What is a polyurethane catalyst?

Polyurethane catalyst is an additive that accelerates the polyurethane reaction. Commonly used catalysts in the synthesis of polyurethane and its raw materials mainly include tertiary amine catalysts and organometallic compounds. There are many types of tertiary amines and organometallic compounds. Considering various factors, there are only more than 20 most commonly used in polyurethane production.

1. Amine catalysts

Amine catalysts are generally used in the production of polyurethane foams and are mainly divided into the following categories:

Aliphatic amine catalysts include N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine, bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl)ether, N,N,N’,N’- Tetramethylalkylenediamine, triethylamine, N,N-dimethylbenzylamine, etc.

Alicyclic amine catalysts include solid amines, N-ethylmorpholine, N-methylmorpholine, N,N‘-diethylpiperazine, etc.

Alcohol compound catalysts include triethanolamine, DMEA, etc.

Aromatic amines include pyridine, N, N’-dimethylpyridine, etc.

2. Organometallic catalysts

Organometallic compounds include carboxylates, metal alkyl compounds, etc. The metal elements contained mainly include tin, Potassium, lead, mercury, zinc, etc., the most commonly used are organotin compounds.

Commonly used varieties of polyurethane catalysts:

DY-1 (bis dimethylaminoethyl ether), DY-5 (Pentamethyldiethylenetriamine), DY-8 (dimethylcyclohexylamine), DY-12 (dibutyltin dilaurate), DY-20 (Organobismuth), DY-41 (triazine trimerization catalyst), etc.

In the formulations of polyurethane elastomers and adhesives, coatings, sealants, waterproof coatings, paving materials, etc., dibutyltin dilaurate (DY -12) and other organic metal catalysts are commonly used. It is very effective in promoting the reaction between isocyanate groups and hydroxyl groups. However, it also has a certain acceleration effect on the reaction between water and isocyanate in formulas with moisture. It is suspected that it can be used in formulas such as plastic runways. Special polyurethane catalysts such as organic lead.