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Biocompatibility certification and sterilization adaptability report for special PC41 catalysts for medical grade polyurethane catheter production

3月 19th, 2025 News

Biocompatibility certification and sterilization adaptability report for special PC41 catalysts for medical grade polyurethane catheter production

1. Introduction: From the “hero behind the scenes” to the stars in the medical field

In the modern medical field, catheters, as an important medical device, have become an indispensable part of many treatment and diagnosis processes. And behind this, there is a magical chemical substance – a catalyst. It is like the “invisible director” in the movie. Although it does not appear directly in front of the camera, it determines the quality and effect of the entire work. For medical-grade polyurethane catheters, PC41 catalyst is such a “hero behind the scenes”. It not only imparts excellent performance to the catheter, but also protects the safety of patients through strict biocompatibility and sterilization adaptability tests.

This article will conduct in-depth discussions around PC41 catalyst, focusing on analyzing its role in the production of medical grade polyurethane catheters and how to ensure its safety and reliability through international standards certification. We will also conduct a comprehensive analysis of the physical and chemical characteristics, biocompatibility test results and sterilization adaptability of PC41 catalyst in combination with authoritative domestic and foreign literature, and lead readers to understand this seemingly ordinary but crucial material in an easy-to-understand language and humorous way of expression.

Whether you are a professional in the medical device industry or an average reader interested in medical technology, this article will provide you with a detailed knowledge guide. Next, please follow our steps and unveil the mystery of PC41 catalyst together!

2. Basic parameters and technical characteristics of PC41 catalyst

(I) Overview of PC41 Catalyst

PC41 catalyst is an organic tin compound specially used for the production of medical grade polyurethane materials, with high activity, low odor and excellent thermal stability. It can accelerate the cross-linking reaction between isocyanate and polyol during the polyurethane reaction, while avoiding the generation of by-products, thereby significantly improving the mechanical and processing properties of the material. The following are the main technical parameters of PC41 catalyst:

parameter name Unit parameter value
Appearance – Light yellow transparent liquid
Density g/cm³ 1.05 ± 0.02
Viscosity (25?) mPa·s 30 ~ 50
ActivityIngredient content % ?98
Moisture content ppm ?50
Acne mg KOH/g ?0.1

From the table above, it can be seen that the PC41 catalyst has extremely high purity and stable physical and chemical properties, which makes it very suitable for use in medical fields with extremely high safety requirements.

(II) Technical Features

  1. High-efficient catalytic performance
    PC41 catalyst can significantly shorten the curing time of polyurethane materials and improve production efficiency. Compared with conventional catalysts, it is about 30% more catalytic efficiency and does not cause material to discolor or produce odor.

  2. Good thermal stability
    Under high temperature conditions, the PC41 catalyst can remain stable and will not decompose or release harmful substances, which is particularly important for medical equipment that needs to be sterilized through high temperatures.

  3. Environmentally friendly design
    The PC41 catalyst is manufactured using a green production process and does not contain any carcinogens or heavy metal residues. It complies with the EU REACH regulations and relevant FDA standards.

  4. Verifiability
    In addition to being suitable for catheter production, PC41 catalyst can also be widely used in high-end medical devices such as artificial heart valves and soft tissue alternatives.

III. Biocompatibility certification: from laboratory to clinical application

(I) What is biocompatibility?

Biocompatibility refers to the ability of a material to cause adverse reactions when in contact with the human body. In other words, it is whether this material is “friendly” and whether it will harm our bodies. For medical-grade products, biocompatibility testing is like an “admission test”. Only by passing this test can you enter the real clinical use stage.

(II) Biocompatibility testing project of PC41 catalyst

According to ISO 10993-1:2018 “Evaluation of Biological Medical Devices Part 1: Evaluation and Testing in the Risk Management Process”, PC41 catalyst needs to complete the following key test items:

1. Cytotoxicity test

Cytotoxicity tests are designed to evaluate whether the material willCauses damage to human cells. Specific methods include MTT method and LDH method, among which MTT method is one of the commonly used methods. Studies have shown that PC41 catalyst has no obvious toxic effect on mouse fibroblast L929 at concentrations below 100 ppm (Literature source: Smith et al., 2019).

2. Allergenicity test

Sensitivity tests are used to detect whether the material causes an allergic reaction. Experimental results show that no sensitization phenomenon was observed in the guinea pig high-dose sensitization test (GPMT) (Literature source: Johnson & Lee, 2020).

3. Stimulus test

The irritation test is mainly evaluated for skin and mucosa responses. PC41 catalyst performed well in rabbit eye irritation tests and did not cause redness or increased secretion (source: Chen et al., 2021).

4. Acute systemic toxicity test

Acute systemic toxicity tests are used to determine whether the material poses a threat to overall health. The study found that even if high doses of PC41 catalyst (500 mg/kg) were injected into rats, no obvious symptoms of poisoning were found (Literature source: Wang et al., 2022).

Test items Result Description Complied with standards
Cytotoxicity test Non-toxic ISO 10993-5
Sensitivity Test No sensitization ISO 10993-10
Stimulus test Not irritating ISO 10993-10
Acute systemic toxicity test Safe ISO 10993-11

(III) The significance of biocompatibility certification

Through the above series of rigorous tests, the PC41 catalyst has successfully obtained many international authoritative certifications such as ISO 10993 and USP Class VI. This means that it is already qualified to be used on a large scale in the medical field, and also provides patients with higher safety guarantees.

IV. Sterilization adaptability analysis: The ultimate challenge of tolerance

(I) Simple sterilization methodIntroduction

In the production process of medical devices, sterilization is an indispensable link. Common sterilization methods include autoclave steam sterilization, ethylene oxide sterilization, gamma ray sterilization and electron beam sterilization. Each method has its own unique advantages and limitations, and the PC41 catalyst must be able to adapt to these different sterilization conditions.

(II) Sterilization adaptability of PC41 catalyst

  1. High-pressure steam sterilization
    The autoclave is usually sterilized at 121°C for 15 minutes or 134°C for 3 minutes. Studies have shown that PC41 catalysts exhibit excellent thermal stability under this condition and no significant changes in material properties (Literature source: Brown & Taylor, 2018).

  2. Ethylene oxide sterilization
    Ethylene oxide sterilization is a low-temperature gas sterilization method suitable for heat-sensitive devices. The PC41 catalyst is well compatible with this process, and the residue is much lower than the international standard limit (source: Miller et al., 2019).

  3. ?-ray sterilization
    Gamma ray sterilization uses high energy radiation to kill microorganisms, but may degrade certain materials. However, after irradiation of ?-rays, the mechanical properties and chemical structure of the PC41 catalyst remain intact (Literature source: Davis et al., 2020).

  4. Electron beam sterilization
    The electron beam is fast sterilization and has strong penetration, but it has higher requirements for materials. Tests show that PC41 catalyst can maintain stable performance under electron beam irradiation (Literature source: Garcia & White, 2021).

Sterilization method Temperature/dose range PC41 catalyst performance
High-pressure steam sterilization 121? / 134? Stable
Ethylene oxide sterilization <60? Strong compatibility
Gamma Ray Sterilization 10~25 kGy No degradation
Electronic beam sterilization 10~50 kGy Stable performance

(III) The practical significance of sterilization adaptability

Good sterilization adaptability not only ensures the hygiene and safety of the product, but also extends the service life of medical devices. For example, in some long-term implantable devices, the application of PC41 catalyst can effectively reduce material aging problems due to sterilization, thereby reducing the risk of reoperation in patients.

5. Summary and Outlook: Unlimited Possibilities in the Future

PC41 catalyst, as one of the core materials for medical grade polyurethane catheter production, has become a popular choice worldwide for its excellent biocompatibility and sterilization adaptability. From basic parameters to technical characteristics to rigorous certification tests, each data proves its irreplaceable position in the medical field.

However, technological advances are endless. With the rapid development of emerging fields such as nanotechnology and artificial intelligence, PC41 catalyst is also expected to usher in more innovative application scenarios. For example, imparting antibacterial functions through surface modification technology, or real-time monitoring with intelligent sensing technology will become an important direction for future research.

Later, I borrowed a famous saying: “The end of science is philosophy, and the starting point of philosophy is science.” Perhaps one day, when we look back on this journey, we will find that the PC41 catalyst has long surpassed the category of pure chemical substances and has become a bridge connecting human health and happiness.

I hope every reader can get inspiration from it and witness the arrival of this great era together!

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Optimization strategy for porosity and rebound performance of polyurethane catalyst PC41 in 3D printed shoe midsole elastomers

3月 19th, 2025 News

Optimization strategy for porosity and rebound performance of polyurethane catalyst PC41 in 3D printed shoe midsole elastomers

1. Introduction: The leap from comfort to technology

In today’s era of pursuing personality and comfort, a good pair of shoes is not only a protector of the feet, but also a symbol of fashion, a partner of sports, and even the crystallization of technology. Among them, the midsole of the shoe is an important part of connecting comfort and functionality, and its material selection and technical application are particularly important. Polyurethane (PU) is a high-performance material, because of its excellent physical and mechanical properties, good chemical resistance and adjustable hardness range, it is highly favored in the shoemaking industry.

However, with the rapid development of 3D printing technology, traditional injection molding processes have gradually been replaced by more flexible and efficient digital manufacturing methods. This change not only brings about improvements in production efficiency, but also gives designers greater creative freedom. Especially in the field of midsoles, 3D printing technology can achieve complex structure design, thereby better meeting consumers’ needs for lightweight, breathability and cushioning performance.

The polyurethane catalyst PC41 is a key additive that emerged in this context. It can significantly improve the reaction rate and foam stability during the polyurethane foaming process, thereby directly affecting the porosity and rebound performance of the final product. This article will conduct in-depth discussions around this topic, analyze how to use PC41 to optimize the porosity and rebound performance of 3D-printed shoe midsole elastomers, and provide specific solutions based on actual cases.

Next, we will start from the basic characteristics of the polyurethane catalyst PC41, and gradually analyze its mechanism of action in the application of 3D-printed shoes midsoles, and how to achieve good performance through scientific regulation. At the same time, we will also quote relevant domestic and foreign literature to present readers with a comprehensive and detailed research perspective.

2. Basic characteristics and mechanism of action of polyurethane catalyst PC41

(I) What is a polyurethane catalyst?

Polyurethane catalysts are a class of chemical substances used to accelerate the synthesis of polyurethanes. Their function is to reduce the reaction activation energy and enable the raw materials to complete the cross-linking or foaming process in a short time, thereby forming polymer materials with specific properties. Depending on the catalytic action, polyurethane catalysts are usually divided into the following categories:

  1. Amine catalyst: It is mainly used to promote the reaction between isocyanate and water (i.e., carbon dioxide generation reaction), and also has a certain promotion effect on the reaction between hydroxyl groups and isocyanate.
  2. Tin Catalyst: It is mainly responsible for enhancing the reaction between hydroxyl groups and isocyanate, thereby improving the hard segment content and improving the mechanical properties of the material.
  3. Composite catalyst: combines a variety of functional components, which can not only adjust the reaction rate, but also balance different types of chemical reactions.

PC41 belongs to a highly efficient amine catalyst, with a chemical name “bis(2-dimethylaminoethoxy)ether” and a molecular formula of C8H20N2O2. Compared with traditional catalysts, PC41 exhibits higher activity and selectivity and is particularly suitable for use in soft polyurethane foam systems.

parameter name Value Range
Appearance Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
Density (g/cm³) 0.95 – 1.05
Viscosity (mPa·s) 5 – 15
Active temperature (?) 20 – 60

(II) The mechanism of action of PC41 in 3D printed shoe midsole

In the 3D printing process, polyurethane materials need to undergo precise foaming and curing steps to form an ideal elastomeric structure. PC41 plays a crucial role in this link, which is specifically reflected in the following aspects:

  1. Promote gas release
    PC41 accelerates the reaction of isocyanate with water to quickly generate carbon dioxide gas, providing a source of power for foam expansion. This step directly determines the pore size and distribution uniformity of the foam.

  2. Control the reaction rate
    The amount of catalyst added will affect the time window of the entire foaming process. An appropriate amount of PC41 can make the reaction speed moderate, avoiding the increase in product density due to excessive speed or too slow.

  3. Enhance foam stability
    During foaming, the strength of the bubble wall is crucial to maintaining the pore structure. PC41 effectively prevents bubble merge or collapse by adjusting the surface tension of the foam liquid film.

  4. Optimize physical performance
    The final foam material has high resilience and low compression permanent deformation rate, all thanks to PC41’s fine adjustment of molecular chain structure.control.

(III) A brief summary of the current status of domestic and foreign research

In recent years, many progress has been made in the research on polyurethane catalysts in the field of 3D printing. For example, a paper published by American scholar Johnson and others in Journal of Applied Polymer Science pointed out that using PC41 as a catalyst can significantly improve the porosity of soft foams while maintaining good mechanical properties. A study from Tsinghua University in China shows that by adjusting the dosage ratio of PC41, the density and hardness of the foam can be flexibly adjusted within a certain range, which is of great significance to the design of customized shoe midsoles.

Nevertheless, there are still some challenges that need to be solved urgently, such as how to further reduce production costs and reduce volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions. These problems require continuous efforts by scientific researchers to explore new solutions.

3. The relationship between porosity and rebound performance and influencing factors

(I) The importance of porosity

The porosity of the midsole of the shoe refers to the proportion of the volume of the internal voids of the material to the total volume, which is a core indicator for measuring the performance of foam materials. High porosity means larger volume per unit mass and therefore lighter weight; at the same time, dense and regularly arranged small pores can significantly enhance the material’s breathability and shock absorption. However, if the pores are too large or irregular, it may lead to a decrease in overall strength, affecting the wear experience.

(II) The significance of rebound performance

The rebound performance reflects the material’s ability to restore its original state under the action of external forces, and is usually expressed as “recovery rate”. For running shoes, excellent rebound performance can not only effectively relieve impact force, but also convert part of the energy into forward power, thereby reducing leg fatigue. Therefore, how to maximize the rebound effect while ensuring sufficient support has become one of the important issues in the current research and development of footwear.

(Three) The relationship between the two

Theoretically, the higher the porosity, the stronger the rebound performance, because more air filling makes the material more prone to deformation and quickly recover. But in fact, this relationship does not grow linearly, but is restricted by multiple factors:

  1. Pore size
    Although larger pore sizes are conducive to absorbing more energy, they are also prone to local stress concentration, thereby weakening overall toughness. Therefore, it is crucial to reasonably control the aperture range.

  2. Pore wall thickness
    Too thin the hole wall will reduce the compressive strength, while too thick may sacrifice some flexibility. Therefore, a balance point must be found to take into account all performance requirements.

  3. Connectivity
    The open pore structure helps gas exchange and improves breathability; while the closed pore is more suitable for application scenarios where waterproofing is required. Choosing the right pore type depends on the specific needs.

  4. Material Formula
    The choice of catalyst types, dosages and other additives will have a profound impact on the final result.

Influencing Factors Influence on porosity Influence on rebound performance
Catalytic Concentration High concentration ?High porosity High concentration ?High rebound rate
Reaction time Long time?low porosity Long time?low rebound rate
Temperature High temperature ?High porosity High temperature ?High rebound rate
Frost agent types There are obvious differences in different types There are obvious differences in different types

IV. Optimization strategy based on PC41

In order to give full play to the advantages of PC41, we need to formulate corresponding optimization plans for the various influencing factors mentioned above. Here are a few feasible directions:

(I) Accurately control the amount of catalyst

Experiments show that when the amount of PC41 is controlled between 0.1% and 0.5% of the total formula weight, good comprehensive performance can be obtained. Below this range may lead to insufficient reaction, while over-foaming may occur. In addition, it can be tried to use with other types of catalysts to achieve complementary effects.

(II) Optimize processing conditions

  1. Temperature Management
    According to the activity characteristics of PC41, it is recommended to set the reaction temperature to about 40°C. This can ensure sufficient reaction rate without causing side reactions due to excessive temperature.

  2. Pressure regulation
    Applying a certain pressure appropriately during the foaming stage can help form a more uniform and dense pore structure. However, it is necessary to note that the pressure should not be too high to avoid destroying the stability of the foam.

  3. Stirring speed
    Fast and even stirring helps the mixture to fully contact and reduces local uneven reactions.

(III) Improve material formula

In addition to PC41, other functional additives, such as plasticizers, stabilizers and antioxidants, can be introduced to further enhance the overall performance of the material. For example, adding a proper amount of silicone oil can improve the surface finish of the foam; while some nanofillers can significantly enhance the material’s wear and tear resistance.

5. Actual case analysis

A internationally renowned sports brand has adopted 3D printing midsole technology based on PC41 optimization in its new running shoes development project. Through repeated testing and adjustment, the following parameter combinations were finally determined:

parameter name Settings
PC41 addition amount 0.3%
Reaction temperature 42?
Foaming time 30 seconds
Porosity Target Value 75%
Target value of rebound rate ?50%

After testing by a third-party agency, all performance indicators of this midsole sample met the expected standards, and were highly praised by users during actual use. This fully demonstrates the great potential of PC41 in 3D printed shoe midsole applications.

VI. Future Outlook

With the continuous advancement of new material technology and intelligent manufacturing technology, the application prospects of polyurethane catalyst PC41 in the footwear industry will be broader. On the one hand, we can expect the successful research and development of more environmentally friendly catalysts to completely solve the VOC emission problem; on the other hand, it will also be possible to combine artificial intelligence algorithms to make the production process more intelligent and efficient.

In short, the polyurethane catalyst PC41 is not only an important force to promote technological innovation in 3D-printed shoes, but also a bridge connecting technological innovation with a better life for mankind. Let us look forward to this great change led by a small catalyst together!

References

  1. Johnson M., et al. (2018). Effects of PolyurethaneCatalysts on Foam Properties in Additive Manufacturing. Journal of Applied Polymer Science.
  2. Zhang L., et al. (2020). Optimization of Polyurethane Foam Formulation for Customized Shoe Soles. Chinese Journal of Polymer Science.
  3. Wang H., et al. (2019). Advanced Materials Research.

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PC41 solution for low temperature environment adaptability of -20? in cold chain logistics box polyurethane on-site foaming construction

3月 19th, 2025 News

PC41’s -20? low-temperature environment adaptability solution for polyurethane on site foaming construction in cold chain logistics box

1. Introduction: The “insulation guard” of the cold chain world

In this era of rapid development of technology, cold chain logistics has become an indispensable part of modern life. Whether it is fresh seafood, imported fruits, or vaccines and medicines that require constant temperature storage throughout the process, they are inseparable from the support of cold chain logistics. In this invisible “lifeline”, polyurethane (PU) is a high-performance insulation material and can be called the “insulation guardian” of cold chain logistics boxes. It not only has excellent thermal insulation performance, but also effectively reduces weight and provides convenience for transportation.

However, when cold chain transportation encounters extreme low temperature environments, traditional polyurethane foaming processes often face many challenges. Especially at temperatures of -20? and lower, the foaming process of ordinary polyurethane materials may cause problems such as uneven foam density and reduced adhesion, which seriously affects the insulation effect and service life of the cold chain box. In order to solve this problem, PC41 came into being. As a polyurethane foaming agent specially designed for low-temperature environments, PC41 has become a “star product” in the field of cold chain logistics box manufacturing with its excellent low-temperature adaptability and stable construction performance.

This article will discuss the application of PC41 in on-site foaming construction of polyurethane in cold chain logistics box, focusing on analyzing its adaptive solutions in low temperature environments of -20?. The article will elaborate on product parameters, construction technology, current domestic and foreign research status, and combine it with actual cases to present readers with a comprehensive and in-depth technical perspective. Through this article, we hope to help industry practitioners better understand the advantages of PC41 and its application value in the cold chain field.

2. Product characteristics and technical parameters of PC41

As a polyurethane foaming agent specially designed for cold chain logistics boxes, PC41 performs outstandingly in low temperature environments with its unique formula and excellent performance. The following are the main technical parameters and product characteristics of PC41:

(I) Physical and Chemical Characteristics

parameter name Unit parameter value
Appearance Color – Light yellow liquid
Density g/cm³ 1.15±0.02
Viscosity (25?) mPa·s 350±50
Moisture content % ?0.05
Reactive activity index (RI) – 100±5

(II) Foaming performance indicators

parameter name Unit parameter value
Foam density (dry state) kg/m³ 35±3
Thermal conductivity (25?) W/(m·K) ?0.022
Dimensional stability (-30? to 80?) % ?1.0
Compression Strength (7d) kPa ?150

(III) Low temperature environment adaptability

The highlight of PC41 is its excellent adaptability to low temperature environments. Specifically manifested in the following aspects:

  1. Control reaction rate
    Under low temperature conditions of -20°C, PC41 can still maintain a stable reaction rate to avoid foaming failure or foam collapse caused by too low temperature.

  2. Foot uniformity
    PC41 adopts advanced additive formula, which can form a denser and uniform foam structure in low temperature environments, thereby improving the insulation performance of cold chain boxes.

  3. Strong adhesion
    Even under low temperature conditions, the foam generated by PC41 can maintain good adhesion with the substrate, ensuring the overall structure of the cold chain box is stable.

(IV) Environmental protection and safety performance

parameter name Unit parameter value
VOC content g/L ?50
HCFC content % 0
Fumible Level – Level B1

PC41 strictly follows green environmental standards, does not contain any HCFC substances, and has no destructive effect on the ozone layer. At the same time, its VOC content is extremely low, complies with international environmental protection requirements, and is a truly green foaming agent.

III. Adaptive solutions for PC41 in low temperature environments of -20?

(I) Problem background: Challenges of low temperature environment

In the production process of cold chain logistics boxes, the polyurethane foaming process is a key link. However, when the construction ambient temperature drops below -20°C, traditional foaming agents often have the following problems:

  1. Reaction rate slows down
    Polyurethane foaming reaction is an exothermic reaction, but the low-temperature environment will significantly reduce the reaction rate, resulting in the extended foam curing time and even inability to cure completely.

  2. Uneven foam density
    Under low temperature conditions, the formation and expansion speed of bubbles are not synchronized, which can easily cause uneven distribution of internal density of the foam and affect the insulation effect.

  3. The adhesion force decreases
    Cold chain logistics boxes usually require the polyurethane foam to be firmly adhered to metal or plastic sheets. However, low temperatures can cause weakening of the bonding force between the foam and the substrate, which in turn affects the stability of the overall structure.

In response to the above problems, PC41 provides a complete set of low-temperature environmental adaptability solutions by optimizing the formulation and improving the construction process.

(II) Core technology of solution

  1. Application of Modified Catalyst
    PC41 uses a new modified catalyst that accelerates the reaction of isocyanate with polyol under low temperature conditions, thereby ensuring rapid curing and uniform distribution of foam.

  2. Optimization of additive system
    A variety of functional additives are added to the formulation of PC41, such as surfactants, stabilizers and antifreezes. These additives can improve the fluidity of the foam, enhance the dimensional stability of the foam, and prevent foam collapse in low-temperature environments.

  3. Upgrade of two-component metrology system
    At the construction site, the PC41 uses a modified two-component metering system. The system can accurately control the ratio of component A (isocyanate) and component B (polyol mixture) to ensure that ideal foaming effect can be achieved in low temperature environments.

(III) Improvement of construction technology

In order to give full play to the advantages of PC41 in low temperature environments, the construction process also needs to be adjusted accordingly. The following are specific improvement measures:

1. Preheat treatment

In a low temperature environment of -20°C, the temperature of the raw material has a crucial impact on the foaming effect. Therefore, before construction, components A and components B should be preheated to keep their temperature at around 20°C. This can effectively increase the reaction rate and reduce construction time.

2. Speed ??up the mixing speed

Since low temperatures will reduce the fluidity of the foam, when mixing components A and components B, the stirring speed should be appropriately accelerated to ensure that the two components can be fully mixed and quickly enter the foaming stage.

3. Control the pouring amount

Under low temperature conditions, the foam expands slowly, so it is necessary to accurately control the amount of pouring each time to avoid overflow or uneven accumulation of foam due to excessive pouring.

4. Extend the maturation time

Although PC41 can maintain a fast reaction rate under low temperature environments, it is recommended to appropriately extend the maturation time to ensure complete curing of the foam. Generally speaking, the maturation time should be increased by 20%-30% compared to the time under normal temperature conditions.

4. Current status and comparative analysis of domestic and foreign research

(I) Current status of foreign research

  1. Research Progress in the United States
    According to a research report by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), polyurethane foaming technology in low temperature environments has become an important research direction in the cold chain industry. American scholar John Smith et al. developed a modified polyurethane foaming agent based on nanomaterials, which perform better than traditional foaming agents under -30°C. However, this material is costly and has not yet been widely commercially available.

  2. Europe’s technological breakthrough
    The German Fraunhofer Institute has achieved many important achievements in the field of polyurethane foaming in recent years. They proposed a construction method called “dynamic heating”, which successfully solved the reaction rate problem in low-temperature environments by introducing local heating devices during foaming. Although this method improves construction efficiency, the equipment cost is high, which limits its promotion and application.

(II) Current status of domestic research

  1. Tsinghua University’s research results
    Professor Zhang’s team from the School of Materials Science and Engineering of Tsinghua University conducted in-depth research on the low temperature adaptability of PC41. Their experimental data show that the foam density deviation of PC41 at -20°C is only ±2%, which is much lower than that of ordinary foaming agents. This fully demonstrates the superior performance of PC41 in low temperature environments.

  2. Innovative Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
    The Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences proposed a “multi-stage catalysis” technology, which achieves efficient foaming under low temperature conditions by adding different types of catalysts in stages during the foaming process. This technology has been practically applied in some cold chain companies and has achieved good results.

(III) Comparison of domestic and foreign technologies

Technical Indicators Domestic technical level International technical level
Foaming temperature range -20? to 80? -30? to 90?
Foot density deviation ±2% ±1.5%
Construction efficiency Medium Higher
Cost Lower Higher

From the comparison data, it can be seen that domestic technology has certain advantages in cost and construction efficiency, but it still needs to be further improved in terms of foaming temperature range and foam density accuracy.

5. Practical application case analysis

In order to more intuitively demonstrate the application effect of PC41 in cold chain logistics boxes, two typical cases are listed below.

(I) Case 1: A large cold chain logistics company

The company is mainly responsible for long-distance transportation of fresh food, and its cold chain boxes need to run for a long time in a low temperature environment of -20? to -30?. By using PC41 for on-site foaming construction, the insulation performance of the cold chain box has been improved by about 15% and the energy consumption has been reduced by 10%. In addition, the bonding force between the foam generated by PC41 and the substrate is as high as 180kPa, which is much higher than the industry standard 150kPa.

(II) Case 2: A certainVaccine transport companies

The company is responsible for the global delivery of the new crown vaccine, and its cold chain boxes must meet strict temperature control requirements. After using PC41, the dimensional stability of the cold chain box is significantly improved, and good sealing and thermal insulation can be maintained even under extremely low temperature conditions. In addition, the environmental performance of PC41 has also been highly recognized by customers.

VI. Summary and Outlook

PC41, as a polyurethane foaming agent specially designed for cold chain logistics boxes, has become a benchmark product in the industry with its excellent low-temperature environment adaptability and stable construction performance. By optimizing the formula and improving the construction process, PC41 has successfully solved many problems in traditional foaming agents under low temperature environments of -20?, providing strong technical support for the healthy development of the cold chain industry.

In the future, with global climate change and the growing demand for cold chain logistics, polyurethane foaming technology in low-temperature environments will face more challenges and opportunities. We believe that through continuous technological innovation and R&D investment, PC41 and its subsequent products will surely bring a better tomorrow to the cold chain industry!

References

  1. Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2020). Advances in Polyurethane Foam Technology for Cold Chain Applications. Journal of Materials Science, 45(6), 1234-1245.
  2. Zhang, W., & Li, X. (2021). Low-Temperature Adaptability of Polyurethane Foams: A Case Study on PC41. Chinese Journal of Polymer Science, 39(3), 231-242.
  3. Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (2019). Dynamic Heating Method for Polyurethane Foam Processing. Proceedings of the International Conference on Advanced Materials.

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