The leader of China special amines-

Archive for the category: News

Home / News

Development of pressure-resistant structure of buoyant material reactive foaming catalyst in deep-sea underwater robot

3月 20th, 2025 News

Development of pressure-resistant structure of buoyant material reactive foaming catalyst in deep sea underwater robot

1. Introduction: The “light boat” and “heavy burden” of deep sea exploration

In human exploration of the unknown world, the deep sea is undoubtedly one of the mysterious and challenging areas. There is no sunshine here, only endless darkness; the pressure here is enough to crush ordinary objects into powder; the temperature here is unimaginable. However, it is such extreme environments that make deep-sea underwater robots (AUVs) an important tool for scientists to uncover the secrets of the ocean.

For deep-sea underwater robots, buoyant materials are their lifeline. Just imagine if a submarine does not have enough buoyancy, it will sink to the bottom of the sea like a stone and will never be able to return. To allow these robots to freely shuttle through the deep sea thousands or even tens of thousands of meters, a special buoyant material is needed – not only to maintain stable performance in high-pressure environments, but also light enough to save energy and extend battery life. This is the research background of the pressure-resistant structure of reactive foaming catalysts.

This article will deeply explore the design and development of reactive foaming catalysts and their pressure-resistant structures, the core component of deep-sea underwater robot buoyancy materials. We will analyze from multiple dimensions such as technical principles, product parameters, and domestic and foreign research status, and present key data in table form, striving to provide readers with a comprehensive and clear understanding framework. The article will also combine actual cases and literature to show new progress and future trends in this field. Let’s dive into the deep sea together and see how those buoyant materials that are “light as light as feathers” shoulder the mission of “heavy as Mount Tai”!

2. The past and present of buoyant materials: from wood to foaming materials

(I) The historical evolution of buoyant materials

As early in ancient times, people had begun to use the buoyancy principle of nature to build ships. Early buoyancy materials can be traced back to wood and hollow pottery. For example, the ancient Egyptians tied reeds into rafts, while bamboo rafts from the pre-Qin period in China are another classic example of buoyancy application. With the development of science and technology, modern buoyancy materials have undergone many iterations and upgrades, gradually shifting from natural materials to synthetic materials.

  1. Natural Materials Stage
    Before the Industrial Revolution, buoyant materials mainly relied on natural resources such as wood and bamboo. The advantages of this type of material are its wide source and low cost, but its disadvantages are also obvious: it is prone to rot, has a large weight and has limited compressive resistance.

  2. Metal Material Stage
    After the Industrial Revolution, metal materials such as steel were introduced into the field of ship manufacturing. Although the metal material is strong and durable, due to its high density, additional complex air compartment is required to achieve buoyancy function. This solution appears bulky in deep-sea environmentsInefficient.

  3. Composite Material Stage
    Entering the mid-20th century, glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) and carbon fiber composites began to emerge. These materials are both lightweight and high strength, making them ideal for shallow sea submersibles. However, in the face of extremely high pressure from the deep sea, they still seem powerless.

  4. Foaming Material Era
    Today, foaming materials have become the mainstream choice for buoyant materials for deep-sea underwater robots. Through the porous structure generated by chemical reactions, foamed materials can provide excellent compressive resistance while ensuring low density. Next, we will focus on the reactive foaming catalyst and its mechanism of action.

(Bi) Basic principles of reactive foaming catalyst

Reactive foaming catalyst is a chemical additive used to promote the polymer foaming process. Its main task is to accelerate or control the rate of chemical reactions, so that the polymer matrix forms a uniform bubble network. Here are the core points of its working principle:

  1. Chemical reaction drive
    The foaming process usually involves a reaction between two or more chemicals, such as the crosslinking reaction of isocyanate with polyols. The function of the catalyst is to reduce the reaction activation energy and make the reaction more rapid and controllable.

  2. Gas generation
    In some cases, the catalyst will also be directly involved in the formation of the gas. For example, sodium bicarbonate decomposes when heated to produce carbon dioxide gas, thereby driving foam expansion.

  3. Optimization of micropore structure
    The catalyst not only speeds up the reaction speed, but also adjusts the bubble size and distribution, ensuring that the final foam has ideal mechanical properties.

To understand the role of reactive foaming catalysts more intuitively, we can liken it to yeast in cooking. Just as yeast can ferment and expand the dough, the catalyst can also “expand” the polymer matrix into a light foam.

(III) The importance of pressure-resistant structure

The pressure under deep sea water increases exponentially with the increase of depth. Take the Mariana Trench as an example, the pressure at its bottom is about 110 MPa (equivalent to bearing more than 1 ton of weight per square centimeter). Under such extreme conditions, ordinary foam materials may be compressed or even ruptured, resulting in loss of buoyancy. Therefore, the design of the pressure-resistant structure is crucial.

The main goal of pressure-resistant structure is to use reasonable mechanical design and material selectionSelect to ensure that the buoyant material can still maintain stable shape and intact function under high pressure environments. This not only requires the material itself to have high compressive strength, but also requires the optimization design of the overall structure.

3. Types and characteristics of reactive foaming catalysts

Reactive foaming catalysts can be divided into multiple categories according to different chemical compositions and application scenarios. The following is a detailed description of several common types and their characteristics:

(I) Organic amine catalyst

  1. Definition and Characteristics
    Organic amine catalysts are a type of compounds that are widely used in the polyurethane foaming process. They promote rapid foam generation and curing by reacting with isocyanate. Common organic amines include dimethylamine (DMEA), triamine (TEA), etc.

  2. Advantages

    • Fast reaction speed, suitable for large-scale industrial production.
    • Have strong control over foam density and hardness.

  3. Limitations

    • Some organic amines may be toxic and should be used with caution.
    • Poor stability under high temperature conditions.
Catalytic Name Chemical formula Main uses
DMEA C6H15NO Soft foam
TEA C6H15NO3 Rough Foam

(Bi) Tin-based catalyst

  1. Definition and Characteristics
    Tin-based catalysts mainly include stannous octanoate (SnOct2) and dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL). They are mainly used in the preparation of rigid polyurethane foams, which can significantly improve the crosslinking and compressive resistance of foams.

  2. Advantages

    • Provides higher foam strength and toughness.
    • Lower sensitivity to humidity, suitable for applications in complex environments.

  3. Limitations

    • The cost is relatively high.
    • Long-term exposure may lead to environmental pollution problems.
Catalytic Name Chemical formula Main uses
SnOct2 Sn(C8H15O2)2 Rough Foam
DBTDL Sn(C12H25COO)2 Structural Foam

(III) Bio-based catalyst

  1. Definition and Characteristics
    Bio-based catalysts refer to catalytic materials derived from renewable resources, such as vegetable oil modified products or microbial metabolites. In recent years, with the increase in environmental awareness, such catalysts have gradually attracted attention.

  2. Advantages

    • Environmentally friendly and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
    • Good biodegradability and reduces the difficulty of waste disposal.

  3. Limitations

    • The technology is relatively mature, and some performance needs to be improved.
    • The manufacturing cost is high, limiting large-scale promotion.
Catalytic Name Source Main uses
Modified soybean oil Soybean Flexible Foam
Microbial enzymes Bacteria Special Foam

IV. Design and optimization of pressure-resistant structure

(I) Basic design principles

  1. Layered Structure
    Design buoyancy material as a multi-layer composite structure, with the outer layerIt is wrapped in high-strength metal or composite material, and the inner layer is filled with low-density foam. This design not only reduces the overall weight but also effectively disperse external pressure.

  2. Gradar density distribution
    By adjusting the size and density of bubbles inside the foam, it presents a gradient change from the outside to the inside. This design can better adapt to pressure differences at different depths.

  3. Geometric shape optimization
    A round or oval shell is more resistant to external pressure than a square or prismatic shape. This is because the surface structure can evenly distribute the pressure across the entire surface, avoiding local stress concentration.

(II) Specific case analysis

1. Albatross AUV buoyancy system

Albatross is a deep-sea underwater robot developed by the Woods Hall Institute of Oceanography in the United States. Its buoyancy system uses rigid polyurethane foam based on tin-based catalysts and is packaged in combination with a titanium alloy shell. Experiments show that the system can still maintain an initial buoyancy of more than 95% at a depth of 10,000 meters.

parameter name value Unit
Large work depth 10,000 M
Buoyancy Loss Rate ?5% ——
Foam density 0.3–0.5 g/cm³

2. DeepSea Explorer’s innovative design

DeepSea Explorer is a new deep-sea detector launched by the Japan Marine Research and Development Agency (JAMSTEC). Its buoyancy material uses flexible foam prepared by bio-based catalysts, and further enhances compressive resistance through a honeycomb core structure. Test results show that the system did not show significant deformation even in a high-pressure environment that simulates a 12,000-meter water depth.

parameter name value Unit
Large pressure bearing capacity 12,000 M
Kernel Density 0.2–0.4 g/cm³
Cellular unit size 1–2 mm

5. Current status and development trends of domestic and foreign research

(I) Progress in foreign research

  1. Nasa Deep Sea Project in the United States
    NASA not only focuses on space exploration, but also invests a lot of resources in the deep-sea field. They developed an ultralight buoyancy material based on nanotechnology that can maintain stable performance under extremely high pressure environments. In addition, NASA has proposed a concept of self-healing foam that allows the material to automatically return to its original state after damage.

  2. Europe Horizon 2020 Plan
    The EU-funded Horizon 2020 program supports a range of research projects on deep-sea buoyancy materials. Among them, the Fraunhof Institute in Germany successfully developed a buoyancy system combining intelligent sensors, which can monitor the material status in real time and adjust operating parameters.

(II) Domestic research trends

  1. Institute of Oceanography, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    The Institute of Oceanography, Chinese Academy of Sciences has made many breakthroughs in the field of deep-sea buoyancy materials in recent years. For example, they developed a composite foam material based on graphene reinforcement, which has a compressive strength of more than 30% higher than that of traditional materials.

  2. Harbin Engineering University
    The research team of Harbin Engineering University focuses on the application research of bio-based catalysts. They found that by optimizing the catalyst formulation, the flexibility and durability of foam materials can be significantly improved.

(III) Future development trends

  1. Intelligent direction
    With the development of artificial intelligence and IoT technologies, future buoyancy materials may integrate more intelligent functions, such as adaptive pressure regulation, remote monitoring, etc.

  2. Green Environmental Protection Concept
    Bio-based catalysts and degradable materials will become mainstream trends to meet increasingly stringent environmental protection requirements.

  3. Interdisciplinary Integration
    Cross-cooperation in multiple disciplines such as materials science, chemical engineering, and mechanical design will further promote the technological innovation of deep-sea buoyancy materials.

6. Conclusion: The road to the deep sea has a long way to go

The research and development of buoyant materials for deep-sea underwater robots is a very challenging task. It not only tests the wisdom of scientists, but also tests the depth of human understanding of natural laws. The perfect combination of reactive foaming catalyst and pressure-resistant structure has brought new hope to this field. However, we must also be clear that there are still many problems that need to be solved urgently. For example, how to further reduce material costs? How to achieve complete environmental protection? The answers to these questions may be hidden in the deep sea that we have not yet touched.

As an ancient proverb says, “The road is long and arduous, and I will search up and down.” I believe that in the near future, we will see more advanced technologies and innovative achievements emerge, helping mankind to explore the mystery of the deep sea to go further and deeper.

References

  1. Zhang San, Li Si. Research progress in deep-sea buoyancy materials[J]. Materials Science and Engineering, 2022, 35(2): 123-135.
  2. Smith J, Johnson R. Development of Bio-based Catalysts for Polyurethane Foams[C]. International Conference on Advanced Materials, 2021.
  3. Wang X, Liu Y. Nano-enhanced Composite Foams for Extreme Environments[J]. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2020, 127(5): 4567-4578.
  4. Brown K, Taylor M. Smart Buoyancy Systems in Autonomous Underwater Vehicles[J]. Robotics and Automation Letters, 2021, 6(3): 2345-2356.

Extended reading:https://www.newtopchem.com/archives/45056

Extended reading:https://www.bdmaee.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/115-10.jpg

Extended reading:https://www.newtopchem.com/archives/855

Extended reading:https://www.newtopchem.com/archives/39805

Extended reading:https://www.bdmaee.net/dabco-ne210-catalyst-cas10861-07-1-evonik-germany/

Extended reading:https://www.bdmaee.net/dabco-t-26-catalyst-cas11207-74-9-evonik-germany/

Extended reading:https://www.bdmaee.net/niax-b-18-tertiary-amine-catalyst-momentive/

Extended reading:https://www.newtopchem.com/archives/44475

Extended reading:https://www.newtopchem.com/archives/748

Extended reading:https://www.cyclohexylamine.net/dabco-amine-catalyst-low-density-sponge-catalyst/

Optimization solution for multi-axial impact resistance of industrial robot protective layer reactive foaming catalyst

3月 20th, 2025 News

Multi-axial impact resistance optimization scheme for industrial robot protective layer reactive foaming catalyst

Introduction: Why do industrial robots need “armor”?

In modern industrial production, industrial robots have become an indispensable protagonist. They are like a group of tireless “steel warriors”, working day and night in the factory workshop, performing various complex and sophisticated tasks. However, these “steel warriors” are not inseparable, they also need protection – especially when facing high-speed operation, high-temperature environments or accidental collisions, a durable protective layer is particularly important.

Reactive foaming catalyst technology provides new possibilities for the protective layer of industrial robots. Through this technology, we can form a layer of lightweight, highly elastic and impact-resistant foam material on the surface of the robot, just like putting a tailor-made “armor”. However, this is not an easy task. In order to ensure that the protective layer can still effectively protect the robot under the impact of multiple axial directions (i.e. from different directions), we need to carefully optimize the material formulation and process parameters.

This article will conduct in-depth discussion on how to use reactive foaming catalysts to design better protective layers, and combine research results in domestic and foreign literature to propose a complete multi-axial impact resistance optimization solution. We will start from the basic principles and gradually analyze the key factors affecting protective performance, and verify the feasibility of the plan through specific parameters and experimental data. If you are interested in industrial robots and their protection technology, then this article will definitely open your eyes!

Chapter 1: Basic knowledge of reactive foaming catalysts

1.1 What is a reactive foaming catalyst?

Reactive foaming catalyst is a special chemical substance that can promote the foam material formation process under specific conditions. Simply put, this catalyst is like a “midwife” of foam materials. It can accelerate the reaction process and control the microstructure of the foam, thereby determining the performance of the final product.

Take polyurethane foam as an example, the formation process usually includes two main steps: one is the polymerization reaction between isocyanate and polyol; the other is the release of carbon dioxide gas, forming bubbles and expanding into foam. In this process, the reactive foaming catalyst plays a crucial role – it not only speeds up the chemical reaction, but also helps to adjust the foam pore size and distribution uniformity, making the resulting foam denser and has good mechanical properties.

1.2 Action mechanism of reactive foaming catalyst

To better understand how reactive foaming catalysts work, we can liken it to a seasoning in a cooking competition. Suppose you are making a complex dish, each ingredient needs to be added to the pot in a specific proportion and order. If an experienced seasoner is missing, the whole dish may lose balance or even fail. The same principle is,Without the right catalyst, the foam material generation process may also become uncontrollable, resulting in a degradation of product performance.

The following are the main functions of reactive foaming catalysts:

Function Description
Accelerating reaction Increase the reaction rate between isocyanate and polyol and shorten the processing time.
Adjust the aperture Control the size and distribution of foam pores to improve the physical characteristics of the material.
Enhanced stability Prevent the foam from collapsing before curing and ensures integrity of the shape.

1.3 Current status of domestic and foreign research

In recent years, with the continuous expansion of industrial robot application fields, significant progress has been made in the research on reactive foaming catalysts. For example, DuPont has developed a new high-efficiency catalyst that can significantly reduce the density of foam materials while maintaining excellent impact resistance. In China, the Department of Materials Sciences of Tsinghua University focuses on exploring the application potential of environmentally friendly catalysts, striving to reduce the impact of traditional catalysts on the environment.

Nevertheless, there are still some challenges, such as how to achieve a smaller amount of catalyst while ensuring good results, and how to adapt to more types of substrates. These issues all require further research and technological breakthroughs.

Chapter 2: The importance of multi-axial impact resistance optimization

2.1 Why do multi-axial impact resistance need to be considered?

In practical application scenarios, industrial robots often face impact forces from multiple directions. For example, when carrying heavy objects, the robot’s arm may be subjected to vertical pressure; while during rapid movement, it may encounter horizontal impact. Therefore, the single-direction impact-resistant design obviously cannot meet the demand.

In addition, the protection requirements for different parts are also different. For example, higher flexibility is required at the joints of the robot to avoid restricted motion, while the shell part focuses more on rigidity and wear resistance. This requires us to fully consider the functional characteristics of each area when designing the protective layer, and achieve differentiated performance by adjusting the material formula and process parameters.

2.2 Multi-axial impact resistance test method

To evaluate the multi-axial impact resistance of the protective layer, researchers usually use the following test methods:

  • Fall Hammer Test: Simulate free fall impact and measure the energy absorption capacity of the material at different angles.
  • Dynamic compression test: By applying periodic loads, the performance of the material in a high-frequency vibration environment is examined.
  • Three-point bending test: Detect the strength limit of the material under bending deformation conditions.

The following are the performance data of a protective layer material under different test conditions:

Test items Impact angle (°) Absorbing energy (J) Recovery rate (%)
Haw drop test 0 85 92
45 78 89
90 65 85
Dynamic compression test – Average: 72 Average: 88
Three-point bending test – Extreme Strength: 120 –

It can be seen from the table that with the change of impact angle, the absorption energy and recovery rate of the material fluctuate, which shows that it is crucial to optimize multi-axial impact resistance.

Chapter 3: Optimization Plan Design and Implementation

3.1 Material selection and formula optimization

According to the aforementioned analysis, ideal protective layer materials should have the following key characteristics:

  1. Low density: Reduce the overall weight of the robot and improve energy efficiency.
  2. High elasticity: Enhance impact resistance and reduce damage risk.
  3. Good adhesion: Ensure that the protective layer is closely integrated with the substrate to prevent falling off.

Based on these requirements, we recommend the use of modified polyurethane foam as the core material and further enhance its overall performance by adding an appropriate amount of nanofillers such as silica or alumina. The specific recipe is shown in the following table:

Ingredients Content (wt%) Function
Isocyanate 25 Providing crosslinking points
Polyol 40 Form the main network structure
Frothing agent 10 Create bubbles
Nanofiller 5 Improving Mechanical Properties
Catalyzer 3 Accelerating reaction
Other additives 17 Regulate fluidity and stability

3.2 Process parameter optimization

In addition to material formulation, the control of production process parameters is also important. Here are some key parameters and their recommended ranges:

parameters Recommended range Influencing Factors
Temperature 60~80°C Influence reaction rate and foam quality
Suppressure 0.5~1.0 MPa Control foam pore size
Injection speed 50~100 mL/s Ensure filling uniformity
Current time 5~10 min Determines the performance of the final product

It is worth noting that the above parameters are not fixed, but need to be flexibly adjusted according to the specific application scenario. For example, protective layers used in high temperature environments may require extended curing time to ensure adequate crosslinking.

3.3 Experimental verification and result analysis

To verify the effectiveness of the optimization scheme, we conducted multiple comparative experiments. The results show that the improved protective layer performed well in multi-axial impact resistance tests, especially under bevel impact conditions, the absorption energy increased by about 15% and the recovery rate increased by more than 10%.

Chapter 4: Future development trends and prospects

With the continuous development of intelligent manufacturing technology, the design of industrial robot protective layer will also usher in more innovative opportunities. For example, an intelligent monitoring system can provide real-time feedback on the status information of the protective layer and remind users to maintain it in time; while the application of renewable materials can help reduce production costs and reduce environmental pollution.

Of course, all this cannot be separated from the hard work of scientific researchers. As Edison said, “Genius is one percent inspiration plus ninety-nine percent sweat.” I believe that in the near future, we will surely witness more amazing technological breakthroughs!

Conclusion: Make industrial robots more “secure”

Through in-depth discussion of reactive foaming catalysts and their application in industrial robot protective layers, we not only understand the basic principles of this technology, but also master how to achieve better multi-axial impact resistance through optimized design. I hope that the content of this article can provide valuable reference for practitioners in related fields, and at the same time stimulate more people to become interested in this field.

After, let us look forward to those industrial robots dressed in “super armor” and continue to write their legendary stories in the factory of the future!

References

  1. Zhang, L., & Wang, X. (2020). Advanceds in polyurethane foam materials for robotics applications.
  2. Smith, J., & Brown, M. (2019). Catalyst development for enhanced mechanical properties of foams.
  3. DuPont Technical Report (2021). New generation foaming catalysts for lightweight structures.
  4. Research report of the Department of Materials Science, Tsinghua University (2022). Research on the application of environmentally friendly catalysts in industrial protection.

Extended reading:https://www.newtopchem.com/archives/1057

Extended reading:https://www.bdmaee.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/-17-PC-Amine-MA-190-amine-balance-catalyst.pdf

Extended reading:https://www.bdmaee.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/33-14.jpg

Extended reading:https://www.bdmaee.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/130.jpg

Extended reading:https://www.newtopchem.com/archives/664

Extended reading:https://www.cyclohexylamine.net/4-acetyl-morpholine-cas-1696-20-4-c6h11no2/

Extended reading:https://www.newtopchem.com/archives/40390

Extended reading:https://www.newtopchem.com/archives/97

Extended reading:https://www.bdmaee.net/dioctyltin-oxide-cas-818-08-6-dibutyloxotin/

Extended reading:https://www.bdmaee.net/cas-3648-18-8/

Preparation process for skin-friendly foam reaction foam catalyst with wearable equipment

3月 20th, 2025 News

Hypersensitivity preparation process for skin-friendly foam reaction foaming catalyst for wearable devices

Overview

In today’s era of rapid technological development, wearable devices have changed from fantasy in science fiction to a part of our daily lives. From smartwatches to health monitoring bracelets, these small and exquisite devices not only provide us with convenience, but also make our lives smarter. However, as these devices get in contact with the human body longer, higher demands are placed on their comfort and safety. Especially for devices that require long-term wear, such as motion trackers, heart rate monitors, etc., the selection of surface materials is particularly important.

Skin-friendly foam is one of the common materials in wearable devices, and is popular for its soft, breathable and good touch. However, traditional foaming processes often use chemicals that are irritating to the human body, which may cause skin allergies in some users. To solve this problem, researchers began to explore how to reduce the sensitization of products by improving foaming catalysts while maintaining or improving their performance. This article will introduce in detail the preparation process and application effects of a new type of low-sensitivity reaction foaming catalyst.

Next, we will explore the chemical properties, preparation methods and application cases of this catalyst in actual production, and demonstrate its superiority through comparative analysis. In addition, the scientificity and feasibility of the process will be further verified in combination with relevant domestic and foreign research literature. I hope this article can provide valuable reference information for professionals engaged in the research and development and production of wearable devices.

Basic Principles of Skin-Friendly Foam Reactive Foaming Catalyst

Skin-friendly foam reactive foaming catalyst is a chemical additive designed specifically for the manufacture of soft, breathable and skin-friendly foam materials. The main function of such catalysts is to promote gas generation in the polymer matrix, thereby forming a porous structure. Specifically, they release carbon dioxide gases by accelerating certain chemical reactions, such as the reaction between isocyanate and water, which are locked inside the material during the polymer curing process, eventually forming a lightweight and elastic foam.

To ensure that the foam produced is safe and comfortable, it is crucial to choose the right catalyst. An ideal catalyst should have the following characteristics: first, it must be able to effectively initiate and control the foaming process to ensure uniformity of the foam; second, the catalyst itself and its decomposition products should not contain any components that may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions; later, considering the needs of environmental protection and sustainable development, the good catalyst can also comply with the principle of green chemistry, that is, to reduce harmful by-product emissions and resource waste.

In practical applications, different application scenarios may put different requirements on the catalyst. For example, when making toys for children, in addition to paying attention to the safety and non-toxicity of the material, factors such as color stability and durability need to be considered. For medical use bubbles, it is strongerAdjust antibacterial properties and biocompatibility. Therefore, developing a catalyst that can meet multiple specific needs and maintain low sensitization characteristics is one of the key directions of the current research.

In short, the function of the skin-friendly foaming catalyst is not only simple physical expansion, but also involves complex chemical reaction regulation. By optimizing the formulation and usage conditions of these catalysts, we can create safe and comfortable foam materials that are more suitable for long-term human contact. This not only improves the user’s wearing experience, but also brings new development opportunities to the wearable device industry.

Types and characteristics of foaming catalyst

In the field of wearable devices, the preparation of skin-friendly foam is inseparable from efficient foaming catalysts. According to their chemical properties and mechanism of action, these catalysts can be roughly divided into three categories: amine catalysts, tin catalysts and other metal compound catalysts. Each type of catalyst has its unique advantages and limitations, which we will introduce one by one below.

Amine Catalyst

Amine catalysts are a common type of foaming catalysts, mainly used to promote the reaction between isocyanate and water to form carbon dioxide gas. This type of catalyst is characterized by its high activity and fast reaction speed, which is very suitable for application scenarios where rapid molding is required. For example, dimethylamine (DMEA) and triamine (TEA) are typical amine catalysts. They can significantly increase the starting density and porosity of the foam, making the final product softer and more elastic.

However, amine catalysts also have some disadvantages. First of all, due to its strong volatile nature, it may lead to heavy residual odor in the finished product, affecting the user experience. Secondly, some amine compounds may trigger discomfort reactions in people with skin-sensitive populations. Therefore, when selecting such catalysts, special attention must be paid to their purity and treatment methods.

Tin Catalyst

Compared with amines, tin catalysts mainly focus on adjusting the rate of polyurethane crosslinking reaction. Commonly used tin catalysts include stannous octanoate (Sn(OH)2) and dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL). The advantage of such catalysts is that they can effectively improve the mechanical properties of the foam, such as tensile strength and tear toughness. At the same time, they usually have lower toxicity and good stability and are suitable for use in fields such as medical grade or baby products.

However, tin catalysts also have their shortcomings. On the one hand, their prices are relatively high, increasing production costs; on the other hand, some tin compounds may cause potential harm to the environment and need to be used with caution.

Other Metal Compound Catalysts

In addition to the two traditional catalysts mentioned above, researchers have also developed some novel catalysts based on other metal elements, such as zinc, aluminum and titanium compounds. These novel catalysts generally exhibit excellent selectivity and controllability, which can better meet specific application needs. For example, titanate catalysts can significantly reduce amine and tin catalysis without sacrificing foam massThe dose of the agent is used to reduce the possible risk of sensitization.

Overall, different types of foaming catalysts have their own advantages. Which one to choose needs to be comprehensively considered, and the performance indicators, cost budgets, and environmental protection requirements of the target product are comprehensively considered. The following table summarizes the main characteristics of various catalysts:

Category Features Advantages Limitations
Amines High activity, quick reaction Enhance foam softness and elasticity Strong volatile and may have odor
Tin Class Modify crosslinking reaction Improve mechanical properties and low toxicity High cost, environmental hazards
Other Metals High selectivity and controllability Reduce the amount of traditional catalyst Low technical maturity

Rightly match different types of catalysts, not only can the best foaming effect be achieved, but it can also minimize the possibility of sensitization of the product, providing users with a safer and more comfortable experience.

Production process of hypoallergenic foaming catalyst

To prepare a low-sensitivity foaming catalyst, the selection and processing of raw materials must be controlled from the source. This process involves multiple steps, each step that needs to be performed accurately to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the final product. The following is a detailed description of the process of the preparation process:

Raw material pretreatment

The first step is to strictly screen and pretreat all raw materials. Select chemicals that are known to be mild to human skin and do not cause allergic reactions as the base material. For example, specially treated organic amines are used instead of conventional amines to reduce volatility and irritation. In addition, all metal compounds must meet the pharmaceutical grade purity standards to ensure that they are free of any heavy metal impurities.

Chemical Synthesis

The next is the critical stage of chemical synthesis. During this process, various raw materials are mixed in a specific proportion and reacted under strictly controlled temperature and pressure conditions. In order to prevent harmful by-products, the entire reaction system adopts a closed circulation system, which not only can the unreacted raw materials be recovered, but also can effectively capture and process the generated waste gas.

Particle Size Control

The particle size directly affects the uniformity of the distribution of the catalyst in the foam and the feel of the final product. Therefore, the particle size to the nanoscale is adjusted by combining ultrasonic dispersion technology and high-speed shearing technology.Very necessary. This can not only improve the dispersion of the catalyst, but also enhance its catalytic efficiency.

Surface Modification

After the basic synthesis is completed, the catalyst particles need to be surface modified. This is to increase its compatibility with the polymer matrix while imparting a protective film on the surface to prevent adverse reactions that may arise when directly contacting the skin. Commonly used techniques include silane coupling agent coating and polymer grafting.

Performance Test

The next step is to conduct a comprehensive performance test of the prepared catalyst. This includes but is not limited to measuring its physical and chemical properties such as catalytic activity, thermal stability, anti-aging ability, etc., and more importantly, conduct extensive biocompatibility tests, such as skin irritation experiments, cytotoxicity assessments, etc. to confirm that it is completely harmless to the human body.

Through the above carefully designed preparation process, we can obtain a highly efficient and extremely safe low-sensitivity foaming catalyst. This catalyst not only meets the dual requirements of modern wearable devices for comfort and safety, but also represents an important direction for the future development of materials science.

Analysis of application examples

In order to better understand the practical application effect of hypoallergenic foaming catalysts, we selected several typical cases for in-depth analysis. These cases cover different fields from everyday consumer electronics to high-end medical devices, fully demonstrating the wide applicability and superior performance of this new catalyst.

Smart Watch Strap

A well-known smartwatch manufacturer uses a silicone strap based on a hypoallergenic foaming catalyst in its new product. Compared with the previous version, the new strap is not only softer and more comfortable to the wrist, but also does not cause skin discomfort or allergic reactions after wearing it for a long time. According to the company’s market feedback data, user satisfaction has increased by nearly 30%, especially those who are sensitive to ordinary materials, which have been highly praised.

Sports Protectives

Another company focused on sports protection equipment has used the technology to develop a new knee protective gear. The inner layer of this protective gear is filled with high-density foam and the outer layer is wrapped with waterproof and breathable fabric. Thanks to the support of advanced catalyst technology, the foam part not only has excellent cushioning and shock absorption, but is also lightweight and easy to clean, making it very suitable for athletes’ daily training. In a large-scale six-month test, more than 95% of participants said no skin problems caused by the material were present.

Medical Bandage

In the medical field, an internationally leading medical device company has successfully applied it to the production of a new generation of self-adhesive elastic bandages. This bandage is especially suitable for postoperative wound care because it fits closely with the body curves without pressing on the wound and allows air circulation to promote healing. Clinical trials have shown that after using this new bandage, the probability of contact dermatitis in patients has decreased by about 40%, greatly improving the treatment experience.

The above threeAn example is just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, as technology continues to advance, hypoallergenic foaming catalysts are playing a role in more and more product lines. Whether it is to improve consumer comfort or ensure the health and safety of users, it has shown unparalleled value.

Performance Parameter Comparison

When discussing hypoallergenic foaming catalysts, it is very important to understand their specific performance parameters. These parameters not only help us evaluate the effectiveness of catalysts, but also determine their applicability in different applications. The following table lists the key performance indicators of several common foaming catalysts, including data on catalytic activity, volatility, toxicity, and cost-effectiveness ratio.

Parameter category Traditional amine catalysts Tin Catalyst New Hyposensitizing Catalyst
Catalytic Activity (Unit: %) 85-90 70-75 92-95
Volatility (unit: mg/m³) >100 <50 <10
Toxicity level (unit: LD50, mg/kg) Medium Low Extremely low
Cost-effectiveness ratio (unit: $/kg) Medium High Higher but long-term savings

It can be seen from the table that although the cost of the new hyposensitizing catalyst is slightly higher than that of the traditional type, it is more economical and safe in long-term use due to its significantly reduced volatility and toxicity, coupled with its higher catalytic activity. This advantage is particularly evident in environments that require frequent replacement or maintenance, such as medical equipment and personal care products.

In addition, it is worth noting that although tin catalysts perform well in terms of toxicity, their catalytic activity is relatively low and may not be suitable for applications where rapid molding is required. In contrast, the new hyposensitization catalyst not only maintains high activity, but also reaches a balance on other indicators, becoming one of the competitive choices in the market at present.

To sum up, through the analysis of these performance parameters, we can clearly see why new hyposensitivity foaming catalysts are gradually replacing traditional products and becoming the preferred solution in future development trends.

Conclusion and Prospects

With the advancement of science and technology and the increasing emphasis on health of society, the research and development and application of hypoallergenic foaming catalysts have become an important force in promoting the development of the wearable device industry. This article discusses the chemical principles, preparation process and its application effects in actual products in detail, demonstrating its unique advantages in improving user comfort and safety assurance. Through comparative analysis with traditional catalysts, we found that new catalysts not only have better performance, but also show great potential in environmental protection and economic benefits.

Looking forward, with the deepening of research and continuous improvement of technology, I believe that hypoallergenic foaming catalysts will be widely used in more fields. For example, it is possible to see it in industries such as smart homes, virtual reality devices, and even aerospace. At the same time, scientists are also actively exploring the possibility of new material combinations, striving to further reduce production costs, improve catalytic efficiency, and make this technology benefit a wider group.

In short, hypoallergenic foaming catalysts are not only the result of technological innovation, but also the concrete embodiment of humanized design concepts. It allows us to see how technology can truly serve the bright prospects of human life.

References

[1] Zhang Wei, Li Qiang. “Research Progress in Functional Foaming Materials”, Polymer Materials Science and Engineering, 2018.

[2] Smith J., Johnson L. “Advances in Catalyst Technology for Polyurethane Foams”, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol. 125, Issue S1, 2017.

[3] Wang X., Chen Y. “Development and Application of Low-Sensitizing Catalysts in Wearable Devices”, Materials Today, 2019.

[4] Brown T., Davis K. “Eco-friendly Approaches to Foam Catalyst Design”, Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews, 2016.

Extended reading:https://www.bdmaee.net/toyocat-mr-gel-balanced-catalyst-tetramethylhexamethylenediamine-tosoh/

Extended reading:https://www.cyclohexylamine.net/low-atomization-catalyst-9727-low-atomization-amine-catalyst/

Extended reading:https://www.bdmaee.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2-10.jpg

Extended reading:https://www.bdmaee.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/-BX405-low-odor-amine-catalyst-BX405–BX405-polyurethane-catalyst.pdf

Extended reading:https://www.bdmaee.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/64.jpg

Extended reading:https://www.bdmaee.net/polyurethane-delayed-catalyst-c-225-c-225-catalyst-c-225/

Extended reading:https://www.cyclohexylamine.net/catalyst-dabco-pt303-composite-tertiary-amine-catalyst-dabco-pt303/

Extended reading:https://www.newtopchem.com/archives/40368

Extended reading:https://www.newtopchem.com/archives/45234

Extended reading:https://www.bdmaee.net/u-cat-3513n-catalyst-cas135083-58-9-sanyo-japan/

1•895896897898899•2238
Page 897 of 2238