Influence of the catalyst on the kinetics of a RIM formulation

Abstract

SynopsisThe influence of three different catalysts [triethylendiamine (TD), stannous octoate (SO), and dibutylindilaurate (DBTDL)] and their blends (TD + SO and T D + DBTDL) on the kinetics of a RIM formulation, based on a high functionality polyether-polyol and a polymeric MDI, has been studied using the adiabatic temperature rise method and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The synergism observed in the DBTDL/TD systems is explained by means of complex formation between the axnine-based and metal-based catalysts. Infrared spectroscopy data support this complex formation. The SO/TD systems do not exhibit synergetic behaviour, being the reaction rate controlled by the metal catalyst which complexes the isocyanate group.