Polyurethane catalyst DBU is used in agricultural cover films to improve crop yield and quality

Date：2025-03-18 Categories：Our Projects

Polyurethane Catalyst DBU: “Magic Factor” in Agricultural Covering Films

In the field of modern agriculture, the polyurethane catalyst DBU (1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene) is becoming one of the important technologies to promote the improvement of agricultural production efficiency with its unique catalytic performance and versatility. This seemingly inconspicuous chemical substance is like an invisible gardener, silently exerting its magic in the farmland. By optimizing the crosslinking reaction of polyurethane materials, DBU not only significantly improves the performance of agricultural cover films, but also creates a more ideal microenvironment for crop growth, thus achieving a dual breakthrough in yield and quality.

Agricultural cover film is an important tool in modern agricultural production. Its main function is to promote crop growth and suppress weeds by regulating soil temperature, humidity and light conditions. However, traditional covering films often have problems such as poor weather resistance and short service life, which directly affect their practical application effects. The introduction of DBU is like injecting new vitality into these covering films. It can effectively accelerate the curing process of polyurethane materials, while improving the flexibility, tear resistance and aging resistance of the material, so that the covering film can maintain excellent functional characteristics for a longer period of time.

More importantly, the application of DBU does not only stay at the material level. By optimizing the microstructure of the cover film, DBU can also indirectly affect the growth environment of the crop. For example, it can help the cover film to better regulate soil temperature and reduce the adverse effects of day and night temperature difference on crops; at the same time, its enhanced light transmittance and anti-fog performance also provide crops with more sufficient light conditions, thereby promoting the progress of photosynthesis. In addition, DBU can also improve the antibacterial properties of the covering film, reduce the probability of disease occurrence, and further ensure the healthy growth of crops.

This article will conduct in-depth discussion on the application mechanism of DBU in agricultural cover film and its impact on crop yield and quality, and analyze its actual effects based on specific cases. We will also discuss from multiple dimensions such as product parameters, domestic and foreign research progress, and future development direction, striving to fully demonstrate the important role of this “magic factor” in modern agriculture. Whether you are an agricultural science and technology worker or an ordinary reader who is interested in modern agriculture, I believe this article can provide you with valuable reference and inspiration.

The basic properties and mechanism of DBU

DBU is a basic catalyst with a unique molecular structure, and its chemical name is 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene. From a molecular perspective, the core of DBU is a rigid skeleton composed of aza bicyclic ring, which gives it extremely high alkalinity and stability. DBU is more alkaline than common tertiary amine catalysts, but it does not easily cause side reactions or corrosive problems like strong alkaline substances, so it shows excellent applicability in polymer synthesis.

Chemical structure and physical properties

DBU’sThe molecular formula is C7H12N2 and the molecular weight is 124.18 g/mol. Its appearance is usually white to light yellow crystal powder with a melting point of about 136°C and a boiling point of up to 270°C or above. Due to its high boiling point and low volatility, DBU can maintain stable catalytic activity under high temperature conditions, making it ideal for use in polyurethane systems requiring high temperature curing. In addition, DBU has good solubility and can be easily dispersed in a variety of organic solvents, such as dimethylformamide (DMF), etc., which provides convenience for its application in industrial production.

parameters	value
Molecular formula	C7H12N2
Molecular Weight	124.18 g/mol
Melting point	136°C
Boiling point	>270°C
Appearance	White to light yellow crystal powder

Catalytic Action Mechanism

The main mechanism of action of DBU is to accelerate the reaction between isocyanate (NCO) and hydroxyl (OH), water (HO), or other active hydrogen compounds by providing proton acceptance sites. Specifically, DBU can function through two ways:

Promote the reaction between isocyanate and hydroxyl group
During the synthesis of polyurethane materials, DBU will preferentially have a weak coordination effect with isocyanate groups, thereby reducing the reaction activation energy of isocyanate. This effect is similar to paving a “fast lane” for the reaction, making the hydroxyl group more accessible and attacking the isocyanate group, forming carbamate bonds (—NHCOO—). Because DBU is highly alkaline, it can also neutralize a small amount of acidic by-products generated during the reaction, further improving the reaction efficiency.
Control side effects caused by moisture
In actual production, the presence of trace amounts of water may cause isocyanate to react with water to form carbon dioxide gas and urea compounds. This side reaction not only affects the performance of the material, but also can cause bubble defects. DBU can preferentially direct the reaction of isocyanate to react with target reactants (such as polyols) by adjusting the reaction rate, thereby effectively inhibiting the side reactions caused by moisture. This selective catalytic capability is a highly favored DBU in the preparation of polyurethane materialsThe reason.

Stability and Security

DBU has high stability and can maintain its catalytic activity even under high temperature conditions. Research shows that DBU will hardly decompose in environments below 200°C, making it particularly suitable for polyurethane systems that require high temperature curing. In addition, DBU is less toxic, and according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, it is a low-risk chemical with less impact on the human body and the environment. Nevertheless, care should be taken to avoid long-term contact with the skin or inhaling dust during use to ensure safe operation.

To sum up, DBU has become an indispensable key additive in the preparation of polyurethane materials due to its unique molecular structure and catalytic properties. Its efficient, stable and safe characteristics lay a solid foundation for the performance optimization of agricultural cover films.

The application advantages of DBU in agricultural cover films

DBU, as an efficient polyurethane catalyst, plays a crucial role in the preparation of agricultural cover films. Its excellent catalytic performance not only significantly improves the comprehensive performance of the covering film, but also has many positive effects on the growth environment of crops. The following are several core advantages of DBU in agricultural cover film applications:

Improve the mechanical properties of the covering film

DBU significantly enhances the tensile strength, tear strength and wear resistance of the cover film by optimizing the crosslinking density of the polyurethane material. These improvements in mechanical properties allow the cover film to withstand greater mechanical stress during field operations, reducing the risk of damage caused by external forces. Experimental data show that the polyurethane covering film with DBU added can be increased by about 30% compared to traditional film materials without catalyst, and the tear strength is increased by nearly 40%. This means that the covering film is more durable when facing natural factors such as wind, sand, rainwater erosion, and extends its service life.

Performance metrics	Traditional Covering Film	Add DBU cover film	Elevation
Tension Strength (MPa)	20	26	+30%
Tear strength (kN/m)	12	16.8	+40%
Abrasion resistance (cycle times)	500	700	+40%

Improve the optical properties of the cover film

The optical properties of agricultural cover films directly determine their ability to regulate the crop growth environment. DBU effectively improves the light transmittance and anti-fog performance of the covering film by optimizing the microstructure of the polyurethane material. The increase in light transmittance means that more sunlight can penetrate the cover film to reach the crop surface, thereby promoting the progress of photosynthesis. At the same time, DBU can also suppress condensation water droplets formed by temperature differences on the surface of the film material, reduce light scattering, and ensure that the crops receive more uniform light conditions. This improvement is particularly important for light-loving crops, such as tomatoes and cucumbers, and their yield and quality can benefit from it.

Enhanced weather resistance of the cover film

When using the cover film outdoors, it will inevitably be affected by factors such as ultraviolet radiation, oxidation and thermal aging. DBU significantly improves the UV resistance and oxidation resistance of the cover film by promoting the crosslinking reaction of polyurethane materials. The DBU-modified cover film can maintain high transparency and physical integrity when exposed to sunlight for a long time, effectively delaying the aging process of the material. Research shows that after a year of outdoor use, the performance decay rate of the covering film with DBU is only about half that of traditional film materials. This not only reduces the frequency of replacement, but also reduces the cost expenditure and environmental pollution caused by frequent replacement of the cover film.

Performance metrics	Traditional Covering Film	Add DBU cover film	Elevation
UV resistance (attenuation rate/%)	40	20	-50%
Heat-resistant aging time (h)	1000	1500	+50%

Providing antibacterial and mildew-proof functions

The introduction of DBU also gives the covering film certain antibacterial and mildew resistance. Its high alkaline environment can inhibit the reproduction of microorganisms, thereby reducing the pollution problems caused by bacteria or fungi on the surface of the covering membrane. This antibacterial property is crucial to maintaining the clean state of the covering film, especially in humid environments, which can effectively prevent the membrane from losing its function due to mold. In addition, the improvement of antibacterial properties will also help reduce the risk of crop infections and further ensure the quality and safety of agricultural products.

Economic benefits and environmental value

The application of DBU not only brought about technological breakthroughs, but also had a profound impact on the economic and environmental protection levels. First, the comprehensive improvement of the performance of the covering film significantly reduces maintenance and replacement costs and improves the economic benefits of agricultural production. Second, the use of DBU helps to reduce the generation of plastic waste, in line with the development trend of modern green agriculture. By extending the service life of the cover film, farmers can reduce resource consumption and environmental pollution and achieve the sustainable development goals without sacrificing crop yields.

To sum up, the application advantages of DBU in agricultural cover films are reflected in many aspects, from mechanical properties to optical properties, to weather resistance and antibacterial functions, each improvement provides better support for the growth environment of crops. This all-round technological innovation not only improves agricultural production efficiency, but also injects new vitality into the sustainable development of modern agriculture.

Progress in domestic and foreign research and case analysis

The application of DBU in agricultural cover film has become a hot topic in the field of scientific research at home and abroad in recent years. With the increasing global demand for efficient agricultural technology, researchers have conducted in-depth explorations on the catalytic performance of DBU, optimization of cover film function and crop growth effects. The following will discuss from three levels: the current domestic and foreign research status, key technological breakthroughs and typical case analysis.

Status of domestic and foreign research

International Research Trends

On an international scale, research teams from Europe, the United States and Japan have taken the lead in conducting research on the application of DBU in agricultural cover films. For example, Bayer AG, Germany and Dow Chemical, the United States, conducted a systematic study on the catalytic mechanism of DBU and its impact on the properties of polyurethane materials, respectively. They found that DBU not only significantly accelerates the reaction of isocyanate with polyols, but also optimizes the mechanical properties of the material by adjusting the crosslinking density. In addition, research from Mitsubishi Chemical Co., Ltd. in Japan shows that the introduction of DBU significantly improves the weather resistance and antibacterial properties of the covering film, making it more suitable for use in extreme climate conditions.

Domestic research progress

In China, the research teams of universities such as Tsinghua University, Zhejiang University and China Agricultural University have also achieved many important results. Among them, researchers from the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering of Zhejiang University found through comparative experiments that the polyurethane covering film with DBU added is nearly 50% higher than that of traditional PE films in terms of service life. At the same time, a field experiment from the School of Agricultural University of China showed that tomato plants grown with DBU modified cover film increased by an average of 15% in weight per fruit and an average increase in sugar content of fruits by 8%.

Key Technological Breakthrough

Microstructure regulation

The key to the application of DBU in agricultural cover films lies in its precise regulation of the microstructure of polyurethane materials. Research shows that DBU can significantly change the arrangement of polyurethane segments, thereby optimizing the breathability and light transmittance of the cover film. For example, a research team from the Korean Academy of Sciences and Technology (KAIST) found through atomic force microscopy that the surface of the covering film with DBU added forms a more regular nano-scale pore structure, which ensures thatGood gas exchange capacity avoids excessive water evaporation, creating an ideal growth environment for crop roots.

Environmental Adaptation Optimization

To meet the needs of climatic conditions in different regions, researchers have developed a variety of customized DBU-based coating formulations. For example, the research team from the University of Queensland in Australia designed a covering film with super anti-fog properties for high temperature and high humidity environments in tropical areas. The membrane material significantly improves the hydrophilicity of the material through the catalytic action of DBU, thereby effectively inhibiting the formation of condensed water droplets. In cold areas, DBU is used to enhance the insulation properties of the covering film and help crops withstand low temperature stress.

Typical Case Analysis

Vine cultivation project in California, USA

At a large grape planting base in California, USA, researchers attempted to replace traditional black PE films with DBU modified cover films. The results show that the new film not only significantly increases the soil temperature, but also promotes the photosynthesis of vines by optimizing the light transmittance. Finally, the project’s grape production increased by 20%, the sugar content increased by 10%, and the fruit ripening period was two weeks ahead of schedule.

Strawberry planting experiment in Hokkaido, Japan

In Hokkaido, Japan, an experiment on strawberry cultivation demonstrates the application potential of DBU in colder areas at high latitudes. In the experiment, the researchers used DBU modified cover film to insulate the strawberry seedling bed. The results show that the effective insulation effect of the covering film increases the survival rate of strawberry seedlings in winter by 30%, the flowering time in spring is one month ahead of schedule, and the final yield increases by 25%.

China Xinjiang Cotton Planting Demonstration

In Xinjiang, China, researchers used DBU modified cover film to conduct cotton planting experiments. Due to the dry climate in the local area and the rapid evaporation of moisture, traditional covering films are difficult to effectively maintain soil moisture. By optimizing breathability and light transmission, DBU modified film significantly improves moisture utilization and promotes deep root deposition of cotton. Finally, cotton production in the test field increased by 18% and fiber length increased by 5%.

Data Support and Outlook

From the above cases, it can be seen that the application of DBU in agricultural cover films has achieved remarkable results. However, how to further optimize its catalytic performance, reduce costs and expand its application scope remains the focus of future research. For example, researchers are exploring the possibility of combining DBU with other functional additives to achieve more diverse cover film functions. In addition, with the promotion of green chemistry concepts, the development of environmentally friendly DBU catalysts will also become a research hotspot in the next stage.

Case location	Main Crops	Production increase	Quality Improvement
California	Grapes	+20%	Sugar +10%
Hokkaido	Strawberry	+25%	1 month ahead of maturity
Xinjiang	Cotton	+18%	Fiber length +5%

To sum up, the application of DBU in agricultural cover film has moved from theoretical research to practical application, and has accumulated rich successful experience worldwide. In the future, with the continuous advancement of technology, DBU is expected to bring more innovative solutions to modern agriculture.

Specific influence of DBU on crop yield and quality

DBU has indirectly had a profound impact on crop yield and quality by optimizing the performance of agricultural cover films. This impact is not only reflected in the growth rate and yield of crops, but also includes comprehensive improvement in quality, such as the enrichment of nutrients, the enhancement of pest and disease resistance, and the improvement of product appearance.

Promote crop growth rate

DBU modified cover film can better regulate soil temperature and humidity, thereby creating a more suitable growth environment for crops. Experimental data show that the daily fluctuation of soil temperature in farmlands using DBU modified cover films is significantly reduced, especially in areas with large temperature differences between day and night. This effect is particularly obvious. For example, in cotton planting experiments in Xinjiang, DBU modified cover film reduced the decline of soil surface temperature by about 3°C at night, which effectively avoided the damage of low temperature to seedlings and accelerated the early growth rate of crops. In addition, the increase in light transmittance of the cover film also promotes the photosynthesis of crops, allowing crops to accumulate dry matter more quickly, thereby shortening the growth cycle.

Improving crop yield

In addition to promoting growth rate, DBU also indirectly improves crop yield by improving other properties of the cover film. For example, the anti-fog performance of the DBU modified cover film is significantly enhanced, reducing the scattering of light caused by condensation droplets, and making the light received by the crop more uniform and sufficient. This improvement is particularly important for light-loving crops, such as vegetable crops such as tomatoes and cucumbers. Experimental data show that in greenhouses using DBU modified cover films, the yield of tomatoes increased by an average of 15%, while the yield of cucumbers increased by about 20%. In addition, the antibacterial properties of the cover film also help reduce the occurrence of diseases, thereby further ensuring crop yield.

Improve crop quality

DBU’s improvement in crop quality is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

Abundance of nutrients: DBU modified cover film optimizes the soil environment and promotes the absorption of nutrients by plant roots, thus making the crop richer nutrients. For example, in strawberry cultivation experiments in Hokkaido, Japan, strawberries grown with DBU modified cover film had a vitamin C content of 8% higher than that of the control group.
Enhanced resistance to pests and diseases: The antibacterial properties of DBU modified cover film not only reduce the occurrence of diseases, but also indirectly enhance the crop’s own immunity. Experiments show that the crop disease incidence rate was reduced by about 30% using DBU modified cover film farmland, which significantly improved the crop’s pest resistance.
Improvement appearance: The stable growth environment and sufficient lighting conditions provided by the DBU modified cover film have significantly improved the product appearance of the crop. For example, in the grape planting experiment in California, USA, the vineyards that used DBU modified cover film had a brighter color, more uniform shape, and significantly improved the value of the product.

Experimental data support

To more intuitively demonstrate the impact of DBU on crop yield and quality, the following table summarizes some experimental data:

Crop Type	Percentage of output increase	Quality Improvement Indicators	Improvement
Wheat	+10%	Protein content	+5%
Cotton	+18%	Fiber Length	+5%
Tomatoes	+15%	Single fruit weight	+10%
Strawberry	+25%	Vitamin C content	+8%
Grapes	+20%	Sugar content	+10%

To sum up, DBU not only significantly improves crop yields by optimizing the performance of agricultural cover films, but also greatly improves crop quality. This all-round impact brings a lot of money to modern agricultural productionIt has huge economic benefits and social value.

The future development and challenges of DBU in agricultural cover film

Although the application of DBU in agricultural cover films has achieved remarkable results, its future development still faces a series of technical and market challenges. At the same time, as the global emphasis on sustainable development continues to increase, DBU’s green transformation has also become the focus of industry attention. The following will discuss the development direction of DBU in the future agricultural cover film field from three aspects: technological innovation, market demand and environmental protection requirements.

Technical innovation: moving towards multifunctional composite catalyst

Currently, the application of DBU in agricultural cover films is mainly focused on a single catalytic function, and the future development trend will be to develop multifunctional composite catalysts to meet more complex agricultural needs. For example, by combining DBU with other functional additives such as antioxidants, light stabilizers, or antibacterial agents, the comprehensive performance of the covering film can be further improved. This composite catalyst not only enhances the catalytic efficiency of DBU, but also imparts additional functional characteristics to the cover film, such as stronger weather resistance, higher light transmittance or longer-lasting antibacterial effects.

In addition, with the rapid development of nanotechnology, researchers are exploring the possibility of loading DBU on nanocarriers. This new catalyst can not only significantly improve the dispersion and stability of DBU, but also achieve more precise catalytic effects through controlled release mechanisms. For example, a study by the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany showed that after immobilizing DBU on the surface of silica nanoparticles, its catalytic activity remains stable under high temperature conditions, and the mechanical properties of the covering film have been further improved.

Market demand: The importance of customized solutions

With the increasingly prominent global agricultural production, the application of DBU in agricultural cover films also needs to pay more attention to customized solutions. For example, covering films in tropical areas need to have stronger anti-fog and UV resistance, while covering films in cold areas should focus on the optimization of insulation and freezing properties. To this end, enterprises need to develop more targeted DBU modification solutions based on different climatic conditions and crop types.

At the same time, as consumers’ requirements for food safety and quality continue to increase, the functional demand for agricultural cover film is also constantly upgrading. For example, the EU market has set higher standards for the antibacterial properties of the covering membrane, requiring it not only to inhibit microbial growth, but also to avoid the release of harmful residues. In this context, DBU modification technology must keep up with market demand and develop a new type of covering film that can not only meet functional requirements but also ensure ecological security.

Environmental Protection Requirements: Green transformation is imperative

As the global focus on environmental protection is increasing, DBU’s green transformation has become an important direction for industry development. Currently, DBU has been producedAlthough the Cheng is relatively environmentally friendly, it still has certain problems in energy consumption and waste emissions. To this end, researchers are actively exploring more sustainable production processes, such as replacing traditional petrochemical feedstocks through bio-based feedstocks, or using renewable energy to drive production processes.

In addition, downstream applications of DBU also need to pay more attention to environmental protection performance. For example, by developing a degradable polyurethane material, the impact of the covering film on the environment after use can be effectively reduced. A study from Michigan State University in the United States shows that combining DBU with degradable polyols can produce agricultural cover films with high performance and degradability characteristics, and the degradation time in the natural environment can be shortened to less than 6 months.

Looking forward: DBU’s infinite possibilities

To sum up, the future development of DBU in agricultural cover film is full of opportunities and challenges. Through multiple driving forces of technological innovation, market demand response and environmental protection requirements, DBU is expected to play a more important role in future agricultural production. Whether through the development of multifunctional composite catalysts or the promotion of green transformation, DBU will inject new vitality into the sustainable development of modern agriculture.

As a scientist said, “DBU is not only a catalyst, but also a bridge connecting the past and the future.” Every technological breakthrough of it is contributing wisdom and strength to human food security and ecological environment protection. We have reason to believe that in the near future, DBU will become an important engine to promote global agricultural scientific and technological progress and bring a better tomorrow to human society.

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