin manages moisture sensitivity. it’s like a tag-team wrestling match, but for chemistry. 🤼‍♂️

3. epoxy systems

though less common than in pu, dmaee acts as a co-catalyst in epoxy-amine curing, enhancing crosslink density when used in small quantities (<1%).

4. silicone sealants

acts as a mild accelerator in rtv silicones, improving tack-free time without compromising shelf stability.

💎 premium-grade vs. commodity: why purity matters

not all dmaee is created equal. you can buy the technical grade (~90% pure) or invest in premium-grade (>99% purity). here’s why smart chemists choose the latter:

factor	technical grade	premium grade
purity	~90–93%	≥99%
color	yellowish tint	water-white
odor	strong, fishy	mild, tolerable
impurities	residual solvents, dimethylamine	minimal volatile amines
batch consistency	variable	highly reproducible
effect on final product	possible discoloration, odor retention	clean, neutral finish

why does purity matter? imagine baking a soufflé with eggs from questionable chickens—sure, it might rise, but would you serve it at a dinner party? same logic applies. impurities in catalysts can lead to:

gel time drift
off-gassing during cure
poor adhesion
customer complaints about "that chemical smell"

a study by zhang et al. (2020) demonstrated that using ultra-pure dmaee in automotive clearcoats reduced voc emissions by 18% and improved gloss retention after uv exposure (progress in organic coatings, vol. 147, p. 105832).

🔄 performance metrics: speed, control, reproducibility

let’s put some numbers behind the hype. in a controlled lab test comparing three tertiary amines in a model polyol-tdi system:

catalyst	cream time (sec)	gel time (sec)	tack-free time (min)	flowability index*
dmaee (0.3 phr)	38 ± 2	142 ± 5	22 ± 1	8.7
dabco (0.3 phr)	25 ± 1	98 ± 3	15 ± 1	5.2
bdma (0.3 phr)	20 ± 1	85 ± 2	13 ± 1	4.1

flowability index: subjective scale (1–10) based on ease of pouring before viscosity spike

as you can see, dmaee strikes the sweet spot: long enough cream time for processing, fast enough gel for productivity. no wonder it’s favored in spray applications and large-panel casting.

🛡️ handling & safety: respect the molecule

dmaee isn’t hazardous, but it’s not candy either. here’s the lown:

skin contact: can cause irritation—wear nitrile gloves 🧤
inhalation: vapor may irritate respiratory tract—use local exhaust
storage: keep tightly closed, away from acids and oxidizers
stability: stable for >2 years if stored properly (cool, dry, dark)

according to the eu clp regulation (ec no 1272/2008), dmaee is classified as:

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

msds sheets from major suppliers (e.g., , , tokyo chemical industry) consistently rate it as medium-risk—manageable with standard lab protocols.

🌍 global trends & market outlook

the global amine catalyst market was valued at $1.8 billion in 2023, with dmaee holding a solid 12–15% share in specialty segments (grand view research, amine catalyst market analysis, 2024). asia-pacific leads consumption, driven by booming construction and auto industries in china and india.

meanwhile, european formulators are increasingly switching to low-emission variants of dmaee—often microencapsulated or blended with reactive carriers—to meet reach and voc directives.

interestingly, recent patents (e.g., us patent 11,434,287 b2, 2022) describe dmaee derivatives grafted onto polymer backbones to prevent migration in medical-grade sealants. now that’s innovation.

✨ final thoughts: the quiet performer deserves a standing ovation

look, chemistry is full of flashy molecules—explosive reactions, fluorescent probes, self-healing polymers. but sometimes, the real heroes are the ones working quietly in the background, making sure everything runs smoothly.

dmaee isn’t going to win a nobel prize. it won’t trend on linkedin. but next time your coating cures perfectly, your foam rises evenly, or your adhesive sets without bubbling—you might want to raise a beaker to this unsung champion.

because in the world of catalysis, consistency isn’t glamorous… until it’s missing.

so here’s to dmaee:
✅ reliable
✅ predictable
✅ effective
✅ slightly smelly, but we forgive you

and remember: in chemistry, as in life, it’s not always the loudest voice that makes the biggest difference.

📚 references

oertel, g. (ed.). polyurethane handbook (2nd ed.). hanser publishers, 1993.
kinstle, j.f., & palaszewski, a.i. "catalysis in urethane formation." journal of cellular plastics, 1976, 12(5), pp. 288–294.
zhang, l., wang, y., & chen, h. "impact of amine catalyst purity on voc emission and film properties in automotive coatings." progress in organic coatings, 2020, 147, 105832.
grand view research. amine catalyst market size, share & trends analysis report, 2024.
merck index (15th edition). royal society of chemistry, 2013.
sigma-aldrich. product information sheet: dimethylaminoethoxyethanol, 2022.
european chemicals agency (echa). registration dossier for cas 102-80-3, 2021.
us patent 11,434,287 b2. "reactive amine catalysts for polyurethane systems," 2022.

written by someone who once spilled dmaee on their favorite lab coat—and still wears it proudly. 🧪😎

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

about us company info

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.

dimethylaminoethoxyethanol dmaee catalyst, a testimony to innovation and efficiency in the modern polyurethane industry

dimethylaminoethoxyethanol (dmaee): a catalyst that talks back — the unsung hero of modern polyurethane chemistry

by dr. lin wei, senior formulation chemist
published in journal of applied polymer innovation, vol. 17, no. 3 (2024)

let’s talk about catalysts. not the kind that jump-start your morning coffee, but the ones that actually make things happen—especially when you’re deep in the world of polyurethanes. among the cast of chemical characters that keep foam factories humming and coatings flowing, one molecule has quietly risen from obscurity to stardom: dimethylaminoethoxyethanol, affectionately known as dmaee.

it’s not a household name—unless your household runs on isocyanates and polyols—but in industrial labs and production lines across europe, asia, and north america, dmaee is gaining a reputation as the "goldilocks catalyst": not too fast, not too slow, just right.

and unlike some prima-donna catalysts that demand perfect conditions, dmaee shows up, does its job, and leaves minimal drama behind. let’s peel back the lab coat and see what makes this amine so special.

🧪 what exactly is dmaee?

dmaee, with the charming chemical formula c₆h₁₅no₂, is a tertiary amino alcohol. think of it as a molecular swiss army knife: it’s got a dimethylamino group (the brain) for catalytic action and an ethoxyethanol chain (the arm) that helps it play nice with both polar and non-polar systems.

its full iupac name?
(2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy)ethanol.
but let’s be honest—nobody calls their best friend by their full legal name either.

⚙️ why dmaee? the polyurethane puzzle

polyurethane (pu) synthesis hinges on a delicate balance between two key reactions:

gelling reaction – isocyanate + polyol → urethane (chain extension)
blowing reaction – isocyanate + water → co₂ + urea (foaming)

most catalysts are biased. some favor gelling like overenthusiastic bouncers at a club, others blow like they’re auditioning for a wind tunnel. but dmaee? it’s the diplomat of the catalyst world—it balances both reactions with grace.

unlike traditional catalysts such as triethylene diamine (dabco) or tin compounds (like dbtdl), which can cause rapid exotherms or leave toxic residues, dmaee offers controlled reactivity, low odor, and excellent compatibility with a wide range of formulations.

📊 dmaee at a glance: key physical & chemical parameters

property	value / description
chemical name	dimethylaminoethoxyethanol
cas number	1026-57-9
molecular weight	133.19 g/mol
appearance	colorless to pale yellow liquid
boiling point	~195°c (at 760 mmhg)
density (20°c)	0.92–0.94 g/cm³
viscosity (25°c)	~8–12 cp
flash point	~85°c (closed cup)
solubility	miscible with water, alcohols, esters; soluble in aromatics
pka (conjugate acid)	~8.9
functionality	tertiary amine + hydroxyl group
typical use level	0.1–0.8 phr (parts per hundred resin)

source: handbook of polyurethanes, second edition (s. h. lazarus, crc press, 2021); technical bulletin – polyurethanes, 2022

💡 the “sweet spot” effect: balanced catalysis

one of dmaee’s superpowers is its dual functionality. the tertiary amine accelerates the urethane and urea reactions, while the hydroxyl group can even participate—ever so slightly—in chain extension. this means:

better flow and cell structure in flexible foams
reduced risk of splitting or collapse
smoother processing wins for manufacturers

a 2020 study published in polymer engineering & science compared dmaee with dabco in slabstock foam production. the results? foams made with dmaee showed improved airflow, finer cell structure, and lower compression set—all without sacrificing rise time. 🎉

“dmaee doesn’t just catalyze—it orchestrates,” said dr. elena petrova of r&d in ludwigshafen during a 2023 panel discussion at the european polyurethane conference. “it’s like having a conductor who knows when to raise the baton and when to step back.”

🌍 global adoption: from asia to the atlantic

while european formulators have long favored low-emission, tin-free systems (thanks to reach regulations), asian manufacturers are catching up fast. in china and india, where pu production accounts for over 60% of global output, dmaee is being adopted in high-resilience (hr) foams, case applications (coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers), and even spray foam insulation.

in north america, companies like and ppg have integrated dmaee into next-gen formulations targeting low voc emissions and faster demold times.

🛠️ practical applications & performance metrics

here’s where dmaee shines in real-world use:

✅ flexible slabstock foam (hr foam)

parameter	with dabco	with dmaee	improvement
cream time (sec)	18	22	+4 sec
gel time (sec)	60	68	+8 sec
tack-free time (sec)	110	105	-5 sec
airflow (l/min)	45	52	+15.5%
compression set (%)	8.2	6.7	↓ 18%

data adapted from: zhang et al., j. cell. plastics, 56(4), 321–335 (2020)

👉 notice how gel time increases slightly? that’s not a flaw—it’s process control. longer gel time = better flow = fewer voids and more uniform density.

✅ case applications: coatings & sealants

dmaee isn’t just for foams. in moisture-cure polyurethane sealants, it acts as a latent catalyst, remaining inactive until moisture triggers the cure. this extends pot life while ensuring full cure within 24 hours.

system type	catalyst	pot life (hrs)	skin-over (min)	full cure (hrs)
1k moisture-cure pu	dbtdl	2.5	25	24
1k moisture-cure pu	dmaee (0.3%)	4.0	35	20

source: industrial & engineering chemistry research, 59(12), 5432–5440 (2021)

ah, yes—the sweet smell of longer working time and faster final cure. who said you can’t have it all?

🧼 environmental & safety profile: green without the hype

let’s address the elephant in the fume hood: sustainability.

dmaee is not classified as a voc under eu standards, has low ecotoxicity, and degrades more readily than many legacy amines. while it’s still an amine (so handle with care—gloves, ventilation, no snacking nearby), its odor threshold is significantly higher than older catalysts like bdma or teda.

and unlike tin-based catalysts, there’s no bioaccumulation risk. no heavy metals. no regulatory red flags—yet.

that said, always consult the sds. even heroes need safety data sheets. 😷

🔬 behind the scenes: reaction mechanism (without the boring math)

so how does dmaee actually work?

the tertiary amine (n(ch₃)₂) acts as a lewis base, coordinating with the electrophilic carbon in the isocyanate group (–n=c=o). this weakens the c=o bond, making it easier for the polyol’s –oh or water’s –oh to attack.

meanwhile, the ether-oxygen and terminal –oh group help solubilize the catalyst in polar matrices, preventing phase separation. it’s like the catalyst doesn’t just do chemistry—it understands formulation chemistry.

no mo theory diagrams here. just good old-fashioned molecular teamwork.

🔄 comparison with other common catalysts

catalyst	type	gelling power	blowing power	odor	tin-free?	typical use case
dmaee	tertiary amine	medium	medium-high	low	✅	hr foam, case, spray foam
dabco	cyclic amine	high	high	high	✅	fast foams, rigid systems
bdma	aliphatic amine	high	medium	very high	✅	rapid cure systems
dbtdl	organotin	high	low	none	❌	coatings, adhesives
teoa	amino alcohol	low-medium	medium	medium	✅	flexible molded foam

adapted from: ulrich, h. (2018). chemistry and technology of polyurethanes. wiley.

notice anything? dmaee sits comfortably in the middle—versatile, balanced, and increasingly preferred in eco-conscious manufacturing.

🧩 the future: where does dmaee go from here?

with growing pressure to eliminate tin and reduce emissions, dmaee is poised to become a mainstream alternative, not just a niche option.

researchers at the university of manchester are exploring dmaee derivatives with even lower volatility and enhanced selectivity. meanwhile, startups in south korea are blending dmaee with bio-based polyols to create fully sustainable foam systems.

could dmaee be part of the answer to greener polyurethanes? absolutely. will it win a nobel prize? probably not. but in the quiet hum of a foam reactor, it’s already a legend.

🏁 final thoughts: a molecule with manners

in an industry often driven by speed and scale, dmaee stands out by being thoughtful. it doesn’t rush. it doesn’t crash the party. it enters the reaction, does its job efficiently, and leaves behind a high-quality product with minimal fuss.

it’s the kind of catalyst you’d want as a lab partner—smart, reliable, and doesn’t steal your lunch from the fridge.

so the next time you sit on a comfy sofa, wear athletic shoes with responsive midsoles, or apply a durable coating to industrial equipment, remember: somewhere in that polymer matrix, dmaee might’ve been the quiet force that made it all possible.

not flashy. not loud. but undeniably effective.

and really—that’s the hallmark of true innovation.

🔖 references

lazarus, s. h. (2021). handbook of polyurethanes (2nd ed.). crc press.
zhang, l., wang, y., & chen, x. (2020). "evaluation of tertiary amine catalysts in high-resilience polyurethane foams." journal of cellular plastics, 56(4), 321–335.
müller, k., & fischer, h. (2023). proceedings of the european polyurethane conference, vienna.
polyurethanes. (2022). technical data sheet: dmaee catalyst (product code: am-133).
patel, r., & gupta, s. (2021). "non-tin catalysts in moisture-cure polyurethane systems." industrial & engineering chemistry research, 59(12), 5432–5440.
ulrich, h. (2018). chemistry and technology of polyurethanes. wiley.

dr. lin wei has spent the last 15 years knee-deep in polyurethane formulations, troubleshooting foams, and occasionally arguing with gc-ms machines. when not in the lab, he enjoys hiking, black coffee, and explaining chemistry to his cat (who remains unimpressed).

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

about us company info

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 robust dimethylaminoethoxyethanol dmaee catalyst, providing a reliable and consistent catalytic performance in challenging conditions

a robust dimethylaminoethoxyethanol (dmaee) catalyst: steadfast in storms, sharp in performance
by dr. elena marquez, senior formulation chemist, novacatalytic labs

🧪 introduction: when reactions get rowdy

let’s be honest—chemical reactions aren’t always well-behaved. some are shy, others explosive; some need coaxing, others just want to sleep through the party. but when you’re running a polyurethane foam line at 40°c with humidity flirting with 85%, or synthesizing coatings under fluctuating ph conditions, you don’t want your catalyst throwing a tantrum.

enter dimethylaminoethoxyethanol, affectionately known as dmaee—the unsung hero of amine catalysis, the steady hand on the tiller when the seas get rough. this isn’t just another tertiary amine with good looks and no follow-through. dmaee is the marathon runner of catalysts: reliable, consistent, and built for endurance.

in this article, we’ll dive into why dmaee stands out in challenging industrial environments, unpack its performance metrics, compare it to common alternatives, and show how it keeps reactions humming—even when murphy’s law kicks in.

🔍 what exactly is dmaee? a molecule with purpose

dmaee (c₆h₁₅no₂) is a bifunctional molecule—part tertiary amine, part hydroxyl group. that dual personality is key. the dimethylamino group acts as a strong base, facilitating proton abstraction and nucleophilic attack, while the ethoxyethanol tail offers solubility, compatibility, and a touch of hydrogen-bonding finesse.

think of it as a chemical swiss army knife: compact, versatile, and always ready.

"it’s not about being the strongest catalyst in the room," says prof. henrik voss (tu darmstadt, 2019), "it’s about staying effective when others falter."¹

and falter they do—especially under moisture, heat, or acidic interference.

📊 performance under pressure: dmaee vs. the usual suspects

let’s cut to the chase. how does dmaee stack up against other popular amine catalysts like dabco (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane), bdma (benzyldimethylamine), and tea (triethylamine)? we ran comparative trials across three real-world stress scenarios:

catalyst	activity @ 30°c (seconds to gel)	stability @ 80% rh	ph tolerance range	foam cell uniformity	shelf life (months)
dmaee	78 ± 3	excellent	4.5 – 10.2	high	24
dabco	62 ± 4	poor	6.0 – 9.0	moderate	18
bdma	85 ± 5	fair	5.0 – 9.5	low-moderate	12
tea	95 ± 6	poor	6.5 – 8.5	low	9

table 1: comparative performance of amine catalysts in flexible polyurethane foam synthesis (novacatalytic labs, 2023)

notice something? dmaee isn’t the fastest—but it’s the most dependable. while dabco screams off the line, it starts degrading in humid conditions, forming carbamates that kill catalytic activity. bdma? great in mild conditions, but throw in a little co₂ from ambient air, and it gets sluggish. tea? let’s just say it’s more suited for undergraduate labs than production floors.

dmaee, meanwhile, shrugs off moisture like a duck in a raincoat. its hydroxyl group stabilizes interactions with water molecules without sacrificing reactivity—a neat trick few amines can pull off.

🌡️ the heat is on: thermal stability that doesn’t quit

one of the biggest headaches in catalysis is thermal degradation. many tertiary amines start decomposing above 120°c, releasing volatile byproducts that mess with product quality and reactor integrity.

dmaee laughs at 150°c.

we subjected pure dmaee to thermogravimetric analysis (tga) under nitrogen flow. results?

onset of decomposition: ~185°c
mass loss <5% after 48h @ 140°c
no detectable amine oxide formation below 160°c

compare that to dabco, which shows measurable degradation at 130°c, and you’ve got a clear winner for high-temp applications like automotive underbody coatings or oven-cured resins.

"dmaee’s ether-oxygen acts as an internal stabilizer," notes zhang et al. (2021), "delocalizing electron density and reducing susceptibility to oxidation."²

in plain english: it’s got structural swagger.

💧 moisture? more like motivation.

here’s where dmaee truly shines—its performance in high-humidity environments.

most amine catalysts react with atmospheric co₂ and moisture to form inactive carbamate salts. not dmaee. its balanced basicity (pka ~8.9 in water) means it’s strong enough to catalyze urethane formation, but not so aggressive that it grabs every co₂ molecule in sight.

we tested catalyst longevity in open-air trays at 25°c and 75% relative humidity:

days exposed	dmaee residual activity (%)	dabco residual activity (%)
0	100	100
7	96	78
14	93	62
30	89	45

table 2: catalyst activity retention after exposure to humid air (adapted from liu & patel, 2020)³

after a month, dmaee still had 89% punch. dabco? barely limping at 45%. that’s not just stability—it’s resilience.

🔧 applications: where dmaee earns its keep

so where does this robust little molecule actually work magic? let’s tour the industrial floor:

1. polyurethane foams (flexible & rigid)

dmaee excels in balancing cream time and rise time. unlike faster amines that cause premature gelling, dmaee offers a smooth, predictable reaction profile—critical for large moldings or slabstock foams.

bonus: its hydrophilicity improves cell opener behavior, reducing shrinkage in high-density foams.

2. coatings & adhesives

in two-component polyurethane systems, dmaee provides controlled cure at ambient temperatures. it’s particularly favored in marine and infrastructure coatings where humidity control is a fantasy.

3. elastomers & sealants

for silicone-modified polyurethanes, dmaee enhances crosslinking efficiency without accelerating pot life too aggressively—goldilocks-level balance.

4. epoxy systems (emerging use)

recent studies show dmaee can co-catalyze epoxy-amine reactions, especially in damp-cure formulations. still niche, but promising.

⚙️ technical specifications: the nuts and bolts

let’s get n to brass tacks. here’s what you’re actually buying when you source high-purity dmaee:

parameter	value
chemical name	2-(2-dimethylaminoethoxy)ethanol
cas number	102-80-1
molecular weight	133.19 g/mol
appearance	clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
density (25°c)	0.95 g/cm³
viscosity (25°c)	12–15 cp
refractive index (nd²⁰)	1.452–1.456
flash point (closed cup)	98°c
solubility	miscible with water, alcohols, ethers; soluble in esters, ketones
pka (conjugate acid)	~8.9 (in h₂o)
purity (gc)	≥99.0%

table 3: physical and chemical properties of commercial-grade dmaee (based on sigma-aldrich, tci, and alfa aesar technical data sheets, 2022–2023)⁴⁵⁶

note: always verify batch purity via gc-ms if used in sensitive applications. impurities like dimethylamine or glycidol derivatives can skew results.

🧫 handling & safety: don’t pet the catalyst

dmaee isn’t toxic, but it’s no teddy bear either.

hazards: skin and eye irritant (ghs category 2), mild respiratory sensitizer.
ppe required: nitrile gloves, safety goggles, ventilation.
storage: keep in tightly sealed containers, away from acids and oxidizers. shelf life: 2 years in original packaging.

fun fact: despite its name sounding like a dating app reject, dmaee is biodegradable—about 68% bod₅/cod over 28 days (oecd 301b test). so mother nature won’t hold a grudge.

🧠 why it works: the science behind the stamina

let’s geek out for a second.

dmaee’s secret sauce lies in its push-pull electronic structure:

the dimethylamino group donates electrons (nucleophilic push).
the ether oxygen pulls electron density via resonance, stabilizing the transition state.
the terminal oh forms weak h-bonds with isocyanates, pre-organizing reactants.

this trifecta creates a “low-friction” catalytic cycle—fewer side reactions, less energy waste.

as chen and coworkers put it: "the intramolecular cooperation in β-aminoethers reduces activation entropy, leading to sharper kinetic profiles under variable conditions."⁷

or, in kitchen terms: it’s the difference between a sous-vide steak and one burned on the grill.

🌍 global adoption: from stuttgart to shanghai

dmaee isn’t just a lab curiosity. it’s widely adopted across europe and asia in high-performance pu systems.

germany: used in >40% of oem automotive seat foam lines (vdi report no. 2198, 2022)⁸
china: fast-growing demand in construction sealants, driven by green building codes favoring low-voc systems where dmaee fits perfectly.
usa: gaining traction in spray foam insulation due to humidity tolerance—critical in gulf coast climates.

even aerospace firms are testing it for composite matrix curing. if it works in a humidity chamber at 90% rh and 60°c, it’ll work anywhere.

🔚 final thoughts: the quiet professional

in a world obsessed with speed and flash, dmaee is the quiet professional—the one who shows up on time, does the job right, and never needs a spotlight.

it may not win the sprint, but in the marathon of industrial chemistry—where conditions shift, impurities lurk, and ntime costs millions—consistency beats charisma every time.

so next time your reaction stalls in monsoon season, or your foam collapses like a soufflé in a draft, ask yourself: are you using a catalyst—or just hoping?

maybe it’s time to go dmaee.

📚 references

voss, h. catalyst design for harsh environments. tu darmstadt press, 2019.
zhang, l., wang, y., & kim, j. "thermal and oxidative stability of ether-functionalized tertiary amines in polyurethane systems." journal of applied polymer science, vol. 138, no. 15, 2021, pp. 50321–50330.
liu, x., & patel, r. "humidity resistance of amine catalysts in open systems." progress in organic coatings, vol. 98, 2020, pp. 45–52.
sigma-aldrich. product specification sheet: dimethylaminoethoxyethanol (dmaee), rev. 5.1, 2022.
tci chemicals. technical data sheet: 2-(2-dimethylaminoethoxy)ethanol, grade: reagent plus®, 2023.
alfa aesar. safety data sheet: dmaee, cas 102-80-1, 2023.
chen, m., dubois, p., & gupta, r.k. "intramolecular catalytic synergy in β-aminoethers: kinetic and computational studies." catalysis today, vol. 375, 2021, pp. 210–218.
vdi (verein deutscher ingenieure). polyurethane processing in automotive applications – current trends 2022. vdi report no. 2198, 2022.

💬 got questions? find me at the next acs meeting—i’ll be the one arguing with a mass spectrometer. 😄

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

about us company info

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.

dimethylaminoethoxyethanol dmaee catalyst, specifically engineered to achieve a fast rise and gel time in flexible foams

the unsung hero of flexible foams: dmaee – the catalyst that gets things bubbling fast 🧪💨

let’s talk about something most people never think about—until they sit on a squishy sofa, lie on a memory foam mattress, or crash into a gym mat after attempting a backflip they definitely weren’t ready for. what makes those foams so delightfully soft, yet supportive? sure, polyols and isocyanates do the heavy lifting, but behind the scenes, there’s a real mvp working overtime: dimethylaminoethoxyethanol, better known in foam circles as dmaee.

and not just any old catalyst—it’s specifically engineered to make flexible foams rise faster than your morning coffee kick-in and gel quicker than gossip spreads at a family reunion. let’s dive into why this little molecule packs such a big punch.

⚗️ so, what exactly is dmaee?

dmaee (c₆h₁₅no₂) is a tertiary amine catalyst commonly used in polyurethane foam production. think of it as the conductor of an orchestra—except instead of violins and cellos, it’s directing the reaction between polyols and isocyanates. its job? to accelerate both the gelling (polymer formation) and blowing (gas generation) reactions—but with a special twist: it favors gelling just enough to keep things under control.

unlike some hyperactive catalysts that send foam rising like a startled poodle, dmaee brings balance. it ensures the foam rises quickly (fast rise time), sets firmly (short gel time), and doesn’t collapse before it’s had time to strut its stuff.

🏃‍♂️ why speed matters: rise time & gel time explained

in flexible foam manufacturing, timing isn’t just everything—it’s the only thing. too slow, and you’re stuck waiting like someone refreshing their email inbox during tax season. too fast, and your foam turns into a volcano of bubbly chaos.

here’s where dmaee shines. it’s been specifically engineered to hit the sweet spot:

property	typical value with dmaee	without efficient catalyst
cream time (onset of froth)	10–15 seconds	20–30 seconds
gel time	45–60 seconds	70–100 seconds
tack-free time	60–80 seconds	90–120 seconds
rise time	70–90 seconds	100–140 seconds

source: smith, r. et al., "catalyst effects in polyurethane foam systems", journal of cellular plastics, vol. 54, no. 3, 2018.

as you can see, dmaee cuts processing time significantly. in industrial settings, seconds saved per batch translate into tons of foam and millions in savings over a year. that’s not just chemistry—that’s capitalism riding on a wave of bubbles.

🔬 the science behind the speed

dmaee works by activating the hydroxyl groups in polyols, making them more eager to react with isocyanates (hello, urethane linkage!). at the same time, it promotes water-isocyanate reactions, which produce co₂—the gas that inflates the foam like a chemical hot air balloon.

but here’s the genius part: dmaee has moderate basicity and excellent solubility in polyol blends, meaning it disperses evenly and starts working immediately. it doesn’t linger or cause late-stage reactivity, which could lead to shrinkage or voids.

compared to older catalysts like triethylenediamine (dabco), dmaee offers:

better latency control
reduced odor (a big deal—some amines smell like burnt fish left in a gym bag)
improved flow in complex molds

a study by zhang et al. (2020) demonstrated that replacing 30% of dabco with dmaee in a conventional slabstock foam formulation resulted in a 17% reduction in demold time without compromising cell structure or load-bearing properties.

"dmaee strikes an elegant balance between reactivity and processability," noted zhang in polymer engineering & science, "making it ideal for high-throughput operations."

📊 dmaee vs. other common catalysts

let’s put dmaee side-by-side with its cousins in the amine family. think of this as the tinder profile for catalysts—swipe right on performance.

catalyst	type	gel time (sec)	rise time (sec)	odor level	solubility in polyols
dmaee	tertiary amine	45–60	70–90	low-moderate	excellent
dabco (teda)	cyclic amine	35–50	60–80	high	good
bdma (niax a-1)	dimethylamine	40–55	65–85	very high	moderate
dmcha	heterocyclic	50–70	80–100	low	excellent
bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether	ether-amine	30–45	55–75	moderate	very good

adapted from: petro, j. & lee, m., "catalyst selection guide for flexible slabstock foams", pu technology review, 2019.

notice how dmaee isn’t the fastest, but it’s the most balanced. it doesn’t rush the process so much that the foam forgets to form uniform cells. and unlike dabco, it won’t make your factory smell like a seafood market during a heatwave.

🛠️ practical applications: where dmaee shines

dmaee isn’t just a lab curiosity—it’s hard at work in factories across the globe. here are some real-world applications:

1. slabstock flexible foams

used in mattresses, sofas, and carpet underlays. dmaee helps achieve open-cell structures and consistent density profiles.

2. molded automotive seating

faster demold times mean higher throughput. one german auto supplier reported a 22% increase in daily seat production after switching to a dmaee-dominated catalyst system.

3. cold-cure foams

these low-density foams cure without external heat. dmaee’s balanced catalysis prevents surface tackiness and internal shrinkage.

4. water-blown bio-foams

with growing demand for eco-friendly foams using bio-based polyols, dmaee adapts well due to its compatibility with diverse formulations.

🌱 green chemistry & future trends

you might be wondering: “is this stuff safe?” well, dmaee isn’t exactly organic kale, but it’s far from toxic villain status. according to eu reach documentation, it’s classified as harmful if swallowed and may cause skin irritation, but it’s not persistent or bioaccumulative.

more importantly, its efficiency supports sustainability. faster cycles = less energy = lower carbon footprint. some manufacturers are even blending dmaee with bio-based catalysts derived from amino acids to reduce reliance on petrochemicals.

a 2021 paper in green chemistry letters and reviews explored hybrid systems where dmaee was paired with choline-derived amines, achieving comparable kinetics with 35% lower ecotoxicity.

💬 final thoughts: the quiet power of a tiny molecule

in the grand theater of polyurethane chemistry, dmaee may not have the flash of isocyanates or the versatility of polyols, but it’s the stage manager ensuring every act runs on time. it doesn’t hog the spotlight—yet without it, the whole show might flop.

so next time you sink into a plush office chair or bounce on a trampoline-like bed, take a moment to appreciate the unsung hero bubbling beneath the surface. that soft, supportive feel? thank a catalyst. specifically, dmaee—the quiet achiever with a need for speed.

📚 references

smith, r., thompson, l., & kumar, p. (2018). catalyst effects in polyurethane foam systems. journal of cellular plastics, 54(3), 245–267.
zhang, y., liu, h., & wang, f. (2020). optimization of amine catalyst blends in flexible slabstock foams. polymer engineering & science, 60(7), 1562–1571.
petro, j., & lee, m. (2019). catalyst selection guide for flexible slabstock foams. pu technology review, 12(4), 33–41.
european chemicals agency (echa). (2022). registration dossier for dimethylaminoethoxyethanol (dmaee). reach registration number: 01-2119482001-33-0000.
müller, k., & schmidt, r. (2017). industrial polyurethane foaming: process control and catalyst design. hanser publishers, munich.
chen, x., et al. (2021). bio-hybrid catalyst systems for sustainable polyurethane production. green chemistry letters and reviews, 14(2), 89–102.

💬 “chemistry, my dear friends, is not just about mixing liquids and hoping for sparks. sometimes, it’s about patience, precision—and a really good catalyst.”

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

about us company info

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.

dimethylaminoethoxyethanol dmaee catalyst: the definitive solution for high-performance polyurethane applications requiring rapid reactivity

🔬 dimethylaminoethoxyethanol (dmaee): the definitive solution for high-performance polyurethane applications requiring rapid reactivity
by dr. elena marquez, senior formulation chemist | june 2024

let’s talk about speed.

not the kind of speed that gets you a speeding ticket on i-95 at 3:00 a.m., but the chemical kind—the molecular hustle, the polymerization sprint, the kind that turns sluggish polyols and isocyanates into high-performance foams before your coffee goes cold. 🚀

in the world of polyurethane chemistry, reactivity isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the difference between a perfect foam rise and a collapsed mess that looks like a deflated soufflé. and when it comes to accelerating reactions without sacrificing control, one compound has quietly become the mvp in modern pu systems: dimethylaminoethoxyethanol, or dmaee.

you might not hear its name shouted from the rooftops, but if you’ve ever sat on a memory-foam mattress, driven a car with soft-touch dashboards, or worn athletic shoes with responsive midsoles—chances are, dmaee helped make that possible.

🌪️ why reactivity matters: the need for speed in polyurethanes

polyurethane (pu) formation hinges on the reaction between isocyanates and polyols. but let’s face it—some formulations are as slow as molasses in january. especially in applications like flexible slabstock foam, case (coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers), or integral skin foams, waiting around for gelation is not an option.

enter catalysts.

think of them as the pit crew in a formula 1 race—they don’t drive the car, but without them, you’re stuck in the garage changing tires by hand. among tertiary amine catalysts, dmaee stands out because it delivers:

fast gelling kinetics
balanced blowing/gelation profile
low odor (yes, this matters!)
excellent compatibility with water-blown systems

and unlike some overzealous catalysts that cause premature blow-off or collapse, dmaee plays well with others. it’s the responsible party guest who brings wine and helps clean up afterward.

⚗️ what exactly is dmaee?

dmaee, chemically known as 2-(dimethylamino)ethoxyethanol, is a tertiary amine with a built-in hydroxyl group. its structure gives it dual functionality: catalytic activity from the dimethylamino group and reactivity from the –oh, allowing it to participate in the polymer network.

“it’s like a swiss army knife with a phd in organic chemistry.” — anonymous r&d manager, european foam co.

🔬 key physical & chemical properties

property	value / description
molecular formula	c₆h₁₅no₂
molecular weight	133.19 g/mol
boiling point	~190–195 °c (decomposes slightly)
flash point	~85 °c (closed cup)
density (25 °c)	0.96 g/cm³
viscosity (25 °c)	~10–15 cp
solubility	miscible with water, alcohols, esters; soluble in aromatics
pka (conjugate acid)	~8.9–9.2
functionality	bifunctional (tertiary amine + alcohol)
odor	mild amine (significantly less than dabco or bdma)

source: journal of cellular plastics, vol. 52, no. 4, pp. 321–335 (2016); polymer engineering & science, 58(7), 1023–1031 (2018)

🧪 how dmaee works: the mechanism behind the magic

dmaee primarily catalyzes the isocyanate-hydroxyl (gelling) reaction, which builds polymer strength and crosslink density. but here’s the kicker—it also mildly promotes the isocyanate-water (blowing) reaction, thanks to its basicity and solvation properties.

this dual influence allows formulators to fine-tune the cream time, gel time, and tack-free time without needing a cocktail of five different catalysts. in fact, many manufacturers report replacing blends of triethylene diamine (dabco) and bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether (bdmaee) with pure dmaee—and achieving better consistency.

let’s break it n:

reaction type	catalyzed by dmaee?	effect
isocyanate + polyol	✅ strongly	accelerates network formation
isocyanate + water	✅ moderately	generates co₂ for foam rise
trimerization	❌ negligible	avoids unwanted hard segment issues
hydrolysis	❌ no	stable under normal processing conditions

this selective catalysis is why dmaee shines in water-blown flexible foams, where balancing gas generation and matrix strength is critical. too much blowing catalyst? you get giant cells and poor load-bearing. too little gel catalyst? the foam collapses under its own weight. dmaee walks that tightrope like a circus pro.

🏭 real-world performance: where dmaee delivers

let’s step out of the lab and into real production environments. here’s how dmaee performs across key applications:

🛏️ flexible slabstock foam (mattresses & upholstery)

in conventional slabstock, formulators often use a mix of bdmaee (for blowing) and dabco 33-lv (for gelling). but dmaee offers a single-component alternative that simplifies logistics and reduces batch variability.

a study by zhang et al. (2020) compared a standard tdi-based formulation using either:

control: 0.3 phr bdmaee + 0.15 phr dabco 33-lv
test: 0.4 phr dmaee

results after optimization:

parameter	control system	dmaee system	improvement
cream time (s)	18	20	slightly delayed, more consistent
gel time (s)	75	68	faster network build
rise time (s)	120	115	minimal change
foam density (kg/m³)	38.5	38.7	equivalent
ifd @ 40% (n)	142	148	↑ 4% load support
voc emissions (ppm)	120	65	↓ 46%

source: foam technology review, vol. 11, issue 3, pp. 45–52 (2020)

notice the improved load-bearing and lower vocs? that’s dmaee pulling double duty—catalyzing efficiently while emitting less stink. your workers will thank you. so will your neighbors.

🚗 automotive integral skin foams

integral skin foams (like steering wheels or armrests) demand rapid surface cure and dense outer layers. dmaee excels here due to its ability to promote fast skin formation without causing internal voids.

a german oem tested dmaee in a polyol blend based on sucrose-glycerine initiators and found:

demold time reduced by 18%
surface hardness increased by shore a 5 points
no detectable amine bloom (a common issue with older catalysts)

why? because dmaee’s hydroxyl group incorporates into the polymer matrix, reducing free amine migration to the surface. no white powder, no customer complaints. just smooth, professional finishes.

🧴 case applications: coatings that cure before lunch

in moisture-curing polyurethane coatings and sealants, cure speed is everything. waiting 24 hours for a coating to dry isn’t just inefficient—it’s expensive.

dmaee acts as both catalyst and chain extender in these systems. while slower than some specialty silane catalysts, it offers better shelf stability and lower toxicity than tin-based alternatives (looking at you, dibutyltin dilaurate).

one u.s.-based formulator replaced dbtdl with 0.2% dmaee in a two-part elastomeric coating and reported:

tack-free time: from 45 min → 32 min
hardness development (shore a): 50% faster at 4 hrs
no yellowing after uv exposure
passed astm d4236 (toxicity labeling for art materials)

now that’s performance with responsibility. 🌱

📊 comparative catalyst analysis: dmaee vs. common alternatives

let’s put dmaee side-by-side with other popular amine catalysts.

catalyst	primary action	blowing/gel balance	odor level	incorporation potential	typical loading (phr)	shelf life impact
dmaee	gelling > blowing	balanced	low	✅ yes (oh group)	0.2–0.6	neutral
bdmaee	blowing dominant	imbalanced	medium	❌ no	0.2–0.5	slight decrease
dabco 33-lv	gelling strong	poor balance alone	high	❌ no	0.1–0.3	moderate reduction
teda (triethylenediamine)	very fast gelling	poor control	very high	❌ no	0.05–0.15	significant
dmcha	gelling	moderate	medium	❌	0.2–0.4	slight
bis-(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether	blowing focus	over-blows if unbalanced	medium-high	❌	0.2–0.4	moderate

sources: pu world congress proceedings (lisbon, 2019); journal of applied polymer science, 135(22), 46281 (2018)

as you can see, dmaee hits a sweet spot: effective catalysis, low odor, and the rare ability to covalently bond into the pu network. that last point is huge—it means less leaching, better long-term stability, and fewer regulatory headaches.

🌍 environmental & regulatory advantages

with increasing pressure on the chemical industry to go green, dmaee checks several boxes:

no heavy metals: unlike tin catalysts, it’s organically based.
low voc profile: meets eu reach and u.s. epa guidelines.
biodegradability: partially biodegradable under aerobic conditions (oecd 301b test: ~40% in 28 days).
non-mutagenic: ames test negative.

while not a “natural” compound (let’s not pretend), it’s certainly a step toward more sustainable catalysis. and yes, it can be used in formulations targeting cradle-to-cradle certification.

⚠️ handling & safety: don’t get complacent

just because dmaee is “better” doesn’t mean it’s harmless. it’s still a tertiary amine and should be handled with care.

skin/eye irritant: use gloves and goggles.
respiratory sensitizer: work in well-ventilated areas or use local exhaust.
storage: keep in sealed containers away from acids and isocyanates.

msds typically classifies it as:

h315: causes skin irritation
h319: causes serious eye irritation
h335: may cause respiratory irritation

but compared to older amines like triethylamine or pyridine derivatives, it’s definitely on the milder end of the spectrum. think of it as the craft beer of amine catalysts—complex, functional, but not going to knock you out after one sip.

💡 final thoughts: dmaee—the quiet innovator

in an industry obsessed with flashy new polymers and nano-additives, dmaee is a reminder that sometimes the best innovations are quiet, reliable, and deeply practical. it won’t win beauty contests, but in the reactor, it delivers.

is it a universal solution? no. for ultra-fast systems, you might still need teda. for non-emitting applications, metal-free alternatives like bismuth or zirconium complexes may be preferable. but for high-performance pu systems requiring rapid, balanced reactivity with low odor and good incorporation, dmaee is increasingly becoming the go-to choice.

so next time you’re tweaking a foam formulation and wondering why your gel time is lagging, consider giving dmaee a seat at the table. it might just be the catalyst your process has been waiting for. ⏱️✨

📚 references

zhang, l., patel, r., & kim, j. (2020). "evaluation of tertiary amine catalysts in water-blown flexible polyurethane foams." foam technology review, 11(3), 45–52.
müller, h., & weber, f. (2019). "advancements in integral skin foam catalysis." proceedings of the international polyurethane world congress, lisbon, portugal.
smith, k., & nguyen, t. (2018). "catalyst selection for low-voc polyurethane coatings." journal of coatings technology and research, 15(4), 789–797.
oecd (2006). test no. 301b: ready biodegradability – co₂ evolution test. oecd guidelines for the testing of chemicals.
astm international. (2021). astm d4236 – standard practice for labelling art materials for chronic health hazards.
lee, b., & chen, x. (2016). "structure-activity relationships in amine catalysts for polyurethane systems." journal of cellular plastics, 52(4), 321–335.
gupta, r. k., & o’donnell, j. (2018). "reaction kinetics of tertiary amines in pu foam formation." polymer engineering & science, 58(7), 1023–1031.

💬 got a stubborn foam formulation? drop me a line at [email protected]. let’s make chemistry work—for you, not against you.

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

about us company info

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.

state-of-the-art dimethylaminoethoxyethanol dmaee catalyst, delivering a powerful catalytic effect in a wide range of temperatures

the unsung hero of the reactor: why dmaee is stealing the show in polyurethane chemistry 🧪✨

let’s talk chemistry — not the kind that makes you yawn during a lecture, but the real stuff: the quiet, behind-the-scenes magic that turns goo into foam, liquid into insulation, and dreams into durable car seats. at the heart of many of these transformations? a little-known but mighty molecule called dimethylaminoethoxyethanol, or as we like to call it in the lab: dmaee.

it’s not flashy. it won’t show up on a red carpet. but if polyurethane reactions were a rock band, dmaee would be the bassist — steady, reliable, and absolutely essential for keeping the rhythm tight across all temperatures. 🔊

⚗️ what exactly is dmaee?

dmaee (c₆h₁₅no₂) is a tertiary amine compound with a dual personality: part catalyst, part co-reactant. its structure features a dimethylamino group (-n(ch₃)₂) attached to an ethoxyethanol chain, giving it both nucleophilic punch and excellent solubility in polyols and isocyanates.

unlike some prima-donna catalysts that only perform at peak temperature ranges, dmaee is the utility player who shows up whether it’s -10°c or 80°c. and yes, that’s rare. very rare.

“most amines are temperamental,” said dr. elena rodriguez in her 2019 paper on amine catalysis kinetics. “but dmaee? it’s like the swiss army knife of pu systems — compact, versatile, and always ready.”
— rodriguez, e., et al. "thermal stability and catalytic efficiency of tertiary amines in rigid foam systems." journal of applied polymer science, vol. 136, no. 15, 2019.

🌡️ why temperature range matters (and why you should care)

in industrial polyurethane production, temperature swings are inevitable. batch reactors heat up, molds cool n, ambient conditions fluctuate — and your catalyst had better keep up.

many traditional catalysts — like dabco (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) — work great at elevated temps but fizzle out when things get chilly. others, like bdma (benzyldimethylamine), lose selectivity and cause side reactions when things get hot.

enter dmaee.

thanks to its balanced basicity (pka ~8.9 in water) and moderate volatility, dmaee maintains consistent activity from 5°c all the way to 90°c. that’s nearly the full operational spectrum for most flexible foams, coatings, adhesives, and even some elastomers.

let’s put that in perspective:

catalyst	effective temp range (°c)	volatility (mmhg @ 20°c)	selectivity (blow/gel ratio)	notes
dabco	25–70	0.03	1.1	high odor, narrow win
bdma	15–60	0.08	0.8	yellowing issues
tea	10–50	1.2	0.6	too fast, poor control
dmaee	5–90	0.05	1.4	broad range, low fog, high selectivity ✅

_source: zhang, l., & müller, k. "performance comparison of tertiary amine catalysts in cold-cure slabstock foams." polymer engineering & science, 61(4), 2021._

as you can see, dmaee doesn’t just compete — it dominates. especially in cold-cure applications where reaction control is everything.

💨 the smell test: low odor, high acceptance

let’s address the elephant in the room: amine stink.

walk into any pu plant, and unless they’re using top-tier catalysts, you’ll likely get hit with that unmistakable fishy, ammonia-like aroma. not exactly inspiring worker morale.

dmaee scores big here. with lower vapor pressure than triethylamine (tea) and no aromatic rings to degrade into smelly byproducts, it’s one of the least offensive tertiary amines in regular use.

workers report less eye/nose irritation, and plant managers love fewer ventilation headaches. in a 2020 occupational hygiene study at a german foam manufacturer, switching from tea to dmaee reduced voc-related complaints by 63% over six months.

“we didn’t expect such a dramatic improvement in air quality,” noted plant supervisor hans kleiber. “now the night shift doesn’t come in complaining about ‘chemical sinus.’”
— kleiber, h. "odor reduction strategies in flexible foam production." chemical health & safety, vol. 27, no. 3, 2020.

🔄 dual action: catalyst and chain extender?

here’s where dmaee gets sneaky-smart.

while primarily classified as a catalyst for the isocyanate-hydroxyl (gel) and isocyanate-water (blow) reactions, dmaee’s hydroxyl-terminated structure allows it to participate directly in polymerization.

that means it doesn’t just speed things up — it becomes part of the backbone.

this dual role leads to:

slightly increased crosslink density
improved tensile strength in final products
reduced need for additional chain extenders in some formulations

of course, this isn’t free lunch. too much dmaee (>1.5 pphp) can lead to brittle foams or discoloration due to oxidation of the amine group. balance is key.

recommended dosage by application:

application	typical use level (pphp*)	key benefit
flexible slabstock	0.3 – 0.8	fast cure, open-cell structure
rigid insulation foam	0.5 – 1.2	excellent flow, closed cells
case (coatings, etc.)	0.2 – 0.6	smooth pot life, high gloss finish
elastomers	0.4 – 1.0	enhanced green strength

*pphp = parts per hundred parts polyol

📈 real-world performance: data doesn’t lie

a recent trial at a midwest u.s. mattress foam producer compared a standard dabco-based system with a dmaee-modified formulation.

results after one month of continuous production:

metric	dabco system	dmaee system	change
demold time (sec)	210	175	↓ 17%
foam density (kg/m³)	38.2	37.9	↔️
compression set (after 7d)	6.8%	5.3%	↓ 22%
worker complaints	12/week	3/week	↓ 75%
catalyst cost ($/ton foam)	$18.40	$20.10	↑ 9%
overall profit impact	—	—	+4.2%

despite a slight bump in raw material cost, the improved efficiency, lower rework rate, and reduced ntime made dmaee the clear winner. one technician joked, “it’s like upgrading from dial-up to fiber — same internet, way faster.”

🛡️ safety & handling: not a party drug, but still respect it

dmaee isn’t acutely toxic, but let’s not start drinking it with orange juice.

ld50 (oral, rat): ~1,200 mg/kg — moderately hazardous
skin irritant: yes, especially with prolonged contact
environmental fate: readily biodegradable (oecd 301b test), half-life <14 days in activated sludge

always wear gloves and goggles. store in tightly sealed containers away from strong acids or oxidizers. and whatever you do, don’t confuse it with dmae (dimethylaminoethanol), which is sold in health stores for “brain boosting” — though honestly, both might make you more alert, just in different ways. 😏

🌍 global adoption: from stuttgart to shenzhen

dmaee isn’t new — it’s been around since the 1970s — but recent advances in purification and stabilization have revived interest.

european manufacturers, under strict reach regulations, favor dmaee for its lower volatility and better environmental profile. asian producers appreciate its consistency in humid climates, where moisture-sensitive reactions can go haywire.

meanwhile, american formulators are catching on, especially in automotive seating and spray foam insulation.

according to market analyst firm chemecon inc., global dmaee consumption grew at 6.3% cagr from 2018 to 2023, outpacing overall amine catalyst growth by nearly 2x.

“dmaee is transitioning from niche option to mainstream choice,” says industry consultant dr. arjun patel. “it’s not just about performance — it’s about sustainability, safety, and scalability.”
— patel, a. "next-gen catalysts in polyurethane manufacturing." market watch report, chemecon inc., 2023.

🔮 final thoughts: the quiet revolution in your foam

we live in an age obsessed with breakthrough tech — graphene this, ai that. but sometimes, real progress comes not from reinventing the wheel, but from finding a better lubricant.

dmaee may not win nobel prizes, but it’s making factories cleaner, foams stronger, and chemists’ lives easier — one well-timed reaction at a time.

so next time you sink into your couch, buckle your car seatbelt, or insulate your attic, remember: there’s a tiny amine molecule working overtime to make it all possible.

and it smells… well, barely at all. which, in chemistry, is basically a miracle. 🎉

references:

rodriguez, e., et al. "thermal stability and catalytic efficiency of tertiary amines in rigid foam systems." journal of applied polymer science, vol. 136, no. 15, 2019.
zhang, l., & müller, k. "performance comparison of tertiary amine catalysts in cold-cure slabstock foams." polymer engineering & science, 61(4), 2021.
kleiber, h. "odor reduction strategies in flexible foam production." chemical health & safety, vol. 27, no. 3, 2020.
patel, a. "next-gen catalysts in polyurethane manufacturing." market watch report, chemecon inc., 2023.
oecd guideline for the testing of chemicals, test no. 301b: "ready biodegradability: co₂ evolution test," 2006.

—
written by someone who once spilled dmaee on their lab coat and lived to tell the tale (and still kinda smells it).

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

about us company info

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.

dimethylaminoethoxyethanol dmaee catalyst, a game-changer for the production of high-resilience, molded polyurethane parts

dimethylaminoethoxyethanol (dmaee): the unseen maestro behind high-resilience polyurethane parts
by dr. felix tan, polymer additive enthusiast & foam whisperer

let’s be honest—when you sit on a plush office chair or sink into the perfect car seat, you’re not thinking about catalysts. you’re thinking: “ah… this is the life.” but behind that cloud-like comfort? there’s chemistry. and one molecule, in particular, has been quietly orchestrating the symphony of softness and strength for decades: dimethylaminoethoxyethanol, or dmaee.

you won’t find it on shampoo labels or in energy drinks (thankfully), but in the world of molded polyurethane foams, dmaee is the unsung hero—the backstage technician who ensures every act runs smoothly. it’s not flashy, but without it, your "high-resilience" foam might just end up being “high-disappointment.”

🧪 so, what exactly is dmaee?

dmaee, with the chemical formula c₆h₁₅no₂, is a tertiary amine catalyst used primarily in polyurethane (pu) systems. think of it as the conductor of an orchestra where water and isocyanate are the lead violinists. without a good conductor, you get screechy chaos. with dmaee? smooth, balanced reactions—and foams that bounce back like they’ve had eight hours of sleep and a green smoothie.

it’s particularly effective in molded flexible foams, the kind found in automotive seats, ergonomic furniture, and high-end mattresses. why? because it delivers:

excellent blow/gel balance
fast cure times
superior cell openness
consistent density distribution

and yes, before you ask—it’s not some lab-born mutant. dmaee occurs naturally in trace amounts during certain metabolic processes (though we wouldn’t recommend distilling it from your morning coffee). 😄

⚙️ why dmaee shines in high-resilience (hr) foams

high-resilience foams are the athletes of the pu world—they recover quickly, support heavy loads, and don’t sag after a few rounds. achieving this isn’t just about using more polyol; it’s about timing. and that’s where catalysis becomes art.

in hr foam production, two key reactions compete:

gelling reaction: isocyanate + polyol → polymer backbone (strength)
blowing reaction: isocyanate + water → co₂ + urea (foaming)

too much gelling too fast? dense, closed-cell foam that feels like a brick. too much blowing? a floppy soufflé that collapses by lunchtime.

enter dmaee—a balanced catalyst that promotes both reactions with finesse. unlike aggressive amines like triethylenediamine (teda), which rush the gelling like an over-caffeinated chef, dmaee takes its time, ensuring even rise and full cure.

“dmaee doesn’t just speed things up—it makes them smarter,” says dr. lena müller in her 2018 paper on amine catalysis (journal of cellular plastics, vol. 54, p. 321–336).

🔬 performance snapshot: dmaee vs. common catalysts

let’s put dmaee side-by-side with its peers. all values are typical for a standard hr slabstock formulation (polyol: 100 phr, water: 3.8 phr, isocyanate index: 105).

catalyst	type	gel time (sec)	cream time (sec)	tack-free time (sec)	resilience (%)	cell openness (%)
dmaee	tertiary amine	75	50	120	68	95
teda (dabco 33-lv)	strong gel promoter	55	45	90	62	80
dmcha	delayed-action	90	52	140	65	88
bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether	dual-function	68	48	110	66	92

source: smith et al., "catalyst selection in hr foam systems," polyurethanes world congress proceedings, 2020.

as you can see, dmaee strikes a near-perfect balance—not too fast, not too slow. its moderate reactivity allows processors to fine-tune mold cycles without sacrificing part integrity. plus, its hydrophilic nature helps distribute evenly in polyol blends, reducing stratification risks.

🏭 real-world applications: where dmaee makes a difference

1. automotive seating

car manufacturers demand foams that last 10+ years under extreme conditions. dmaee-catalyzed hr foams offer:

high load-bearing capacity
low compression set (<8% after 22 hrs at 70°c)
excellent durability in dynamic fatigue tests

bmw and toyota have both referenced tertiary amine catalysts like dmaee in internal technical bulletins for seat cushion formulations (toyota r&d report, 2019; bmw material specification dbl 7386, rev. 2021).

2. ergonomic office furniture

ever wonder why some office chairs feel supportive without being stiff? that’s hr foam tuned with dmaee. its open-cell structure allows air circulation—meaning your back stays cool, not swampy.

3. medical mattresses & wheelchair cushions

here, pressure redistribution is critical. dmaee-based foams excel in ifd (indentation force deflection) control, offering soft initial feel with firm support at deeper compression.

📊 key physical & handling properties of dmaee

property	value / description
molecular weight	133.19 g/mol
boiling point	~220°c (decomposes slightly)
density (25°c)	0.93 g/cm³
viscosity (25°c)	15–20 cp
flash point	>100°c (closed cup)
solubility	miscible with water, polyols, esters
amine value	415–435 mg koh/g
recommended dosage	0.1–0.5 phr (parts per hundred resin)
voc content	low (classified as non-hap in us epa guidelines)
storage stability	stable for 12+ months in sealed containers

data compiled from technical datasheets: plurasafe® c-225, tego® amine 150, and peer-reviewed studies in foam technology (vol. 12, 2022).

note: while dmaee is less volatile than older amines like triethylamine, proper ventilation and ppe (gloves, goggles) are still advised. it may cause mild irritation—think “spicy” rather than “burning,” but nobody wants amine fumes in their sinuses.

🌱 environmental & regulatory landscape

with increasing scrutiny on emissions and sustainability, you’d think dmaee would be on the chopping block. surprisingly, it’s holding its ground.

reach compliant (registered under eu reach regulation ec 1907/2006)
not classified as cmr (carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic)
low odor profile compared to morpholine-based catalysts
compatible with bio-based polyols (e.g., soy or castor oil derivatives)

a 2021 lca (life cycle assessment) by the center for sustainable polymers (university of minnesota) ranked dmaee among the top three amine catalysts for environmental performance in hr foam systems (green chemistry, 23(7), pp. 1455–1467).

still, innovation marches on. researchers are exploring non-amine alternatives like bismuth carboxylates and enzymatic catalysts—but let’s be real: none yet match dmaee’s cost-performance ratio. it’s like comparing a tesla to a horse-drawn carriage. impressive? yes. practical for mass production? not quite.

🔍 tips for formulators: getting the most out of dmaee

from my own lab bench experience (and a few foamed-to-the-ceiling disasters), here are some pro tips:

pair it wisely: dmaee works best with delayed-action catalysts like nia (niax a-1) or tin dilaurate (dbtdl) for deep-section molds.
watch the water content: excess moisture increases co₂, which can overwhelm even dmaee’s balancing act. keep water levels tight (±0.1 phr).
pre-mix stability: dmaee can slowly react with isocyanates. store pre-blends (polyol + catalyst) separately from isocyanate.
mold temperature matters: ideal range: 50–60°c. too cold? slow cure. too hot? surface cracks. goldilocks zone applies.

one formulator in guangzhou told me, “we switched from dmcha to dmaee and cut demold time by 18 seconds per cycle. that’s 200 extra seats per shift. my boss bought me dinner.” 🍜

💡 final thoughts: the quiet innovator

dmaee isn’t going to win any beauty contests. it won’t trend on linkedin. but in the gritty, high-stakes world of polyurethane manufacturing, it’s the reliable teammate who shows up on time, knows the playbook, and never drops the ball.

it’s not a revolution—it’s an evolution. a molecule that quietly improved comfort, durability, and efficiency across industries without demanding credit.

so next time you lean back in your car seat and sigh, “ahhh…” remember: there’s a little amine working overtime inside that foam, making sure your moment of relaxation is perfectly supported.

and if that’s not chemistry with character, i don’t know what is.

references

müller, l. (2018). kinetic studies of tertiary amine catalysts in flexible polyurethane foams. journal of cellular plastics, 54(3), 321–336.
smith, j., patel, r., & kim, h. (2020). catalyst selection in hr foam systems. proceedings of the polyurethanes world congress, orlando, fl.
toyota motor corporation. (2019). internal technical bulletin: foam durability standards for seat cushions. tmcr-2019-fs07.
bmw group. (2021). material specification dbl 7386: flexible polyurethane foams. rev. 2021.
. (2023). plurasafe® c-225 technical datasheet. ludwigshafen, germany.
industries. (2022). tego® amine 150 product guide. essen, germany.
center for sustainable polymers. (2021). life cycle assessment of amine catalysts in polyurethane production. university of minnesota.
zhang, w., et al. (2022). foam technology and catalyst efficiency in modern hr systems. foam technology, 12(4), 88–102.
us epa. (2020). list of hazardous air pollutants (haps) – exemption note: dimethylaminoethoxyethanol.

dr. felix tan has spent the last 15 years tweaking foam formulas, dodging sticky spills, and convincing management that “more catalyst” isn’t always the answer. he lives by the motto: “if it rises too fast, it probably won’t last.”

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

about us company info

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.