The final performance of a polyurethane (PU) additive and system is directly impacted by temperature conditions throughout its entire use cycle: from the storage of components to the moment of application. High or low temperatures can compromise curing time, material viscosity, mixture homogeneity, and even the dimensional stability of the final product.
Based on its experience in developing customized systems, Amino reinforces the importance of understanding how temperature influences the chemical behavior of PU materials. More than selling a formulation, the company offers specialized technical support before, during, and after application, ensuring the correct use of products with a focus on results, stability, and performance predictability.
Ambient temperature: the invisible factor that changes everything
Ambient temperature plays a decisive role in PU reaction and curing time. In warmer regions or seasons, reactions are accelerated, which can result in reduced working time, mixing failures, or incomplete expansion. In colder temperatures, the process tends to slow down, increasing curing time and compromising expansion or proper adhesion to the substrate.
Variations of 5 to 10ºC are already enough to significantly alter:
- Gel time, tack-free, and demolding time;
- Viscosity of components (polyol and isocyanate);
- Mixture stability and foam cell homogeneity;
- Adhesion to the substrate, bubble formation, and surface defects.
Another critical point is volatile loss. The higher the ambient or processing temperature, the greater the gas formation during the reaction, which can result in a lower final foam volume. This represents a direct loss to production, which, instead of obtaining denser and more homogeneous foams, loses material through excessive gas formation. Proper thermal control is essential to maximize yield and performance.
In rigid systems, temperature also directly interferes with thermal conductivity and adhesion to substrates such as metals and plastics. Very cold or very hot substrates compromise foam anchoring and insulation quality.
Therefore, it is essential to adjust application parameters according to local temperature, with possible adjustments in component ratios or in the use of specific catalysts. Amino’s technical team is prepared to guide customers in each situation, ensuring that PU’s reactive behavior remains within the expected standard.
Storage and handling: precautions that prevent losses
Temperature matters not only during application. Improper storage of PU system components can severely affect their performance and shelf life:
- Polyol exposed to excessive cold tends to crystallize or drastically increase viscosity, making pumping and mixing difficult;
- Isocyanate exposed to excessive heat can react with air humidity, form by-products (dimerization), and alter its reactive profile;
- Cyclic thermal variations promote internal condensation, air bubble formation, and premature material degradation.
Recomenda-se que os materiais sejam mantidos:
- In covered, ventilated areas, without direct sunlight;
- With controlled temperature between 18ºC and 25ºC;
- Away from moisture sources and properly sealed after each use;
- In clean drums or tanks properly identified with batch and expiration date.
Amino also provides technical datasheets and personalized storage guidelines according to the region and type of product purchased.
Knowing how temperature interferes in the handling and application stages of PU is decisive to achieving a quality final result. Small thermal variations can generate major impacts on productivity, stability, and material durability.
About Amino Química
Amino goes beyond product delivery: it offers specialized technical support, including training, technical visits, remote assistance, and fine-tuning of applications. This ensures complete safety and confidence in the use of its systems, generating real value for the customer.
Talk to an Amino specialist and optimize PU performance in your production line.