A polyurethane catalyst is a substance that accelerates the curing or hardening of polyurethane resins. They are used in a variety of applications including the production of foams, elastomers and coatings.

There are many types of polyurethane catalysts, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types of polyurethane catalysts include:

Amines: Amines are the most common polyurethane catalysts. They efficiently catalyze the reaction between isocyanates and hydroxyl groups. However, amines also lead to the formation of undesired by-products, such as amines and amides.
Organotin compounds: Organotin compounds are also effective in catalyzing the reaction between isocyanates and hydroxyl groups. However, they are more expensive and difficult to handle than amines.
Metal salts: Metal salts, such as zinc chloride, can also be used as polyurethane catalysts. They are less expensive than amines and organotin compounds, but they are not as effective at catalyzing the reaction between isocyanates and hydroxyl groups.
The choice of polyurethane catalyst depends on many factors, including the type of polyurethane resin used, the desired properties of the final product, and the cost of the catalyst.

Polyurethane catalysts are an important part of the polyurethane manufacturing process. They help ensure that polyurethane resins are cured properly and that the final product has the desired properties.