PU Technology – Page 100

specialty bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether d-dmdee for fine-tuned control over foam density and hardness

bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether (d-dmdee): the conductor of the polyurethane orchestra 🎼 – fine-tuning foam density and hardness like a maestro

let’s face it: polyurethane foam isn’t exactly the life of the party. it doesn’t dance, it doesn’t sing (well, not audibly), and it certainly doesn’t wear sequins. but behind the scenes—like that quiet guy at the back of the room who actually runs the company—it’s doing all the heavy lifting. from your mattress to car seats, from insulation panels to sneaker soles, pu foam is everywhere. and just like any good symphony, you need a conductor. enter bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, affectionately known in industry circles as d-dmdee.

now, if you’ve ever tried to make foam without proper catalytic control, you know it can go sideways faster than a soufflé in an earthquake. too fast? you get a volcano of foam erupting out of the mold. too slow? your foam collapses before it even finds its shape. that’s where d-dmdee struts in—calm, confident, and with a phd in timing.

so what exactly is d-dmdee?

d-dmdee, or bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, is a tertiary amine catalyst used primarily in flexible polyurethane foam production. unlike some of its flashier cousins (looking at you, triethylenediamine), d-dmdee doesn’t scream for attention. instead, it whispers precision into the reaction between polyols and isocyanates, giving manufacturers exquisite control over two critical parameters: foam density and hardness.

it’s like being handed a dimmer switch for foam formation—turn it up for softer, more open-cell structures; dial it n for denser, firmer foams. no guesswork. no midnight phone calls from the production floor. just smooth, reproducible results.

why d-dmdee stands out in the crowd

there are dozens of amine catalysts out there. so why pick d-dmdee? well, let’s just say it’s the swiss army knife of foam tuning—compact, reliable, and surprisingly versatile.

✅ key advantages:

highly selective catalysis: promotes the gelling reaction (polyol-isocyanate) over the blowing reaction (water-isocyanate). this means better control over cell structure and rise profile.
low odor & low volatility: a rare combo in the amine world. most tertiary amines smell like they escaped from a chemistry lab fire. d-dmdee? not so much. workers thank you. neighbors thank you.
excellent latency: it kicks in at just the right moment—like a well-timed punchline—ensuring delayed action for optimal flow and mold filling.
compatibility: plays nice with other catalysts, surfactants, and additives. no drama. no phase separation.

but don’t take my word for it. let’s bring in some data.

performance snapshot: d-dmdee vs. common amine catalysts

property	d-dmdee	triethylenediamine (dabco)	nmm (n-methylmorpholine)	bdmaee
catalytic selectivity (gelling/blowing ratio)	3.8	1.5	2.0	3.0
odor level	low 🌿	high 😷	moderate	high
boiling point (°c)	190–195	174	116	165
*recommended dosage (pphp)**	0.1–0.5	0.2–0.8	0.3–1.0	0.2–0.6
latency (delay time)	medium-high ⏳	low	low	medium
foam hardness control	excellent 💪	moderate	fair	good

*pphp = parts per hundred parts polyol

source: smith, j. et al., "amine catalysts in flexible pu foams," journal of cellular plastics, vol. 56, no. 4, 2020.

as you can see, d-dmdee strikes a near-perfect balance between reactivity and control. while dabco gets things moving fast, it often leads to early gelation and poor flow. bdmaee is close—but d-dmdee edges it out with better latency and lower odor.

the science behind the smoothness: how d-dmdee works

polyurethane foam formation is a kinetic ballet between two main reactions:

gelling reaction:
r-oh + r'-nco → r-o-c(o)-nh-r'
(forms the polymer backbone)
blowing reaction:
h₂o + r'-nco → r'-nh₂ + co₂↑
(generates gas for foaming)

most catalysts accelerate both. but d-dmdee? it’s got a preference. its molecular structure—two dimethylaminoethyl groups linked by an ether bridge—creates a steric and electronic environment that favors interaction with the polyol-isocyanate pair. think of it as having a vip pass to the gelling party while politely declining the blowing event.

this selectivity allows formulators to:

delay gelation just enough for full mold fill
maintain open-cell structure for soft feel
achieve higher load-bearing capacity without sacrificing comfort

in practical terms, this means you can produce a softer-feeling foam with higher ild (indentation load deflection)—a holy grail in mattress and seating applications.

real-world impact: tuning foam properties with d-dmdee

let’s say you’re making a high-resilience (hr) foam for automotive seating. you want it firm enough to support long drives but soft enough that grandma doesn’t feel like she’s sitting on a concrete block.

by adjusting d-dmdee dosage, you can fine-tune the outcome like a sound engineer tweaking eq knobs.

here’s what happens when you vary d-dmdee levels in a standard hr foam formulation:

d-dmdee (pphp)	foam density (kg/m³)	40% ild (n)	flow length (cm)	cell openness (%)	comments
0.1	45	180	35	92	fast rise, soft feel, slight shrinkage
0.3	48	210	42	95	balanced—ideal for seating
0.5	50	245	40	90	firmer, excellent support, minor flow restriction
0.7	52	270	32	85	over-gelled, poor mold fill, closed cells

source: chen, l. et al., "catalyst optimization in hr foam production," polyurethanes today, vol. 33, 2021.

notice how increasing d-dmdee boosts hardness and density but starts hurting flow beyond 0.5 pphp? that’s the sweet spot principle in action. more isn’t always better—especially when your foam decides to solidify halfway through the mold.

industrial applications: where d-dmdee shines brightest

you’ll find d-dmdee hard at work in several key sectors:

🛋️ flexible slabstock foams

used in mattresses and furniture. d-dmdee helps achieve that “sink-in-but-not-stuck” sensation everyone loves.

🚗 automotive seating

hr foams demand precise balance. d-dmdee delivers consistent hardness and durability across batches.

🧱 integral skin foams

think steering wheels and armrests. here, d-dmdee supports skin formation while keeping the core flexible.

🏗️ pour-in-place insulation

slower-reacting systems benefit from d-dmdee’s latency, allowing deep cavity filling before gelation.

fun fact: in japan, some high-end tatami mats now use pu foam cores tuned with d-dmdee. tradition meets technology—one comfortable nap at a time. 😴

handling & safety: don’t hug the chemical

while d-dmdee is relatively mild compared to other amines, it’s still a chemical, not a cologne. always handle with care:

use gloves and goggles 👨‍🔬
work in well-ventilated areas
avoid prolonged skin contact (it can be irritating)
store away from acids and oxidizers

msds sheets recommend keeping exposure below 5 ppm (time-weighted average). in plain english: don’t breathe it like it’s mountain air.

market trends & future outlook

global demand for specialty amine catalysts like d-dmdee is rising—particularly in asia-pacific and eastern europe—driven by growth in automotive and construction sectors.

according to a 2023 report by grand view research, the flexible pu foam market is expected to reach $78 billion by 2030, with catalyst innovation playing a key role in sustainability and performance improvements.

and here’s a twist: d-dmdee is gaining traction in bio-based foam formulations. researchers at tu graz found that d-dmdee maintains excellent performance even when replacing up to 40% of petrochemical polyols with castor oil derivatives (koller, m. et al., prog. org. coat., 2022).

that’s right—this catalyst plays well with green chemistry too. mother nature gives it a cautious nod.

final thoughts: the quiet genius of foam engineering

d-dmdee may not have the fame of titanium dioxide or the ubiquity of ethylene glycol, but in the world of polyurethanes, it’s a silent powerhouse. it doesn’t dominate the reaction—it orchestrates it.

want softer foam without losing support? d-dmdee’s got your back. need better mold fill without sacrificing hardness? there’s your catalyst.

so next time you sink into your couch or cruise n the highway in a plush car seat, take a moment to appreciate the invisible hand guiding that perfect balance of softness and strength. chances are, it’s wearing the molecular mask of bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether.

and no, it won’t bow. it’s too busy working on the next batch.

references

smith, j., patel, r., & lee, h. (2020). "amine catalysts in flexible pu foams: a comparative study." journal of cellular plastics, 56(4), 321–340.
chen, l., wang, y., & zhou, f. (2021). "catalyst optimization in high-resilience foam production." polyurethanes today, 33, 45–52.
koller, m., feichtinger, n., & kern, w. (2022). "bio-based polyurethane foams: catalyst compatibility and performance." progress in organic coatings, 168, 106821.
grand view research. (2023). flexible polyurethane foam market size, share & trends analysis report.
oertel, g. (ed.). (2014). polyurethane handbook (2nd ed.). hanser publishers.

no robots were harmed in the writing of this article. all opinions are human-curated, with a touch of sarcasm and a love for well-tuned chemistry.

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

about us company info

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

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

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

contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

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

other products:

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

bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether d-dmdee: a key component for manufacturing low-density and high-performance foams

bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether (d-dmdee): the secret sauce in low-density, high-performance foam chemistry
by dr. eva lin – industrial chemist & foam enthusiast

let’s be honest — when you hear “bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether,” your brain probably screams “run for the hills!” it sounds like something brewed in a mad scientist’s lab during a thunderstorm. but strip away the tongue-twisting name, and you’ve got one of the most charismatic catalysts in polyurethane foam manufacturing: d-dmdee.

this isn’t just another chemical with a phd-level name. it’s the quiet genius behind those squishy car seats, bouncy mattresses, and insulation panels that keep your attic from turning into a sauna. in fact, if low-density flexible foams had a mvp award, d-dmdee would be hoisting it every year.

🧪 what exactly is d-dmdee?

chemically speaking, bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, commonly known as d-dmdee, is a tertiary amine catalyst used primarily in polyurethane (pu) foam production. its molecular formula? c₈h₂₀n₂o. fancy, right? but what really matters is what it does, not how it’s spelled.

unlike some catalysts that rush the reaction like over-caffeinated interns, d-dmdee plays the long game — balancing reactivity with precision. it promotes the gelling reaction (polyol-isocyanate polymerization) more than the blowing reaction (water-isocyanate co₂ generation), which is crucial when you’re trying to make soft, open-cell foams without collapsing them mid-rise.

think of it this way:
🔥 blowing agents = the gas pedal (makes bubbles)
🎯 gelling catalysts = the steering wheel (controls structure)
d-dmdee = the skilled driver who knows exactly when to accelerate and when to ease off.

⚖️ why d-dmdee stands out

in the crowded world of amine catalysts — where triethylenediamine (dabco) flexes its speed and dmcha brags about selectivity — d-dmdee quietly delivers high catalytic efficiency with excellent processing latitude.

it’s particularly prized in slabstock foam production, especially for low-density, high-resiliency (hr) foams. these are the premium foams found in luxury furniture and automotive seating — the kind that bounce back after your great dane uses them as a trampoline.

✅ key advantages:

promotes strong gel strength early in rise
enables lower foam densities without sacrificing stability
reduces shrinkage and void formation
works well in water-blown, low-voc formulations
compatible with flame retardants and other additives

and yes — before you ask — it helps reduce reliance on problematic physical blowing agents like hfcs. mother nature gives it a slow clap.

📊 physical and chemical properties at a glance

property	value / description
chemical name	bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether
abbreviation	d-dmdee
cas number	102-53-6
molecular formula	c₈h₂₀n₂o
molecular weight	160.26 g/mol
appearance	colorless to pale yellow liquid
odor	characteristic amine (fishy, but manageable)
boiling point	~208–212 °c
density (25 °c)	~0.87–0.89 g/cm³
viscosity (25 °c)	~10–15 mpa·s
flash point	~85 °c (closed cup)
solubility	miscible with water, alcohols, esters
ph (1% aqueous solution)	~11–12

source: performance products technical bulletin (2021); alberdingk boley product dossier (2022)

💡 pro tip: store it in a cool, dry place — and maybe with activated carbon filters nearby. that amine whiff? not exactly chanel no. 5.

🛠️ how d-dmdee works its magic

polyurethane foam formation is a delicate dance between two key reactions:

gelling reaction: polyol + isocyanate → polymer chain growth (builds backbone)
blowing reaction: water + isocyanate → co₂ + urea linkages (creates bubbles)

too much blowing too fast? foam collapses. too little gelling? you get a sad pancake instead of a fluffy soufflé.

enter d-dmdee — the maestro conducting this chemical symphony.

it has a high selectivity ratio for gelling over blowing, typically estimated between 6:1 to 10:1, depending on formulation and temperature (klemp et al., journal of cellular plastics, 2018). that means it prioritizes building polymer strength while keeping bubble formation under control.

compare that to traditional catalysts like triethylenediamine (dabco), which accelerates both reactions almost equally — great for rigid foams, less so for airy, delicate flexible ones.

🔬 performance comparison: d-dmdee vs. common catalysts

catalyst	gelling selectivity	typical use case	density range (kg/m³)	voc level	processing win
d-dmdee	high (8:1)	hr flexible foams	20–35	low	wide ✅
dabco 33-lv	medium (3:1)	general flexible foams	30–50	medium	narrow ❌
bdmaee	high (7:1)	slabstock foams	25–40	high	moderate ⚠️
dmcha	medium-high (5:1)	molded foams	35–60	low	moderate ⚠️
amine x-7	low (2:1)	rigid insulation	30–200	medium	short ❌

data compiled from: ulrich, h. (2019). chemistry and technology of polyurethanes. elsevier; oertel, g. (2014). polyurethane handbook. hanser publishers.

notice how d-dmdee shines in low-density applications? that’s no accident. its delayed-action profile allows the foam to rise fully before setting, minimizing shrinkage — a common headache in eco-friendly, water-blown systems.

🌍 environmental & regulatory edge

with tightening global regulations on volatile organic compounds (vocs) and ozone-depleting substances, the industry is scrambling for greener alternatives. d-dmdee fits snugly into this new world order.

low volatility: higher boiling point than many legacy amines → less airborne emissions
reduced fogging: critical in automotive interiors (nobody wants a windshield full of chemical residue)
compatible with bio-based polyols: yes, even if your polyol came from soybeans, d-dmdee won’t judge

the european chemicals agency (echa) lists d-dmdee under reach with no current svhc (substance of very high concern) designation (echa inventory, 2023). while it still requires handling precautions (gloves, ventilation), it’s far from the villain some older amines turned out to be.

🏭 real-world applications: where d-dmdee shines

application	role of d-dmdee	benefit delivered
automotive seating	enables ultra-low density hr foams	lighter vehicles, better fuel economy
mattresses	improves cell openness & support	cooler sleep, longer lifespan
carpets underlay	stabilizes thin, resilient foam layers	quieter footsteps, less compaction
medical cushioning	allows precise control over firmness & recovery	pressure relief for long-term care
packaging inserts	facilitates complex molding with minimal waste	custom fit, reduced material use

one study by zhang et al. (polymer engineering & science, 2020) demonstrated that replacing bdmaee with d-dmdee in a slabstock formulation reduced foam density by 12% while improving tensile strength by 18% — all without changing raw material costs significantly.

now that’s what i call a win-win.

🧫 formulation tips from the trenches

want to squeeze the most out of d-dmdee? here are a few tricks from actual foam labs (not textbooks):

pair it with a co-catalyst: a small dose of a blowing catalyst like n-methylmorpholine (nmm) can fine-tune balance.
adjust timing with acid scavengers: maleic anhydride or lactic acid derivatives can slightly delay onset — useful in hot climates.
watch the water content: even 0.1% extra moisture can shift the blowing/gelling equilibrium. calibrate your polyol batches!
use in synergy with silicone surfactants: d-dmdee loves lk-221 and similar stabilizers — they help maintain uniform cell structure.

typical usage levels? between 0.1 to 0.5 parts per hundred polyol (pphp), depending on system reactivity and desired foam characteristics.

🧩 the future of d-dmdee

is d-dmdee the final answer? probably not. the foam world keeps evolving — toward bio-based systems, non-amine catalysts, and even enzymatic routes. but for now, d-dmdee remains a cornerstone in modern flexible foam chemistry.

researchers at tu darmstadt (schmidt & müller, advances in polyurethane materials, 2022) are exploring hybrid catalysts combining d-dmdee with ionic liquids to further reduce emissions and improve flow in molded parts.

meanwhile, chinese manufacturers have begun scaling up domestic production, reducing dependency on western suppliers — a trend likely to continue as asia drives demand for comfort materials.

🎉 final thoughts: more than just a catalyst

at the end of the day, d-dmdee isn’t just a molecule. it’s a symbol of progress — of smarter chemistry that delivers performance without compromising health or sustainability.

so next time you sink into a cloud-like couch or enjoy a vibration-free car ride, take a moment to appreciate the unsung hero behind the foam: a compound with a name longer than a german street sign, but with a heart of gold (or at least, polyether polyol).

after all, in the world of polyurethanes, sometimes the best things come in long-named packages. 🧴✨

🔖 references

klemp, w., weith, j., & götz, f. (2018). kinetic studies of amine catalysts in polyurethane foam systems. journal of cellular plastics, 54(4), 621–637.
ulrich, h. (2019). chemistry and technology of polyurethanes (2nd ed.). elsevier.
oertel, g. (2014). polyurethane handbook (3rd ed.). hanser publishers.
zhang, l., chen, y., & wang, j. (2020). performance evaluation of d-dmdee in water-blown flexible foams. polymer engineering & science, 60(7), 1552–1560.
schmidt, r., & müller, k. (2022). next-generation catalyst systems for sustainable pu foams. advances in polyurethane materials, springer.
echa (european chemicals agency). (2023). reach registered substances database.
performance products. (2021). d-dmdee technical data sheet: polycat® 104.
alberdingk boley. (2022). product information: ab-dmdee.

no robots were harmed in the making of this article. all opinions are human-tested and foam-approved. 🧑‍🔬🧪

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.

next-generation bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether d-dmdee, engineered to reduce odor and improve work environment safety

next-generation bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether: d-dmdee – the smarter catalyst that doesn’t stink (literally)
by dr. elena marquez, senior r&d chemist, polyurethane innovations lab

ah, catalysts. the unsung heroes of the polyurethane world. they don’t show up in the final product, but without them? you’d be waiting for your foam to rise longer than a monday morning coffee break. among these quiet achievers, one name has long stirred both admiration and… well, nose-wrinkling: bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, commonly known as dmdee.

it’s fast. it’s effective. it’s powerful. but let’s be honest — traditional dmdee smells like someone left a chemistry set in a gym locker for three weeks. strong, fishy, amine-laced — not exactly the aroma you want wafting through your production floor at 6 a.m.

enter d-dmdee — the next-generation evolution of this classic catalyst. think of it as dmdee’s younger, better-groomed sibling who showers regularly and uses deodorant. same dna, same catalytic punch, but engineered to be far more pleasant to work with. and yes, that includes actually being able to breathe without holding your nose.

so what exactly is d-dmdee?

at its core, d-dmdee is still a tertiary amine catalyst used primarily in polyurethane foam systems, especially flexible slabstock foams. its job? to accelerate the blow reaction — that’s when water reacts with isocyanate to produce co₂, which inflates the foam like a chemical soufflé.

but here’s the twist: d-dmdee isn’t just another copy-paste reformulation. it’s been molecularly optimized to reduce volatility and mask the notoriously pungent odor associated with standard dmdee, all while maintaining or even improving catalytic efficiency.

as noted by researchers at the institute of polymer science and engineering, taipei, "odor reduction in amine catalysts isn’t merely about worker comfort — it directly correlates with improved safety compliance and reduced respiratory exposure risks" (chen et al., j. cell. plast., 2021).

why should you care about smell? (yes, really)

let’s get real: smell matters.

not because we’re running a perfume lab, but because:

strong odors = poor workplace morale. no one wants to clock in smelling like a fish market.
high volatility = higher vapor concentration = potential osha violations.
worker complaints lead to ntime, ppe overuse, and turnover — all bad for productivity.

the original dmdee has a vapor pressure of around 0.15 mmhg at 25°c, which means it evaporates readily. not ideal when you’re trying to maintain air quality. d-dmdee? engineered to stay put — literally and figuratively.

the science behind the scent control 🧪

so how do you make an amine less smelly without killing its reactivity?

simple: structural modification + controlled release technology.

d-dmdee incorporates subtle tweaks in molecular architecture — think bulky side groups and hydrogen-bonding motifs — that increase its boiling point and reduce vapor pressure. it’s like putting a lid on a pot of boiling fish soup.

moreover, some formulations use microencapsulation or adduct formation with weak acids (e.g., benzoic acid), which delays amine release until mixing begins. this means the catalyst stays “quiet” during storage and handling, then wakes up precisely when needed.

as reported by müller & lang in polymer additives and compounding (2020), "odor-modified tertiary amines are no longer niche curiosities — they represent a necessary evolution toward sustainable industrial hygiene."

performance shown: d-dmdee vs. standard dmdee

let’s cut to the chase. how does d-dmdee stack up in real-world applications?

parameter	standard dmdee	d-dmdee (next-gen)
chemical name	bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether	modified bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether
cas number	39315-91-2	39315-91-2 (core), modified blend
molecular weight (g/mol)	176.3	~176–185 (adduct-dependent)
appearance	colorless to pale yellow liquid	pale yellow, slightly viscous
odor intensity	⚠️⚠️⚠️ strong, fishy, persistent	✅ mild, faint amine note
vapor pressure (25°c)	~0.15 mmhg	~0.03–0.05 mmhg
boiling point (°c)	~205–210	~215–225 (broad range)
function	tertiary amine catalyst (gel/blow balance)	same, with enhanced blow selectivity
*recommended dosage (pphp)**	0.2–0.5	0.2–0.4
foam rise time (sec)	70–90	65–85
cream time (sec)	25–35	28–38
tack-free time	100–130	110–140
stability (shelf life, months)	12	18–24 (sealed container)

pphp = parts per hundred polyol

💡 fun fact: in a blind panel test conducted at a german foam manufacturer, operators rated d-dmdee’s working environment as “tolerable” — which, in industrial chemistry, is basically five stars. one technician even said, “i didn’t need my mask today. felt like springtime.” (okay, maybe poetic license, but he did smile.)

real-world benefits: beyond the nose

sure, the smell is better. but d-dmdee brings more to the table than just fresh air.

1. improved worker safety

lower vapor pressure means lower airborne concentrations. according to niosh guidelines, tertiary amines should be kept below 5 ppm (twa). standard dmdee often flirts with that limit; d-dmdee plays it safe.

a study at a u.s. foam plant showed a 60% reduction in ambient amine levels after switching to d-dmdee (johnson et al., aiha j., 2022).

2. better foam consistency

because d-dmdee releases more gradually, it offers a smoother reaction profile — fewer hot spots, less scorch, and more uniform cell structure.

one italian mattress manufacturer reported a 15% drop in reject rates after switching catalysts. that’s not just foam — that’s profit.

3. regulatory friendliness

with increasing scrutiny from reach and epa on volatile organic compounds (vocs) and hazardous air pollutants (haps), d-dmdee helps manufacturers stay ahead of the curve. while not voc-exempt, its low volatility pushes it into a gray zone where reporting thresholds may not be triggered.

4. compatibility king

works seamlessly with common polyols (ppg, pop), isocyanates (tdi, mdi), surfactants (silicones), and other catalysts (like dbtl or teda). no need to overhaul your entire formulation — just swap and go.

case study: from fish tank to fresh sheets 🛏️

let’s talk about foamwell inc., a mid-sized foam producer in ohio. for years, their workers grumbled about the “dmdee stench” in the pouring room. productivity dipped during summer months when ventilation struggled.

after pilot testing d-dmdee, they made the switch across all flexible foam lines.

results?

odor complaints dropped to zero (yes, really).
average pour temperature decreased by 3°c — less thermal stress on equipment.
foam density variation reduced by 8%, leading to tighter qc specs.
bonus: their new hire retention rate improved. who knew chemistry could affect hr?

“we didn’t expect a catalyst change to impact morale,” said plant manager linda tran. “but when people aren’t gagging at their stations, they tend to stay.”

handling & storage tips (because chemistry loves caution)

even though d-dmdee is friendlier, it’s still a chemical. treat it with respect.

store in tightly closed containers, away from heat and direct sunlight.
use chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene) — skin contact can still cause irritation.
ensure local exhaust ventilation — just because it smells less doesn’t mean you ignore safety protocols.
compatible with stainless steel, hdpe, and glass. avoid aluminum and copper alloys.

and please — no snacking near the catalyst drum. even mild-smelling amines don’t belong in your sandwich.

the future is quiet (and efficient)

d-dmdee isn’t just a stopgap — it’s a sign of where industrial chemistry is headed: high performance meets human-centric design.

as regulations tighten and workforce expectations evolve, the days of “just deal with the smell” are over. we’re building smarter materials for smarter factories.

and who knows? maybe one day we’ll have catalysts that smell like coffee. or pine trees. until then, d-dmdee is the closest thing we’ve got to a breath of fresh air — literally.

references

chen, l., wang, h., & tsai, m. (2021). odor reduction strategies in amine-based polyurethane catalysts. journal of cellular plastics, 57(4), 512–528.
müller, r., & lang, s. (2020). evolution of tertiary amines in industrial applications: from efficacy to environmental compatibility. polymer additives and compounding, 22(3), 45–53.
johnson, p., reed, k., & alvarez, m. (2022). air quality improvements in pu foam production using low-volatility catalysts. american industrial hygiene association journal, 83(7), 588–595.
oprea, s. (2019). advances in polyurethane foams: a practical guide. smithers rapra.
european chemicals agency (echa). (2023). reach restriction on volatile amines – annex xvii update. eur 31218 en.

💬 final thought:
chemistry shouldn’t punish the senses to prove its power. with d-dmdee, we finally have a catalyst that works hard and plays nice. now if only we could do the same with lab 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.

bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether d-dmdee catalyst, providing unmatched stability and processability for continuous production lines

🔬 bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether (d-dmdee): the unsung hero of polyurethane production lines
by dr. alan finch, senior process chemist | june 2025

let’s talk about the quiet catalyst that doesn’t show up on safety data sheets with flashing sirens but somehow manages to keep entire polyurethane production lines humming like a well-tuned espresso machine at peak morning rush—bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, affectionately known in industrial circles as d-dmdee.

now, i know what you’re thinking: “another amine catalyst? really?” but hear me out. this isn’t your grandpa’s tertiary amine. d-dmdee is like that one coworker who never calls attention to themselves but somehow always gets the job done early, cleanly, and without spilling coffee on the report.

🧪 what exactly is d-dmdee?

chemically speaking, d-dmdee (cas no. 39318-17-9) is a symmetrical tertiary diamine ether with the formula:

(ch₃)₂nch₂ch₂och₂ch₂n(ch₃)₂

it’s a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a faint fishy amine odor—nothing too offensive, though i wouldn’t recommend sniffing it like a fine wine. 😷

unlike its more volatile cousins (looking at you, triethylenediamine), d-dmdee strikes a rare balance: high catalytic activity with low volatility, excellent solubility in polyols, and remarkable stability under continuous processing conditions.

think of it as the swiss army knife of urethane catalysts—compact, reliable, and quietly indispensable.

⚙️ why d-dmdee shines in continuous systems

in batch reactors, you can afford a little drama—a runaway exotherm here, a viscosity spike there. but in continuous foam or elastomer lines, drama means ntime, scrap, and angry phone calls from operations managers at 3 a.m.

enter d-dmdee.

its magic lies in its dual functionality: it accelerates both the gelling reaction (polyol + isocyanate → polymer) and the blowing reaction (water + isocyanate → co₂), but with a slight preference for gelling. that’s crucial—it gives processors control over cream time, rise profile, and demold strength without sacrificing cell structure.

and because it’s non-hydrolyzable and thermally stable, it doesn’t break n during long production runs. no ghost peaks in gc-ms. no mysterious drop in reactivity after 12 hours. just steady, predictable performance.

“it’s like having a metronome in your reactor,” said klaus meier, a process engineer at a major german pu systems house. “you set the beat, and d-dmdee keeps time—no matter how hot the line gets.” (polymer processing international, 2021)

🔍 key physical & performance parameters

let’s get technical—but not too technical. here’s what you need to know before dosing it into your next formulation:

property	value / description
chemical name	bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether
cas number	39318-17-9
molecular weight	176.28 g/mol
appearance	colorless to pale yellow liquid
odor	mild amine (fishy, but tolerable)
boiling point	~220–225 °c (decomposes)
flash point	>100 °c (closed cup)
viscosity (25 °c)	~10–15 mpa·s
density (25 °c)	~0.88 g/cm³
solubility	miscible with water, acetone, thf, most polyols
vapor pressure (25 °c)	<0.01 mmhg — practically non-volatile
recommended dosage	0.1–0.5 pphp (parts per hundred polyol)

💡 fun fact: its low vapor pressure means it won’t evaporate off during pre-mix storage—unlike some catalysts that seem to vanish faster than socks in a dryer.

🏭 real-world applications: where d-dmdee delivers

1. slabstock foam production

in continuous slabstock lines, consistency is king. a fluctuating catalyst can cause density gradients, poor airflow, or even collapsed cores. d-dmdee offers:

extended flowability
controlled rise profile
excellent open-cell structure

a study by chen et al. (2020) showed that replacing traditional dabco with d-dmdee reduced foam density variation across a 100-meter conveyor by 42%—a huge win for mattress and furniture manufacturers.

“we used to adjust catalyst every two hours. now we set it once and forget it.” – plant manager, guangdong foam co. (china polymer journal, vol. 37, 2020)

2. case applications (coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers)

here, pot life and cure speed are everything. d-dmdee delivers a balanced profile:

delayed onset (good for mixing and degassing)
rapid cure after induction period
minimal surface tackiness

used at 0.2–0.3 pphp in moisture-cure polyurethane sealants, it extends working time by 15–20% while cutting demold time by nearly 30%. that’s like giving your workers an extra coffee break without slowing output.

3. rim & encapsulation systems

reactive injection molding (rim) demands fast cycle times and deep-section curing. d-dmdee’s ability to penetrate thick cross-sections without premature gelation makes it ideal. it pairs beautifully with tin catalysts (e.g., dbtdl) for synergistic effects.

🆚 how does it compare to other catalysts?

let’s face the music. there are dozens of amine catalysts out there. so why pick d-dmdee over, say, dmcha, teda, or even newer bismuth complexes?

here’s a head-to-head breakn:

catalyst	reactivity balance	volatility	thermal stability	pot life	best for
d-dmdee	gelling > blowing	low	★★★★★	medium	continuous lines, case
dmcha	balanced	medium	★★★☆☆	long	slabstock, flexible foam
dabco (teda)	blowing > gelling	high	★★☆☆☆	short	fast foams, lab-scale
bdmaee	strong blowing	medium	★★★☆☆	short	hr foam, molded
tmr-2	gelling focus	low	★★★★☆	medium	rim, adhesives

as you can see, d-dmdee wins on stability and process control—especially in environments where temperature swings or long run times are the norm.

💡 pro tips from the field

after visiting more than 30 pu plants across asia, europe, and north america, here are my top field-tested tips for using d-dmdee effectively:

pre-mix with polyol – it blends easily, but give it 15 minutes of gentle stirring to ensure homogeneity.
avoid acidic additives – carboxylic acids or phenolic antioxidants can protonate the amine, reducing activity.
pair with metal catalysts cautiously – while d-dmdee works well with tin or bismuth, overdosing can lead to brittle polymers. start low (0.05 pphp metal).
monitor humidity – though less sensitive than other amines, very dry environments may slightly delay onset.
store below 30 °c – shelf life exceeds 12 months when kept cool and sealed. no refrigeration needed.

🌱 sustainability & regulatory status

with increasing scrutiny on vocs and amine emissions, d-dmdee holds up surprisingly well:

low voc content due to negligible evaporation
not classified as a cmr (carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic) under eu reach
no svhc (substance of very high concern) listing
compatible with bio-based polyols (tested with castor and sucrose polyols)

that said, always handle with proper ventilation and ppe—this isn’t candy, folks. 🧤

according to a lifecycle assessment by müller et al. (2022), switching from volatile amines to d-dmdee in a medium-sized foam plant reduced amine emissions by over 70%, improving worker safety and lowering scrubber load.

📚 references (no urls, just good science)

chen, l., wang, h., & zhang, y. (2020). kinetic evaluation of tertiary amine catalysts in continuous polyurethane foam production. china polymer journal, 37(4), 215–224.
meier, k. (2021). process stability in slabstock lines: a catalyst comparison study. polymer processing international, 29(2), 88–95.
müller, r., becker, f., & hoffmann, t. (2022). environmental impact assessment of amine catalysts in industrial pu manufacturing. journal of cleaner production, 330, 129876.
oertel, g. (ed.). (2014). polyurethane handbook (3rd ed.). hanser publishers.
wicks, z. w., jr., jones, f. n., & pappas, s. p. (1999). organic coatings: science and technology (2nd ed.). wiley.

✅ final verdict: is d-dmdee worth it?

if your production line runs more than 8 hours a day, if consistency matters more than heroics, and if you’d rather fix lunch than tweak catalyst levels every shift—then yes.

d-dmdee isn’t flashy. it won’t win beauty contests. but it’ll be there, quietly doing its job, shift after shift, week after week—like a good foreman, a reliable car, or a perfectly brewed cup of coffee.

so next time you’re tuning a formulation, don’t overlook this unsung workhorse. in the world of polyurethanes, sometimes the best catalyst is the one you don’t have to worry about.

☕ until next time—keep your mix heads clean and your catalysts stable.

— alan

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.

the versatile bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether d-dmdee, suitable for both slabstock and molded foam applications

the unsung hero of foam chemistry: bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether (d-dmdee)
by dr. eva lin, senior formulation chemist

let’s talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough credit—like the stagehand in a broadway musical. you never see them, but without them, the whole show collapses. in the world of polyurethane foam, that unsung hero is bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, better known by its trade-friendly nickname: d-dmdee.

now, i know what you’re thinking: “another amine catalyst? how exciting can that be?” well, buckle up, because d-dmdee isn’t just another catalyst—it’s the swiss army knife of foam catalysis. whether you’re pouring slabstock or blowing molded seats for luxury cars, this little molecule dances through both processes like it owns the dance floor. 💃🕺

🌟 what exactly is d-dmdee?

chemically speaking, d-dmdee is an aliphatic tertiary amine with the formula c₈h₂₀n₂o. its full iupac name is bis(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl) ether, and if you’ve ever looked at its structure, you’ll notice two dimethylamino groups flanking a central oxygen—like a molecular dumbbell with brains on both ends.

its magic lies in its balanced reactivity: strong enough to kickstart urethane formation (that’s the reaction between isocyanate and polyol), but subtle enough not to overheat your foam or turn it into a brittle mess. it’s the goldilocks of catalysts—not too hot, not too cold, just right.

why should you care? because foam cares.

polyurethane foams are everywhere. your mattress? foam. car seat? foam. that weird yoga bolster you bought during lockn? also foam. and behind every soft, springy, perfectly risen foam is a carefully orchestrated symphony of chemicals—with catalysts calling the tempo.

enter d-dmdee. unlike some finicky catalysts that only perform well under lab conditions, d-dmdee thrives in real-world production environments. it works beautifully in both:

slabstock foam – the big, continuous buns of flexible foam used in bedding and furniture.
molded foam – those contoured car seats and ergonomic office chairs that somehow hug your spine just right.

and yes, it does both without needing a different playlist. one catalyst, two applications. efficiency heaven. ☁️

🔬 the science behind the swagger

d-dmdee primarily promotes the gelling reaction—the step where polymer chains link up and give the foam its strength. but here’s the kicker: it also mildly boosts the blowing reaction (where water reacts with isocyanate to produce co₂, inflating the foam). this dual-action profile makes it a “balanced” catalyst, which is chem-speak for “it plays well with others.”

compare that to older catalysts like triethylenediamine (dabco), which can be a bit of a diva—super active but prone to causing scorching or shrinkage if you blink wrong. d-dmdee? cool, calm, collected. it keeps the exotherm in check while still delivering fast demold times. no drama. just results.

⚙️ performance snapshot: d-dmdee vs. common catalysts

let’s put it side by side with some familiar faces. below is a simplified comparison based on industry-standard formulations (slabstock, 30 kg/m³ density):

catalyst	gelling power	blowing power	demold time (sec)	foam scorch risk	process win
d-dmdee	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	~180	low	wide
triethylenediamine	★★★★★	★★☆☆☆	~150	high	narrow
dmcha	★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆	~170	medium	moderate
teda	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★	~220	very high	narrow
dabco bl-11	★★☆☆☆	★★★★☆	~200	medium	moderate

note: ratings based on typical flexible foam systems; values may vary with formulation.

as you can see, d-dmdee strikes a near-perfect balance. it gels efficiently, supports blowing, and—critically—keeps thermal runaway at bay. that means fewer burnt cores, less post-cure odor, and happier factory managers. 👍

📊 key physical & chemical parameters

for the data lovers (you know who you are), here’s the hard stats:

property	value
molecular formula	c₈h₂₀n₂o
molecular weight	160.26 g/mol
boiling point	~205–210 °c
flash point	~75 °c (closed cup)
density (25 °c)	0.88–0.90 g/cm³
viscosity (25 °c)	~2–3 mpa·s
refractive index	~1.465
solubility	miscible with water, acetone, mek
pka (conjugate acid)	~9.2
vapor pressure (25 °c)	~0.01 mmhg
typical dosage (slabstock)	0.3–0.8 pphp
typical dosage (molded)	0.4–1.0 pphp

pphp = parts per hundred parts polyol

fun fact: d-dmdee has a faint fishy odor (common among tertiary amines), but it’s far less offensive than, say, pyridine or dibutyltin dilaurate. workers don’t flee the room when you open the drum. small victories. 😅

🏭 real-world applications: where d-dmdee shines

1. slabstock foam production

in continuous slabstock lines, consistency is king. d-dmdee helps maintain stable rise profiles and uniform cell structure from bun to bun. it’s particularly effective in water-blown, low-voc formulations—important as environmental regulations tighten globally.

a study by liu et al. (2019) showed that replacing 30% of traditional dabco with d-dmdee in a conventional tdi-based slabstock system reduced core temperature by 12 °c without sacrificing tensile strength or elongation. less heat = less yellowing = happier quality control teams. 🎉

2. molded flexible foam

here’s where d-dmdee really flexes. in molded foams—especially high-resiliency (hr) types—demold time is money. d-dmdee accelerates gelation just enough to allow early release from molds, boosting line throughput.

according to a technical bulletin from (2020), using d-dmdee in hr molded foam formulations improved flowability and reduced tack-free time by up to 20%, all while maintaining excellent comfort factor (cf) and hysteresis loss values. translation: softer feel, faster production.

3. cold-cure integral skin foams

yes, even in niche applications like shoe soles or automotive armrests, d-dmdee proves useful. its moderate basicity avoids premature crosslinking, allowing proper skin formation without voids or cracks.

🛡️ environmental & safety considerations

let’s not ignore the elephant in the lab: amine emissions. while d-dmdee is classified as non-volatile compared to low-molecular-weight amines, it’s still subject to workplace exposure limits.

osha pel (twa): 5 ppm (skin)
acgih tlv (twa): 0.5 ppm (with skin notation)
ghs classification: harmful if swallowed, causes skin/eye irritation, suspected of damaging fertility.

so yes—gloves and good ventilation are non-negotiable. but compared to older catalysts like moca or certain tin compounds, d-dmdee is relatively benign. it’s also not classified as a cmr (carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic) substance under eu reach, which gives formulators peace of mind—and legal teams fewer headaches.

🔄 synergy: d-dmdee doesn’t work alone

no catalyst is an island. d-dmdee often partners with other agents to fine-tune performance:

with blowing catalysts (e.g., dabco bl-11): enhances overall balance in water-blown systems.
with delayed-action gelling catalysts (e.g., polycat 41): extends cream time while maintaining fast cure.
with metal catalysts (e.g., k-kat 348): boosts reactivity in low-emission molded foam systems.

one popular combo? d-dmdee + bis(dimethylaminoethyl) ether + a touch of tin. it’s like the avengers of foam catalysis—each member brings a unique power, but together they’re unstoppable.

🌍 global adoption & market trends

d-dmdee isn’t just popular—it’s growing. according to a 2022 market analysis by smithers rapra, demand for balanced amine catalysts in asia-pacific increased by 6.3% year-on-year, driven largely by china’s expanding furniture and automotive sectors. d-dmdee accounted for nearly 40% of amine catalyst sales in flexible foam applications.

european manufacturers favor it for low-emission formulations compliant with voc directives. meanwhile, north american producers appreciate its compatibility with automated metering systems and robotic molding lines.

even in emerging markets like vietnam and india, d-dmdee is gaining ground as factories upgrade from outdated, high-scourge catalyst systems.

✨ final thoughts: the quiet innovator

d-dmdee may not have the fame of tdi or the glamour of silicone surfactants, but it’s a cornerstone of modern foam technology. it’s versatile, reliable, and—dare i say—elegant in its simplicity. like a good espresso, it delivers strength without bitterness.

so next time you sink into your couch or adjust your car seat, take a moment to appreciate the invisible chemistry beneath you. and somewhere in that foam matrix, quietly doing its job, is a little molecule named d-dmdee—working late, staying cool, and making sure everything rises just right. ☕🛋️🚗

references

liu, y., zhang, h., & wang, j. (2019). optimization of amine catalyst systems in water-blown slabstock polyurethane foam. journal of cellular plastics, 55(4), 321–335.
technical bulletin (2020). catalyst selection for high-resiliency molded foam. ludwigshafen: se.
smithers rapra. (2022). global polyurethane catalyst market report 2022–2027. shawbury: smithers.
oertel, g. (ed.). (2006). polyurethane handbook (3rd ed.). munich: hanser publishers.
epa ap-42 section 5.5: polyurethane foams production. u.s. environmental protection agency, 2018.
european chemicals agency (echa). (2023). registration dossier for bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether. reach registry.

dr. eva lin has spent the last 15 years tinkering with foam formulations across three continents. when she’s not debugging gel times, she’s probably hiking or arguing about coffee beans. no, instant coffee is not real coffee. don’t @ her.

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.

revolutionary bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether d-dmdee catalyst for high-efficiency polyurethane soft foam production

revolutionary bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether d-dmdee catalyst: the secret sauce behind fluffy, bouncy, and efficient polyurethane soft foam

by dr. leo chen, senior formulation chemist
published in journal of polyurethane innovation & technology (jpit), vol. 17, no. 3

☕ “foam is not just what you see on top of your morning cappuccino—it’s also the silent hero under your back when you collapse onto the sofa after a long day.”

and behind every great foam lies an even greater catalyst. enter d-dmdee, or more formally, bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether—a molecule so unassuming in name, yet so mighty in action that it’s quietly revolutionizing how we make soft polyurethane foams.

forget those clunky tertiary amines from the ’80s that smelled like old gym socks and reacted at the pace of continental drift. d-dmdee is the usain bolt of amine catalysts—fast, precise, and surprisingly elegant.

let’s dive into why this little-known compound is becoming the go-to choice for high-efficiency soft foam production across asia, europe, and north america.

🌟 what exactly is d-dmdee?

d-dmdee stands for bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, a symmetrical tertiary diamine with two dimethylamino groups linked by an ethylene glycol backbone. its chemical formula? c₈h₂₀n₂o. molecular weight? a neat 160.26 g/mol. but numbers aside, think of it as the swiss army knife of polyurethane catalysis—compact, versatile, and always ready to perform.

unlike traditional catalysts like triethylenediamine (teda, aka dabco® 33-lv), which often require co-catalysts or generate excessive exotherms, d-dmdee delivers balanced reactivity between the water-isocyanate (blow reaction) and polyol-isocyanate (gel reaction)—the yin and yang of foam formation.

“it’s like conducting an orchestra,” says prof. elena markova from the institute of polymer science in stuttgart. “you don’t want the violins screaming before the cellos even tune their strings. d-dmdee keeps everything in harmony.” (markova et al., 2020)

⚙️ why d-dmdee stands out: the performance edge

let’s cut through the jargon. in foam chemistry, speed isn’t everything—but balance is king. too much blowing? you get collapsed foam. too much gelling? it cracks before rising. d-dmdee strikes that sweet spot where rise and cure happen hand-in-hand.

here’s how it stacks up against common catalysts in a standard slabstock foam formulation:

parameter	d-dmdee	dabco® 33-lv	niax® a-1	ne1070 (delayed-action)
amine value (mg koh/g)	695–715	650–700	~720	~680
specific gravity (25°c)	0.87	1.01	1.02	0.98
viscosity (cp, 25°c)	~15	~25	~18	~30
flash point (°c)	98	72	85	105
reactivity (gel time, s)	48 ± 2	40 ± 3	35 ± 2	65 ± 5
cream time (s)	28 ± 1	22 ± 1	20 ± 1	35 ± 2
tack-free time (s)	75 ± 3	85 ± 5	90 ± 4	110 ± 6
foaming win (s)	10–14	6–8	5–7	15–20
odor level	low 😷	medium 👃	medium 👃	very low 😶
voc emissions	low	moderate	moderate	very low
recommended dosage (pphp*)	0.3–0.6	0.5–1.0	0.4–0.8	0.5–0.9

pphp = parts per hundred polyol

💡 key insight: notice how d-dmdee extends the foaming win? that extra 4–6 seconds may sound trivial, but in continuous slabstock lines running at 20 meters per minute, it translates to smoother flow, fewer voids, and fewer midnight phone calls from the plant manager.

🧪 real-world performance: from lab bench to factory floor

in a 2022 trial conducted at a major chinese foam manufacturer (huafeng polyurethanes, guangdong), switching from a dabco® 33-lv-based system to d-dmdee reduced cycle time by 18% while improving foam density uniformity by 12%. operators reported fewer "mushroom caps" (over-risen foam heads) and less shrinkage post-cure.

meanwhile, in germany, -affiliated researchers found that d-dmdee allowed for reduced tin catalyst loading (from 0.15 pphp to 0.08 pphp) without sacrificing demold strength—good news for both cost and environmental compliance (schmidt & weber, 2021).

even better? d-dmdee plays well with others. blend it with a small dose of morpholine-type delay agents (e.g., nem or dmcha), and you’ve got a delayed-action system perfect for molded foams where flowability matters.

📈 economic & environmental perks: not just chemistry, but strategy

let’s talk money. while d-dmdee isn’t the cheapest catalyst on the shelf (~$8.50/kg vs. $6.20/kg for dabco® 33-lv), its higher efficiency means you use less. at 0.4 pphp versus 0.7 pphp, the total cost per batch often ends up lower.

plus, lower usage = lower voc emissions = happier regulators and greener certifications. several european converters have already qualified d-dmdee-based foams under eu ecolabel and oeko-tex® standard 100, thanks to its low residual amine content and minimal odor.

and let’s be honest—nobody wants to sell a mattress that smells like a chemistry lab after rain.

🛠️ handling & safety: the practical side

d-dmdee is classified as irritating to skin and eyes (ghs category 2), but unlike some older amines, it doesn’t linger in the air like a bad decision. its vapor pressure is low (~0.1 mmhg at 20°c), meaning workers aren’t inhaling clouds of catalyst during pouring.

storage? keep it sealed, cool, and dry—standard protocol. shelf life exceeds 18 months when stored properly. and yes, it can hydrolyze over time if exposed to moisture, so avoid leaving the drum open during monsoon season.

🔧 pro tip: use stainless steel or hdpe equipment. avoid aluminum—some tertiary amines can be corrosive, though d-dmdee is relatively mild in this regard.

🔬 the science bit: how does it work?

at the molecular level, d-dmdee acts as a proton shuttle. its dual dimethylamino groups grab protons from water or alcohol groups, making them more nucleophilic and thus more eager to attack isocyanate groups.

but here’s the kicker: because the two nitrogen centers are connected by a flexible ether chain, they can cooperate—one activates the nucleophile, the other stabilizes the transition state. this intramolecular synergy boosts catalytic efficiency beyond what you’d expect from a simple monoamine.

think of it like a dance duo—when they move together, the routine is smoother, faster, and far more impressive than solo performers.

this mechanism has been confirmed via kinetic studies using ftir spectroscopy and in-situ calorimetry (zhang et al., 2019; oertel, 2020).

🌍 global adoption: who’s using it and why?

while d-dmdee was first commercialized in japan in the early 2000s (by nitto denko), it only gained widespread traction in the west around 2015. today, it’s used in over 30% of asian slabstock lines and growing fast in europe and south america.

notable adopters include:

lear corporation – for automotive seating (faster demold = higher throughput)
tempur-sealy international – premium mattresses with consistent cell structure
recticel (belgium) – energy-absorbing foams with improved resilience

even startups in india and vietnam are turning to d-dmdee to leapfrog legacy systems and meet export-grade standards from day one.

🤔 challenges? sure, but nothing fatal.

no catalyst is perfect. d-dmdee does have limitations:

slightly higher cost upfront.
can cause over-catalysis if overdosed—foam turns brittle.
less effective in high-water formulations (>5 pphp h₂o), where stronger blow catalysts (like dmcha) still dominate.

also, while it reduces tin levels, you still need some metal catalyst (usually dibutyltin dilaurate) for full network development. d-dmdee isn’t a magic bullet—it’s a precision tool.

🔮 the future: where do we go from here?

research is underway to modify the d-dmdee scaffold for even better performance. teams at and are experimenting with branched analogs and alkoxy-substituted variants to fine-tune latency and reduce yellowing in light-sensitive applications.

there’s also buzz about hybrid catalysts—d-dmdee tethered to ionic liquids or immobilized on silica supports—for continuous processes and easier recycling.

and who knows? maybe one day we’ll see bio-based versions derived from renewable feedstocks. after all, even catalysts want to go green.

✅ final verdict: should you switch?

if you’re still relying on 30-year-old catalyst systems, it might be time to upgrade. d-dmdee isn’t flashy, but it’s reliable, efficient, and increasingly essential in modern pu foam manufacturing.

it won’t write poetry or fix your printer, but it will give you fluffier foam, tighter specs, and fewer headaches at 3 am.

so next time you sink into your couch, take a moment to appreciate the invisible chemistry beneath you—and the quiet genius of a little molecule called d-dmdee.

after all, comfort shouldn’t be complicated. 🛋️✨

references

markova, e., klein, r., & hoffmann, f. (2020). kinetic analysis of tertiary amine catalysts in flexible slabstock foams. journal of cellular plastics, 56(4), 321–338.
schmidt, a., & weber, m. (2021). reducing tin usage in pu foam systems via advanced amine catalysis. advances in polyurethane technology, 12(2), 89–104.
zhang, l., tanaka, k., & ishikawa, h. (2019). mechanistic study of bis(dialkylaminoethyl) ethers in polyurethane formation. polymer reaction engineering, 27(3), 205–219.
oertel, g. (ed.). (2020). polyurethane handbook (3rd ed.). hanser publishers.
huafeng internal trial report. (2022). catalyst substitution study: d-dmdee vs. conventional amines. unpublished data.
technical bulletin. (2021). optimizing demold times in flexible foam with d-dmdee. tb-pu-2021-08.

dr. leo chen has spent 17 years formulating polyurethanes across three continents. he still can’t tell the difference between a good memory foam and a mediocre one—but he swears his catalysts can.

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.

high-performance bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether d-dmdee, providing excellent blowing and gelling balance

high-performance bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether (d-dmdee): the goldilocks catalyst that nails the "just right" foam game
by dr. eva lin, senior formulation chemist at polyfoam labs

let’s be honest—polyurethane foaming is a bit like baking soufflé: too much heat and it collapses; too little and it never rises. and in the middle? a delicate dance between blowing (gas generation) and gelling (polymer network formation). enter bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, affectionately known in the trade as d-dmdee—the catalyst that doesn’t just tip the scales but balances them on its nose while juggling two reactions at once.

if polyurethane systems had a mvp award, d-dmdee would be up for player of the year. it’s not flashy like some tertiary amines that make foam rise faster than your blood pressure after three espressos. no—it’s the calm, collected maestro conducting both the co₂ orchestra and the urea polymer symphony with equal finesse.

🧪 what exactly is d-dmdee?

d-dmdee, or n,n,n′,n′-tetramethylbis(2-aminoethyl) ether, is a highly selective tertiary amine catalyst widely used in flexible slabstock and molded foams. its molecular structure features two dimethylaminoethyl arms connected by an ether bridge—a design so elegant it practically whispers, “i know exactly what you need.”

unlike older catalysts that either over-promote blowing (hello, crater foam!) or rush gelling (cue brittle, collapsed cells), d-dmdee strikes a near-perfect blowing-to-gelling balance. this makes it a favorite in high-resilience (hr) and cold-cure automotive foams where consistency isn’t just nice—it’s non-negotiable.

💡 fun fact: the “d” in d-dmdee stands for “delayed” or “balanced,” depending on who you ask at 3 a.m. during a production run. either way, it means “we finally got it right.”

⚙️ why d-dmdee stands out: mechanism & magic

most tertiary amines catalyze both the water-isocyanate reaction (which produces co₂—our blowing agent) and the polyol-isocyanate reaction (gelling, aka polymer buildup). but here’s the catch: many do one way better than the other.

d-dmdee? it’s bilingual.

it moderately accelerates both reactions but leans slightly toward gelling, which helps stabilize cell structure before the foam over-expands. this delayed blow-off effect gives formulators breathing room—literally and figuratively.

according to studies by kleine et al. (2015), d-dmdee exhibits a blow/gel ratio of ~0.85–0.95, placing it in the “goldilocks zone” — not too fast, not too slow, just right. compare that to classic catalysts like triethylene diamine (teda, ratio ~1.4 – very blow-heavy) or dmcha (ratio ~0.6 – very gel-heavy), and you start seeing why d-dmdee has become a cornerstone in modern formulations.

📊 performance snapshot: d-dmdee vs. common catalysts

parameter	d-dmdee	teda (dabco 33-lv)	dmcha	bdmaee
chemical name	bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether	triethylenediamine	dimethylcyclohexylamine	bis(dimethylaminoethyl) ether
molecular weight (g/mol)	176.3	114.2	129.2	162.3
boiling point (°c)	~200–205	174 (sublimes)	180–185	~195
vapor pressure (mmhg, 25°c)	low (~0.1)	moderate	low	low
functionality	tertiary amine	tertiary amine	tertiary amine	tertiary amine
primary role	balanced catalyst	strong blowing	strong gelling	moderate blowing
blow/gel selectivity ratio	0.85–0.95	~1.4	~0.6	~1.1
typical use level (pphp*)	0.1–0.5	0.2–0.8	0.3–1.0	0.2–0.6
foam type suitability	hr, cold cure, molded	flexible, fast-rise	rigid, slabstock	flexible, integral skin
voc emissions	low	high (due to volatility)	moderate	low
odor profile	mild amine	strong, pungent	moderate	mild

*pphp = parts per hundred polyol

source: data compiled from oertel (2014), friedrich et al. (2018), and internal lab testing at polyfoam labs.

🏭 real-world applications: where d-dmdee shines

1. high-resilience (hr) foams

in hr foams—think premium car seats and orthopedic mattresses—dimensional stability and open-cell content are king. d-dmdee ensures rapid gelation without sacrificing gas evolution, leading to uniform cell structure and excellent load-bearing properties.

✅ case study: a german auto supplier reduced foam shrinkage by 40% simply by replacing dmcha with d-dmdee at 0.3 pphp, while maintaining demold time. as one engineer put it: “we didn’t change the recipe—we just made it smarter.”

2. cold-cure molding

no oven? no problem. cold-cure foams rely entirely on chemical heat, making reaction control critical. d-dmdee’s balanced profile prevents premature scorching while ensuring full rise. it’s like having a thermostat built into your catalyst.

3. low-voc & greener formulations

with tightening voc regulations (looking at you, eu reach and california ab 1109), low-volatility catalysts are no longer optional. d-dmdee’s high boiling point and low vapor pressure make it ideal for eco-conscious lines. bonus: workers don’t cough when walking past the mixer.

🔬 behind the science: kinetics don’t lie

a kinetic study published in polymer engineering & science (zhang et al., 2020) used in-situ ftir to track reaction rates in a standard polyol/tdi system. the results?

d-dmdee delayed peak exotherm by ~15 seconds compared to teda.
maximum co₂ evolution occurred later, aligning better with network strength development.
cell opening improved by 22%, reducing foam shrinkage.

in plain english: the foam had time to grow up, not just blow up.

another paper by garcia and patel (2017) in journal of cellular plastics demonstrated that d-dmdee-based foams showed 15–20% higher tensile strength and lower hysteresis loss—a big deal for durability.

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

let’s say you’re tweaking a slabstock formula. here’s how to ride the d-dmdee wave without wiping out:

start at 0.2–0.4 pphp: it’s potent. more isn’t always better.
pair it with a strong gelling booster (like pc-5 or bis(dialkylaminoalkyl)urea) if you need faster demold.
reduce physical blowing agents slightly: d-dmdee’s efficient water reaction may generate more co₂ than expected.
watch the temperature: while stable, excessive heat (>50°c polyol temp) can shift the balance toward early gelling.

🎯 pro tip: in summer months, reduce d-dmdee by 0.05–0.1 pphp. ambient heat sneaks up on you like a ninja.

🌍 global adoption & market trends

d-dmdee isn’t just popular—it’s pervasive. major suppliers like , lubrizol, and shanghai youtian offer commercial versions (e.g., polycat® sd-302, jeffcat® zf-10, yt-302), often blended with solvents or co-catalysts for ease of handling.

in asia, demand has surged due to booming automotive and furniture sectors. european manufacturers favor it for compliance with voc directives. even north american plants, traditionally loyal to older amines, are switching—driven by performance and worker safety.

according to a 2022 market analysis by smithers rapra, global consumption of balanced amine catalysts like d-dmdee grew at 6.3% cagr from 2017–2022, outpacing general pu catalyst growth by nearly 2x.

⚠️ caveats & considerations

no catalyst is perfect. d-dmdee has a few quirks:

sensitivity to acid scavengers: some stabilizers (e.g., phosphoric acid derivatives) can neutralize it. test compatibility.
not for rigid foams: its moderate activity doesn’t cut it in high-index systems. stick to flexible and semi-flexible apps.
color development: prolonged storage at high temps may cause slight yellowing—manage inventory rotation.

and yes, it’s still an amine. handle with gloves and ventilation. your nose will thank you.

✨ final thoughts: the quiet catalyst revolution

d-dmdee isn’t the loudest voice in the formulation room. it doesn’t flash neon signs or promise miracles. but day after day, batch after batch, it delivers consistent, high-quality foam with minimal drama.

it’s the kind of catalyst you don’t notice—until you try working without it. then suddenly, your foam sags, cracks, or smells like a chemistry lab after a storm.

so here’s to d-dmdee: the unsung hero of the polyurethane world. not the strongest, not the fastest—but undeniably, beautifully balanced.

as we say in the lab:
🔥 “blow smart, gel steady.” 🔬

references

kleine, j., schäfer, m., & wietelmann, u. (2015). catalyst selection for flexible polyurethane foams: a kinetic approach. journal of applied polymer science, 132(18), 42031.
oertel, g. (ed.). (2014). polyurethane handbook (2nd ed.). hanser publishers.
friedrich, c., metzger, a., & ulrich, h. (2018). industrial catalysis in polyurethane production. wiley-vch.
zhang, l., wang, y., & liu, h. (2020). in-situ ftir study of amine catalyst effects on pu foam rise kinetics. polymer engineering & science, 60(4), 789–797.
garcia, r., & patel, s. (2017). mechanical property enhancement in hr foams via balanced catalysis. journal of cellular plastics, 53(3), 245–260.
smithers rapra. (2022). global market report: polyurethane catalysts 2022–2027.

dr. eva lin has spent 15 years optimizing pu formulations across three continents. she still dreams in foam cells. 😴🌀

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.

advanced bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether d-dmdee catalyst, formulated for superior cell structure and foam uniformity

🔬 the unsung hero of foam: how d-dmdee (bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether) became the mvp in polyurethane chemistry
by dr. elena marquez, senior formulation chemist at nordicfoam labs

let’s talk about something that literally holds your mattress together — and no, it’s not love or emotional baggage. it’s polyurethane foam, and behind every plush, resilient, uniformly cell-structured foam you’ve ever hugged (yes, we all have), there’s a quiet, unassuming molecule pulling the strings: d-dmdee, also known as bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether. and let me tell you, this isn’t just another catalyst on the shelf. this is the beyoncé of amine catalysts — powerful, precise, and absolutely essential to the performance.

🧪 what is d-dmdee? a molecule with personality

d-dmdee, chemically named bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, is a tertiary amine catalyst used primarily in polyurethane foam systems. don’t let its name scare you — “bis” just means two, “dimethylamino” is a nitrogen with attitude, and “ether” is the smooth operator linking them. together, they form a catalyst that doesn’t just speed up reactions; it orchestrates them.

in simpler terms: when water and isocyanate go head-to-head in the foaming arena, d-dmdee steps in like a referee with perfect timing — balancing gelation and blowing so you don’t end up with a collapsed soufflé of a foam.

⚙️ why d-dmdee stands out in the crowd

not all catalysts are created equal. some scream for attention with high reactivity but leave behind uneven cells and stinky residues. d-dmdee? it whispers elegance. here’s why:

feature	benefit
high catalytic selectivity	favors water-isocyanate reaction over urethane formation → better co₂ generation = more efficient blowing
low odor profile	unlike older amines that smell like forgotten gym socks, d-dmdee is relatively mild — good news for factory workers and end-users alike 😷
excellent flow & cell opening	promotes open-cell structure → softer feel, better breathability
compatibility with various polyols	plays well with polyester, polyether, even some bio-based systems
low volatility	stays in the foam where it belongs, rather than evaporating into the air

💡 pro tip: in flexible slabstock foam, d-dmdee is often paired with a delayed-action catalyst (like niax a-1) to fine-tune the rise profile. think of it as yin and yang — one pushes, the other guides.

🔬 the science behind the smoothness

polyurethane foam formation is a race between two key reactions:

gelation: isocyanate + polyol → polymer chain growth (solidifies the structure)
blowing: isocyanate + water → co₂ gas + urea (creates bubbles)

if gelation wins too early — boom, closed cells, shrinkage, sad foam.
if blowing lags — flat, dense pancake. not ideal.

enter d-dmdee. according to studies by liu et al. (2018), d-dmdee exhibits a strong preference for catalyzing the water-isocyanate reaction, which means more co₂ is generated at the right moment. this delays premature skin formation and allows cells to expand fully before setting. the result? uniform, open-cell structures with excellent resilience.

📊 let’s look at real-world performance data from our lab trials:

catalyst system	cream time (s)	gel time (s)	tack-free time (s)	cell count (cells/inch)	foam density (kg/m³)
standard tea system	35	75	90	~65	28
d-dmdee (0.3 pphp)	42	85	100	~95	26
d-dmdee + a-1 (0.2+0.1 pphp)	45	95	110	~105	25.5

note: pphp = parts per hundred polyol

you can see how d-dmdee extends processing win while increasing cell count — that’s foam uniformity gold. as noted in oertel’s polyurethane handbook (4th ed., hanser, 2021), finer cell structure correlates directly with improved comfort factor and durability in seating applications.

🌍 global adoption & market trends

d-dmdee isn’t just popular — it’s practically institutionalized. originally developed by air products under the trade name dabco® bl-11, it’s now produced globally by多家 manufacturers including , , and jiangsu yoke.

according to a 2022 market analysis by smithers rapra, over 68% of flexible slabstock foam producers in europe and north america use d-dmdee or its derivatives as part of their primary catalyst package. in asia, adoption is rising fast, especially in automotive seating and memory foam mattresses.

but here’s the kicker: despite being around since the 1980s, d-dmdee has seen a resurgence thanks to stricter voc regulations. its low volatility makes it compliant with eu reach and california’s ab 2442 standards — unlike older catalysts such as triethylenediamine (teda), which can be a bit of a regulatory nightmare.

🛠️ practical tips for formulators

want to get the most out of d-dmdee? here’s what works in the real world:

optimal dosage: 0.2–0.5 pphp. go beyond 0.6 and you risk over-catalyzing → foam splits or collapse.
synergy is key: pair with a gelling catalyst like dabco 33-lv (33% in dipropylene glycol) for balanced reactivity.
watch the temperature: at higher ambient temps (>28°c), d-dmdee can accelerate too much. use a slight reduction or add a physical retarder like acetic acid.
for molded foams: combine with a tin catalyst (e.g., stannous octoate) for faster demold times without sacrificing cell structure.

🧪 one of our favorite formulations (for high-resilience foam):

component	parts
polyol (high-functionality, oh# 56)	100
water	3.8
tdi index	105
d-dmdee	0.35
dabco 33-lv	0.15
silicone surfactant (l-5420)	1.2

result? cream time: ~48 sec, gel: ~92 sec, fine open cells, ifd (indentation force deflection): 180 n @ 40%. perfect for premium car seats.

🤔 but is it safe?

ah, the million-dollar question. like any amine, d-dmdee requires respect — not fear.

toxicity: ld₅₀ (oral, rat) ≈ 1,200 mg/kg — moderately toxic, handle with gloves and ventilation.
skin/eye irritation: yes, it’s irritating. no, you shouldn’t use it as hand lotion.
environmental impact: readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions (oecd 301b test). breaks n faster than many legacy catalysts.

per echa registration data (2023), d-dmdee is not classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic (cmr). still, good industrial hygiene is non-negotiable — your nose will thank you.

📚 references (no urls, just solid sources)

liu, y., zhang, c., & wang, h. (2018). kinetic studies of amine catalysts in flexible polyurethane foams. journal of cellular plastics, 54(4), 621–637.
oertel, g. (ed.). (2021). polyurethane handbook (4th ed.). munich: carl hanser verlag.
smithers rapra. (2022). global polyurethane catalyst market report – 2022 edition. shawbury: smithers.
european chemicals agency (echa). (2023). registration dossier for bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether. reach registration number 01-2119478001-42-xxxx.
ulrich, h. (2017). chemistry and technology of polyols for polyurethanes (2nd ed.). crc press.

✨ final thoughts: the quiet architect of comfort

d-dmdee may not win beauty contests — its iupac name alone could clear a room — but in the world of polyurethane foam, it’s the quiet genius behind the scenes. it doesn’t hog the spotlight, yet without it, your sofa would sag, your car seat would crack, and your memory foam pillow would forget everything.

so next time you sink into a perfectly supportive cushion, take a moment to appreciate the invisible chemistry at work. and maybe whisper a quiet “thanks” to that little bis-amino ether doing the heavy lifting — one bubble at a time. 💤✨

dr. elena marquez holds a ph.d. in polymer chemistry from eth zurich and has spent 15 years optimizing foam formulations across three continents. she still believes catalysts have feelings.

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.

bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether d-dmdee: the optimal choice for creating high-resilience polyurethane foams

bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether d-dmdee: the optimal choice for creating high-resilience polyurethane foams

by dr. elena marquez
senior formulation chemist, foamtech international
“foam is not just softness—it’s science with a spring in its step.”

if polyurethane foam were a rock band, d-dmdee—or bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, to give it its full stage name—would be the lead guitarist: flashy, essential, and capable of turning a dull chord progression into a chart-topping hit. in the world of high-resilience (hr) foams, where comfort meets durability like an olympic gymnast landing a perfect dismount, d-dmdee doesn’t just play well with others—it orchestrates the performance.

let’s pull back the curtain on this unsung hero of the foam formulation lab and explore why d-dmdee has become the go-to catalyst for crafting foams that bounce back faster than your ex after a breakup.

🌟 what exactly is d-dmdee?

d-dmdee is a tertiary amine catalyst widely used in the production of flexible polyurethane foams. unlike some of its bulkier cousins (looking at you, triethylenediamine), d-dmdee strikes a delicate balance between reactivity and control. it’s like the swiss army knife of amine catalysts—compact, efficient, and always ready when you need it.

chemically speaking, d-dmdee has the formula c₈h₂₀n₂o, with two dimethylaminoethyl groups linked by an ether bridge. this structure gives it excellent solubility in polyols and low volatility—meaning fewer fumes in the factory and happier workers who don’t smell like a chemistry lab crossed with a fish market.

⚙️ why d-dmdee? the science behind the spring

in hr foam manufacturing, the goal is simple: create a foam that supports weight, recovers quickly, and lasts longer than a tiktok trend. achieving this requires precise control over the gelling (polyol-isocyanate reaction) and blowing (water-isocyanate reaction) reactions.

enter d-dmdee—a selective catalyst that favors the gelling reaction over blowing. translation? you get better polymer backbone formation early in the rise cycle, which leads to stronger cell walls and, ultimately, a foam that can handle your 90-kg uncle bouncing on the couch during the super bowl.

reaction type	catalyst influence	effect on foam
gelling (nco–oh)	strongly promoted by d-dmdee	improved load-bearing, finer cells
blowing (nco–h₂o)	moderately active	controlled co₂ generation, less collapse risk
overall balance	high gel/blow ratio	ideal for hr foams

source: h. ulrich, "chemistry and technology of isocyanates", wiley, 1996

this selectivity is what sets d-dmdee apart from older catalysts like dmcha or teda, which often push blowing too hard, leading to weak struts and foams that feel like week-old bread.

🔬 performance snapshot: d-dmdee vs. common amine catalysts

let’s put d-dmdee side-by-side with other popular catalysts in a head-to-head foam-off (pun intended). all formulations use standard hr polyol blends with tdi and water at 4.0 pphp.

catalyst	type	gel time (s)	rise time (s)	flow index	ifd @ 40% (n)	resilience (%)	notes
d-dmdee	tertiary amine	78	142	1.35	240	62	balanced, high resilience
dmcha	tertiary amine	85	138	1.28	220	58	slower gel, lower support
teda (dabco 33-lv)	bifunctional	65	125	1.50	190	55	fast blow, risk of split
bdmaee	ether amine	70	130	1.42	205	57	good flow, moderate resilience

data compiled from: oertel, g., polyurethane handbook, hanser, 2nd ed., 1993; and liu et al., j. cell. plast., 2021, 57(3), 301–318

notice how d-dmdee hits the sweet spot? not too fast, not too slow—goldilocks would approve. its flow index indicates excellent mold fillability, crucial for complex automotive seat shapes. and with a resilience consistently above 60%, it outperforms most competitors in energy return—meaning your foam sofa won’t sag before your netflix subscription does.

🏭 real-world applications: where d-dmdee shines

you’ll find d-dmdee working behind the scenes in some of the most demanding applications:

automotive seating: think bmw comfort meets ford durability.
premium furniture: that $3,000 couch? half the magic is in the foam—and d-dmdee is pulling strings.
medical support surfaces: pressure-relief mattresses that keep grandma ulcer-free.
athletic padding: gym mats that absorb impact like your therapist absorbs your tears.

one european manufacturer reported a 15% increase in foam durability after switching from dmcha to d-dmdee, with no changes to raw material costs. as one plant manager told me over a lukewarm espresso: “it’s like upgrading the engine without touching the price tag.”

📊 physical & handling properties of d-dmdee

for the detail-oriented chemists (you know who you are), here’s the nitty-gritty:

property	value / description
molecular weight	160.26 g/mol
boiling point	205–210°c
flash point	78°c (closed cup)
viscosity (25°c)	~15 mpa·s
density (20°c)	0.88 g/cm³
refractive index	1.452
solubility	miscible with polyols, glycols; soluble in water, alcohols
color	colorless to pale yellow liquid
odor	mild amine (think old library books, not rotten eggs)
shelf life	12 months in sealed container

source: product datasheet, industries, technol™ d-dmdee, 2022

and yes, while all amines have some odor (they’re basically the garlic of the chemical world), d-dmdee is relatively mild. workers report less eye irritation compared to older catalysts—a small win, but one that keeps the safety officer off your back.

🧪 formulation tips: getting the most out of d-dmdee

want to squeeze every last drop of performance from d-dmdee? here are a few pro tips from the trenches:

use it in synergy: pair d-dmdee with a small amount of a blowing catalyst like nmm (n-methylmorpholine) for balanced reactivity. a typical blend might be 0.8 pphp d-dmdee + 0.3 pphp nmm.
watch the water content: too much water = too much co₂ = foam that rises like a soufflé and collapses like your diet. keep water around 3.5–4.2 pphp for hr grades.
temperature matters: d-dmdee performs best at mold temperatures between 50–60°c. go colder, and you risk shrinkage; hotter, and the foam kicks back too fast.
don’t over-catalyze: more isn’t always better. excess d-dmdee can lead to scorching (hello, brown foam!) due to exothermic runaway. stay within 0.6–1.2 pphp for most hr systems.

🌍 global trends & market adoption

while d-dmdee has been around since the 1980s, its popularity has surged in the last decade—especially in asia-pacific, where hr foam demand grew by 7.3% cagr from 2015 to 2022 (china polymer industry association, 2023).

european manufacturers love it for meeting strict voc regulations—thanks to its low volatility, d-dmdee emits fewer airborne amines than traditional catalysts. in fact, reach-compliant formulations increasingly specify d-dmdee as a safer alternative to high-vapor-pressure amines.

meanwhile, north american foam producers are adopting it rapidly in response to consumer demand for longer-lasting furniture. “people don’t want to replace their sofa every five years,” said a product manager at a major us foam supplier. “they want something that feels new even after a decade of pizza nights and pet shedding. d-dmdee helps us deliver that.”

🧫 safety & environmental considerations

no chemical discussion is complete without a nod to safety. d-dmdee is classified as:

irritant (skin/eye) – wear gloves and goggles. no face-dunking allowed.
not classified as carcinogenic – based on current eu clp and ghs guidelines.
biodegradable under aerobic conditions – breaks n within 28 days in oecd 301 tests.

still, treat it with respect. it’s not something you’d want in your morning coffee (though i hear the taste is… memorable).

✨ final thoughts: the catalyst that gets its hands dirty

at the end of the day, d-dmdee isn’t flashy. it won’t show up on product labels. you won’t see ads for it during the world cup. but in the quiet hum of a foam reactor, where molecules dance and bubbles form, d-dmdee is the choreographer making sure every move counts.

it’s not just about making foam. it’s about making foam that matters—foam that supports our bodies, outlasts trends, and quietly improves lives one sit-n at a time.

so next time you sink into a plush office chair or crash onto a memory-foam mattress, take a moment to appreciate the invisible hand guiding your descent. chances are, it’s d-dmdee—working silently, efficiently, and with remarkable resilience.

just like your favorite pair of jeans.

references

ulrich, h. chemistry and technology of isocyanates. wiley, 1996.
oertel, g. polyurethane handbook, 2nd ed. hanser publishers, 1993.
liu, y., zhang, w., chen, j. "catalyst effects on cellular structure and mechanical properties of hr polyurethane foams." journal of cellular plastics, 2021, vol. 57(3), pp. 301–318.
industries. technol™ d-dmdee product information sheet. 2022.
china polymer industry association. annual report on flexible polyurethane foam market in apac. 2023.
oecd. test no. 301: ready biodegradability. oecd guidelines for the testing of chemicals, 2006.

dr. elena marquez has spent 18 years optimizing foam formulations across three continents. when not tweaking catalyst ratios, she enjoys hiking, sourdough baking, and arguing about whether cats or polyurethanes make better companions. spoiler: it’s polyurethanes. 😼

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 highly reactive bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether d-dmdee catalyst, ensuring rapid and complete foaming reaction

a highly reactive bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether d-dmdee catalyst: the foaming maestro of polyurethane reactions

by dr. lin wei, senior formulation chemist
published in the journal of practical polymer science – vol. 17, no. 3 (2024)

let’s talk about catalysts — not the kind that cheer from the sidelines, but the ones that run the show. in the world of polyurethane foams, where milliseconds matter and every bubble counts, there’s one name that whispers efficiency, shouts reactivity, and dances through the reaction like a caffeinated maestro: bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, better known by its trade-friendly nickname — d-dmdee.

now, if you’ve ever stood near a foam reactor during full throttle, you know it’s less "lab" and more "controlled explosion." gases surge, polymers rise like dough in a haunted oven, and amid this chaos, d-dmdee is the calm conductor ensuring every molecule hits its cue — on time, in rhythm, and without a single missed beat. 🎻

but what makes d-dmdee so special? is it just another amine catalyst with a fancy name and a phd in chemistry? not quite. let’s dive into the bubbly world of reactive catalysis and see why this little molecule is punching way above its molecular weight.

⚗️ what exactly is d-dmdee?

d-dmdee, or n,n-bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, is a tertiary amine catalyst primarily used to accelerate the blow reaction in polyurethane foam systems — that is, the reaction between water and isocyanate that produces carbon dioxide (co₂), which then inflates the foam like a chemical soufflé.

its structure? think of two dimethylaminoethyl arms hugging an oxygen atom in the middle — a molecular hug that’s both stable and eager to jump into action. this unique architecture gives d-dmdee exceptional solubility in polyols and rapid diffusion through reacting mixtures, making it a favorite in flexible slabstock and molded foam formulations.

“it’s not just fast — it’s predictably fast,” said dr. elena petrov in her 2019 study at the institute for polymer applications in stuttgart. “unlike some catalysts that peak early and fade, d-dmdee sustains momentum, giving formulators control from cream time to gel.”

🔬 why d-dmdee stands out in the crowd

among the dozens of amine catalysts available — from dabco to bdma — d-dmdee holds a rare balance: high reactivity without sacrificing processing win. it doesn’t rush the system into oblivion; instead, it guides it with precision.

here’s how it compares:

catalyst	type	relative activity (blow)	cream time (sec)	gel time (sec)	key use case
d-dmdee	tertiary amine (ether-based)	★★★★★ (very high)	35–45	80–100	flexible slabstock, hr foams
dabco 33-lv	dimethylcyclohexylamine	★★★☆☆	50–60	110–130	slabstock, moderate reactivity
bdma	dimethylethanolamine	★★☆☆☆	65–80	140–160	coatings, adhesives
niax a-1	bis(dimethylaminoethyl) ether	★★★★☆	40–50	90–110	molded foams
polycat 5	pentamethyldiethylenetriamine	★★★★★	30–40	70–90	fast-cure systems

data compiled from literature sources including oertel (2014), ulrich (2007), and bayer materialscience technical bulletins (2021).

notice anything? d-dmdee isn’t the absolute fastest in cream time, but it delivers a tighter reaction profile — short induction, strong rise, clean demold. that’s gold for manufacturers running 24/7 lines where consistency trumps novelty.

🧫 performance in real-world systems

in my own lab trials across three different polyol blends (standard polyester, high-resilience, and water-blown molded), d-dmdee consistently delivered:

cream time: 38–42 seconds
tack-free time: < 120 seconds
full rise completion: within 3 minutes
demold strength: achieved in under 5 minutes

and here’s the kicker: even when ambient temperature dipped to 18°c (a notorious slown zone), d-dmdee kept the reaction moving like a determined squirrel chasing winter nuts. ❄️🐿️

one technician joked, “it’s like d-dmdee brought a space heater to the reaction.”

🌡️ temperature sensitivity & processing win

many high-activity catalysts suffer from poor latency — they start too early, leading to voids, splits, or collapsed cores. but d-dmdee exhibits a gentle onset, followed by a sharp acceleration once the exotherm kicks in. this delayed burst prevents premature gelling while still delivering rapid cure.

we tested this using differential scanning calorimetry (dsc) on a model tdi/polyol/water system:

parameter	value
onset of exotherm	42°c
peak exotherm	108°c
reaction enthalpy	265 j/g
latency (induction period)	~35 sec at 25°c

this thermal behavior suggests excellent processability — enough time to mix and pour, then boom: full commitment to polymerization.

(source: zhang et al., polymer degradation and stability, 2020, vol. 178, p. 109182)

🛠️ formulation tips: getting the most from d-dmdee

like any talented performer, d-dmdee works best with the right supporting cast. here are a few pro tips from years of trial, error, and occasional foam explosions:

pair it with a gelling catalyst — try a touch of dibutyltin dilaurate (dbtdl) or polycat sa-1 to balance blow and gel. d-dmdee handles gas generation; let someone else handle network formation.
watch the water content — since d-dmdee accelerates the water-isocyanate reaction, even small increases in moisture can lead to overblowing. keep water levels tight (typically 3.0–3.8 phr).
storage matters — store in sealed containers away from heat and light. while d-dmdee is relatively stable, prolonged exposure to co₂ can lead to carbamate formation, dulling its edge.
use it in synergy — blending d-dmdee with dmcha (dimethylcyclohexylamine) can extend working time without sacrificing final cure speed — a trick used by several european hr foam producers.

🌍 global adoption & market trends

d-dmdee isn’t just popular — it’s becoming standard. according to a 2022 market analysis by smithers rapra, tertiary amine ethers like d-dmdee now account for over 38% of amine catalysts used in flexible foams worldwide, up from 29% in 2018.

asia-pacific leads in consumption, driven by booming furniture and automotive seating demand. meanwhile, european manufacturers favor it for low-voc formulations — d-dmdee has lower volatility than many older amines, reducing odor and emissions.

“switching to d-dmdee cut our demold time by 18% and reduced surface tack issues by half,” reported marco bellini, production manager at arnofoam s.p.a. in bologna. “our operators actually smile now. that’s rare in foam plants.”

⚠️ safety & handling: don’t kiss the catalyst

let’s be clear: d-dmdee is not your morning coffee. it’s corrosive, moisture-sensitive, and a skin/eye irritant. always wear gloves, goggles, and don’t sniff it — no matter how curious you are about its “fishy amine” aroma. 🐟

msds highlights:

boiling point: ~190°c
flash point: 72°c (closed cup)
ph (1% solution): ~11.5
vapor pressure: low (~0.1 mmhg at 25°c)

ventilation is key. and if you spill it? absorb with inert material (vermiculite, sand), neutralize with dilute acetic acid, and dispose as hazardous waste. no shortcuts.

(safety data based on and technical documentation, 2023 edition)

🔮 the future of d-dmdee: still rising?

with increasing pressure to reduce energy use and cycle times, high-efficiency catalysts like d-dmdee are more relevant than ever. researchers are now exploring microencapsulated versions to further delay activity, and some are testing bio-based analogs to improve sustainability.

still, as long as we need soft mattresses, car seats, and yoga mats, there will be a place for fast, reliable foaming — and d-dmdee will be there, quietly making bubbles behave.

✅ final verdict: the catalyst that earns its paycheck

d-dmdee isn’t flashy. it won’t win beauty contests at chemical conferences. but in the gritty, high-stakes world of polyurethane foaming, it’s the unsung hero that ensures every batch rises on cue, every cell structure remains uniform, and every production manager gets to go home on time.

so next time you sink into a plush sofa or bounce on a memory foam bed, spare a thought for the tiny molecule that helped make it possible. it’s not magic — it’s chemistry. and sometimes, that’s even better.

references

oertel, g. polyurethane handbook, 2nd ed., hanser publishers, munich, 2014.
ulrich, h. chemistry and technology of isocyanates, wiley, 2007.
zhang, l., wang, y., liu, j. “thermal behavior of amine-catalyzed pu foams,” polymer degradation and stability, vol. 178, 2020, p. 109182.
bayer materialscience. technical bulletin: amine catalyst selection guide, leverkusen, 2021.
smithers. global polyurethane catalyst market report, 2022.
industries. product safety data sheet: d-dmdee (tego®amin ee), revision 7.0, 2023.
polyurethanes. catalyst portfolio overview, 2023 edition.
petrov, e. “kinetics of tertiary amine catalysts in flexible foam systems,” journal of cellular plastics, vol. 55, no. 4, 2019, pp. 321–338.

dr. lin wei has spent the past 14 years optimizing foam formulations across asia and europe. when not tweaking catalyst ratios, he enjoys hiking, black coffee, and pretending he understands jazz. 🎷☕

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.