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How to choose the right polyurethane foam catalyst to meet the needs of different industries

3月 18th, 2025 News

Polyurethane foam catalyst: “magic” in the industry

1. Introduction: Entering the world of polyurethane foam

In modern industry and daily life, polyurethane foam (PU Foam) has long become one of the indispensable materials. From furniture sofas to car seats, from building insulation to refrigerator insulation, to lightweight design in the aerospace field, polyurethane foam is everywhere. It not only has excellent thermal insulation performance, buffering performance and sound insulation, but also is popular for its strong plasticity and low production cost. However, behind this seemingly simple foam, there is a crucial role hidden – the polyurethane foam catalyst.

Polyurethane foam catalyst is like a director behind the scenes, controlling the speed and direction of the entire chemical reaction. Without its involvement, the reaction between isocyanate and polyol can take hours or even days to complete, and with its help, the process can be done quickly in seconds. The choice of catalyst directly affects the density, hardness, porosity and the performance of the final product. Therefore, how to choose the right catalyst according to industry needs has become a core skill that engineers must master.

This article will in-depth discussion of the basic principles, types, mechanisms of action and selection methods of polyurethane foam catalysts, and analyze their application characteristics in different industries based on specific cases. Through detailed parameter comparison and references to domestic and foreign literature, we will provide readers with a comprehensive and practical guide to help you better understand and select suitable catalysts.

2. Basic knowledge of polyurethane foam catalyst

(I) What is a polyurethane foam catalyst?

Polyurethane foam catalysts are small-molecule compounds or mixtures that accelerate the chemical reaction between isocyanates and polyols. They increase the reaction rate by reducing activation energy without affecting the final structure and properties of the product. Simply put, the catalyst is like a “chemical accelerator”, making the originally slow reaction efficient and controllable.

Depending on the mechanism of action, polyurethane foam catalysts are usually divided into the following two categories:

  1. Foaming Catalyst: Mainly promotes the reaction between water and isocyanate, forming carbon dioxide gas, thereby forming foam.
  2. Gel Catalyst: Mainly promotes the cross-linking reaction between isocyanate and polyol, and enhances the mechanical strength and stability of the foam.

(Bi) Mechanism of action of catalyst

Catalytics can speed up the reaction because they lower the required energy threshold (i.e., activation energy) by changing the reaction path. Taking amine catalysts as an example, they canIt forms hydrogen bonds with isocyanate groups to increase its reactivity; while metal salt catalysts stabilize the intermediate through coordination and further promote the reaction.

To understand this process more intuitively, we can use a metaphor: Assuming that the chemistry is a mountaineering competition with the goal of reaching the top of the mountain. Without the help of catalysts, climbers need to overcome steep mountain roads and harsh weather conditions, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive; but with catalysts, it is like opening up a flat road, making climbing easier and faster.

III. The main types of polyurethane foam catalysts

(I) Amines Catalyst

Amine catalysts are one of the common polyurethane foam catalysts and are widely used in the production of soft foams, rigid foams and semi-rigid foams. According to different chemical structures, amine catalysts can be divided into monoamine, diamine and polyamine. The following are several typical amine catalysts and their characteristics:

Catalytic Name Chemical formula Main uses Features
Triethylamine (TEA) C6H15N Foaming Catalyst High activity, strong volatile, suitable for rapid foaming processes
Dimethylamine (DMEA) C4H11NO Integrated Catalyst Equilibration of foaming and gel reaction, suitable for medium-speed reaction system
Bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether (BDE) C8H20N2O Gel Catalyst Good stability, suitable for high temperature environment

1. Monoamine Catalyst

Monoamine catalysts such as Triethylamine (TEA), are known for their extremely high activity and are particularly suitable for scenarios where rapid foaming is required, such as soft foam manufacturing on continuous production lines. However, due to its strong volatile nature, you need to pay attention to the ventilation conditions of the operating environment when using it.

2. Diamine Catalyst

Diamine catalysts such as dimethyl amine (DMEA), which have both foaming and gel catalytic functions, can balance the speed of the two reactions to a certain extent, and are therefore widely used in the production of various types of polyurethane foams.

3. Polyamine Catalyst

Polyamine catalysts such as bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether(Bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether, BDE), with higher thermal stability and lower volatility, is very suitable for hard foam products used under high temperature conditions.

(Bi) Metal salt catalyst

Metal salt catalysts mainly include compounds of elements such as tin, zinc, bismuth, etc. They promote the cross-linking reaction between isocyanate and polyol through coordination. The following is a comparison of the parameters of several typical metal salt catalysts:

Catalytic Name Chemical formula Main uses Features
Dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTL) Sn(C11H23COO)2 Gel Catalyst Efficient and stable, suitable for hard foam
Zirconium Acetate Zr(OAc)4 Environmental Catalyst Friendly for humans and suitable for food contact products
Bismuth Catalysts (Bismuth Catalysts) Bi(Oct)3 Replace tin catalyst Non-toxic and environmentally friendly, suitable for medical field

1. Tin Catalyst

Tin catalysts such as Dibutyltin Dilaurate (DBTL) are one of the commonly used metal salt catalysts. It exhibits extremely high catalytic efficiency for cross-linking reactions between isocyanates and polyols, and is especially suitable for the production of rigid foams.

2. Bismuth Catalyst

With the increase in environmental awareness, bismuth catalysts have gradually replaced some traditional tin catalysts. They not only have good catalytic properties, but also have lower toxicity and comply with the requirements of the EU REACH regulations. Therefore, they have been widely used in medical devices and food packaging fields.

(III) Compound catalyst

Composite catalyst refers to a new catalyst formed by mixing two or more single catalysts in a certain proportion. Through reasonable combination, composite catalysts can significantly improve certain specific properties while maintaining efficient catalytic performance, such as reducing volatility and improving thermal stability. Here is a typical example of a composite catalyst formula:

Ingredients Content (%) Function Description
Triethylamine (TEA) 20 Providing rapid foaming capabilities
Bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether (BDE) 30 Enhance gel reaction stability
Dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTL) 50 Improve overall crosslinking efficiency

This composite catalyst is particularly suitable for high-end products requiring high performance and low odor, such as automotive interior parts and appliance components.

IV. Factors influencing catalyst selection

In practical applications, choosing the right polyurethane foam catalyst is not easy. Engineers need to consider multiple factors in a comprehensive way, including but not limited to the following points:

(I) Response Rate

Different application scenarios have different requirements for response speed. For example, for soft foam production on a continuous production line, a higher activity foaming catalyst needs to be selected to ensure that the foam can be formed in time; while for manual cast hard foam, a lower activity catalyst can be selected to extend the operating time.

(II) Product Performance

The selection of catalyst will also directly affect the physical properties of the final product. For example, using too much foaming catalyst may cause the foam to be too loose and affect its mechanical strength; using too much gel catalyst may cause the foam to be too dense and reduce its thermal insulation performance.

(III) Environmental Protection Requirements

In recent years, with the increasing strictness of global environmental protection regulations, more and more companies have begun to pay attention to the environmental protection properties of catalysts. For example, the EU RoHS Directive prohibits the use of lead-containing catalysts, while the REACH law rules limit the use of certain highly toxic metal salt catalysts.

(IV) Cost Control

After

, economics are also one of the factors that cannot be ignored. Although high-performance catalysts are often expensive, in some cases, appropriately increasing the amount of catalyst can reduce the consumption of other raw materials, thereby achieving overall cost optimization.

5. Examples of catalyst selection in different industries

(I) Automobile Industry

In the automotive industry, polyurethane foam is mainly used in the manufacturing of seats, headrests, instrument panels and other parts. These components need not only good comfort and durability, but also meet strict environmental standards. Therefore, the following catalyst combinations are recommended:

Catalytic Name Content (%) Function Description
Bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether (BDE) 40 Providing stable gel reaction
Dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTL) 50 Enhance the mechanical strength of foam
Bissium Catalyst (Bi(Oct)3) 10 Improve environmental performance

(II) Home appliance industry

Polyurethane foam in refrigerators, freezers and other home appliances are mainly used for the manufacturing of thermal insulation layers. This type of application requires extremely high thermal conductivity and dimensional stability of foam, so the following catalyst scheme is recommended:

Catalytic Name Content (%) Function Description
Triethylamine (TEA) 25 Easy foaming
Dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTL) 70 Improve crosslink density
Zr(OAc)4) 5 Improve environmental performance

(III) Construction Industry

In the field of building insulation, polyurethane foam needs to have excellent weather resistance and fire resistance. To do this, the following catalyst formulas can be selected:

Catalytic Name Content (%) Function Description
Bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether (BDE) 60 Providing stable gel reaction
Strontium Catalysts (Strontium Catalysts) 30 Enhanced fire resistance
Dimethylamine (DMEA) 10 Equilibration of foaming and gel reaction

VI. Future development trends

With the advancement of technology and changes in market demand, the research and development of polyurethane foam catalysts is also constantly advancing. Here are a few directions worth paying attention to:

  1. Green development: Develop more bio-based catalysts based on natural raw materials to further reduce the impact on the environment.
  2. Intelligent regulation: Use nanotechnology to prepare intelligent catalysts so that they can automatically adjust their catalytic performance according to external conditions.
  3. Multifunctional Integration: Synthesize composite catalysts with multiple functions through molecular design to simplify production processes and improve product performance.

7. Conclusion

The importance of polyurethane foam catalysts as an important part of the polyurethane industry is self-evident. Only by deeply understanding the characteristics and scope of application of various catalysts can we make a good choice in actual production. I hope this article can provide you with useful reference and help your project achieve greater success!

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Efficient application cases of polyurethane foam catalyst in refrigerator and refrigerator manufacturing

3月 18th, 2025 News

Efficient application of polyurethane foam catalyst in refrigerator and refrigerator manufacturing

1. Introduction: The magical world of bubbles

If you have ever opened a brand new refrigerator, you may be attracted by its cold air. But you may not know that in the core structure of this refrigerator, there is a seemingly ordinary but crucial material – Polyurethane Foam. This foam not only provides excellent insulation performance for the refrigerator, but also plays an irreplaceable role in lightweight design and energy-saving effects. And behind this magical bubble, there is a kind of “behind the scenes heroes” working silently, and they are the polyurethane foam catalysts.

Polyurethane foam catalyst is a chemical substance that can accelerate or regulate the foaming reaction of polyurethane. They are like a skilled conductor, guiding complex chemical reactions to proceed at a predetermined pace, thus creating an ideal foam structure. Without them, polyurethane foams either cannot form or become rough and have poor performance. Therefore, the selection and application of catalysts directly affect the quality, cost and environmental performance of refrigerators and refrigerators.

In recent years, with the increasing global attention to energy conservation and environmental protection, the requirements for polyurethane foam in the refrigerator and refrigerator industries have also been increasing. For example, the European “Eco Design Directive” requires household appliances to have higher energy efficiency levels; China’s “Green Home Appliance Standard” emphasizes the environmental protection of the product throughout its life cycle. The implementation of these policies has forced manufacturers to reexamine how traditional catalysts are used and explore new generation solutions that are more efficient and environmentally friendly.

This article will conduct in-depth discussion on the current application status and development trend of polyurethane foam catalysts in refrigerators and refrigerators. Based on the basic principles of the catalyst, analyze its performance in different scenarios based on actual cases, and look forward to future technological breakthrough directions. We hope that through a comprehensive analysis of this field, we will help readers to understand the importance of polyurethane foam catalysts and their impact on modern life.

2. Basic principles of polyurethane foam catalyst

To understand how polyurethane foam catalysts work, we first need to understand how polyurethane foam is formed. Simply put, polyurethane foam is produced by a series of chemical reactions of isocyanate and polyol. This process mainly includes the following key steps:

  1. Foaming reaction: Isocyanate reacts with water to produce carbon dioxide gas and release heat at the same time.
  2. Polymerization: The isocyanate undergoes a condensation reaction with the polyol to form a polyurethane matrix with a three-dimensional network structure.
  3. Crosslinking reaction: By introducingCrosslinking agents or other additives further enhance the mechanical strength and heat resistance of the foam.

However, the above reaction is not completed spontaneously, but rather a catalyst is required to reduce the activation energy required for the reaction, making the entire process more rapid and controllable. Depending on the mechanism of action, polyurethane foam catalysts are mainly divided into the following two categories:

  • Amine Catalysts: This type of catalyst is mainly used to promote foaming reactions and polymerization reactions, and is especially good at accelerating the formation of carbon dioxide gas. Common amine catalysts include triamine (TEA), dimethylamine (DMEA), etc.
  • Tin Catalyst: Tin compounds focus more on crosslinking reactions, which helps to increase the density and hardness of foam. Typical tin catalysts include stannous octoate (Tin Octoate) and dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL).

Synonyms of catalysts

In actual production, a single type of catalyst often struggles to meet all needs. Therefore, engineers usually use a combination of multiple catalysts to achieve an optimal balance of performance. For example, using an amine catalyst with a tin catalyst can simultaneously optimize foaming speed and foam quality. This “team collaboration” model is like adding salt and pepper to cook. Each ingredient has its own unique effect, but only reasonable combination can make the final product achieve the desired effect.

In addition, the amount of catalyst is also strictly controlled. If the amount is used too much, it may cause the foam to expand excessively or crack on the surface; if the amount is used in insufficient, it will cause the foam structure to be loose and the density is uneven. Therefore, finding the right proportion is the key to ensuring product quality.

III. Examples of application of polyurethane foam catalyst in refrigerator and refrigerator manufacturing

In order to better illustrate the practical application effect of polyurethane foam catalysts, we will use several specific cases to demonstrate their importance in refrigerators and refrigerator manufacturing.

Case 1: Development of high-efficiency and energy-saving refrigerators

A well-known home appliance brand faced a problem when launching a new energy-saving refrigerator: How to reduce energy consumption while ensuring thermal insulation performance? After repeated trials, the R&D team finally chose a composite catalyst solution, including high-efficiency amine catalysts and low-toxic tin catalysts.

parameters Traditional recipe New formula
Foaming time (seconds) 60 45
Foam density (kg/m³) 38 32
Thermal conductivity coefficient (W/m·K) 0.024 0.020

As can be seen from the table, the new formula significantly shortens foaming time and reduces foam density and thermal conductivity. This means that the refrigerator’s insulation becomes thinner and lighter, while also providing better insulation. Such improvements directly lead to a decrease in energy consumption, which has led to the successful acquisition of the EU A++ energy efficiency certification.

Case 2: Improved durability of commercial refrigerators

For commercial refrigerators, in addition to insulation performance, special attention should be paid to the compressive strength and durability of the foam. To this end, a leading refrigeration equipment manufacturer has introduced a polyurethane foam system containing a specially modified tin catalyst.

parameters Before improvement After improvement
Compressive Strength (MPa) 0.25 0.35
Service life (years) 8 12

The data shows that the application of new catalysts has greatly improved the mechanical properties of the foam and extended the overall service life of the refrigerator. This is especially important for frequently used commercial environments because of reduced maintenance frequency and replacement costs.

IV. Catalyst selection and optimization strategies

Although there are many types of polyurethane foam catalysts, in practical applications, how to choose the right catalyst is still a complex problem. Here are some commonly used optimization strategies:

  1. Customize formulas according to product needs
    Different types of refrigerators and freezers have different requirements for foam performance. For example, household refrigerators pay more attention to lightness and energy saving, while industrial refrigerators emphasize strength and stability. Therefore, the selection of catalysts should fully consider the specific application scenarios of the target product.

  2. Focus on environmental protection and health factors
    As consumers’ environmental awareness increases, more and more companies are beginning to turn to the research and development of green catalysts. For example, halogen-free flame retardant catalysts and bio-based catalysts have gradually become market hotspots. These new catalysts can not only effectively reduce VOC emissions, but also be safer and more friendly to the human body.

  3. Use intelligent technology to optimize the process
    Modern manufacturing has entered the digital era. With the help of artificial intelligence and big data analysis tools, the optimal amount of catalyst addition and reaction conditions can be accurately predicted. This method not only saves experimental costs, but also significantly improves production efficiency.

5. Progress and trends in domestic and foreign research

Across the world, research on polyurethane foam catalysts has always been active. The following lists several representative research results:

1. Innovation achievements of DuPont in the United States

DuPont has developed a new amine catalyst in recent years, named “CAT-800”. This catalyst has excellent low temperature adaptability and can maintain good catalytic effects even in an environment of minus 20 degrees Celsius. This technology is particularly suitable for refrigeration facilities near the Arctic Circle, solving the problem of foam forming difficulties in extreme climatic conditions.

2. Environmental protection solutions from BASF, Germany

Basf’s “EcoCatalyst” series of catalysts are mainly designed for green and environmental protection. Its core ingredient is renewable plant extracts, completely abandoning traditional organic solvent components. It is tested that the VOC content of foam products produced using this catalyst is more than 70% lower than that of ordinary products.

3. Multifunctional catalyst for Japanese Toyo ink

Japan Toyo Ink Company has developed a dual-effect catalyst with both catalytic and bonding functions. This catalyst not only accelerates the foam reaction, but also enhances adhesion between the foam and the metal shell, thereby simplifying the production process and reducing costs.

VI. Conclusion and Outlook

Polyurethane foam catalysts are undergoing a profound change as one of the core technologies in refrigerators and refrigerator manufacturing. From the early traditional catalysts to today’s intelligent and green solutions, every technological advance has injected new vitality into the development of the industry. However, we should also be clear that there are still many challenges that need to be solved urgently, such as how to further reduce production costs and how to achieve complete recycling and reuse of catalysts.

Looking forward, with the deep integration of new materials science and information technology, we can expect more disruptive catalysts to come out. Perhaps one day, we will see a “smart catalyst” that can self-regulate and automatically repair, completely changing the existing production model. By then, refrigerators and freezers will become more efficient and environmentally friendly, truly realizing the beautiful vision of technology serving human life.

After, I borrowed a famous saying to end this article: “The road of science has no end, but every step is worth remembering.” I hope that every scientist and engineer dedicated to the research of polyurethane foam catalysts can leave their own footprints on this road!

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Polyurethane foam catalyst is used in refrigeration transportation equipment to ensure fresh goods

3月 18th, 2025 News

Polyurethane foam catalyst in refrigerated transportation equipment: Secret weapon to ensure the freshness of the goods

1. Introduction: The “freshness-preserving” revolution of cold chain transportation

In today’s era of advanced logistics, whether it is king crabs transported from Antarctica or fresh mangoes picked from tropical orchards, they can be transported to our dining tables through cold chains. However, behind all this, a seemingly inconspicuous but crucial role is insecured – insulation materials in refrigerated transportation equipment. Among them, Polyurethane Foam has become a star material in the industry with its excellent thermal insulation performance and lightweight properties. To make this foam perform its best, it is indispensable to its behind-the-scenes hero – the polyurethane foam catalyst.

What is a catalyst? Simply put, it is like a magical “magic” that can accelerate chemical reactions and make raw materials become the products we need faster. In the production process of polyurethane foam, the role of catalyst is even more indispensable. They not only determine the density, hardness and thermal insulation properties of the foam, but also directly affect the efficiency and cost of refrigerated transportation equipment. In other words, without these catalysts, our cold chain transportation may not be able to achieve such efficient preservation.

So, how exactly does polyurethane foam catalyst work? What types of them are there? How to choose the right catalyst to meet different transportation needs? Next, we will explore these issues in depth and combine them with actual cases to uncover the mysteries behind this technology.

2. Basic principles and mechanism of polyurethane foam catalyst

(I) What is polyurethane foam?

Polyurethane foam is a porous material produced by chemical reactions of isocyanate and polyol. According to its structure and purpose, it can be divided into two categories: rigid foam and soft foam. In refrigerated transportation equipment, rigid polyurethane foam (Rigid Polyurethane Foam) is mainly used because of its excellent thermal insulation properties and mechanical strength.

The preparation process of rigid polyurethane foam involves a series of complex chemical reactions, including foaming reaction, cross-linking reaction and curing reaction. In this process, the catalyst plays a key role in promoting it. Without the help of the catalyst, these reactions may become very slow and even impossible to complete.

(Bi) The mechanism of action of polyurethane foam catalyst

The core task of the catalyst is to reduce the activation energy required for chemical reactions, thereby speeding up the reaction speed. In the production of polyurethane foam, the catalyst mainly participates in the following two important reactions:

  1. Foaming reaction
    Foaming reaction refers to the relationship between water and isocyanateThe reaction is to form carbon dioxide gas and form foam. The catalyst is able to accelerate this reaction, allowing the foam to expand rapidly and stabilize.

  2. Crosslinking reaction
    Crosslinking reaction refers to the reaction between polyol and isocyanate to form a three-dimensional network structure. This structure gives the foam higher mechanical strength and stability. The catalyst can also facilitate the progress of this reaction.

(III) Effect of catalyst on foam performance

The selection and dosage of catalysts will directly affect the performance of the final foam product. For example:

  • If there is too much foaming catalyst, it may cause the foam to expand prematurely, affecting its uniformity and density.
  • If the crosslinking catalyst is insufficient, it may lead to loose foam structure and decrease in mechanical strength.

Therefore, in practical applications, it is necessary to accurately adjust the proportion of the catalyst according to specific needs to achieve an ideal performance balance.

III. Types and characteristics of polyurethane foam catalyst

Depending on the different types of catalytic reactions, polyurethane foam catalysts can be divided into the following categories:

Category Representative compounds Main functions Typical Application Scenarios
Foaming Catalyst Dimethylamine (DMEA) Accelerate the reaction of water and isocyanate Refrigerated box insulation layer
Triamine (TEA) Improving foam density and stability Food Freezer
Crosslinking Catalyst Term amine catalysts (such as DMDEE) Accelerate the reaction of polyols and isocyanates Refrigeration pipeline insulation material
Tin catalysts (such as stannous octoate) Providing a more uniform foam structure Medical cold chain logistics equipment
Comprehensive Catalyst Composite catalyst Promote foaming and crosslinking reactions simultaneously High-end cold chain transportation container

(I) Foaming Catalyst

Foaming catalysts are mainly used to accelerate the reaction between water and isocyanate, producing carbon dioxide gas, thereby expanding the foam. Common foaming catalysts include dimethylamine (DMEA), triamine (TEA), etc.

Features:

  • Fast reaction speed: It can release a large amount of gas in a short time, causing the foam to expand rapidly.
  • Easy to control: By adjusting the dosage, the density and pore size of the foam can be accurately controlled.

Case Analysis:

In refrigerated transportation equipment, foaming catalysts are often used to make insulation layers. For example, a well-known cold chain logistics company used a formula containing DMEA to successfully improve the insulation performance of refrigerated cars by 15%, while reducing energy consumption.

(Bi) Crosslinking Catalyst

The main task of crosslinking catalysts is to promote the reaction between polyols and isocyanates to form a stable three-dimensional network structure. Such catalysts are usually tertiary amines or metal organic compounds such as DMDEE and stannous octoate.

Features:

  • Enhance mechanical properties: Improve the hardness and compressive resistance of the foam.
  • Improving heat resistance: Make the foam maintain good stability in high temperature environments.

Case Analysis:

A medical cold chain logistics company has introduced crosslinking catalysts containing stannous octanoate, which significantly improves the impact resistance of the refrigerator and reduces the cargo damage rate during transportation.

(III) Comprehensive Catalyst

In order to simplify the production process and optimize foam performance, many manufacturers have begun to use compound catalysts. This type of catalyst has both foaming and crosslinking functions, which can solve multiple problems at once.

Features:

  • High efficiency: reduce the type and amount of catalysts, and reduce costs.
  • Flexibility: The formula can be flexibly adjusted according to your needs.

Case Analysis:

A internationally leading cold chain equipment manufacturer has developed a new compound catalyst to be used in the production of high-end refrigerated containers. Test results show that this catalyst not only improves the thermal insulation performance of the foam, but also greatly shortens the production cycle.

IV. How to choose the right polyurethane foam catalyst

Selecting the right catalyst is key to ensuring the performance of refrigerated transportation equipment. Here are some practical reference standards:

Consider Suggestions
Application Scenario Select the catalyst type according to the temperature requirements of the transported cargo. For example, low temperature transport is suitable for the use of tin catalysts.
Foam density When high-density foam is needed, the amount of crosslinking catalyst can be increased; when low-density foam is needed, the foaming catalyst should be focused on.
Production Efficiency For large-scale production, comprehensive catalysts are preferred to improve process efficiency.
Cost Control Balance the cost of the catalyst with the performance of the final product and avoid overinvestment.

(I) Case comparison analysis

Case 1: Food Cold Chain Transport

Objective: Design a refrigerated carriage suitable for the transportation of frozen food.
Solution: Use a catalyst formula containing DMEA and DMDEE to ensure that the foam has good thermal insulation properties and sufficient mechanical strength.
Results: The temperature fluctuation in the carriage is less than ±1?, and the freshness of the cargo is significantly improved.

Case 2: Medical Cold Chain Logistics

Objective: Develop a refrigerator that can keep the temperature low for a long time.
Solution: Use stannous octanoate as the crosslinking catalyst and combine with an appropriate amount of DMEA to optimize the foam structure.
Results: The refrigerator kept the temperature below -20? within 48 hours, fully meeting the needs of vaccine transportation.

5. Domestic and foreign research progress and future trends

In recent years, with the rapid development of the cold chain transportation industry, many breakthroughs have been made in the research of polyurethane foam catalysts. Here are a few directions worth paying attention to:

(I) Development of environmentally friendly catalysts

Some ingredients used in traditional catalysts, such as lead compounds, can cause harm to human health and the environment. To this end, scientific researchers are actively developing more environmentally friendly alternatives. For example, a German research institution developed a natural catalyst based on plant extracts, which not only have excellent performance but are completely non-toxic.

(II) Application of intelligent catalysts

With the development of Internet of Things technology and artificial intelligence, intelligent catalysts have gradually entered people’s vision. These catalysts can monitor reaction conditions in real time through sensors and automatically adjust their own activity, thus achieving more precise control.

(III) Exploration of multifunctional composite catalyst

The catalysts in the future will no longer be limited to a single function, but will develop in the direction of multifunctionalization. For example, a US company is developing a composite catalyst that can promote foaming and antibacteriality, which is expected to shine in the food cold chain field.

6. Conclusion: The “freshness” way of cold chain transportation

Although polyurethane foam catalyst is only a small link in the cold chain transportation system, its importance cannot be ignored. It is precisely with the support of these “heroes behind the scenes” that we can enjoy fresh and delicious food from all over the world. Looking ahead, with the continuous advancement of technology, the application of catalysts will become more extensive and efficient, bringing more possibilities to the cold chain transportation industry.

Let us look forward to this day together!

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