DMCHA’s versatility in the polyurethane industry

2025-03-09by admin

DMCHA’s versatility manifestation in the polyurethane industry

Introduction

Polyurethane (PU) is a multifunctional polymer material widely used in the fields of construction, automobile, furniture, shoe materials, packaging, etc. Its excellent physical properties, chemical stability and processing properties make it one of the indispensable materials in modern industry. In the production process of polyurethane, the choice of catalyst is crucial, which not only affects the reaction rate, but also directly affects the performance of the final product. N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine (DMCHA) is a highly efficient catalyst that demonstrates its versatility in the polyurethane industry. This article will discuss in detail the application of DMCHA in the polyurethane industry, product parameters and its versatility.

1. Basic properties of DMCHA

1.1 Chemical structure

The chemical name of DMCHA is N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine, and its molecular formula is C8H17N and its molecular weight is 127.23 g/mol. Its chemical structure is as follows:

 CH3
        |
   N-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2
        |
       CH3

1.2 Physical Properties

DMCHA is a colorless to light yellow liquid with a unique amine odor. Its physical properties are shown in the following table:

Properties	value
Boiling point (℃)	160-162
Density (g/cm³)	0.85-0.87
Flash point (℃)	45
Solution	Easy soluble in water, alcohols, and ethers
Vapor pressure (mmHg, 20℃)	1.2

1.3 Chemical Properties

DMCHA is a strong basic organic amine with good nucleophilicity and catalytic activity. It can react with isocyanate to form polyurethane precursors such as urethane and urea. In addition, DMCHA also has good thermal stability and chemical stability, and can maintain its catalytic activity under high temperatures and strong acid and alkali environments.

2. Application of DMCHA in the polyurethane industry

2.1 Catalyst

DMCHA is mainly used as a catalyst in the polyurethane industry, especially in the production of rigid polyurethane foams (Rigid Polyurethane Foam). Its catalytic effect is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

2.1.1 Reaction of isocyanate and polyol

In the production process of polyurethane, the reaction of isocyanate and polyol is a key step. DMCHA can accelerate this reaction, shorten the reaction time and improve production efficiency. The catalytic mechanism is as follows:

R-NCO + R'-OH → R-NH-COO-R'

2.1.2 Reaction of isocyanate and water

In the production of rigid polyurethane foams, water is often used as a foaming agent. DMCHA can catalyze the reaction of isocyanate with water to form carbon dioxide gas, thereby achieving foaming. The catalytic mechanism is as follows:

R-NCO + H2O → R-NH2 + CO2

2.1.3 Autopolymerization of isocyanate

DMCHA can also catalyze the self-polymerization reaction of isocyanate to form a polyurea structure, thereby improving the mechanical strength and heat resistance of polyurethane materials. The catalytic mechanism is as follows:

R-NCO + R-NCO → R-NH-CO-NH-R

2.2 Foaming agent

DMCHA can be used not only as a catalyst, but also as a foaming agent. In the production of rigid polyurethane foam, DMCHA can react with water to form carbon dioxide gas, thereby achieving foaming. The foaming effect is shown in the table below:

Frothing agent type	Foaming effect	Applicable scenarios
DMCHA	High	Rough Foam
Water	in	Soft foam
Physical foaming agent	Low	Special Foam

2.3 Stabilizer

DMCHA also has a good stabilizing agent function, which can improve the chemical stability and thermal stability of polyurethane materials. In high temperature environments,DMCHA can inhibit the decomposition of polyurethane materials and extend its service life. Its stable effect is shown in the following table:

Stabilizer Type	Thermal Stability	Chemical Stability
DMCHA	High	High
Organic Tin	in	in
Organic Lead	Low	Low

2.4 Plasticizer

DMCHA also has a certain plasticizing effect, which can improve the flexibility and processing performance of polyurethane materials. In the production of soft polyurethane foam, DMCHA can improve the elasticity and comfort of the material. The plasticizing effect is shown in the following table:

Plasticizer Type	Flexibility	Processing Performance
DMCHA	High	High
Phithalate	in	in
Phosate	Low	Low

III. Product parameters of DMCHA

3.1 Industrial DMCHA

Industrial grade DMCHA is mainly used in catalysts and foaming agents in the polyurethane industry. Its product parameters are shown in the following table:

parameter name	value
Purity (%)	≥99.0
Moisture (%)	≤0.1
Acne value (mg KOH/g)	≤0.1
Color (APHA)	≤50
Density (g/cm³)	0.85-0.87
Boiling point (℃)	160-162
Flash point (℃)	45

3.2 Pharmaceutical-grade DMCHA

Pharmaceutical-grade DMCHA is mainly used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates. Its product parameters are shown in the following table:

parameter name	value
Purity (%)	≥99.5
Moisture (%)	≤0.05
Acne value (mg KOH/g)	≤0.05
Color (APHA)	≤20
Density (g/cm³)	0.85-0.87
Boiling point (℃)	160-162
Flash point (℃)	45

3.3 Electronic grade DMCHA

Electronic grade DMCHA is mainly used in the synthesis of electronic materials. Its product parameters are shown in the following table:

parameter name	value
Purity (%)	≥99.9
Moisture (%)	≤0.01
Acne value (mg KOH/g)	≤0.01
Color (APHA)	≤10
Density (g/cm³)	0.85-0.87
Boiling point (℃)	160-162
Flash point (℃)	45

IV. The versatility of DMCHA

4.1 High-efficiency Catalysis

DMCHA, as a highly efficient catalyst, can significantly increase the reaction rate of polyurethane production, shorten the production cycle, and reduce production costs. Its efficient catalytic performance is shown in the following table:

Catalytic Type	Reaction rate	Production cycle	Cost
DMCHA	High	Short	Low
Organic Tin	in	in	in
Organic Lead	Low	Long	High

4.2 Multifunctional application

DMCHA can be used not only as a catalyst, but also as a foaming agent, a stabilizer and a plasticizer, and has versatility. Its multifunctional application is shown in the following table:

Function Type	Application Scenario	Effect
Catalyzer	Rough Foam	High
Frothing agent	Rough Foam	High
Stabilizer	High temperature environment	High
Plasticizer	Soft foam	High

4.3 Environmental performance

DMCHA has good environmental performance, and its low toxicity and low volatility make it an ideal choice for environmentally friendly catalysts. Its environmental performance is shown in the following table:

Environmental Indicators	DMCHA	Organic Tin	Organic Lead
Toxicity	Low	In	High
Volatility	Low	in	High
Biodegradability	High	in	Low

4.4 Economy

DMCHA has low production costs, and its efficient catalytic performance can significantly reduce the overall cost of polyurethane production, and has high economicality. Its economicality is shown in the following table:

Economic Indicators	DMCHA	Organic Tin	Organic Lead
Production Cost	Low	in	High
Cost of use	Low	in	High
Comprehensive Cost	Low	in	High

V. Future development of DMCHA

5.1 Research and development of new catalysts

With the continuous development of the polyurethane industry, the requirements for catalysts are becoming higher and higher. In the future, the research and development direction of DMCHA will mainly focus on improving its catalytic efficiency, reducing its toxicity and volatile nature. The research and development of new catalysts will further improve the efficiency and environmental performance of polyurethane production.

5.2 Expansion of multi-functional applications

The versatility of DMCHA makes its application prospects in the polyurethane industry. In the future, the application of DMCHA will not only be limited to catalysts and foaming agents, but will also be expanded to stabilizers, plasticizers and other fields, further improving the performance and application range of polyurethane materials.

5.3 Promotion of environmentally friendly catalysts

With the continuous improvement of environmental awareness, the promotion of environmentally friendly catalysts will become an important direction for the future development of the polyurethane industry. As a low toxicity and low volatile environmentally friendly catalyst, DMCHA will be widely used and promoted in the future.

Conclusion

DMCHA, as a highly efficient catalyst, demonstrates its versatility in the polyurethane industry. Its efficient catalytic performance, multifunctional application, environmental protection performance and economy make it one of the indispensable materials in the polyurethane industry. In the future, with new modelsWith the development of catalysts and the expansion of multifunctional applications, DMCHA will play a more important role in the polyurethane industry and promote the sustainable development of the polyurethane industry.

DMCHA's versatility in the polyurethane industry