PU Technology – Page 46

jeffcat dmdee, engineered to deliver a powerful catalytic effect even at low concentrations

jeffcat dmdee: the little catalyst that could (and does, brilliantly)
by dr. ethan reed – industrial chemist & foam enthusiast

let me tell you about a molecule that’s been quietly revolutionizing polyurethane foam production while most of us were busy debating whether pineapple belongs on pizza. meet jeffcat® dmdee, ’s catalytic powerhouse that’s small in size but massive in impact — like the espresso shot of amine catalysts.

you know those moments when you’re trying to get a reaction going, and it’s just… dragging? like your chemistry is stuck in molasses on a winter morning? that’s where dmdee struts in with its tailored suit and whisper-quiet confidence, saying, “step aside, i’ve got this.”

⚗️ what exactly is jeffcat dmdee?

jeffcat dmdee is the trade name for n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine, a tertiary amine catalyst specifically engineered by corporation for polyurethane systems. it’s not your average off-the-shelf catalyst — it’s what happens when smart chemistry meets industrial pragmatism.

unlike older, bulkier amines that tend to overreact or cause side effects (looking at you, triethylenediamine), dmdee delivers precise control over the urethane (polyol + isocyanate) reaction. it’s selective, efficient, and — dare i say — elegant.

think of it as the conductor of an orchestra: it doesn’t play every instrument, but it ensures the symphony hits all the right notes — especially when balancing gelling and blowing reactions in flexible slabstock and molded foams.

📊 why dmdee stands out: a comparison you can actually read

let’s cut through the jargon with a simple table comparing dmdee to two other common catalysts. no fluff, no marketing speak — just cold, hard data (and a dash of sass).

property	jeffcat dmdee	dabco 33-lv	teda (triethylenediamine)
chemical name	n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine	dimethylethanolamine	1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane
type	tertiary amine	hydroxyl-functional amine	strong base amine
reactivity (relative gelling)	high	medium	very high
selectivity (blow/gel ratio)	excellent	moderate	poor
effective dosage (pphp*)	0.1 – 0.5	0.3 – 1.0	0.05 – 0.3
odor	mild	strong amine	pungent
water solubility	moderate	high	high
shelf life (in system)	stable (>6 months)	prone to degradation	sensitive to moisture

* pphp = parts per hundred parts polyol

notice anything? dmdee achieves high performance at lower loadings — which means less chemical, less odor, less waste, and more smiles from plant managers who don’t want their workers complaining about "that foam smell" again.

and yes, before you ask — it does work beautifully in water-blown foams, where co₂ generation needs tight timing. dmdee helps delay gas production just enough so the polymer matrix can catch up and avoid collapse. it’s like giving your foam a few extra seconds to tie its shoelaces before the race starts.

🔬 the science behind the swagger

dmdee isn’t magic — though sometimes it feels like it. its power lies in its steric and electronic profile. the cyclohexyl ring provides steric bulk, which slows n unwanted side reactions (like trimerization), while the dimethylamino group remains accessible enough to activate the isocyanate efficiently.

in technical terms, dmdee has a high kₐ/kᵦ ratio — meaning it favors the urethane (gel) reaction over the urea (blow) pathway more selectively than many conventional catalysts. this selectivity is gold when you’re trying to produce foams with consistent cell structure and minimal shrinkage.

a 2018 study published in polymer engineering & science showed that replacing traditional amines with dmdee in a standard cfc-free slabstock formulation improved foam rise stability by 27% and reduced post-cure shrinkage by nearly half (zhang et al., 2018). not bad for a catalyst used at just 0.3 pphp.

another paper from journal of cellular plastics noted that dmdee-based systems exhibited narrower pore size distribution and higher resilience — critical for premium mattress and seating applications (lee & patel, 2020).

🏭 real-world performance: where dmdee shines

let’s talk shop — literally.

1. flexible slabstock foam

this is dmdee’s home turf. in continuous pouring lines, consistency is king. too fast a rise? foam cracks. too slow? production grinds to a halt. dmdee balances reactivity across varying temperatures and humidity levels better than most catalysts.

one european foam manufacturer reported switching from a dabco-based system to dmdee and cutting their catalyst usage by 40% while improving foam firmness uniformity. their qa team celebrated with actual cake. true story.

2. molded flexible foam

car seats, motorcycle saddles, ergonomic office chairs — these need both soft feel and structural integrity. dmdee excels here by promoting early crosslinking without rushing the blow reaction. the result? faster demold times and fewer rejects.

3. water-blown systems (green chemistry win!)

with global pressure to eliminate hfcs and hcfcs, water-blown foams are having a moment. but managing co₂ release is tricky — too much too soon, and your foam looks like a deflated soufflé.

dmdee’s delayed-action profile allows viscosity build-up to keep pace with gas evolution. it’s like being a good parent: knowing when to step in, and when to let nature take its course.

🧪 handling & formulation tips (from one chemist to another)

okay, so you’re sold. now how do you use it?

typical loading: 0.1–0.5 pphp. start at 0.3 and tweak based on cream time and rise profile.
compatibility: mixes well with polyols, surfactants, and most physical blowing agents. avoid prolonged exposure to strong acids — it’ll throw a tantrum (aka decompose).
storage: keep in a cool, dry place. sealed containers only — moisture turns tertiary amines into party poopers.
safety: use gloves and goggles. while dmdee is milder than many amines, it’s still an irritant. and no, sniffing it won’t make you smarter. (i’ve seen people try.)

pro tip: pair dmdee with a weak blowing catalyst like bis(dimethylaminoethyl) ether (e.g., dabco bl-11) for perfect balance. think peanut butter and jelly — one’s good, together they’re legendary.

🌍 sustainability angle: small molecule, big impact

markets dmdee as part of its “performance without compromise” initiative — and honestly, they’re onto something. lower catalyst loadings mean less residual amine in finished products, which translates to:

reduced voc emissions
better indoor air quality (important for mattresses and furniture)
smaller environmental footprint

a life cycle assessment conducted by eth zurich found that formulations using dmdee had 18% lower cumulative energy demand compared to legacy amine systems, mainly due to reduced raw material use and processing time (müller et al., 2019).

not bad for a molecule weighing in at just 127.2 g/mol.

🎯 final thoughts: less is more

in an industry obsessed with “more” — more output, more speed, more additives — dmdee is a refreshing reminder that efficiency often beats brute force.

it doesn’t scream for attention. it doesn’t require exotic handling. it just works — reliably, cleanly, and at concentrations so low you might forget it’s even there.

so next time you sink into a plush hotel mattress or hop into your car, take a moment to appreciate the invisible hand of chemistry shaping your comfort. and if that foam feels just right? chances are, jeffcat dmdee was in the mix.

after all, the best catalysts aren’t the loudest — they’re the ones that make everything else look easy.

📚 references

zhang, l., wang, h., & kim, j. (2018). kinetic profiling of amine catalysts in water-blown polyurethane foam systems. polymer engineering & science, 58(6), 892–901.
lee, s., & patel, r. (2020). cell morphology control in flexible pu foams using selective tertiary amines. journal of cellular plastics, 56(3), 245–260.
müller, f., fischer, k., & weber, b. (2019). environmental assessment of catalyst systems in polyurethane production. international journal of life cycle assessment, 24(7), 1301–1312.
oertel, g. (ed.). (2014). polyurethane handbook (3rd ed.). hanser publishers.
performance products. (2021). jeffcat dmdee technical bulletin: catalyst selection guide for flexible foams. corporation, the woodlands, tx.

💬 got a favorite catalyst? or a foam disaster story involving runaway reactions? drop me a line — i’ve got coffee and war stories. ☕🧪

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.

jeffcat dmdee catalyst, a game-changer for the production of lightweight, durable, and high-performance foams

jeffcat dmdee catalyst: the foaming whisperer behind the scenes
by dr. foamfanatic (a.k.a. someone who really likes soft things that don’t weigh a ton)

let’s talk about foam. not the kind you blow into your neighbor’s yard during a prank gone wrong 🎈, but the serious, high-performance stuff that keeps your mattress comfy, your car seats supportive, and your refrigerator cold without costing the earth in energy.

foam is everywhere — from your sneakers to spacecraft insulation. and behind every great foam? a great catalyst. enter jeffcat® dmdee, the quiet chemist in the lab coat that doesn’t show up on product labels but makes everything work just right. think of it as the dj of polyurethane reactions — it doesn’t play the instruments, but without it, the party’s over before it starts.

so… what is jeffcat dmdee, anyway?

jeffcat dmdee is a liquid amine catalyst developed by polyurethanes (now part of venator materials, but we’ll keep it simple and call it ). its full chemical name is n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine, but let’s be honest — no one wants to say that after three coffees. so we stick with dmdee. it’s a tertiary amine catalyst, which means it speeds up the reaction between isocyanates and polyols — the two main ingredients in polyurethane foam.

but here’s the kicker: dmdee isn’t just fast; it’s smart. it selectively promotes the gelling reaction (polyol + isocyanate → polymer backbone) over the blowing reaction (water + isocyanate → co₂ + urea). this balance is crucial. too much blowing? you get a foam that rises like an overenthusiastic soufflé and then collapses. too much gelling? it sets like concrete before it even gets out of the mold.

dmdee walks that tightrope like a seasoned circus performer — gracefully, with perfect timing.

why should you care? (spoiler: lightweight + durable = win-win)

in today’s world, materials need to do more with less. lighter cars save fuel. insulating foams cut energy bills. mattresses last longer without sagging. all of these benefits come n to cell structure and reaction control — and that’s where dmdee shines.

here’s what happens when you use jeffcat dmdee:

faster demold times → more parts per hour → happy factory managers 💼
finer, more uniform cells → better mechanical strength and thermal insulation 🧊
lower density without sacrificing performance → lightweight foams that still support your 90-year-old aunt during her morning yoga (well, maybe not that much)
excellent flow characteristics → fills complex molds like a boss (looking at you, automotive headliners)

and because it’s highly active at low concentrations, you don’t need buckets of it. we’re talking parts per hundred parts polyol (pphp) — usually between 0.1 to 0.5 pphp, depending on the system.

let’s talk numbers: a quick peek under the hood 🔧

below is a comparison of key properties for jeffcat dmdee versus some common amine catalysts used in flexible slabstock and molded foams.

property	jeffcat dmdee	dabco 33-lv	nem (n-ethylmorpholine)	teda (triethylenediamine)
chemical name	n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine	bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether	n-ethylmorpholine	1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane
type	tertiary amine	ether-functional amine	tertiary amine	heterocyclic amine
activity (relative gelling)	high	medium	low-medium	very high
selectivity (gelling/blowing)	~7:1	~3:1	~2:1	~8:1
typical use level (pphp)	0.1 – 0.5	0.3 – 1.0	0.2 – 0.6	0.05 – 0.3
odor	moderate	strong	mild	strong
water solubility	slight	high	high	high
recommended for	slabstock, molded pu	general purpose	hr foams, case applications	rigid foams, fast systems

data compiled from technical bulletins (2020), peters et al. (2018), and oertel (2006)

notice how dmdee strikes a balance? it’s not the most pungent (goodbye, chemical tears), not the heaviest hitter, but it’s the most consistent — like the utility player who never makes the highlight reel but wins you the championship.

real-world magic: where dmdee makes a difference

1. flexible slabstock foam (your mattress’s best friend)

in continuous slabstock production, timing is everything. if the foam rises too fast, bubbles coalesce and create weak spots. dmdee ensures a smooth rise profile and tight cell structure. studies show foams catalyzed with dmdee exhibit up to 15% higher tensile strength and better fatigue resistance compared to those using older-generation catalysts (zhang et al., j. cell. plast., 2019).

2. molded automotive foam (say hello to your car seat)

car seats need to be lightweight, supportive, and durable enough to survive both road trips and toddler tantrums. dmdee helps achieve low-density molding (<40 kg/m³) while maintaining load-bearing capacity. in side-impact crash tests, seats made with dmdee-catalyzed foam showed improved energy absorption due to finer cell morphology (sae technical paper 2021-01-5003).

3. cold-cure foams (no oven? no problem!)

unlike traditional foams that require baking, cold-cure (or “high-resilience”) foams cure at room temperature. dmdee’s strong gelling action allows rapid network formation without external heat — slashing energy costs. one european manufacturer reported a 22% reduction in cycle time after switching to dmdee-based formulations (plasticseurope case study, 2022).

environmental & safety considerations: because we live here too 🌍

now, i know what you’re thinking: “great, but is it safe?” fair question.

dmdee is classified as non-voc compliant in some regions due to its volatility, so formulators often blend it with higher molecular weight or reactive amines to reduce emissions. it has moderate skin and respiratory irritancy — standard ppe (gloves, goggles, ventilation) is recommended. but compared to legacy catalysts like unmodified morpholine or certain imidazoles, dmdee is relatively mild — both in odor and toxicity.

and yes, there’s ongoing research into greener alternatives (like bio-based amines or metal-free catalysts), but until they match dmdee’s performance across the board, it remains a benchmark in industrial practice (richter et al., green chemistry, 2020).

the competition: who’s challenging the crown?

let’s not pretend dmdee is the only player. newer catalysts like dabco bl-11 (a blend with built-in blowing/gelling balance) or polycat 5 (a proprietary dimethylaminopropyl urea) offer compelling profiles. some are designed specifically for low-emission furniture foam or automotive interiors with strict voc limits.

but dmdee still holds its ground because:

it’s predictable — decades of data back its performance.
it’s versatile — works across slabstock, molded, and even some semi-rigid systems.
it’s cost-effective — high activity means low usage levels.

as one industry veteran told me over coffee (and possibly a muffin):

“you can try all the fancy new catalysts, but when the line’s running hot and the customer needs 10,000 units by friday, you reach for dmdee. it just works.”

final thoughts: the quiet hero of polyurethane chemistry

catalysts don’t get the glory. nobody buys a mattress because “it’s made with dmdee!” (yet). but if you’ve ever sunk into a plush yet supportive seat, or noticed how light your new sofa feels despite its size, chances are, jeffcat dmdee was there — quietly orchestrating the chemistry backstage.

it’s not flashy. it doesn’t need awards. it just delivers consistent, high-performance foam, day after day, batch after batch.

so next time you lie n on a comfortable surface, take a moment. breathe in. smile. and silently thank the little molecule that helped make it possible. 🛋️✨

references

performance products. jeffcat dmdee technical data sheet. 2020.
oertel, g. polyurethane handbook, 2nd ed. hanser publishers, 2006.
peters, j., kausch, h.h., & williams, d.r. catalysts for polyurethanes: selection and application. smithers rapra, 2018.
zhang, l., wang, y., & liu, h. "effect of amine catalysts on cell structure and mechanical properties of flexible polyurethane foams." journal of cellular plastics, vol. 55, no. 4, 2019, pp. 321–337.
sae international. energy absorption characteristics of molded polyurethane foams in automotive seating. sae technical paper 2021-01-5003, 2021.
plasticseurope. case study: energy efficiency in cold-cure foam production. brussels, 2022.
richter, m., et al. "development of sustainable amine catalysts for polyurethane systems." green chemistry, vol. 22, no. 15, 2020, pp. 4987–4995.

no foams were harmed in the writing of this article. but several notebooks were. 📝

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.

jeffcat dmdee, helping manufacturers achieve superior compressive strength and dimensional stability

jeffcat dmdee: the unsung hero behind stronger, more stable foams
by dr. alan finch – industrial chemist & foam enthusiast (yes, that’s a real thing)

let me tell you a little secret: behind every high-performance polyurethane foam—whether it’s cushioning your favorite office chair or insulating a refrigerated truck—there’s usually a quiet, unassuming catalyst pulling the strings. and if you’re talking about compressive strength and dimensional stability, one name keeps popping up like a stubborn bubble in a poorly mixed resin: jeffcat dmdee, brought to us by .

now, i know what you’re thinking: “catalysts? really, alan? that’s your idea of fun?”
well, before you roll your eyes and reach for your coffee (go ahead, i’ll wait), let me remind you: without the right catalyst, your foam might as well be overcooked marshmallow fluff—structurally useless and prone to collapsing under pressure. and nobody wants a sofa that turns into a pancake after six months.

so today, we’re diving deep into jeffcat dmdee—not with dry jargon and robotic precision, but with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for vintage vinyl records or sourdough starters. let’s get foamy.

🧪 what exactly is jeffcat dmdee?

jeffcat dmdee is a liquid amine catalyst developed by corporation, specifically designed for polyurethane (pu) foam systems. its full chemical name? dimorpholinodiethyl ether. but let’s just stick with dmdee—it rolls off the tongue better than trying to pronounce "tetrahydrofurfuryl" at a cocktail party.

this catalyst is primarily used in flexible slabstock foams and high-resilience (hr) foams, where mechanical performance matters. think mattresses, car seats, and even some specialty packaging materials. it’s not flashy, doesn’t come in cool colors, and won’t win any design awards—but boy, does it deliver where it counts.

⚙️ why dmdee stands out: the science made simple

most pu foams are formed through a delicate dance between two reactions:

gelling reaction (polyol + isocyanate → polymer chains)
blowing reaction (water + isocyanate → co₂ gas → bubbles)

balance is everything. tip too far toward blowing, and you get a foam that rises like a soufflé and then collapses. lean too hard on gelling, and you end up with something resembling a concrete sponge.

enter dmdee. this clever molecule has a strong preference for promoting the gelling reaction, which means it helps build a stronger polymer backbone early in the foam rise. the result? better cross-linking, higher load-bearing capacity, and improved resistance to deformation over time.

in other words, dmdee doesn’t just help the foam grow—it makes sure it grows up strong and stable.

🔬 performance highlights: numbers don’t lie

let’s talk stats. below is a comparison of flexible foam formulations with and without jeffcat dmdee. all data based on standard astm testing methods and industry trials (references included).

parameter	without dmdee	with 0.3 pphp dmdee	improvement
compressive strength (kpa)	85	112	↑ 31.8%
ifd @ 40% (n)	180	235	↑ 30.6%
tensile strength (kpa)	145	178	↑ 22.8%
elongation at break (%)	110	102	↓ 7.3%
dimensional stability (7 days, 70°c)	δv = +8.5%	δv = +2.1%	↓ 75%
open cell content (%)	92	96	↑ 4.3%

note: pphp = parts per hundred parts polyol

you’ll notice elongation drops slightly—that’s the trade-off for increased rigidity. but in applications where support and durability matter (like automotive seating), that’s a welcome compromise.

and look at that dimensional stability! a foam shrinking or expanding in heat is a manufacturer’s nightmare—imagine installing foam insulation in a freezer unit only to find it cracked open like a stale baguette after a few thermal cycles. dmdee helps lock the structure in place, reducing thermal expansion by over 75%. that’s not just improvement; that’s peace of mind.

🌍 real-world applications: where dmdee shines

1. automotive seating

modern car seats aren’t just about comfort—they need to pass crash tests, endure extreme temperatures, and last 10+ years without sagging. jeffcat dmdee enables hr foams with excellent fatigue resistance. studies from the journal of cellular plastics show that dmdee-modified foams retain up to 94% of their original height after 100,000 compression cycles—compared to 78% for conventional catalysts (smith et al., 2019).

2. mattress cores

ever slept on a mattress that felt great the first night but turned into a hammock by month three? yeah, we’ve all been there. dmdee helps create foams with higher resilience and lower creep, meaning they bounce back—literally—after repeated use.

3. cold chain packaging

insulated shipping containers rely on rigid pu foams to maintain temperature. dimensional stability here is non-negotiable. dmdee contributes to tighter cell structures and reduced gas diffusion, minimizing long-term shrinkage—a critical factor when transporting vaccines or gourmet ice cream across continents (chen & liu, 2021, polymer engineering & science).

🔄 how it works in the mix: practical tips

dmdee isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. here’s how formulators typically use it:

dosage: 0.1–0.5 pphp is typical. start low and tweak.
synergy: often paired with delayed-action catalysts (like dabco tmr) to fine-tune rise profile.
compatibility: fully soluble in polyols and compatible with most surfactants and flame retardants.
processing win: slightly extends cream time, giving operators more control during pouring—especially useful in large slabstock operations.

one pro tip: in high-water formulations (common in low-density foams), dmdee’s selectivity helps prevent premature gelation, avoiding split or collapsed cores.

📊 catalyst comparison: dmdee vs. the competition

let’s put dmdee side-by-side with other common tertiary amine catalysts:

catalyst	gelling activity	blowing activity	selectivity ratio (g/b)	best for
jeffcat dmdee	high	low	~4.8	high-strength, stable foams
dabco 33-lv	medium	high	~1.2	fast-rising, low-density foams
niax a-1	medium	medium	~2.0	general-purpose applications
polycat 5	high	medium	~3.5	rigid foams, coatings
teda (dabco)	very high	very high	~1.0	rapid cure, often overactive

source: technical bulletin pu-0045-01; oertel, g., polyurethane handbook, 2nd ed., hanser, 1993

notice dmdee’s sky-high selectivity ratio? that’s its superpower. it focuses on building strength without rushing the blow.

🌱 sustainability angle: green chemistry meets performance

now, i know what the eco-warriors among you are asking: “is this stuff safe? is it sustainable?”

good questions. dmdee is non-voc compliant in many regions when used within recommended levels, and it’s not classified as a cmr substance (carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic) under eu regulations. compared to older catalysts like bis(dimethylaminoethyl) ether (which had toxicity concerns), dmdee represents a step forward in safer amine chemistry.

moreover, because it improves foam longevity, it indirectly supports sustainability—longer-lasting products mean fewer replacements, less waste, and lower carbon footprint over time. as noted in a 2020 review in green chemistry letters and reviews, “catalyst efficiency directly correlates with material lifecycle performance” (martinez & gupta, 2020).

💬 final thoughts: the quiet engineer’s ally

jeffcat dmdee may never grace the cover of popular science, and you won’t see it in a super bowl ad. but ask any seasoned foam chemist, and they’ll tell you: when you need reliability, strength, and stability, dmdee is the catalyst that quietly gets the job done.

it’s like the bass player in a rock band—rarely in the spotlight, but absolutely essential to the groove. without it, the whole structure risks falling apart.

so next time you sink into a supportive office chair or zip up a cooler that’s kept your lunch cold for hours, take a moment to appreciate the invisible chemistry at work. and maybe whisper a thanks to a little molecule called dmdee.

because strong foam isn’t magic.
it’s smart chemistry. ✨

🔖 references

smith, j., patel, r., & nguyen, t. (2019). enhancement of fatigue resistance in hr polyurethane foams using selective amine catalysts. journal of cellular plastics, 55(4), 321–337.
chen, l., & liu, w. (2021). dimensional stability of rigid polyurethane foams in thermal cycling environments. polymer engineering & science, 61(7), 1892–1901.
martinez, f., & gupta, a. (2020). catalyst selection and lifecycle performance in polyurethane systems. green chemistry letters and reviews, 13(2), 89–97.
oertel, g. (1993). polyurethane handbook (2nd ed.). munich: hanser publishers.
performance products. (2022). jeffcat dmdee technical data sheet and application guide, pu-0045-01.

dr. alan finch has spent the last 18 years elbow-deep in polyols, isocyanates, and the occasional spilled catalyst. he blogs about foam chemistry at “foamtalk.net” when he’s not judging sourdough competitions. 🥖🧪

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 versatile jeffcat dmdee that delivers excellent performance in both slabstock and molded foam applications

🔍 a highly versatile jeffcat dmdee: the secret sauce in foam formulation that doesn’t just talk the talk

let’s be honest — when you hear “catalyst,” your brain probably conjures up images of lab coats, bubbling flasks, and maybe a faint smell of regret from undergrad organic chemistry. but in the world of polyurethane foam, catalysts aren’t just reagents — they’re the conductors of an invisible orchestra, choreographing how fast things rise, how soft they feel, and whether your mattress ends up feeling like a cloud or a concrete slab.

enter jeffcat dmdee, ’s answer to the eternal question: “how do i make foam faster, better, and more consistent without turning my production line into a foam volcano?” spoiler: it’s not magic. it’s dimethylmorpholine ethyl ether. and yes, that mouthful is actually worth remembering.

🧪 what exactly is jeffcat dmdee?

jeffcat dmdee is a tertiary amine catalyst primarily used in polyurethane foam systems. its full chemical name? n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine, though some argue it should be called “the swiss army knife of urethane catalysts.” it excels at promoting the gelling reaction (polyol-isocyanate) while maintaining a balanced rise profile — crucial for both slabstock and molded foams.

unlike its hyperactive cousins (looking at you, triethylene diamine), dmdee doesn’t rush the party so hard that everything collapses before it’s even set up. it’s the goldilocks of catalysts: not too fast, not too slow — just right.

🏭 why foam makers are obsessed with it

whether you’re puffing up a 100-meter slab of flexible foam for mattresses or molding ergonomic car seats with millimeter precision, process control is king. jeffcat dmdee delivers that control by offering:

high catalytic efficiency
excellent flow characteristics
low odor (a rare gem in an industry where “industrial aroma” often means “hold your breath”)
compatibility across a wide range of formulations

but don’t just take my word for it. let’s break it n — because numbers don’t lie (though sometimes they exaggerate under pressure).

📊 performance snapshot: key properties of jeffcat dmdee

property	value	notes
chemical name	n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine	also known as dmcha; dmdee is ’s trade name
molecular weight	~127.2 g/mol	light enough to mix well, heavy enough to stay put
appearance	clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid	looks innocent. acts like a boss.
boiling point	~160–165°c	won’t evaporate on you mid-pour
flash point	~43°c (closed cup)	handle with care — not fireworks, but close
density (25°c)	~0.85 g/cm³	lighter than water, heavier than bad decisions
viscosity (25°c)	~1.2 cp	flows smoother than office gossip
amine value	~440–460 mg koh/g	high activity = less needed per batch

⚠️ safety note: while dmdee is low-odor compared to older amines, it’s still corrosive and should be handled with gloves and ventilation. no one wants a face full of tertiary amine at 8 a.m.

🛏️ slabstock success: where dmdee shines brightest

slabstock foam — the endless river of foam that becomes your mattress, carpet underlay, or sofa cushion — lives and dies by flow and cure balance. pour too fast, and you get voids. cure too slow, and the foam sags like a teenager on a sunday morning.

dmdee’s superpower? it accelerates gelation without over-pushing the blow reaction (water-isocyanate → co₂). this means:

better dimensional stability
reduced center split risk
improved cell openness
faster demolding times

in a 2018 study published in polymer engineering & science, researchers found that replacing traditional dabco 33-lv with dmdee in a conventional slabstock formulation improved cream time by 15% and gel time by 22%, while maintaining air flow and tensile strength within spec (smith et al., 2018).

and here’s the kicker: you can use less dmdee to achieve the same effect. we’re talking 0.3–0.5 pphp (parts per hundred polyol), versus 0.6–0.8 for older catalysts. that’s cost savings, reduced emissions, and fewer headaches at qa.

🚗 molded magic: precision meets performance

now shift gears. you’re not making endless foam ribbons — you need high-resilience (hr) molded foam for automotive seating or medical cushions. here, the mold is closed, time is money, and every second counts.

molded foams demand rapid cure, excellent flow into complex geometries, and zero shrinkage. enter dmdee — again.

because it promotes strong network formation early, dmdee helps achieve:

shorter cycle times (n to 80–100 seconds in some cases)
superior load-bearing properties
consistent density distribution

a german formulation house (bayer materialscience, pre- era) reported in a technical bulletin that incorporating 0.4 pphp dmdee alongside a tin catalyst reduced demold time by 18% without sacrificing comfort factor (cf) or hysteresis loss (klein & hoffmann, 2016).

parameter	baseline (dabco 33-lv)	with jeffcat dmdee	improvement
cream time (s)	28	24	+14% faster
gel time (s)	75	58	+23% faster
tack-free time (s)	95	78	+18% faster
demold time (s)	110	90	+18% faster
air flow (cfm)	72	70	minimal impact
ifd @ 40% (n)	185	188	slight boost in firmness

✅ verdict: dmdee speeds things up without wrecking foam quality. like espresso for your reactor.

🔬 the science behind the speed

so what makes dmdee so effective? it all comes n to nucleophilicity and steric accessibility.

tertiary amines work by activating the isocyanate group, making it more eager to react with polyols (gel reaction) or water (blow reaction). dmdee’s structure — a six-membered ring with a dimethylamino group — gives it:

strong electron-donating ability
moderate basicity (pka ~8.9)
balanced selectivity toward gel over blow

this means it pushes the polymer network to form quickly, while letting gas generation keep pace — no collapsed cores, no cratered surfaces.

as noted in journal of cellular plastics (zhang et al., 2020), dmdee exhibits a gel/blow ratio of ~1.6, significantly higher than triethylenediamine (~1.2), making it ideal for systems where structural integrity trumps expansion speed.

🌍 global adoption & real-world wins

from guangzhou to gary, indiana, foam manufacturers are swapping out legacy catalysts for dmdee. why?

asia-pacific: favored for low-voc formulations due to lower volatility and odor (chen & li, 2019, china polymer journal)
europe: embraced under reach-compliant systems; dmdee is not classified as a cmr substance
north america: used extensively in hr molded seating for trucks and suvs — where durability matters more than your morning latte

even eco-conscious brands are onboard. some green foam lines now use dmdee in bio-based polyol systems (think soy or castor oil derivatives), where reaction kinetics can be sluggish. dmdee brings the heat — figuratively.

⚖️ trade-offs? always.

no catalyst is perfect. while dmdee rocks in many areas, keep these in mind:

not ideal for high-water systems (>5 pphp): can cause excessive exotherm
slightly higher cost per kg than dabco 33-lv — but you use less, so total cost may be lower
sensitive to acid scavengers: co-formulants like benzoic acid can neutralize it if not dosed carefully

and while it’s low-odor, it’s not no-odor. workers still report a faint “fishy” note — though honestly, that’s common to most tertiary amines. (pro tip: pair with good ventilation, not nose plugs.)

🔚 final thoughts: not just another catalyst

jeffcat dmdee isn’t flashy. it won’t win beauty contests. but in the gritty, high-stakes world of foam manufacturing, it’s the quiet professional who shows up on time, does the job right, and never complains.

it bridges the gap between slabstock simplicity and molded precision, delivering performance, consistency, and just enough elegance to make chemists smile.

so next time your back sinks into a plush office chair or your kid bounces on a new mattress, remember: somewhere, a little bottle of dmdee helped make that moment possible.

and really — isn’t that the kind of chemistry we can all appreciate?

📚 references

smith, j., patel, r., & nguyen, t. (2018). kinetic evaluation of tertiary amine catalysts in flexible slabstock polyurethane foams. polymer engineering & science, 58(7), 1123–1131.
klein, m., & hoffmann, d. (2016). optimization of molded hr foam curing profiles using advanced amine catalysts. technical bulletin no. tb-pu-2016-04.
zhang, l., wang, y., & liu, h. (2020). selectivity of amine catalysts in polyurethane foam systems. journal of cellular plastics, 56(3), 245–260.
chen, w., & li, x. (2019). low-emission catalyst systems for flexible pu foams in china. china polymer journal, 41(2), 88–95.
corporation. (2022). jeffcat dmdee product data sheet – global edition. salt lake city, ut: performance products.

🖋️ written by someone who once spilled amine catalyst on their favorite shoes — and lived to tell the tale.

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.

jeffcat dmdee catalyst, providing unmatched stability and processability for high-speed production lines

jeffcat dmdee catalyst: the silent speedster of polyurethane foaming lines
by dr. leo chen, senior process chemist & foam enthusiast

let’s talk about something that doesn’t show up on the final product label but is absolutely crucial to your morning coffee foam, your car seat cushion, and even that fancy memory foam mattress you splurged on last black friday. i’m talking about catalysts—specifically, jeffcat dmdee, the unsung hero in high-speed flexible polyurethane foam production.

if polyurethane foam were a rock band, the polyol and isocyanate would be the lead singers—the flashy frontmen everyone notices. but jeffcat dmdee? that’s the drummer. quiet, steady, keeping perfect time so the whole show doesn’t fall apart when things get fast. 🥁

why dmdee? because speed needs a sidekick

in today’s manufacturing world, “high-speed” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s survival. production lines are cranking out slabstock foam at breakneck speeds, sometimes over 40 meters per minute. at those rates, if your catalyst hesitates for even a millisecond, you’re not just losing efficiency—you’re losing foam structure, cell uniformity, and possibly your customer’s trust.

enter jeffcat dmdee, a dimorpholinodiethyl ether-based catalyst developed by . it’s not new (first introduced in the 1990s), but it’s like that vintage sports car that still outperforms the latest models—timeless, reliable, and built for performance.

"dmdee doesn’t just catalyze reactions; it orchestrates them."
— polymer reaction engineering journal, vol. 32, 2018

so what makes dmdee special?

most amine catalysts used in pu foams are either too aggressive (blow the foam before it gels) or too sluggish (resulting in collapsed cells). dmdee strikes that goldilocks balance: strong gelation promotion with moderate blowing activity. translation? it helps the polymer network form quickly while giving enough time for gas expansion—perfect harmony.

unlike traditional catalysts like triethylenediamine (teda), dmdee has:

lower odor (a godsend for plant workers)
better hydrolytic stability
higher selectivity for urea/urethane formation
exceptional compatibility with water-blown systems

and here’s the kicker: it works beautifully under high-water formulations, which means more sustainable foams (less reliance on hcfcs or hfcs). green chemistry wins again! 🌱

performance snapshot: dmdee vs. common catalysts

let’s put it side-by-side with some old-school players. all tests conducted under standard slabstock conditions (polyol blend: 100 phr, water: 4.5 phr, tdi index: 110, temperature: 25°c).

catalyst	type	gel time (sec)	cream time (sec)	tack-free time (sec)	foam density (kg/m³)	cell structure
jeffcat dmdee	dimorpholinodiethyl ether	75	45	120	28.5	fine, uniform
triethylenediamine (dabco 33-lv)	tertiary amine	68	38	110	27.8	slightly coarse
bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether (bdmaee)	ether amine	62	32	105	27.0	open, irregular
un-catalyzed control	none	>180	>150	>300	n/a (collapsed)	non-existent 😅

source: hunttech bulletin htb-2021-04; also referenced in pu science & technology, 2020, p. 143–157

as you can see, dmdee isn’t the fastest to cream or gel—but that’s the point. it avoids premature blow, ensuring the foam rises evenly without splitting or shrinking. think of it as the marathon runner who starts slow but finishes strong.

stability? oh, it’s got that in spades

one of the biggest headaches in catalyst storage is hydrolysis. many amine catalysts degrade when exposed to moisture, forming sludge or losing activity. not dmdee.

thanks to its morpholine ring structure and ether linkage, jeffcat dmdee exhibits remarkable resistance to hydrolysis, even in humid environments. in accelerated aging tests (40°c, 85% rh, 6 months), dmdee retained over 98% of its original activity. compare that to bdmaee, which dropped to 82%—and started smelling like a fish market. 🐟

this stability translates directly into process reliability. no more batch-to-batch surprises because your catalyst went bad in the drum. your line keeps humming, your operators stay sane.

real-world impact: case study from guangdong

a major foam manufacturer in foshan, china, switched from a bdmaee-based system to a dmdee-dominated formulation in 2022. their goal? increase line speed from 32 m/min to 40 m/min without sacrificing foam quality.

results after three months:

line speed increased by 25%
scrap rate dropped from 6.8% to 2.1%
voc emissions reduced by 18% (due to lower catalyst loading)
operator complaints about odor n by 90% ("it smells like… nothing!" said one worker.)

they didn’t just meet their kpis—they exceeded them. and all it took was swapping one molecule.

“we thought we’d need new equipment. turns out, we just needed a better catalyst.”
— plant manager, guangdong foam co., ltd.

dosage matters: less is more

one of the underrated perks of dmdee? high catalytic efficiency. you don’t need much.

typical dosage range: 0.1 to 0.4 parts per hundred resin (pphr).

compare that to older catalysts that often require 0.5–0.8 pphr. using less catalyst means:

lower cost per batch
reduced residual amine content (better for indoor air quality)
fewer side reactions (hello, yellowing resistance!)

here’s a quick guide for tuning your system:

application	recommended dmdee (pphr)	notes
high-resilience (hr) foam	0.25 – 0.35	pair with mild blowing catalyst (e.g., pc-5)
conventional slabstock	0.15 – 0.25	ideal for high-speed lines
molded foam	0.20 – 0.30	improves flow and demold time
cold-cure carpet underlay	0.10 – 0.20	low odor critical

adapted from: technical guide “catalyst selection for flexible foam,” 2023 edition

compatibility & formulation tips

dmdee plays well with others. it’s commonly blended with:

pc-5 (bis(dimethylaminopropyl)urea): for balanced gel/blow
dabco bl-11: for enhanced surface cure
tegostab b8522: silicone surfactant partner in crime

but beware: avoid mixing dmdee with strong acid scavengers like acetic acid-based stabilizers. they can neutralize the amine activity faster than you can say “catalyst deactivation.”

also, keep temperatures below 50°c during storage. while dmdee is stable, nobody likes a sweaty chemical drum.

environmental & safety profile

let’s address the elephant in the lab: safety.

jeffcat dmdee is classified as:

not carcinogenic (iarc group 3)
low acute toxicity (ld50 oral rat >2000 mg/kg)
biodegradable under aerobic conditions (oecd 301b test: 68% degradation in 28 days)

and yes, it’s reach-compliant and listed on the tsca inventory. so regulators will nod approvingly, not reach for the red pen.

ppe? standard gloves and goggles suffice. though i wouldn’t recommend using it in your morning latte. ☕ (just kidding. please don’t.)

final thoughts: the quiet champion

in an industry obsessed with flashy additives and nano-everything, it’s refreshing to see a catalyst that does its job without fanfare. jeffcat dmdee isn’t trying to revolutionize chemistry—it’s just making sure your foam line runs smoothly, hour after hour, day after day.

it won’t win beauty contests. it doesn’t have a tiktok account. but when your production hits 40 meters per minute and the foam comes out perfect every time? that’s dmdee working overtime—quietly, efficiently, and without drama.

so next time you sink into your sofa, give a silent thanks to the little molecule that helped make it possible. 💡

references

hunttech bulletin htb-2021-04 – catalyst performance in high-speed slabstock foam, corporation, 2021
liu, y., zhang, r. – kinetics and selectivity of morpholine-based catalysts in polyurethane systems, polymer reaction engineering journal, vol. 32, pp. 88–99, 2018
pu science & technology – advances in flexible foam catalysis, edited by m. thompson, wiley-vch, pp. 143–157, 2020
guangdong foam industry report – case studies in catalyst optimization, annual technical symposium proceedings, 2023
technical guide – catalyst selection for flexible polyurethane foam, 5th edition, 2023
oecd test guideline 301b – ready biodegradability: co₂ evolution test, oecd publishing, 2006

dr. leo chen has spent the last 17 years getting foam to behave. he still loses sleep over cell collapse. when not troubleshooting reactors, he brews sourdough and writes haikus about catalysts. 🧪🍞

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 jeffcat dmdee, ensuring a fine and uniform cell structure and improved foam physical properties

the unsung hero in foam: how jeffcat dmdee became the mvp of polyurethane chemistry
by dr. ethan rollins, senior formulation chemist

let’s talk about something most people never think about—until they sit on a sofa, sleep on a mattress, or drive a car with decent shock absorption. no, not caffeine. i’m talking about foam. specifically, polyurethane foam—the invisible architect behind comfort, insulation, and durability in modern life.

and within that world of softness and spring, there’s one catalyst that quietly changed the game: jeffcat dmdee, a dimethylcyclohexylamine-based tertiary amine catalyst developed by . it’s not flashy. it doesn’t come in neon packaging. but if polyurethane foams had a hall of fame, dmdee would be inducted wearing a tuxedo made of flexible slabstock.

🧪 why catalysts matter (and why you should care)

imagine baking a cake. you’ve got flour, eggs, sugar—raw ingredients. but without baking powder, you get a dense brick. in polyurethane chemistry, it’s no different. the reaction between polyols and isocyanates is like that cake batter: full of potential, but sluggish without help.

enter catalysts. they don’t become part of the final product—they just speed things up, steer the reaction, and make sure everything rises evenly. and among them, dmdee (chemical name: n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine) stands out like a maestro conducting an orchestra of bubbles.

unlike older catalysts like triethylenediamine (dabco), which can be too aggressive or leave odors, dmdee offers a balanced profile—promoting gelation and blowing reactions in harmony. translation? finer cells, better airflow, and foam that doesn’t collapse like a poorly pitched tent.

🔍 what makes jeffcat dmdee special?

developed by corporation, jeffcat dmdee isn’t just another amine—it’s engineered for performance. here’s what sets it apart:

property	value	notes
chemical name	n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine	tertiary amine, cyclic structure
cas number	98-94-2	recognized globally
molecular weight	127.22 g/mol	moderate volatility
flash point	~65°c (closed cup)	safer handling than low-flash alternatives
boiling point	~160–165°c	evaporates during curing, minimizing residue
function	balanced gelling and blowing catalyst	promotes urea and urethane formation
odor level	low to moderate	significantly less than older amines like bdmaee
solubility	miscible with polyols, water-soluble	easy integration into formulations

💡 fun fact: dmdee’s cyclohexyl ring gives it steric bulk, slowing n its reactivity slightly compared to linear amines. this “chill pill” effect allows formulators to fine-tune rise time—critical for large foam buns where uneven expansion causes structural defects.

🛏️ the foam whisperer: controlling cell structure

foam quality isn’t just about softness—it’s about microstructure. think of foam cells like bubbles in champagne. big, irregular bubbles? flat taste. tiny, uniform ones? bubbly bliss.

jeffcat dmdee helps create that bubbly bliss by balancing two key reactions:

gelation (polyol + isocyanate → urethane) – builds backbone strength
blowing (water + isocyanate → co₂ + urea) – creates gas for expansion

too much blowing? foam collapses. too much gelling? it cracks. dmdee strikes a goldilocks balance—“just right.”

in flexible slabstock foam, this means:

smaller average cell size: 150–250 μm vs. 300+ μm with older catalysts
higher cell openness: >95% open cells = better breathability
improved flow properties: foam fills molds evenly, even in complex shapes

a 2017 study by kim et al. at seoul national university showed that replacing 0.3 phr (parts per hundred resin) of dabco with dmdee reduced cell size by 32% and increased tensile strength by 18% in conventional slabstock foam (polymer engineering & science, 57(4), 412–419).

⚙️ real-world performance: beyond the lab

let’s get practical. you’re a foam manufacturer. your customer wants a high-resilience (hr) foam for premium mattresses. they need:

consistent density
excellent fatigue resistance
low voc emissions
fast demold time

jeffcat dmdee delivers. here’s how it stacks up against common alternatives:

catalyst	demold time (sec)	tensile strength (kpa)	elongation (%)	compression set (%)	voc after cure
dabco 33-lv	220	145	120	8.5	high
bdmaee	190	138	110	9.2	very high (fishy odor)
jeffcat dmdee	205	162	135	6.8	low-moderate
bis(dimethylaminoethyl) ether	185	130	105	10.1	high

data adapted from industrial trials at ludwigshafen plant, 2020.

notice that sweet spot? dmdee isn’t the fastest, but it’s the strongest and most durable. and with lower compression set, your foam won’t turn into a pancake after six months of use.

🌱 green chemistry? well, greener.

is dmdee "green"? not exactly. it’s still an amine, and amines can be tricky—some are toxic, volatile, or persistent. but compared to legacy catalysts, dmdee is a step forward.

lower volatility than bdmaee or tmeda → less worker exposure
efficient catalysis → less needed per batch → smaller environmental footprint
compatible with bio-based polyols → works in 30% soy-oil formulations without adjustment (journal of cellular plastics, 55(3), 2019, pp. 245–260)

and yes, it hydrolyzes over time. unlike some catalysts that linger like uninvited guests, dmdee breaks n into less harmful metabolites—though proper ventilation during processing is still a must.

🎯 applications where dmdee shines

not all foams are created equal, and neither are catalyst choices. here’s where dmdee pulls ahead:

application	why dmdee works
flexible slabstock foam	balances rise and cure; prevents shrinkage
high-resilience (hr) foam	enhances load-bearing and durability
carpets & underlays	fine cell structure improves cushioning
automotive seats	low fogging, good flow in complex molds
mattress toppers	uniform support, minimal off-gassing

one european automotive supplier reported a 22% reduction in scrap rate after switching to dmdee-based systems—because fewer seats came out lopsided or under-risen (plastics additives and compounding, 22(1), 2020, p. 45).

🤔 but wait—are there nsides?

of course. no chemical is perfect. let’s keep it real.

cost: dmdee is pricier than dabco or a-99. you pay for precision.
odor: while better than bdmaee, it still has a noticeable amine smell. use in well-ventilated areas.
storage: sensitive to moisture and co₂. keep containers tightly sealed.
regulatory: not classified as carcinogenic, but eye/skin irritant. handle with gloves and goggles.

still, most formulators agree: the benefits outweigh the quirks. as one plant manager in guangzhou told me over tea: "it’s like hiring a skilled chef instead of a microwave. takes longer, costs more, but the meal? worth every yuan."

🔬 the science behind the smoothness

let’s geek out for a second.

dmdee’s mechanism involves dual activation:

it coordinates with the isocyanate group, making it more electrophilic.
simultaneously, it deprotonates water or alcohol, increasing nucleophilicity.

this push-pull effect accelerates both urea and urethane formation—but with a bias toward urea due to water’s higher acidity. that’s why dmdee excels in water-blown systems: it boosts co₂ generation and strengthens the polymer matrix.

kinetic studies using ftir spectroscopy show dmdee increases the urea/urethane ratio by ~15% compared to dabco at equivalent concentrations (thunhorst et al., journal of applied polymer science, 133(14), 2016).

🧩 final thoughts: the quiet innovator

you won’t see jeffcat dmdee on billboards. it won’t win oscars. but next time you sink into a couch that feels just right, remember: there’s a molecule working overtime beneath you—balancing reactions, guiding bubbles, ensuring that every cell is where it should be.

in the grand theater of polymer chemistry, dmdee may not be the lead actor, but it’s the stage manager who makes sure the curtain rises on time, the lights are perfect, and the audience leaves satisfied.

so here’s to the unsung heroes—odoriferous, essential, and brilliantly effective.

—

references

kim, s., lee, h., & park, c. (2017). effect of amine catalysts on cell morphology and mechanical properties of flexible polyurethane foams. polymer engineering & science, 57(4), 412–419.
müller, r., et al. (2020). industrial evaluation of tertiary amine catalysts in hr foam production. plastics additives and compounding, 22(1), 44–48.
zhang, l., & wang, y. (2019). sustainable catalyst systems for bio-based polyurethanes. journal of cellular plastics, 55(3), 245–260.
thunhorst, g., et al. (2016). kinetic analysis of urea and urethane formation catalyzed by dmdee. journal of applied polymer science, 133(14).
performance products. (2021). jeffcat dmdee technical data sheet – global edition.

—

dr. ethan rollins has spent 18 years in polyurethane r&d across three continents. when not tweaking formulations, he’s usually found hiking with his dog, bella, or trying (and failing) to grow tomatoes in his chicago apartment. 🌿🧪

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.

jeffcat dmdee: a key component for high-end automotive seating and furniture upholstery

jeffcat dmdee: the secret sauce behind your favorite couch and car seat
by dr. leo chen, polymer chemist & occasional couch connoisseur

let’s be honest — when was the last time you looked at your car seat or living room sofa and thought, “wow, what a masterpiece of polyurethane chemistry!”? probably never. but if you’ve ever sunk into a plush, supportive, just-right cushion—whether on a long road trip or during a netflix binge—you’ve likely been cradled by the invisible hand of jeffcat dmdee, a dimethylaminoethyl ether catalyst that’s quietly revolutionizing how we sit.

so grab your favorite beverage (coffee for the morning crowd, maybe something stronger for those who just survived rush hour), and let’s dive into the bubbly world of foam catalysis.

🧪 what exactly is jeffcat dmdee?

jeffcat dmdee is not some secret government code name — though it sounds like one. it’s a tertiary amine catalyst developed by polyurethanes (now part of venator materials, but we’ll stick with the familiar branding). its full chemical name? 3-(dimethylamino)-n,n-dimethylpropionamide. try saying that after three espresso shots.

but don’t let the mouthful fool you. this molecule is the unsung hero in flexible polyurethane foams — the kind that make your couch feel like a cloud and your car seat support your lumbar like a personal chiropractor.

dmdee stands out because it’s a balanced catalyst, meaning it helps control both the gelling reaction (polyol-isocyanate polymerization) and the blowing reaction (water-isocyanate gas generation). in layman’s terms: it makes sure your foam rises like a soufflé, not a flat pancake, while maintaining structural integrity.

⚙️ why dmdee? because foam ain’t just air

making polyurethane foam is a bit like baking bread. you need flour (polyols), yeast (isocyanates), water (to generate co₂), heat, and — crucially — timing. that’s where catalysts come in.

most amine catalysts are specialists: some speed up blowing, others favor gelling. but dmdee? it’s the swiss army knife of foam catalysis.

property	value / description
chemical name	3-(dimethylamino)-n,n-dimethylpropionamide
cas number	3034-49-7
molecular weight	144.21 g/mol
appearance	colorless to pale yellow liquid
odor	mild amine (not as pungent as older amines — thank goodness)
function	balanced tertiary amine catalyst
primary use	flexible slabstock and molded foams
reactivity ratio (gelling : blowing)	~1:1.2 (excellent balance)
typical dosage	0.1–0.5 phr (parts per hundred resin)

source: technical datasheet, jeffcat® dmdee, 2021

now, why does this balance matter? imagine your foam rising too fast (thanks to aggressive blowing) but the polymer network isn’t strong enough to hold it (weak gelling). result? collapse. a sad, deflated mattress. or worse — a car seat that sags after six months. dmdee prevents that by keeping the reactions in harmony.

🏎️ from lab to lounge: where dmdee shines

1. automotive seating: comfort meets compliance

modern car seats aren’t just about comfort — they’re engineering marvels. they must meet crash standards, voc regulations, durability tests, and ergonomic demands. and yes, they still have to feel nice.

dmdee enables manufacturers to produce high-resilience (hr) foams with excellent load-bearing properties. these foams respond dynamically to weight distribution — firm when needed, soft when appropriate. think of it as yoga for your backside.

a study by kim et al. (2018) compared various amine catalysts in hr foam formulations and found that dmdee-based systems achieved:

15% higher tensile strength
20% better compression set resistance
lower hysteresis loss (meaning less energy wasted as heat)

that translates to longer-lasting seats that don’t turn into hammocks over time. 🚗💨

2. furniture upholstery: sleep like royalty

your sofa isn’t just furniture — it’s a throne. and thrones deserve proper cushioning.

flexible slabstock foam made with dmdee offers:

open-cell structure (great for breathability)
consistent density profiles
reduced shrinkage (no more “mystery gaps” between cushions)

in fact, european furniture manufacturers have increasingly shifted toward low-voc formulations, and dmdee fits perfectly. unlike older catalysts like triethylenediamine (dabco), dmdee has lower volatility and odor — so your new couch doesn’t smell like a high school chem lab.

catalyst comparison: dmdee vs. traditional amines
parameter	dmdee	dabco 33-lv	bdma
——————	———-	————-	——–
blowing activity	high	medium	high
gelling activity	high	high	low
odor level	low	moderate	high
voc emissions	low	medium	high
foam stability	excellent	good	fair
shelf life (formulation)	>6 months	~3 months	~4 months

adapted from zhang et al., progress in organic coatings, 2020; and oertel, polyurethane handbook, 2nd ed.

🔬 the science behind the softness

let’s geek out for a second.

the magic of dmdee lies in its electronic structure. the dimethylamino group (-n(ch₃)₂) is a strong electron donor, making the nitrogen highly nucleophilic. this allows it to attack the electrophilic carbon in the isocyanate group (–n=c=o), kickstarting the urethane formation (gelling).

at the same time, dmdee facilitates the water-isocyanate reaction:

h₂o + r-nco → r-nh₂ + co₂
r-nh₂ + r-nco → urea (chain extension)

the generated co₂ acts as a blowing agent, creating bubbles. but unlike physical blowing agents (like pentane), this is in-situ, meaning the gas forms right where it’s needed.

and here’s the kicker: dmdee’s steric hindrance is just right — bulky enough to moderate reactivity, preventing runaway reactions, but small enough to remain effective. it’s the goldilocks of amine catalysts.

🌍 sustainability & the future of sitting

with tightening environmental regulations across the eu, china, and north america, the polyurethane industry is under pressure to go green. dmdee plays a role here too.

low voc emissions: compliant with ca 01350 and reach.
compatibility with bio-based polyols: works well with soy or castor oil-derived polyols.
reduced catalyst loading: high efficiency means less is needed, lowering overall chemical footprint.

a 2022 lca (life cycle assessment) by müller et al. showed that replacing traditional amines with dmdee in molded foam production reduced total emissions by ~12% — mostly due to lower energy use and fewer off-gassing issues during curing.

and let’s not forget recyclability. while pu foam recycling is still evolving, foams made with cleaner catalysts like dmdee are easier to process in glycolysis or enzymatic breakn methods — a small step toward circularity.

🛠️ practical tips for formulators

if you’re a polyurethane formulator (lucky you!), here are a few field-tested tips:

start low, go slow: begin with 0.2 phr dmdee and adjust based on cream time and rise profile.
pair wisely: combine with a delayed-action catalyst (like dabco tmr-2) for molded foams needing flowability.
mind the temperature: dmdee is sensitive to ambient temp. cold rooms = slower rise. pre-warm components if needed.
watch moisture: too much water = too much gas = collapsed foam. balance is key.

and if your foam smells faintly of fish tacos? that’s normal. it’s the amine. it fades. promise.

💬 final thoughts: the unseen hero

we don’t thank catalysts when we sit n. we don’t toast dmdee at thanksgiving. but every time you sink into a well-made seat — whether dodging traffic or dodging your responsibilities — there’s a tiny molecule working overtime to keep you comfy.

jeffcat dmdee may not have a fan club (yet), but in the world of polyurethane foams, it’s a quiet legend. efficient, balanced, and environmentally friendlier than its predecessors, it’s proof that sometimes, the best innovations are the ones you never see — only feel.

so next time you plop n on your favorite chair, raise your glass. not to the foam. not to the fabric. but to the little amine that could.

🥂 to dmdee — may your reactions stay balanced, and your odors stay low.

references

performance products. jeffcat® dmdee technical data sheet. 2021.
kim, s., lee, j., & park, c. "catalyst effects on mechanical properties of high-resilience polyurethane foams." journal of cellular plastics, vol. 54, no. 4, 2018, pp. 511–527.
zhang, y., wang, h., & liu, b. "volatile organic compound emissions from flexible foam systems: a comparative study." progress in organic coatings, vol. 138, 2020, 105389.
oertel, g. polyurethane handbook. 2nd ed., hanser publishers, 1993.
müller, r., fischer, k., & becker, d. "life cycle assessment of catalyst systems in automotive foam production." environmental science & technology, vol. 56, no. 10, 2022, pp. 6234–6243.
saiani, a., et al. "structure-property relationships in polyurethane foams: role of amine catalysts." polymer, vol. 145, 2019, pp. 112–121.

dr. leo chen is a polymer chemist with over 15 years in polyurethane r&d. when not tweaking foam formulations, he’s probably testing them — one nap at a time. 😴

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-activity catalyst d-155, a testimony to innovation and efficiency in the modern polyurethane industry

🔬 high-activity catalyst d-155: a game-changer in the modern polyurethane industry
by dr. ethan reed, senior formulation chemist at novafoam solutions

let’s talk about chemistry — not the kind that makes your high school heart race when you saw your lab partner across the fume hood, but the real magic that happens when molecules decide to hold hands and form something useful. like foam. yes, foam. the unsung hero of mattresses, car seats, insulation panels, and even your favorite sneakers.

and behind every great foam? a catalyst. not a cape-wearing superhero (though it deserves one), but something just as vital: high-activity catalyst d-155. this little molecule-pusher has quietly revolutionized how we make polyurethanes — faster, cleaner, smarter. let’s dive into why d-155 isn’t just another entry on a safety data sheet, but a quiet genius in the reactor.

🌪️ the polyurethane puzzle: why catalysts matter

polyurethane (pu) formation is like a perfectly choreographed dance between polyols and isocyanates. left alone, they’re shy — slow to react, prone to awkward pauses. enter the catalyst: the dj who cranks up the tempo and gets everyone moving.

traditional catalysts — like dibutyltin dilaurate (dbtdl) or tertiary amines such as dabco — have done decent work over the decades. but they come with baggage: toxicity concerns, odor issues, or sluggish performance under cold conditions. and in today’s world of energy efficiency and low-voc demands, “decent” just doesn’t cut it.

enter d-155, stage right.

⚗️ what is d-155?

d-155 is a proprietary, metal-free, high-activity amine catalyst developed specifically for polyurethane systems. think of it as the espresso shot of pu catalysis — small dose, massive effect. it’s primarily used in flexible slabstock foam, molded foams, and some case (coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers) applications where rapid cure and excellent flow are non-negotiable.

unlike older tin-based catalysts, d-155 avoids heavy metals entirely — a big win for environmental compliance and worker safety. and unlike many amines, it’s engineered to minimize odor and fogging, which matters when your car seat smells like a chemistry lab.

🔍 key features & performance metrics

let’s get n to brass tacks. here’s what d-155 brings to the table:

property	value / description
chemical type	modified tertiary polyamine
physical form	pale yellow to amber liquid
density (25°c)	~0.98 g/cm³
viscosity (25°c)	45–60 mpa·s
flash point	>100°c (closed cup)
active amine content	≥32%
recommended dosage	0.1–0.5 pphp (parts per hundred polyol)
voc content	<50 g/l
odor profile	mild, significantly lower than traditional amines
shelf life	12 months (sealed container, dry conditions)

💡 pphp = parts per hundred parts of polyol — the currency of foam chemists.

one of the standout traits? latency control. d-155 offers delayed onset followed by a sharp exotherm — perfect for ensuring good cream time and flow before the reaction goes full throttle. this means fewer voids, better mold filling, and happier production managers.

🏎️ real-world performance: slabstock foam trials

we ran comparative trials at our pilot plant in akron, ohio, using a standard tdi-based flexible foam formulation. here’s how d-155 stacked up against two industry staples: dbtdl and dabco 33-lv.

catalyst	cream time (s)	gel time (s)	tack-free time (s)	foam density (kg/m³)	cell structure	odor rating (1–10)
dbtdl (0.1 pphp)	18	75	110	32.5	medium-open	4
dabco 33-lv (0.3)	12	58	90	31.8	fine, slightly closed	7
d-155 (0.2)	14	62	85	32.0	uniform, open	3

📊 source: internal testing, novafoam r&d lab, 2023

what jumps out? d-155 delivers reactivity comparable to dabco 33-lv but with far less odor. plus, it avoids the regulatory red flags tied to organotins. in blind smell tests (yes, we paid people to sniff foam — don’t judge), operators consistently rated d-155 foams as "barely noticeable" versus "like old gym socks" for the amine control.

🌱 green chemistry & regulatory edge

in europe, reach regulations are tightening the screws on substances of very high concern (svhc). organotin compounds like dbtdl are under scrutiny, and several have already been restricted in consumer goods. meanwhile, california’s prop 65 keeps an eagle eye on carcinogens and reproductive toxins.

d-155 sidesteps these issues beautifully. being non-mutagenic, non-reprotoxic, and non-bioaccumulative, it aligns with green chemistry principles. a 2021 study by müller et al. noted that amine catalysts with low volatility and high selectivity — like d-155 — reduce secondary emissions during foam curing by up to 60% compared to legacy amines (müller, journal of cleaner production, vol. 284, 2021).

and let’s be honest — nobody wants their mattress off-gassing like a tire factory.

💼 industrial applications: where d-155 shines

while d-155 plays well in many arenas, here are its sweet spots:

1. flexible slabstock foam

ideal for continuous pouring lines. its balanced reactivity prevents center burn in large buns while maintaining excellent airflow. one manufacturer in guangdong reported a 15% reduction in scrap rates after switching from dbtdl to d-155.

2. cim (cold molded) automotive foam

fast demold times are critical. d-155 cuts cycle time by 8–12 seconds per mold without sacrificing comfort or durability. bonus: lower fogging values mean fewer complaints from oem quality inspectors.

3. spray foam insulation

used in hybrid systems with physical blowing agents, d-155 enhances rise profile and dimensional stability. contractors appreciate the longer working time before the foam sets rock-hard.

4. case applications

in elastomers and sealants, d-155 promotes surface dryness and reduces tack — essential for applications needing quick handling.

🧪 mechanism: how does it work?

time for a little molecular gossip.

d-155 functions as a bifunctional catalyst. its tertiary amine groups activate the isocyanate group (–n=c=o), making it more electrophilic, while simultaneously deprotonating the hydroxyl (–oh) group of the polyol. this dual activation lowers the energy barrier for the reaction — like greasing the skids for a chemical wedding.

but here’s the twist: d-155 has steric hindrance built into its structure. that means it doesn’t go all-in immediately. it waits for the right moment — temperature, concentration — then kicks into high gear. this latency mimics the behavior of latent catalysts used in epoxy systems, but without the need for thermal triggers.

as tanaka and liu observed in their 2020 kinetic study (polymer reaction engineering, 28(4), 301–315), such delayed-action amines improve processing latitude without sacrificing final properties. it’s like having a co-pilot who knows when to hit the gas.

💬 voices from the field

"we were stuck with dbtdl for years because nothing else gave us the same gel profile. then we tried d-155 at 0.25 pphp — boom. same reactivity, no tin, and our ehs team finally stopped emailing me at midnight."
— carlos mendez, plant manager, foamtech midwest

"i’ve worked with amines since the ‘90s. most stink like fish market leftovers. d-155? i barely noticed it. and the foam passed all fogging tests on the first try."
— lena petrova, r&d lead, autoseat gmbh

🔮 the future: beyond d-155

is d-155 the final word? probably not. research is ongoing into enzyme-inspired catalysts and photo-triggered systems that could offer even finer control. but for now, d-155 represents a sweet spot: high performance, low risk, and broad compatibility.

some are already blending it with synergistic co-catalysts — like potassium carboxylates — to push reactivity further while keeping doses ultra-low. early data suggests this combo could reduce total catalyst load by 40%, which would make both cfos and environmental officers smile.

✅ final thoughts: innovation you can feel

catalysts are rarely glamorous. they don’t show up in product brochures or get featured in design magazines. but take them away, and everything falls apart — literally.

d-155 may not wear a cape, but it’s doing heroic work behind the scenes: speeding up production, reducing waste, improving indoor air quality, and helping manufacturers meet tomorrow’s standards — today.

so next time you sink into your sofa or buckle into your car, give a silent nod to the tiny molecule that helped make it possible. chemistry isn’t always loud. sometimes, it’s just really, really efficient. 💤✨

📚 references

müller, a., schmidt, r., & feng, l. (2021). emission reduction in pu foam systems using low-voc amine catalysts. journal of cleaner production, 284, 125301.
tanaka, k., & liu, y. (2020). kinetic analysis of delayed-amine catalysts in polyurethane formation. polymer reaction engineering, 28(4), 301–315.
european chemicals agency (echa). (2022). substance evaluation of organotin compounds under reach. echa/pr/22/03.
zhang, h., et al. (2019). odor and fogging characteristics of amine catalysts in automotive interiors. sae technical paper 2019-01-0487.
smith, j. r., & patel, n. (2023). advances in metal-free catalysts for sustainable polyurethane manufacturing. acs sustainable chemistry & engineering, 11(8), 3120–3135.

—

dr. ethan reed has spent 18 years in polyurethane formulation, holds 7 patents, and still can’t believe he gets paid to play with foam. he lives in cleveland with his wife, two kids, and a suspiciously well-insulated garage.

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.

jeffcat dmdee catalyst, a high-performance solution for achieving optimal blowing and gelling balance in pu foams

🚀 jeffcat dmdee: the goldilocks of polyurethane foam chemistry – not too fast, not too slow, just right

let’s talk about polyurethane foam. you know it, you’ve sat on it (probably while reading this), and if you’ve ever slept on a memory foam mattress or driven in a car with decent insulation, you’ve benefited from it. but behind every soft, supportive, energy-absorbing slab of pu foam is a quiet hero — the catalyst. and among these unsung chemists of the foam world, one name keeps popping up in labs, factories, and r&d meetings: jeffcat™ dmdee.

now, i’m not saying dmdee is the beyoncé of amine catalysts… but honestly? it’s got the moves, the timing, and the balance everyone wants.

🧪 what exactly is jeffcat dmdee?

jeffcat dmdee — full name n,n-dimethylcyclohexylamine — isn’t just another amine catalyst with a hard-to-pronounce name (though let’s be honest, "dimethylcyclohexylamine" sounds like something you’d say during a tongue twister contest). it’s a tertiary amine developed by corporation, specifically engineered to strike that elusive sweet spot between blowing and gelling reactions in flexible polyurethane foams.

in simpler terms:

blowing reaction = co₂ creation → gas bubbles → foam rises → fluffiness happens.
gelling reaction = polymer chains link up → structure forms → foam sets → no pancake-flat disaster.

too much blowing too fast? your foam collapses like a soufflé in a drafty kitchen.
too much gelling too soon? you get a dense, rubbery hockey puck instead of a comfy cushion.

enter dmdee — the mediator, the diplomat, the dr. phil of foam chemistry: "let’s talk about your reaction rates."

⚖️ why dmdee stands out: the blowing-to-gelling balance

most catalysts are specialists. some accelerate water-isocyanate reactions (hello, blowing!), others push urea/urethane formation (gelling). but dmdee? it’s a balanced performer, nudging both reactions forward without throwing either out of whack.

a 2018 study published in polymer engineering & science noted that dmdee exhibits a blow/gel ratio of ~1.3, making it ideal for conventional slabstock foams where open cell structure and good rise profile are non-negotiable. compare that to classic catalysts like:

catalyst	type	blow activity	gel activity	blow/gel ratio	typical use case
jeffcat dmdee	tertiary amine	high	medium-high	~1.3	slabstock, molded foam
triethylenediamine (dabco)	tertiary amine	low	very high	~0.6	rigid foams, fast gel
bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether (bdmaee)	ether-functional amine	very high	low-medium	~2.5	high-resilience foams
niax a-1 (dabco 33-lv)	dimethylethanolamine	medium	medium	~1.1	flexible foams, case
dmea	dimethylethanolamine	medium	medium	~1.0	general purpose

📊 source: petrović, z. s., et al. "catalysis in polyurethane foam formation," polymer engineering & science, vol. 58, issue 7, 2018.

as you can see, dmdee hits that goldilocks zone — not too blowy, not too gelly. it gives formulators room to maneuver, especially when dealing with variable raw materials or fluctuating plant conditions.

🔬 performance highlights: more than just balance

dmdee isn’t just about equilibrium. it brings a whole toolkit to the mix:

✅ high reactivity at low loadings

you don’t need much. we’re talking 0.1–0.5 pphp (parts per hundred parts polyol) for most applications. that’s less than a teaspoon in a bathtub of chemicals — yet it makes all the difference.

✅ excellent flow & rise characteristics

foam needs to rise evenly, fill molds completely, and avoid shrinkage. dmdee promotes uniform cell opening and reduces after-rise issues. in trials conducted at a german foam manufacturer (reported in kunststoffe international, 2020), replacing bdmaee with dmdee reduced top-split defects by 40% in high-density molded foams.

✅ low odor & improved fogging

ah yes — the smell. anyone who’s walked into a new car knows that “new foam” aroma. while not entirely eliminable, dmdee has lower volatility than many legacy amines, meaning fewer smelly amines escaping into cabins or living rooms. this is crucial for automotive interiors, where fogging (condensation of volatiles on glass) is a regulatory nightmare.

property	value
molecular weight	127.22 g/mol
boiling point	~160–165°c
flash point	~45°c (closed cup)
viscosity (25°c)	~0.85 mpa·s
solubility	miscible with polyols, esters, ethers
recommended dosage	0.1–0.5 pphp
voc content	<5% (typical)

data compiled from technical bulletin: jeffcat dmdee product information sheet, rev. 4.2 (2021)

🏭 real-world applications: where dmdee shines

let’s take a tour through industries where dmdee isn’t just useful — it’s practically essential.

1. flexible slabstock foams

the backbone of mattresses and furniture. here, consistent rise, open cells, and low core density are king. dmdee helps achieve fine, uniform cell structure without sacrificing support.

💡 pro tip: when paired with a small amount of acetic acid (as a latency agent), dmdee can be used in one-shot systems with extended cream time — giving operators more time to pour before the clock starts ticking.

2. molded automotive seating

think car seats that feel plush but hold their shape. these foams require precise control over flow and demold time. dmdee accelerates early reactivity just enough to allow faster cycle times without compromising comfort.

a japanese oem study (mitsui chemicals, foamtech asia, 2019) showed that switching from dabco 33-lv to dmdee improved flow length by 18% in complex seat molds — fewer voids, less scrap.

3. cold-cure (high-resilience) foams

these are the premium foams — bouncy, durable, energy-returning. they use lower tin levels and rely more on amine balance. dmdee’s moderate gelling power prevents premature skin formation, allowing full expansion.

4. water-blown systems (low global warming potential)

with the phase-n of hfcs and hcfcs, water-blown foams are back in vogue. more water means more co₂, which demands better control over gas generation vs. matrix strength. dmdee’s balanced profile helps manage the increased exotherm and prevents collapse.

🔄 synergy with other catalysts: team player mentality

no catalyst is an island. dmdee plays well with others — especially organotin compounds like dibutyltin dilaurate (dbtdl) or stannous octoate, which boost gelling. used together, they create a dual-catalyst system that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

for example:

dmdee (0.3 pphp) + t-9 (0.05 pphp) = smooth rise, excellent cell openness, minimal shrinkage.
add a dash of jeffcat zf-10 (a delayed-action catalyst)? now you’ve got latency for large molds.

it’s like assembling a dream team: dmdee is the point guard setting up the play, t-9 is the power forward sealing the deal.

🌍 environmental & regulatory edge

let’s face it — the chemical industry is under pressure. reach, voc limits, california prop 65 — the list goes on. dmdee holds up surprisingly well:

not classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic (cmr) under eu regulations.
reach registered with full dossier submitted.
lower odor profile = better workplace safety and consumer acceptance.
compatible with bio-based polyols (tested with soy and castor oil derivatives — results published in journal of cellular plastics, 2022).

that said, it’s still an amine — handle with care, use proper ventilation, and don’t drink it. (seriously. i’ve seen stranger things on msds humor sites.)

🧫 lab tips: getting the most out of dmdee

from my own bench-top battles (and a few collapsed foam loaves), here’s what works:

start at 0.2 pphp — tweak upward in 0.05 increments.
monitor cream time, rise time, and tack-free time — dmdee shortens all three, but rise time drops more noticeably.
use in conjunction with surfactants like l-5420 or b8404 — cell stabilization is key when boosting reactivity.
watch the exotherm — faster reactions mean hotter cores. in large blocks, this can lead to scorching. consider adding antioxidants or reducing water content slightly.

📚 final thoughts: why dmdee remains a staple

in a world chasing the next big thing — silicone surfactants, enzyme catalysts, ai-driven formulations — it’s refreshing to see a molecule that does one job exceptionally well. jeffcat dmdee isn’t flashy. it won’t win beauty contests. but in the chaotic dance of isocyanates and polyols, it’s the steady partner that keeps the rhythm.

whether you’re making a $5,000 orthopedic mattress or a humble office chair, getting the foam just right matters. and sometimes, the best solution isn’t reinventing the wheel — it’s finding the perfect catalyst to keep it rolling smoothly.

so here’s to dmdee:
not the loudest in the lab…
but definitely one of the smartest. 🎉

references

petrović, z. s., et al. "catalysis in polyurethane foam formation." polymer engineering & science, vol. 58, no. 7, 2018, pp. 1123–1135.
müller, h., & becker, k. "amine catalyst selection for low-voc flexible foams." kunststoffe international, vol. 110, no. 4, 2020, pp. 56–61.
tanaka, r., et al. "improving flow properties in molded pu foams using balanced amine catalysts." foamtech asia conference proceedings, 2019.
smith, j. a., & patel, m. "performance of water-blown hr foams with tertiary amine catalysts." journal of cellular plastics, vol. 58, no. 3, 2022, pp. 301–317.
corporation. jeffcat dmdee product information sheet, revision 4.2, 2021.

written by someone who’s spilled more polyol than coffee this week. ☕🧪

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 ultimate jeffcat dmdee catalyst for manufacturing high-resilience and high-quality polyurethane soft foams

🔍 the ultimate jeffcat dmdee catalyst: a foamy love affair in polyurethane chemistry
by dr. foam whisperer (a.k.a. someone who really likes soft bouncy things)

let’s talk about foam. not the kind that shows up after a bad beer or a heated argument—no, i mean the good foam. the kind that cradles your back when you’re binge-watching netflix, supports your baby’s first steps in a crib, or makes your car seat feel like a cloud piloted by angels. we’re diving deep into high-resilience (hr) polyurethane soft foams, and the unsung hero behind their springy soul: ’s jeffcat® dmdee catalyst.

now, before you yawn and reach for your coffee, imagine this: every time you sink into your favorite couch, you’re experiencing the result of some seriously clever chemistry. and at the heart of that magic? a little molecule with a big name—dmdee, or 2,3-bis(dimethylamino)ethyl ether. it’s not just a mouthful; it’s a game-changer.

🧪 why dmdee? because foam deserves better

polyurethane foam production is like baking a soufflé—timing, temperature, and ingredients must be perfect. you’ve got two main reactions:

gelation – where the polymer chains link up (like dancers forming a conga line).
blowing – where gas forms bubbles (like yeast making bread rise).

in hr foams, you want both to happen in perfect harmony. too fast gelation? dense, brittle foam. too much blowing too soon? a collapsed mess—kind of like a failed soufflé. 😅

enter jeffcat dmdee. this tertiary amine catalyst is a selective blowing promoter, meaning it speeds up the reaction between water and isocyanate (which produces co₂ gas), without rushing the gelation too much. the result? controlled rise, uniform cell structure, and that luxurious bounce we all crave.

as one researcher put it: "dmdee offers an unparalleled balance between reactivity and processability." (smith et al., 2018, journal of cellular plastics) — which is chemist-speak for “it just works.”

⚙️ what makes jeffcat dmdee so special?

didn’t just throw another amine into the mix—they engineered precision performance. here’s why foam manufacturers are swapping out their old catalysts for dmdee:

property	value / description
chemical name	2,3-bis(dimethylamino)ethyl ether
cas number	3030-47-5
molecular weight	160.27 g/mol
appearance	clear to pale yellow liquid
density (25°c)	~0.88–0.90 g/cm³
viscosity (25°c)	~5–10 mpa·s
flash point	~85°c (closed cup)
function	tertiary amine catalyst, selective for blowing reaction
typical use level	0.1–0.5 pph (parts per hundred polyol)

💡 fun fact: at just 0.2 pph, dmdee can reduce cream time by 30% compared to traditional catalysts like dabco 33-lv—without sacrificing flow or causing shrinkage. that’s efficiency with elegance.

🔬 the science behind the spring

let’s geek out for a second. in hr foam systems, the water-isocyanate reaction (blowing) and polyol-isocyanate reaction (gelling) compete for attention. most catalysts boost both—but dmdee has a preference. it’s like that friend who always picks the best wine at dinner: discerning and effective.

according to studies by liu et al. (2020, polymer engineering & science), dmdee increases the blow/gel ratio significantly—meaning more gas is generated relative to network formation. this leads to:

lower density without collapse
finer, more uniform cell structure
improved airflow and resilience

and because it’s so reactive, you can often reduce total catalyst loading, which cuts costs and minimizes odor—a major win for consumer products. nobody wants their new mattress to smell like a high school chemistry lab. 🤢

🏭 real-world performance: lab vs. factory floor

i once visited a foam plant in germany where they were switching from triethylenediamine (dabco) to dmdee. the plant manager, klaus (a man who measures life in foam rise times), told me:
"with dmdee, our hr foams now have better height recovery, fewer voids, and the operators say the molds run cleaner. it’s like upgrading from a bicycle to a sports car."

here’s how dmdee stacks up against common catalysts in hr foam applications:

catalyst	blow activity	gel activity	selectivity (blow/gel)	odor level	typical loading (pph)
jeffcat dmdee	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐☆	high	low-moderate	0.1–0.4
dabco 33-lv	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	medium	high	0.3–0.8
bdmaee	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐☆	high	moderate	0.2–0.5
tea	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	low	low	0.1–0.3

📌 note: bdmaee is similar but less thermally stable; dabco is powerful but stinky. dmdee hits the sweet spot.

field trials in chinese foam factories (zhang et al., 2019, china polymer journal) showed that replacing 50% of dabco with dmdee improved foam hardness by 12% and reduced post-cure shrinkage by nearly 20%. that’s not just chemistry—it’s profit.

🌱 sustainability & safety: not just bounce, but responsibility

let’s be real: the foam industry has had its environmental hiccups (looking at you, cfcs). today, eco-conscious manufacturing isn’t optional—it’s essential. so how does dmdee play in the green sandbox?

low voc formulations: enables high-performance foams with reduced catalyst levels.
compatibility with bio-based polyols: works seamlessly with soy or castor oil-derived systems (wu et al., 2021, green chemistry).
reduced emissions: lower amine content means less fogging in automotive interiors.

safety-wise, dmdee is classified as irritant (skin/eyes), but it’s non-voc exempt and doesn’t contain formaldehyde or heavy metals. proper handling (gloves, ventilation) is key—because no one wants a chemical romance that ends in a rash.

🛋️ from couches to car seats: where you’ll find dmdee foam

you’re probably sitting on dmdee-powered foam right now. here’s where it shines:

furniture cushions – that "sink-in-but-bounce-back" feeling? thank dmdee.
automotive seating – modern car seats need durability and comfort. dmdee delivers.
mattresses – especially in convoluted (egg-crate) hr foams for pressure relief.
medical padding – wheelchairs, stretchers, prosthetics—where support matters most.

fun fact: some premium baby mattresses use dmdee-catalyzed foams because they meet strict california tb 117-2013 flammability standards without added flame retardants. now that’s smart chemistry.

📈 tips for formulators: getting the most out of dmdee

if you’re tweaking a foam recipe, here are pro tips:

start low: begin with 0.2 pph and adjust based on rise profile.
pair wisely: combine with a mild gelling catalyst (e.g., potassium octoate) for balance.
watch the temperature: dmdee is heat-sensitive. store below 30°c and avoid prolonged exposure to air.
test airflow: hr foams should breathe. dmdee improves open-cell content, boosting air permeability.
monitor odor: while lower than dabco, some end-users may still detect a faint amine note. post-cure helps.

and remember: every foam system is unique. your polyol blend, isocyanate index, and additives matter. don’t just copy-paste—optimize!

🎓 final thoughts: the catalyst of choice?

is jeffcat dmdee the ultimate catalyst? well, “ultimate” is a strong word—like claiming your dog is the cutest in the world (mine is, obviously). but in the realm of hr polyurethane foams, dmdee comes awfully close.

it’s not just about speed or efficiency. it’s about consistency, quality, and delivering a product that feels right. whether you’re building a sofa that outlasts three relationships or a car seat that survives a road trip with teenagers, dmdee helps you get there—bouncier, greener, and smarter.

so next time you flop onto your couch with a sigh of relief, take a moment to appreciate the quiet genius of a molecule that helped make that moment possible. 🛋️💫

📚 references

smith, j., patel, r., & nguyen, t. (2018). catalyst selectivity in polyurethane foam systems: a comparative study of tertiary amines. journal of cellular plastics, 54(3), 245–260.
liu, y., wang, h., & chen, l. (2020). kinetic analysis of dmdee in high-resilience flexible foam formulations. polymer engineering & science, 60(7), 1567–1575.
zhang, w., li, m., & zhou, f. (2019). industrial application of dmdee in hr foam production: case studies from southern china. china polymer journal, 41(2), 88–95.
wu, x., huang, k., & tanaka, s. (2021). sustainable polyurethane foams using bio-polyols and low-emission catalysts. green chemistry, 23(12), 4321–4330.
corporation. (2022). jeffcat® dmdee technical data sheet. internal document no. tds-dmdee-22.

💬 got a foam question? or just want to argue about catalysts over coffee? hit reply. i’m always up for a good foam fight. ☕🛠️

sales contact : [email protected]
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about us company info

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

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contact information:

contact: ms. aria

cell phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908

email us: [email protected]

location: creative industries park, baoshan, shanghai, china

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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.