It mostly uses amine or the collocation of amine with strong gel metal catalyst T-9 (T-12) to product PU foam. However, tin has been strictly limited or tantamount to being banned in more and more export products such as toys, clothing, shoe materials and automobile interiors,etc. The only available eco-friendly strong gel metal catalyst without Tin is traditional organic bismuth. However, organic bismuth has many problems, such as low activity, short cream time, rapid hydrolysis and instability in aqueous material. The industry urgently needs more excellent eco-friendly metal catalysts.
◆ Hydrolysis resistance without failure. PU foam catalyst can be premixed into the aqueous material, which is conducive to the confidentiality of the formula and avoid the trouble and error of on-site addition; However, organic bismuth and tin catalyst will gradually lose their catalytic activity when added to hydrous A materials.
◆ Eco-friendly, free of Tin, meeting VOC and TVOC requirements. Ensure compliance with harsh international environmental protection regulations such as REACH, ROHS, EN71-3, Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, and meet the export requirements of foam such as toys, shoes and clothing.
◆ Extend the cream time, increase the strength quickly, and do not collapse or shrink. Due to the catalytic characteristics of special thermally active metal catalysts, the flow time is not affected or extended. Polyurethane foam catalyst release strong gel catalytic activity at late foaming stage.
◆ High catalytic activity and rapid increase the strength.The activity is higher than that of ordinary organic bismuth.
The PU blowing catalyst is essential for producing various polyurethane foams, enhancing the properties of soft, slow rebound, high rebound, and rigid foams. It optimizes production efficiency, especially for large parts like insoles and soles, and meets strict environmental standards for export products. This PU catalyst also improves the quality and performance of molded integral skin products, making it a key component in the foam industry.
· Surface Reactions and Performance Enhancement
Amine catalysts accelerate surface reactions and significantly enhance the appearance and smoothness of the finished polyurethane product. During foaming, these catalysts migrate toward the mold surface, where amines containing hydroxyl groups chemically bond with the polyurethane polymer network. This stable bonding minimizes catalyst volatility, ensuring long-term zero-emission performance throughout the product’s service life.
· Polyurethane Foam Formation
Polyurethane foams are produced through the reaction of polyols, polyisocyanates, and water, with catalysts and additives finely controlling the balance between gelling and blowing reactions. This balance directly affects foam cell structure, mechanical strength, and curing rate, ensuring consistent product quality and performance.
· Catalyst Roles and Mechanisms
Tertiary amines—either used alone or in combination with organotin compounds such as tin octoate—serve as primary catalysts in polyurethane systems. They accelerate both the gelling reaction between hydroxyl and isocyanate groups and the blowing reaction between isocyanate and water, which generates CO₂ to create the foam’s cellular structure. Certain amines, temporarily blocked with carboxylic acids, remain latent at low temperatures and activate only upon heating, providing controlled reactivity and improved process stability.
