In the vast family of polyurethane materials, catalysts work like the behind-the-scenes director—though not the star of the show, they determine the rhythm and success of the entire production. Among the many catalysts available, one product stands out for its versatility and reliability: Synocat® DMDEE from Sinocure Chemical Group. It may not be the protagonist of polyurethane foams, but its presence can be found behind almost every flexible foam, rigid foam, and microcellular elastomer.
Today, let's get to know this "behind-the-scenes hero"—Synocat® DMDEE—and see how it performs in flexible foams, rigid foams, and microcellular elastomers, earning its reputation as the indispensable "Mr. Catalyst" of the polyurethane industry.
Synocat® DMDEE is an organic amine catalyst developed by Sinocure Chemical Group, with the chemical name 2,2-Dimorpholinodiethylether (DMDEE) . It is a moderately active, delayed-action tertiary amine catalyst primarily used in polyurethane foaming systems, especially for controlling the reaction between polyols and polyisocyanates.
Delayed gelation time – extends the working window
Improves foam open-cell content – enhances breathability
Enhances foam flowability – better mold filling
Environmentally friendly – low volatility
Suitable for various foaming processes – slabstock, molding, spraying, etc.
| Parameter | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | N,N-Dimethyl-N'-dimethylaminoethyl ether |
| Molecular Formula | C₈H₂₀N₂O |
| Molecular Weight | 160.26 g/mol |
| Appearance | Light yellow to colorless transparent liquid |
| Boiling Point | Approx. 180–185°C |
| Density (25°C) | Approx. 0.93–0.95 g/cm³ |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 10.5–11.5 |
| Solubility | Soluble in most organic solvents |
| Storage Conditions | Store in cool, dry place; keep sealed and protected from light |
Flexible polyurethane foams are widely used in furniture, automotive seating, mattresses, and other applications requiring comfort, resilience, and breathability. Synocat® DMDEE serves as the "rhythm controller" in these foams.
During the flexible foaming process, the reaction between polyol and isocyanate undergoes several stages: cream time, gel time, and tack-free time. Synocat® DMDEE's unique ability to moderately delay gelation allows the foam to flow more evenly within the mold, preventing localized collapse or density variations.
Synocat® DMDEE effectively increases the open-cell content of the foam, creating more channels between bubbles for better air circulation. For mattresses and seating, this not only improves comfort but also enhances product durability.
In practical applications, Synocat® DMDEE is often used in combination with other catalysts (such as triethylenediamine, Dabco® types) to form a "co-catalyst system," enabling precise control over the foaming process.
While flexible foams prioritize comfort and elasticity, rigid foams focus on thermal insulation, structural strength, and dimensional stability. Rigid foams are widely used in building insulation, refrigeration equipment, pipe insulation, and more. Synocat® DMDEE plays a vital role here as well.
The foaming reaction in rigid foams is typically fast. Without proper control, issues like "scorching" (carbonization in the center due to excessive heat) can occur. Synocat® DMDEE's delayed action helps moderate the reaction rate, resulting in a more uniform foam structure with fewer defects.
Proper use of Synocat® DMDEE optimizes the closed-cell content of rigid foams, improving thermal insulation performance and mechanical strength. Its fine control over the reaction also enhances dimensional stability, reducing post-cure shrinkage.
In spray foam systems, Synocat® DMDEE effectively extends the reaction time after application, allowing the foam to fully expand and form a continuous, dense insulation layer—ideal for large-area applications like roofs and walls.
Microcellular elastomers are materials that bridge the gap between foams and solid elastomers, offering excellent cushioning, wear resistance, and resilience. They are widely used in shoe soles, rollers, vibration dampers, and more. Synocat® DMDEE demonstrates unique adaptability in this field.
In microcellular elastomers, Synocat® DMDEE helps control cell formation, resulting in finer, more uniform cells. This not only improves physical properties but also enhances the material's feel and user experience.
With its precise control over reaction timing, Synocat® DMDEE enables faster demolding in molded microcellular elastomer production, improving efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Whether for casting or compression molding processes, Synocat® DMDEE provides excellent process adaptability, helping manufacturers achieve greater design flexibility and higher yield rates.
Among the many catalysts available, Synocat® DMDEE stands out not only for its stable performance but also for the following key advantages:
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Strong Process Adaptability | Suitable for flexible foams, rigid foams, microcellular elastomers, and more |
| Safe & Eco-Friendly | Low volatility, operator-friendly, meets modern environmental standards |
| Excellent Compatibility | Works well with other catalysts for flexible reaction curve adjustment |
| Cost-Effective | Low dosage required while maintaining high performance |
| Comprehensive Technical Support | Full technical service and formulation guidance to support rapid production startup |
A well-known automotive brand developing new seat foam encountered issues with uneven density and slow recovery. By introducing Synocat® DMDEE and optimizing the catalyst system, they successfully improved foam uniformity and comfort while shortening production cycles and increasing yield.
A cold storage equipment manufacturer using traditional catalysts faced severe center scorching that compromised insulation performance. After switching to Synocat® DMDEE, the reaction became more stable, the foam structure more uniform, and thermal insulation performance significantly improved.
A sports brand developing next-generation running shoe midsoles sought lighter, more resilient, and more durable materials. The introduction of Synocat® DMDEE enabled precise control over cell structure, resulting in a final product that received strong market feedback.
As polyurethane materials find broader applications in emerging fields such as new energy, building energy efficiency, and smart wearables, the demand for advanced catalysts continues to grow. Synocat® DMDEE, as a mature and highly efficient catalyst, will remain a key player in the industry.
Sinocure Chemical Group is continuously optimizing its product line, developing more environmentally friendly and high-performance catalysts to meet diverse customer needs. With the global emphasis on green chemistry and sustainable development, low-VOC, high-efficiency catalysts like Synocat® DMDEE are poised to occupy an even stronger position in the future market.
Sinocure Chemical Group
Breathing New Life Into Chemistry
Contact Us:
Email: info@sinocurechem.com
Phone: +86 15668330235
Website: www.sinocurechem.com
