How to use N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine to enhance the performance of polyurethane elastomers

Date：2025-03-09 Categories：Our Projects

Use N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine to enhance the performance of polyurethane elastomers

Introduction

Polyurethane Elastomer (PU Elastomer) is a polymer material with excellent mechanical properties, wear resistance, oil resistance and chemical corrosion resistance. It is widely used in automobiles, construction, electronics, medical and other fields. However, with the diversification of application scenarios and the improvement of performance requirements, how to further improve the performance of PU elastomers has become a research hotspot. N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine (N,N-Dimethylcyclohexylamine, referred to as DMCHA) plays an important role in the synthesis of PU elastomers. This article will discuss in detail how to use DMCHA to improve the performance of PU elastomers, covering its mechanism of action, application methods, product parameters and actual effects.

I. Basic properties of N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine

1.1 Chemical structure

The chemical structure of DMCHA is as follows:

Chemical Name	Chemical Structural Formula	Molecular Weight	Boiling point (℃)	Density (g/cm³)
N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine	C8H17N	127.23	160-162	0.85

1.2 Physical Properties

DMCHA is a colorless to light yellow liquid with a unique amine odor. It is stable at room temperature and is easily soluble in organic solvents such as alcohols, ethers and hydrocarbons.

1.3 Chemical Properties

DMCHA is a strong basic organic amine with good catalytic activity. It can accelerate the reaction of isocyanate with polyols and promote the formation of PU elastomers. In addition, DMCHA also has good thermal stability and chemical stability, and can maintain catalytic activity in high temperature and complex chemical environments.

2. The mechanism of action of N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine in PU elastomer synthesis

2.1 Catalysis

The main role of DMCHA in PU elastomer synthesis is to catalyze the reaction of isocyanate with polyols. The specific reaction mechanism is as follows:

Reaction of isocyanate with polyol:
- Isocyanate (R-NCO) and multivariateThe alcohol (R’-OH) reacts to form carbamate (R-NH-CO-O-R’).
- DMCHA accelerates the progress of this reaction by providing an alkaline environment.
Crosslinking reaction:
- In the synthesis of PU elastomers, crosslinking reaction is a key step in forming a three-dimensional network structure.
- DMCHA can promote the cross-linking reaction between isocyanate and polyol, improve the cross-linking density of PU elastomers, and thus enhance its mechanical properties.

2.2 Adjust the reaction rate

The catalytic activity of DMCHA can control the reaction rate during PU elastomer synthesis by adjusting its dosage. A proper amount of DMCHA can enable the reaction to be carried out within the appropriate temperature and time range, avoiding performance defects caused by excessive or slow reaction.

2.3 Improve processing performance

The addition of DMCHA can improve the processing performance of PU elastomers, such as reducing viscosity and improving fluidity, making them easier to form and process. This is particularly important for the production of products of complex shapes.

3. Specific methods to improve the performance of PU elastomers using N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine

3.1 Catalyst selection and dosage

In PU elastomer synthesis, the amount of DMCHA is usually 0.1%-0.5% of the mass of the polyol. The specific dosage should be adjusted according to the reaction system, target performance and production process. Here is a typical catalyst usage scale:

Polyol Type	DMCHA dosage (%)	Reaction temperature (℃)	Reaction time (min)
Polyether polyol	0.2-0.3	80-100	30-60
Polyester polyol	0.3-0.5	100-120	60-90

3.2 Optimization of reaction conditions

Optimization of reaction conditions is crucial to improving the performance of PU elastomers. The following are some key parameters optimization suggestions:

Reaction temperature:
- The reaction temperature should be controlled between 80-120℃. Excessive temperature may lead to an increase in side reactions and affect the performance of PU elastomers.
Response time:
- The reaction time should be adjusted according to the amount of catalyst and the reaction temperature, usually between 30-90 minutes.
Stirring speed:
- A proper stirring speed helps uniform mixing of the reactants and improves reaction efficiency. It is recommended to control the stirring speed between 200-500 rpm.

3.3 Post-treatment process

The post-treatment process also has an important impact on the final performance of PU elastomers. Here are some common post-processing methods:

Mature:
- Maturedification refers to further cross-linking and curing of PU elastomers under certain temperature and humidity conditions. The maturation temperature is usually 80-120℃, and the time is 24-48 hours.
Model Release:
- After demolding, the PU elastomer should be properly cooled and shaped to avoid deformation and stress concentration.
Surface treatment:
- Surface treatment can improve the wear resistance and weather resistance of PU elastomers. Common surface treatment methods include spraying, coating and corona treatment.

IV. Effect of N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine on the performance of PU elastomers

4.1 Mechanical properties

The addition of DMCHA can significantly improve the mechanical properties of PU elastomers, including tensile strength, elongation at break and hardness. The following is a typical product parameter list:

Performance metrics	DMCHA not added	Add DMCHA (0.3%)	Add DMCHA (0.5%)
Tension Strength (MPa)	20	25	28
Elongation of Break (%)	300	350	380
Hardness (Shore A)	70	75	80

4.2 Wear resistance

The addition of DMCHA can improve the wear resistance of PU elastomers and extend their service life. The following is a wear resistance test result table:

Test conditions	DMCHA not added	Add DMCHA (0.3%)	Add DMCHA (0.5%)
Abrasion (mg)	50	40	35
Wear rate (mg/km)	10	8	7

4.3 Chemical corrosion resistance

The addition of DMCHA can enhance the chemical corrosion resistance of PU elastomers and keep them stable under complex chemical environments. The following is a chemical corrosion resistance test result table:

Chemical Media	DMCHA not added	Add DMCHA (0.3%)	Add DMCHA (0.5%)
Acid (10% HCl)	Minor corrosion	No corrosion	No corrosion
Alkali (10% NaOH)	Minor corrosion	No corrosion	No corrosion
Oil (mineral oil)	No corrosion	No corrosion	No corrosion

4.4 Thermal Stability

The addition of DMCHA can improve the thermal stability of the PU elastomer and maintain its performance stable under high temperature environment. The following is a thermal stability test result table:

Temperature (℃)	DMCHA not added	Add DMCHA (0.3%)	Add DMCHA (0.5%)
100	No significant change	No significant change	No significant change
120	Minor softening	No significant change	No significant change
150	Sharpened	Minor softening	No significant change

5. Practical application cases

5.1 Auto Parts

In the manufacturing of automotive parts, PU elastomers are widely used in seals, shock absorbers, tires and other components. By adding DMCHA, the mechanical properties and wear resistance of these components can be significantly improved and their service life can be extended.

5.2 Building sealing materials

In the field of construction, PU elastomers are commonly used in sealing materials and waterproof coatings. The addition of DMCHA can improve the weather resistance and chemical corrosion resistance of these materials, making them stable in complex environments.

5.3 Electronic packaging materials

In the electronics industry, PU elastomers are used in packaging materials and insulating materials. By adding DMCHA, the thermal stability and mechanical properties of these materials can be improved, ensuring the reliability and safety of electronic devices.

VI. Conclusion

N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine, as a highly efficient catalyst, plays an important role in the synthesis of PU elastomers. By reasonably selecting the amount of catalyst, optimizing reaction conditions and post-treatment process, the mechanical properties, wear resistance, chemical corrosion resistance and thermal stability of PU elastomers can be significantly improved. In practical applications, the addition of DMCHA provides strong support for high-performance PU elastomer products in the fields of automobiles, construction and electronics. In the future, with the deepening of research and technological advancement, the application prospects of DMCHA in PU elastomers will be broader.

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