polyurethane rigid foam catalyst pc-8 cas number 3033-62-3 details

Published by BDMAEE on 2025-04-30

pc-8 catalyst: a comprehensive overview for polyurethane rigid foam production

contents

introduction
1.1. overview
1.2. chemical identity
1.3. applications in polyurethane rigid foam
chemical and physical properties
2.1. basic properties
2.2. solubility and stability
2.3. spectroscopic properties
mechanism of action
3.1. catalytic mechanism in polyurethane formation
3.2. influence on blowing and gelation reactions
synthesis and manufacturing
4.1. synthetic routes
4.2. quality control and impurities
applications in polyurethane rigid foam
5.1. formulation guidelines
5.2. influence on foam properties
5.3. comparison with other catalysts
safety and handling
6.1. toxicity and health hazards
6.2. handling precautions
6.3. environmental considerations
storage and transportation
7.1. storage conditions
7.2. transportation regulations
quality standards and testing methods
8.1. quality control parameters
8.2. testing procedures
market overview and manufacturers
9.1. global market trends
9.2. major manufacturers and suppliers
research and development trends
1. future directions and innovations
references

1. introduction

1.1. overview

polyurethane (pu) rigid foams are widely used in insulation, construction, and packaging due to their excellent thermal insulation properties, high strength-to-weight ratio, and versatility. the production of these foams involves a complex chemical reaction between polyols and isocyanates, which is often catalyzed to achieve the desired reaction rate and foam properties. pc-8 catalyst, identified by cas number 3033-62-3, is a tertiary amine catalyst commonly employed in the manufacturing of pu rigid foams. this article provides a comprehensive overview of pc-8 catalyst, covering its chemical and physical properties, mechanism of action, applications, safety considerations, and market trends. the information is intended for chemists, engineers, and professionals involved in the production and application of polyurethane rigid foams.

1.2. chemical identity

pc-8 catalyst is chemically identified as a tertiary amine. the specific chemical name and structure are proprietary information protected by the manufacturers. however, generally, it belongs to the class of tertiary amines known for their catalytic activity in polyurethane reactions. the cas registry number for pc-8 is 3033-62-3.

1.3. applications in polyurethane rigid foam

pc-8 catalyst is primarily used as a catalyst in the production of polyurethane rigid foams. its role is to accelerate the reaction between polyols and isocyanates, leading to the formation of the polyurethane polymer. it also influences the blowing reaction (generation of co₂ from the reaction of isocyanate with water) which is crucial for creating the cellular structure of the foam. the specific application depends on the desired foam properties, such as density, cell size, and thermal conductivity.

2. chemical and physical properties

2.1. basic properties

property	typical value	unit	method (typical)
appearance	clear liquid	–	visual
color (apha)	≤ 50	–	astm d1209
density (20°c)	0.85 – 0.95	g/cm³	astm d1475
viscosity (25°c)	5 – 20	cp	astm d2196
boiling point	> 150	°c	–
flash point	> 60	°c	astm d93
molecular weight	(proprietary range)	g/mol	–

note: specific values may vary depending on the manufacturer and grade of pc-8 catalyst.

2.2. solubility and stability

pc-8 catalyst is generally soluble in common organic solvents such as alcohols, ethers, and ketones. its solubility in water is limited. the stability of pc-8 catalyst is affected by factors such as temperature, exposure to air, and the presence of moisture. it is recommended to store the catalyst in tightly sealed containers under cool, dry conditions to prevent degradation. exposure to air can lead to the formation of peroxides, which can affect the catalyst’s activity and potentially lead to safety hazards.

2.3. spectroscopic properties

while specific spectroscopic data for pc-8 catalyst is proprietary, general characteristics of tertiary amines apply.

infrared spectroscopy (ir): ir spectra will typically show characteristic c-n stretching bands in the region of 1000-1300 cm^-1 and c-h bending vibrations.
nuclear magnetic resonance (nmr): ¹h nmr spectra will show signals corresponding to the protons attached to the carbons adjacent to the nitrogen atom. ¹³c nmr spectra will show signals for the carbon atoms directly bonded to the nitrogen atom.
mass spectrometry (ms): mass spectrometry can be used to determine the molecular weight and fragmentation pattern of the catalyst.

3. mechanism of action

3.1. catalytic mechanism in polyurethane formation

tertiary amine catalysts, including pc-8, promote the polyurethane reaction through nucleophilic catalysis. the nitrogen atom in the tertiary amine has a lone pair of electrons that can attack the electrophilic carbon atom of the isocyanate group (-nco). this forms an intermediate complex that activates the isocyanate group, making it more susceptible to attack by the hydroxyl group (-oh) of the polyol. the subsequent reaction with the polyol leads to the formation of the urethane linkage (-nh-co-o-) and regenerates the catalyst.

the general mechanism can be represented as follows:

catalyst activation: the tertiary amine (r₃n) reacts with the isocyanate (r’-nco) to form an activated complex (r₃n⁺-c(o)-n^–r’).
polyol attack: the polyol (r”-oh) attacks the activated complex, displacing the catalyst and forming the urethane linkage.
catalyst regeneration: the catalyst (r₃n) is regenerated and can participate in further reactions.

3.2. influence on blowing and gelation reactions

in polyurethane foam production, two key reactions occur simultaneously: the gelation reaction (formation of the polyurethane polymer) and the blowing reaction (generation of gas to create the foam structure). the balance between these two reactions is crucial for obtaining foams with the desired properties. pc-8 catalyst, like many tertiary amine catalysts, influences both reactions.

gelation: pc-8 accelerates the reaction between the polyol and isocyanate, promoting the formation of the polyurethane polymer network. this contributes to the viscosity increase and solidification of the foam.
blowing: in water-blown systems, the isocyanate reacts with water to generate carbon dioxide (co₂), which acts as the blowing agent. pc-8 also catalyzes this reaction, although its effect on the blowing reaction is generally weaker compared to catalysts specifically designed for blowing. the rate of co₂ generation must be carefully controlled to match the rate of gelation, preventing cell collapse or overly rapid expansion.

the relative influence of pc-8 on the gelation and blowing reactions can be adjusted by using it in combination with other catalysts that are more selective for either reaction. for example, tin catalysts are often used to enhance the gelation reaction, while other tertiary amines may be used to promote the blowing reaction. the optimal catalyst blend depends on the specific formulation and desired foam properties.

4. synthesis and manufacturing

4.1. synthetic routes

the specific synthetic route for pc-8 catalyst is proprietary to the manufacturers. however, generally, tertiary amines are synthesized through various methods, including:

alkylation of ammonia or primary/secondary amines: this involves reacting ammonia or a primary/secondary amine with an alkyl halide or alcohol in the presence of a base.
reductive amination: this involves reacting a carbonyl compound (aldehyde or ketone) with ammonia or a primary/secondary amine in the presence of a reducing agent.
michael addition: this involves the addition of an amine to an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound.

the choice of synthetic route depends on the desired structure of the tertiary amine, the availability of starting materials, and the cost-effectiveness of the process.

4.2. quality control and impurities

the quality of pc-8 catalyst is crucial for ensuring consistent foam production. manufacturers typically implement stringent quality control measures to ensure that the catalyst meets the required specifications. common quality control parameters include:

purity: the catalyst should be free from impurities that could interfere with the polyurethane reaction or affect the foam properties.
water content: excess water can react with the isocyanate, leading to co₂ generation and potential foam defects.
color and appearance: the catalyst should have a clear and consistent color, indicating the absence of degradation or contamination.
viscosity and density: these parameters should be within the specified range to ensure proper dispensing and mixing of the catalyst.

typical impurities in pc-8 catalyst may include:

unreacted starting materials: residual reactants from the synthesis process.
by-products: unintended products formed during the synthesis.
water: absorbed from the atmosphere or present in the raw materials.
degradation products: products formed due to decomposition of the catalyst during storage or handling.

manufacturers use various analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography (gc), mass spectrometry (ms), and titration, to identify and quantify impurities in the catalyst.

5. applications in polyurethane rigid foam

5.1. formulation guidelines

the concentration of pc-8 catalyst used in polyurethane rigid foam formulations typically ranges from 0.1 to 2.0 parts per hundred parts of polyol (pphp). the optimal concentration depends on several factors, including:

reactivity of the polyol and isocyanate: more reactive polyols and isocyanates may require lower catalyst concentrations.
desired foam density: lower density foams may require higher catalyst concentrations to achieve the desired expansion.
reaction temperature: higher reaction temperatures generally require lower catalyst concentrations.
presence of other catalysts: the use of other catalysts, such as tin catalysts or other tertiary amines, can affect the optimal concentration of pc-8.

it is important to carefully optimize the catalyst concentration to achieve the desired balance between gelation and blowing reactions. excessive catalyst concentrations can lead to rapid reaction rates, resulting in foam defects such as cell collapse or shrinkage. insufficient catalyst concentrations can lead to slow reaction rates and incomplete foam formation.

5.2. influence on foam properties

pc-8 catalyst influences several key properties of polyurethane rigid foams, including:

density: catalyst concentration affects the rate of blowing and gelation, which in turn influences the final foam density.
cell size: the catalyst influences the nucleation and growth of cells during the foaming process.
thermal conductivity: cell size and density are major factors affecting the thermal conductivity of rigid foams. smaller, more uniform cells generally lead to lower thermal conductivity and better insulation performance.
compressive strength: the catalyst influences the crosslinking density and polymer network structure, which affects the compressive strength of the foam.
dimensional stability: the catalyst affects the curing rate and completeness of the reaction, which influences the dimensional stability of the foam. poorly cured foams may shrink or distort over time.

5.3. comparison with other catalysts

pc-8 catalyst is often used in combination with other catalysts to achieve specific foam properties. common alternatives and co-catalysts include:

catalyst type	examples	primary effect	advantages	disadvantages
tertiary amines	dabco, dmcha, polycat series	primarily promotes blowing and gelation reactions. influence can be tailored based on the specific amine structure.	versatile, can be used in a wide range of formulations.	can contribute to voc emissions and odor. some amines can discolor the foam.
tin catalysts	dibutyltin dilaurate (dbtdl), stannous octoate	primarily promotes gelation reaction.	provides fast curing and high crosslinking density.	can be toxic and environmentally harmful. may cause hydrolysis issues.
metal carboxylates	potassium acetate, potassium octoate	promotes blowing reaction, particularly in water-blown systems.	can be used to achieve low-density foams. may improve foam stability.	may lead to higher water absorption and reduced thermal stability. can contribute to off-gassing.
delayed action catalysts	blocked amines, encapsulated catalysts	provide a delayed start to the reaction, allowing for better mixing and flow before foaming begins. control the reaction profile effectively.	improved processing, better flowability, reduced tackiness. can lead to more uniform cell structure.	can be more expensive. require careful selection to match the specific reaction conditions.

the choice of catalyst system depends on the desired foam properties, the specific application, and environmental regulations.

6. safety and handling

6.1. toxicity and health hazards

pc-8 catalyst, like many tertiary amines, can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. exposure can cause redness, itching, and burning sensations. inhalation of vapors can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and headache. prolonged or repeated exposure may cause sensitization.

hazard statements (example):

h302: harmful if swallowed.
h315: causes skin irritation.
h319: causes serious eye irritation.
h335: may cause respiratory irritation.

6.2. handling precautions

personal protective equipment (ppe): wear appropriate ppe, including gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator if ventilation is inadequate.
ventilation: ensure adequate ventilation in the work area to prevent the build-up of vapors.
avoid contact: avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
wash thoroughly: wash hands thoroughly after handling the catalyst.
emergency procedures: in case of contact with skin or eyes, flush with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. seek medical attention if irritation persists. if inhaled, remove to fresh air and seek medical attention. if swallowed, do not induce vomiting and seek medical attention immediately.

6.3. environmental considerations

pc-8 catalyst should be handled and disposed of in accordance with local environmental regulations. spills should be contained and cleaned up immediately. avoid releasing the catalyst into the environment. consider using spill kits containing absorbent materials. consult the safety data sheet (sds) for specific environmental precautions.

7. storage and transportation

7.1. storage conditions

container: store in tightly sealed containers to prevent contamination and moisture absorption.
temperature: store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. recommended storage temperature is typically between 15°c and 30°c.
incompatible materials: avoid storing pc-8 catalyst near strong oxidizing agents, acids, and isocyanates.
shelf life: the shelf life of pc-8 catalyst is typically 12-24 months when stored under recommended conditions.

7.2. transportation regulations

the transportation of pc-8 catalyst is regulated by various international and national regulations, such as the international maritime dangerous goods (imdg) code, the international air transport association (iata) dangerous goods regulations, and the u.s. department of transportation (dot) regulations. the specific regulations depend on the quantity of the catalyst being transported, the mode of transportation, and the destination. consult the sds and relevant regulations for specific transportation requirements.

8. quality standards and testing methods

8.1. quality control parameters

the quality of pc-8 catalyst is assessed based on several parameters, including:

parameter	specification	test method
purity	≥ 98% (by gc)	gas chromatography
water content	≤ 0.1% (by karl fischer titration)	karl fischer
color (apha)	≤ 50	astm d1209
density (20°c)	within specified range (as per manufacturer)	astm d1475
viscosity (25°c)	within specified range (as per manufacturer)	astm d2196
assay	within specified range (as per manufacturer)	titration

8.2. testing procedures

gas chromatography (gc): used to determine the purity and identify impurities in the catalyst. a sample of the catalyst is vaporized and passed through a chromatographic column, which separates the different components based on their boiling points and polarity. the separated components are then detected, and their concentrations are quantified.
karl fischer titration: used to determine the water content of the catalyst. the catalyst is dissolved in a solvent, and the water is reacted with a karl fischer reagent. the amount of reagent consumed is proportional to the water content of the sample.
astm d1209 (apha color): a visual comparison of the sample to a series of standard solutions. the apha (american public health association) color scale is used to quantify the yellowness of the liquid.
astm d1475 (density): a hydrometer or pycnometer is used to measure the density of the liquid at a specific temperature.
astm d2196 (viscosity): a rotational viscometer is used to measure the viscosity of the liquid at a specific temperature.
titration: used to determine the concentration (assay) of the active component in the catalyst. the catalyst is reacted with a known concentration of a reagent, and the endpoint of the reaction is determined using an indicator or a potentiometric method.

9. market overview and manufacturers

9.1. global market trends

the global market for polyurethane catalysts is driven by the increasing demand for polyurethane products in various applications, including construction, automotive, furniture, and packaging. the market is also influenced by factors such as environmental regulations, the development of new catalyst technologies, and the growing demand for bio-based and low-voc catalysts. the asia-pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing market for polyurethane catalysts due to the rapid growth of the construction and automotive industries in countries such as china and india.

9.2. major manufacturers and suppliers

several major manufacturers and suppliers of polyurethane catalysts operate globally. these companies offer a wide range of catalysts, including tertiary amines, tin catalysts, and metal carboxylates. some of the leading manufacturers and suppliers include:

industries ag
corporation
air products and chemicals, inc.
performance materials inc.
corporation
chemical group co., ltd.

10. research and development trends

10. future directions and innovations

research and development efforts in the field of polyurethane catalysts are focused on several key areas:

development of low-voc catalysts: reducing the volatile organic compound (voc) emissions from polyurethane foam production is a major focus. researchers are developing new catalysts with lower vapor pressures and improved retention in the foam matrix.
bio-based catalysts: developing catalysts derived from renewable resources is another area of interest. bio-based catalysts can reduce the environmental impact of polyurethane production.
delayed action catalysts: these catalysts are designed to provide a delayed start to the reaction, allowing for better mixing and flow of the reactants before foaming begins. this can lead to improved foam properties and processing characteristics.
catalyst blends: optimizing catalyst blends to achieve specific foam properties is an ongoing area of research. by combining different catalysts, it is possible to fine-tune the gelation and blowing reactions to achieve the desired foam density, cell size, and mechanical properties.
nanocatalysts: the use of nanoparticles as catalysts for polyurethane formation is being explored. nanocatalysts can offer several advantages, including high surface area, improved activity, and the ability to be easily dispersed in the reaction mixture.
co₂ utilization: developing catalysts that can utilize co₂ as a blowing agent or as a feedstock for polyurethane production is a promising area of research. this can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create more sustainable polyurethane materials.

11. references

oertel, g. (ed.). (1994). polyurethane handbook. hanser gardner publications.
rand, l., & chatgilialoglu, c. (2003). photooxidation of polymers. crc press.
ulrich, h. (1996). introduction to industrial polymers. hanser gardner publications.
szycher, m. (1999). szycher’s handbook of polyurethanes. crc press.
woods, g. (1990). the ici polyurethanes book. john wiley & sons.
ashida, k. (2006). polyurethane and related foams: chemistry and technology. crc press.
prociak, a., ryszkowska, j., & kirpluk, m. (2016). polyurethane foams: raw materials, manufacturing technology, and applications. william andrew publishing.
hepburn, c. (1991). polyurethane elastomers. springer science & business media.

this comprehensive overview provides a thorough understanding of pc-8 catalyst and its role in polyurethane rigid foam production. the information presented is intended to be informative and useful for professionals in the polyurethane industry. always consult the manufacturer’s safety data sheet (sds) for specific safety and handling information. 📌

sales contact：sales@newtopchem.com

Categories: Application Tags: Polyurethane rigid foam catalyst PC-8 CAS number 3033-62-3 details