Triethylene Diamine 33% (A33 DPG/DEG)

Product Overview

A33 is a standardized 33% solution of triethylene diamine (TEDA) dissolved in dipropylene glycol (DPG) or diethylene glycol (DEG), formulated to deliver balanced blowing and gelation activity in polyurethane systems. With a molecular formula of C₆H₁₂N₂ and a molecular weight of 112.17 g/mol for the active TEDA component, this formulation exists as a low-odor liquid (density 0.92 g/cm³) designed to address the handling challenges of pure TEDA (a crystalline solid). Its liquid form ensures easy metering and uniform dispersion in PU formulations, making it widely used in both flexible and rigid foam production to optimize processing stability and enhance final product properties such as density and compressive strength .

Features

Controlled Reaction Dynamics

A33’s formulation leverages a amine-blocking mechanism through its glycol carrier, which moderates TEDA’s high reactivity to ensure balanced CO₂ generation (blowing) and polymer network formation (gelation). This balance prevents common defects: foam collapse in rigid applications (caused by excessive gas generation before gelation) and premature curing in flexible systems (which restricts foam expansion). In spray foam insulation, this control reduces cream time by 20-25%, a critical improvement for on-site contractors needing efficient application without sacrificing foam quality .

Low Volatility and Odor

The glycol carrier in A33 significantly reduces amine volatility, resulting in emissions of ≤10 ppm volatile amines during and after curing. This meets stringent standards such as EU Ecolabel (for construction products) and UL GREENGUARD Gold (for low-emission materials), making it suitable for indoor applications like furniture cushions and automotive dashboards. Its near-odorless profile (odor threshold > 50 ppm) also enhances worker comfort during manufacturing, reducing the need for specialized ventilation systems .

Thermal and Chemical Stability

A33 maintains stability under demanding processing conditions, with a flash point of 93°C and boiling point ≥ 200°C. This allows it to perform consistently in extrusion temperatures up to 200°C, typical in continuous foam production lines for mattresses and insulation boards. It also resists degradation in contact with aggressive chemical media such as mineral oils, gasoline, and weak acids, ensuring long-term performance in automotive and industrial applications .

Sustainable Formulation

A33 complies with REACH (Annex XVII) and RoHS regulations, containing no heavy metals or chlorinated solvents. Its glycol carrier enhances biodegradability (80% degradation within 28 days per OECD 301B test), aligning with eco-label requirements for sustainable construction and consumer products. This formulation also reduces waste compared to solid TEDA, as its liquid form minimizes handling losses .

Applications

Flexible Polyurethane Foam

Mattresses and Upholstery: In high-resilience (HR) foams, A33 optimizes viscoelastic properties by controlling cell structure, reducing compression set (a measure of foam durability) by 15-20% over 50,000 cycles. This extends product lifespan, a key selling point for premium bedding brands .

Automotive Seating: It enhances cell structure uniformity (cell size 100-300 μm) in flexible foams, improving load-bearing capacity (≥ 400 N) while maintaining softness (indentation force deflection ≤ 100 N), a balance critical for driver and passenger comfort .

Rigid Polyurethane Foam

Industrial Insulation: In PU/PIR foam jackets for chilled water pipelines, A33 improves thermal resistance (λ-value ≤ 0.022 W/m·K), reducing heat loss by 30% compared to fiberglass insulation. This efficiency makes it a preferred choice for HVAC systems in commercial buildings .

Protective Packaging: Its ability to maintain closed-cell integrity (≥ 90% closed cells) ensures impact resistance in foam inserts for electronics (e.g., smartphones, laptops) and medical devices, reducing transit damage rates by up to 25% .

Adhesives and Sealants

Structural Bonding: A33 accelerates cross-linking in one-component moisture-cured PU adhesives, achieving shear strength ≥ 2.5 MPa within 24 hours. This makes it suitable for bonding metal, wood, and plastic in furniture and construction .

Construction Sealants: It enhances elongation at break (≥400%) in joint sealants, allowing them to accommodate thermal expansion/contraction in building facades and infrastructure, ensuring weather resistance across temperatures from -40°C to 80°C .

Storage

Container Selection: Use stainless steel or HDPE containers to prevent glycol degradation and contamination. Avoid copper or brass containers, as metal ions can catalyze amine breakdown.

Environmental Controls: Store at 10-35°C in a dry area, away from direct sunlight. Freezing should be avoided, as it can cause phase separation; if frozen, thaw gradually at room temperature and mix gently before use to restore uniformity.

Handling Guidelines: Keep away from water (which can dilute the solution) and strong acids (which neutralize amines) to prevent catalyst deactivation. Shelf life is 12 months under recommended conditions .

Technical Specifications