The performance of polyurethane (PU) is highly influenced by the quality and type of catalyst used in the formulation. These additives are responsible for controlling the chemical reactions during processing, influencing from the curing time to properties such as density, hardness, and dimensional stability. Amino, with its knowledge in PU systems and additive development, offers a complete portfolio of catalysts formulated to extract the maximum performance from each application.
Applied chemistry: what is and how a catalyst works in PU
In polyurethane systems, catalysts have the function of accelerating or modulating the two main reactions involved:
- The reaction between isocyanate and polyol (forming the backbone of PU);
- The reaction between isocyanate and water (generating CO₂ and promoting foam expansion).
The balance between amine and metallic catalysts is essential to achieve ideal properties. The incorrect choice of catalyst can compromise the final quality, cause dimensional instability, incomplete curing, or inadequate demolding time.
Amino develops systems that already incorporate the appropriate catalytic technology for each final use, reducing formulation issues and optimizing productivity.
Direct impact on curing time, density, and durability
Catalisadores bem ajustados têm impacto direto sobre:Well-adjusted catalysts have a direct impact on:
- Gel time, growth, and curing – influencing industrial productivity;
- Final foam density – optimizing cost/benefit ratio and mechanical properties;
- Dimensional stability – preventing collapse or undue shrinkage;
- Durability and thermal performance – maintaining performance over time.
Also, special catalysts can improve indirect properties such as:
- Improvement of surface skin;
- Significant reduction of scorching (yellowing);
- Cell refinement and better distribution of physical properties.
Catalysts also directly impact sensitive properties such as VOC emissions (volatile organic compounds), a critical factor for certified lines such as CertiPUR or hospital applications.
Amino portfolio: tailor-made solutions for each application
Amino offers a complete line of proprietary catalysts, developed with its own technology and precise suitability for systems:
- Flexible (foams for mattresses, upholstery, automotive);
- Rigid and semi-rigid (insulation, refrigeration, footwear);
- CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers).
Catalyst customization is carried out based on the customer’s process conditions, mixing time, ambient temperature, and desired curing speed.
Comparison between optimized formulations vs. market standard
Studies show that formulations with adjusted catalysts achieve:
- Reduction of up to 20% in total curing time;
- Increase of 15 to 30% in initial dimensional stability;
- Significant reduction of VOCs in flexible systems;
- Better anchorage on substrates in CASE products, with gain in chemical and UV resistance.
These data reinforce the real impact of a tailor-made catalyst, going beyond reaction acceleration: it is chemical engineering applied to performance.
About Amino Química
With recognized expertise in the development of PU systems and high-performance formulations, Amino offers much more than catalysts: it delivers integrated solutions that ensure productivity, stability, and final quality. By incorporating its own catalysts into the systems, the company guarantees full control of PU performance from formulation to final use, connecting chemistry and industrial efficiency with environmental responsibility.