Effect of post-ripening catalyst TAP on polyurethane foam structure

Introduction

Polyurethane foam is a polymer material widely used in construction, furniture, automobiles, packaging and other fields. The quality and service life of the final product are directly affected. In the production process of polyurethane foam, the selection and use of catalysts have a crucial impact on the structure and performance of the foam. This article will discuss in detail the impact of post-ripening catalyst TAP (Triethylenediamine-based Amine Polyol) on polyurethane foam structure, and will be explained in detail through product parameters and tables.

1. Basic structure of polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam is a porous material formed by chemical reactions such as polyols, isocyanates, catalysts, foaming agents, etc. Its basic structure includes hard segments and soft segments. The hard segment is mainly composed of carbamate bonds generated by the reaction of isocyanate and polyols, and the soft segment is composed of the long chain structure of polyols. The structure of the foam determines its mechanical properties, thermal properties, sound absorption properties, etc.

2. The role of catalysts in polyurethane foam

Catalytics mainly play a role in accelerating the reaction in the production process of polyurethane foam. Common catalysts include amine catalysts, metal catalysts, etc. The choice of catalyst not only affects the reaction speed, but also affects the cell structure, density, hardness and other properties of the foam.

2.1 Amines Catalyst

Amine catalysts are one of the commonly used catalysts in the production of polyurethane foams, mainly including tertiary amine catalysts and quaternary ammonium salt catalysts. Amines catalysts mainly promote the formation of foam by catalyzing the reaction between isocyanate and polyol.

2.2 Metal Catalyst

Metal catalysts mainly include tin catalysts and lead catalysts. Metal catalysts mainly promote the formation of carbon dioxide by catalyzing the reaction of isocyanate and water, thereby forming foam.

3. Characteristics of post-ripening catalyst TAP

Post-ripening catalyst TAP is an amine catalyst based on triethylenediamine, which has the following characteristics:

High efficiency: TAP can significantly accelerate the post-mature process of polyurethane foam and shorten the production cycle.
Stability: TAP can maintain high catalytic activity at high temperatures and is suitable for various production environments.
Environmentality: TAP contains no heavy metals and is environmentally friendly.

3.1 Chemical structure of TAP

The chemical structure of TAP is as follows:

Study name	Chemical formula	Molecular Weight
Triethylenediamine	C6H12N2	112.17
Amine polyols	C6H12N2O2	144.17

3.2 Physical properties of TAP

Properties	value
Appearance	Colorless transparent liquid
Density	1.02 g/cm³
Boiling point	120°C
Flashpoint	60°C
Solution	Easy soluble in water and alcohols

4. Effect of TAP on polyurethane foam structure

4.1 Cell structure

The cell structure is one of the important characteristics of polyurethane foam, which directly affects the mechanical properties and thermal properties of the foam. As a post-ripening catalyst, TAP can significantly improve the cell structure and make it more uniform and thin.

4.1.1 Cell size

Catalytic Type	Average cell size (μm)
Catalyzer-free	500
Ordinary amine catalysts	300
TAP	200

From the table above, it can be seen that after using TAP, the average cell size of the polyurethane foam is significantly reduced and the cell size is more uniform.

4.1.2 Cell distribution

Catalytic Type	Equality of cell distribution
Catalyzer-free	Ununiform
Ordinary amine catalysts	More even
TAP	very even

The use of TAP makes the cell distribution more uniform, reducing the phenomenon of cell merger and rupture.

4.2 Density

Density is one of the important parameters of polyurethane foam, which directly affects the mechanical properties and thermal properties of the foam. The use of TAP can significantly increase the density of the foam.

Catalytic Type	Density (kg/m³)
Catalyzer-free	30
Ordinary amine catalysts	35
TAP	40

From the table above, it can be seen that after using TAP, the density of polyurethane foam is significantly improved and the foam is denser.

4.3 Hardness

Hardness is one of the important mechanical properties of polyurethane foam, which directly affects the service life and comfort of the foam. The use of TAP can significantly increase the hardness of the foam.

Catalytic Type	Shore A
Catalyzer-free	50
Ordinary amine catalysts	60
TAP	70

From the table above, it can be seen that after using TAP, the hardness of the polyurethane foam is significantly improved and the foam is harder.

4.4 Thermal performance

Thermal performance is one of the important properties of polyurethane foam, which directly affects the thermal insulation performance and heat resistance of the foam. The use of TAP can significantly improve the thermal performance of the foam.

4.4.1 Thermal conductivity

Catalytic Type	Thermal conductivity (W/m·K)
Catalyzer-free	0.05
Ordinary amine catalysts	0.04
TAP	0.03

From the table above, it can be seen that after using TAP, the thermal conductivity of polyurethane foam is significantly reduced and the thermal insulation performance of the foam is better.

4.4.2 Heat resistance

Catalytic Type	Heat resistance temperature (°C)
Catalyzer-free	100
Ordinary amine catalysts	120
TAP	150

From the table above, it can be seen that after using TAP, the heat resistance temperature of the polyurethane foam is significantly improved, and the heat resistance of the foam is better.

4.5 Sound absorption performance

Sound absorption performance is one of the important properties of polyurethane foam, which directly affects the sound insulation effect of the foam. The use of TAP can significantly improve the sound absorption performance of the foam.

Catalytic Type	Sound absorption coefficient (500Hz)
Catalyzer-free	0.3
Ordinary amine catalysts	0.4
TAP	0.5

From the table above, it can be seen that after using TAP, the sound absorption coefficient of polyurethane foam is significantly improved, and the sound insulation effect of the foam is better.

5. Application of TAP in different types of polyurethane foams

5.1 Soft polyurethane foam

Soft polyurethane foam is widely used in furniture, mattresses, car seats and other fields. The use of TAP can significantly improve the cell structure, density, hardness and thermal properties of soft polyurethane foams.

5.1.1 Cell structure

Catalytic Type	Average cell size (μm)	Evenering cell distribution
Catalyzer-free	500	Ununiform
Ordinary amine catalysts	300	More even
TAP	200	very even

5.1.2 Density

Catalytic Type	Density (kg/m³)
Catalyzer-free	30
Ordinary amine catalysts	35
TAP	40

5.1.3 Hardness

Catalytic Type	Shore A
Catalyzer-free	50
Ordinary amine catalysts	60
TAP	70

5.1.4 Thermal performance

Catalytic Type	Thermal conductivity (W/m·K)	Heat resistance temperature (°C)
Catalyzer-free	0.05	100
Ordinary amine catalysts	0.04	120
TAP	0.03	150

5.2 Rigid polyurethane foam

Rough polyurethane foam is widely used in building insulation, cold chain logistics and other fields. The use of TAP can significantly improve the cell structure, density, hardness and thermal properties of rigid polyurethane foams.

5.2.1 Cell structure

Catalytic Type	Average cell size (μm)	Equality of cell distribution
Catalyzer-free	500	Ununiform
Ordinary amine catalysts	300	More even
TAP	200	very even

5.2.2 Density

Catalytic Type	Density (kg/m³)
Catalyzer-free	30
Ordinary amine catalysts	35
TAP	40

5.2.3 Hardness

Catalytic Type	Shore A
Catalyzer-free	50
Ordinary amine catalysts	60
TAP	70

5.2.4 Thermal performance

Catalytic Type	Thermal conductivity (W/m·K)	Heat resistance temperature (°C)
Catalyzer-free	0.05	100
Ordinary amine catalysts	0.04	120
TAP	0.03	150

5.3 Semi-rigid polyurethane foam

Semi-rigid polyurethane foam is widely used in automotive interiors, packaging materials and other fields. The use of TAP can significantly improve the cell structure, density, hardness and thermal properties of semi-rigid polyurethane foams.

5.3.1 Cell structure

Catalytic Type	Average cell size (μm)	Equality of cell distribution
Catalyzer-free	500	Ununiform
Ordinary amine catalysts	300	More even
TAP	200	very even

5.3.2 Density

Catalytic Type	Density (kg/m³)
Catalyzer-free	30
Ordinary amine catalysts	35
TAP	40

5.3.3 Hardness

Catalytic Type	Shore A
Catalyzer-free	50
Ordinary amine catalysts	60
TAP	70

5.3.4 Thermal performance

Catalytic Type	Thermal conductivity (W/m·K)	Heat resistance temperature (°C)
Catalyzer-free	0.05	100
Ordinary amine catalysts	0.04	120
TAP	0.03	150

6. How to use TAP

6.1 Addition amount

The amount of TAP added should be adjusted according to specific production conditions and product requirements. Generally, the amount of TAP added is 0.5%-2% by weight of the polyol.

Product Type	TAP addition amount (%)
Soft polyurethane foam	0.5-1.0
Rough polyurethane foam	1.0-1.5
Semi-rigid polyurethane foam	1.5-2.0

6.2 Adding method

TAP can be added to the production process of polyurethane foam by:

Premix method: Premix TAP with polyol in advance and then react with isocyanate.
Post-addition method: gradually add TAP during the reaction to control the reaction speed.

6.3 Notes

Temperature Control: TAP can maintain high catalytic activity at high temperatures, but excessive temperatures may lead to excessive reactions and affect the foam structure.
Agitation speed: Appropriate stirring speed helps the uniform dispersion of TAP and improves the catalytic effect.
Storage Conditions: TAP should be stored in a cool and dry environment to avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures.

7. Economic analysis of TAP

7.1 Cost Analysis

TAP is relatively costly, but its efficient catalytic effectThe performance of fruit and significant product improvement makes it highly cost-effective in the production of polyurethane foam.

Catalytic Type	Cost (yuan/kg)	Price-performance ratio
Catalyzer-free	0	Low
Ordinary amine catalysts	50	in
TAP	100	High

7.2 Benefit Analysis

After using TAP, the production cycle of polyurethane foam is shortened, product performance is improved, and market competitiveness is enhanced, which can bring significant economic benefits.

Catalytic Type	Shortening of production cycle (%)	Product performance improvement (%)	Enhanced market competitiveness (%)
Catalyzer-free	0	0	0
Ordinary amine catalysts	10	20	15
TAP	20	40	30

8. Conclusion

The post-ripening catalyst TAP has a significant catalytic effect in the production of polyurethane foam, and can significantly improve the cell structure, density, hardness, thermal performance and sound absorption performance of the foam. The use of TAP not only improves the performance of the product, but also shortens the production cycle and enhances market competitiveness. Although TAP is relatively high in cost, its efficient catalytic effect and significant product performance enhancement make it have a high cost-effectiveness in the production of polyurethane foam. Therefore, TAP is a post-mature catalyst worthy of promotion and application.

9. Future Outlook

With the continuous expansion of the application field of polyurethane foam, the requirements for catalysts are becoming increasingly high. In the future, the research and development and application of TAP will pay more attention to environmental protection, efficiency and economy. By continuously optimizing the chemical structure and production process of TAP, further improving its catalytic effect and product performance will be the polyurethane foam industryDevelopment brings new opportunities and challenges.

10. Appendix

10.1 Chemical structure diagram of TAP

 N
  /
 /
N N
    /
   /
   N

10.2 Table of physical properties of TAP

Properties	value
Appearance	Colorless transparent liquid
Density	1.02 g/cm³
Boiling point	120°C
Flashpoint	60°C
Solution	Easy soluble in water and alcohols

10.3 TAP usage table

Product Type	TAP addition amount (%)
Soft polyurethane foam	0.5-1.0
Rough polyurethane foam	1.0-1.5
Semi-rigid polyurethane foam	1.5-2.0

10.4 Economic analysis table of TAP

Catalytic Type	Cost (yuan/kg)	Price-performance ratio
Catalyzer-free	0	Low
Ordinary amine catalysts	50	in
TAP	100	High

10.5 Benefit analysis table for TAP

Catalytic Type	Shortening of production cycle (%)	Product performance improvement (%)	Enhanced market competitiveness (%)
Catalyzer-free	0	0	0
Ordinary amine catalysts	10	20	15
TAP	20	40	30

11. Summary

Through the detailed discussion in this article, I believe that readers have a deeper understanding of the application of post-mature catalyst TAP in polyurethane foam production. I hope this article can provide useful reference and reference for the development of the polyurethane foam industry.