BDMAEE Bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether

Product Overview

BDMAEE (CAS No. 3033-62-3) emerges as a high-efficiency blowing catalyst tailored for polyurethane (PU) foam formulations, where precise control over gas generation is critical. With a molecular formula of C₈H₁₈N₂O and a molecular weight of 158.24 g/mol, this low-viscosity liquid (viscosity ≤ 5 mPa·s) excels in accelerating gas evolution—a key step in foam expansion—while maintaining processing stability to prevent defects like collapse or uneven density. Its versatility makes it a staple in rigid packaging foams, automotive interior components, and industrial insulation systems, where it delivers superior thermal resistance and low odor emissions compared to alternative blowing catalysts.

Features

Balanced Blowing and Gelation

BDMAEE’s unique molecular design optimizes the ratio of CO₂ generation (from isocyanate-water reactions) to polymer network formation, ensuring closed-cell integrity in rigid foams (critical for insulation performance) and open-cell flexibility in soft foams (essential for comfort applications) . A standout benefit is its ability to reduce cream time—the interval between mixing and foam initiation—by 20-25% in spray-applied insulation, significantly improving on-site productivity for construction crews working on tight deadlines .

High Thermal Stability

With a boiling point of 210-215°C and flash point of 93°C, BDMAEE remains chemically stable under the extrusion temperatures up to 200°C used in continuous foam production lines. This stability prevents catalyst decomposition, which could otherwise lead to inconsistent foam density or reduced insulation efficiency. It also resists thermal degradation during long-term storage, maintaining activity even in warm industrial environments .

Low VOC Emissions

BDMAEE sets a benchmark for low volatility, emitting ≤10 ppm volatile amines during and after foam curing. This meets stringent standards such as EU Ecolabel (for eco-friendly building products) and UL GREENGUARD (for low-emission materials), making it ideal for indoor applications like furniture cushions, office partitions, and automotive dashboards. Reduced VOCs also simplify compliance with regional air quality regulations, lowering regulatory risks for manufacturers .

Multi-System Compatibility

Unlike catalysts limited to specific isocyanate types, BDMAEE performs effectively in TDI (toluene diisocyanate), MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate), and blended isocyanate systems. This formulation flexibility allows manufacturers to adapt to raw material availability or cost fluctuations without sacrificing product quality. It also integrates seamlessly with common PU additives, including surfactants, flame retardants, and fillers .

Applications

Industrial Insulation

Pipe Insulation: BDMAEE enhances thermal resistance in PU/PIR foam jackets used for chilled water and steam pipelines. Field tests show these foams reduce heat loss by 30% compared to traditional fiberglass insulation, lowering energy consumption for heating and cooling systems .

Cold Storage: In ultra-low-temperature foams (operating at -196°C for LNG tanks and cryogenic freezers), BDMAEE improves dimensional stability, preventing shrinkage or cracking that could compromise insulation integrity. This makes it critical for LNG transportation and medical cold chain logistics .

Automotive and Electronics

Sealing Gaskets: In automotive manufacturing, BDMAEE promotes fast-curing in one-component PU sealants, which form flexible, weather-resistant bonds between vehicle panels. These sealants exhibit excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and solvents, ensuring long-term durability in underhood and chassis applications .

Electronic Packaging: For smartphones, laptops, and industrial sensors, BDMAEE ensures low-shrinkage in microcellular foams used as shock-absorbing padding. This minimizes stress on delicate electronic components during drops or vibrations, reducing failure rates by up to 25% .

Construction Materials

Spray Foam Insulation: BDMAEE enables high-coverage applications on irregular surfaces (e.g., attic joists, wall cavities) with adhesion strength ≥ 1.5 MPa to concrete, wood, and metal substrates. This strong adhesion eliminates the need for mechanical fasteners, simplifying installation .

Composite Panels: In PIR sandwich panels for modular buildings, BDMAEE improves interlayer bonding between foam cores and metal/wood facings, increasing bending strength by 25%. This enhances structural integrity, making panels suitable for load-bearing walls and roofing .

Storage

Container Selection: Store BDMAEE in stainless steel or HDPE drums to resist chemical corrosion and prevent leaching.

Environmental Controls: Maintain storage temperatures between 10-35°C and avoid direct sunlight, which can cause gradual viscosity increases.

Shelf Life and Handling: Use within 12 months of production to preserve optimum performance. Avoid contact with water (which can cause hydrolysis) and acidic substances (which neutralize amine activity), as these lead to catalyst deactivation .

Technical Specifications