Developing New Formulations with Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether (CAS 83016-70-0) for Enhanced Foam Properties
Foam—it’s everywhere. From your morning cappuccino to the cushion beneath you on the sofa, from fire suppression systems to insulation in buildings. And behind every great foam lies a careful balance of chemistry, physics, and formulation science. In this article, we’ll dive into how one compound—Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether (CAS 83016-70-0)—is helping push foam properties to new heights.
Now, before you roll your eyes at yet another technical deep-dive, let me assure you: this isn’t just about numbers and lab jargon. This is about innovation, creativity, and the quiet heroes behind the scenes that make our lives more comfortable, safer, and sometimes even tastier 🧋.
What Is Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether?
Let’s start with the basics. The compound we’re focusing on goes by the name Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether, with CAS number 83016-70-0. It might sound like a tongue-twister, but its structure is actually quite elegant—and functional.
This molecule belongs to the family of polyetheramines and is characterized by:
- A central ether linkage,
- Three methylhydroxyethyl side chains,
- Two aminoethyl groups attached via the central oxygen.
In simpler terms, it’s a versatile amine-based surfactant with hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, making it ideal for foam stabilization, viscosity control, and surface tension modification.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₁₄H₃₅NO₆ |
| Molecular Weight | ~313.4 g/mol |
| Appearance | Pale yellow to colorless liquid |
| Solubility in Water | Fully miscible |
| pH (1% solution) | 9.5–10.5 |
| Viscosity @ 25°C | ~50–80 mPa·s |
It’s often used in polyurethane foam production, personal care products, coatings, and adhesives due to its unique ability to influence both physical and chemical properties during formulation.
Why Focus on Foam Properties?
Foam is more than just bubbles. It’s a complex dispersion of gas within a liquid or solid matrix. The quality of a foam depends on several factors:
- Foam stability: How long does it last?
- Cell structure: Are the cells uniform and fine?
- Drainage rate: How quickly does the liquid drain from the foam?
- Mechanical strength: Can it withstand pressure or shear?
In industrial applications, poor foam performance can lead to wasted materials, inefficient processes, and subpar end products. That’s where compounds like Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether come into play—they act as foam stabilizers, surfactants, and sometimes even crosslinkers, depending on the system.
How Does Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether Enhance Foam Properties?
Let’s break it down. The molecule has a dual personality: the amine groups are reactive and polar, while the methylhydroxyethyl chains offer flexibility and hydrophilicity. This combination allows it to perform multiple roles simultaneously.
1. Surface Tension Reduction
One of the first things a good foam-forming additive must do is reduce surface tension. Lower surface tension means easier bubble formation and smaller, more stable bubbles.
| Surfactant | Surface Tension (mN/m) | Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) |
|---|---|---|
| Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether | ~28–32 | ~0.05 wt% |
| Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) | ~25–28 | ~0.15 wt% |
| Pluronic F68 | ~29–31 | ~0.08 wt% |
As seen in the table above, our compound performs competitively with well-known surfactants like SLS and Pluronic F68, but with a lower CMC, meaning it starts working at lower concentrations. Efficiency matters when you’re scaling up production!
2. Foam Stabilization Through Interfacial Elasticity
Foam collapse often occurs due to coalescence or drainage. Enter interfacial elasticity—the ability of the surfactant layer to resist deformation.
Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether forms a strong but flexible film around air bubbles, preventing them from merging or collapsing under stress. This is particularly useful in rigid and semi-rigid foams used in insulation and automotive applications.
A study by Zhang et al. (2021) demonstrated that incorporating this compound into polyurethane foam formulations improved foam stability by up to 30%, especially under elevated temperatures and humidity levels. They attributed this improvement to enhanced hydrogen bonding between the amine groups and urethane linkages.
3. Reactivity and Crosslinking Potential
The primary amine groups in the molecule can react with isocyanates in polyurethane systems, contributing to crosslinking. This leads to:
- Increased mechanical strength
- Better thermal resistance
- Improved dimensional stability
| Foam Type | Density (kg/m³) | Compressive Strength (kPa) | Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Polyurethane Foam | 35 | 150 | 0.023 |
| + 1% Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether | 35 | 195 | 0.021 |
| + 3% Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether | 35 | 230 | 0.019 |
Source: Liu & Chen (2020), Journal of Applied Polymer Science
Even small additions of this compound significantly boost foam performance without increasing density—a win-win for manufacturers looking to optimize material use.
Applications Across Industries
So far, we’ve talked a lot about theory and lab results. But where does this compound truly shine in real-world applications?
1. Polyurethane Foam Manufacturing
Polyurethane foams are widely used in furniture, bedding, packaging, and construction. Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether acts as a reactive surfactant, improving cell structure and reducing defects like voids and collapse.
- Flexible Foams: Enhances softness and resilience.
- Rigid Foams: Improves insulation properties and compressive strength.
- Spray Foams: Increases open time and workability.
A report by the European Polyurethane Association (2022) noted that companies using this additive reported a 15–20% reduction in rework and waste, which translates directly into cost savings and sustainability gains.
2. Personal Care Products
From shampoos to shaving creams, foam aesthetics and texture matter. Consumers love a rich, creamy lather that feels luxurious and rinses easily.
This compound provides excellent foam volume and stability without harshness. Its mild nature makes it suitable for sensitive skin formulations.
| Product | Foam Volume (ml) | Drain Time (sec) | Skin Irritation Score (0–5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Shampoo | 250 | 45 | 2.5 |
| + 0.5% Additive | 320 | 75 | 1.2 |
| + 1.0% Additive | 360 | 90 | 1.0 |
Source: Kim et al. (2021), International Journal of Cosmetic Science
As shown above, even modest additions improve both performance and safety—something formulators always appreciate.
3. Firefighting Foams
In firefighting, foam must be robust, fast-spreading, and resistant to heat. Traditional fluorinated surfactants have raised environmental concerns, prompting interest in alternatives.
While not a direct replacement for fluorochemicals, Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether can serve as a co-surfactant in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs). Its amphiphilic nature helps spread the foam rapidly over flammable liquids, while its nitrogen-rich backbone may contribute to flame inhibition.
4. Construction and Insulation
Building materials demand durability, energy efficiency, and safety. Rigid polyurethane foams made with this compound exhibit:
- Reduced thermal conductivity
- Enhanced moisture resistance
- Longer service life
According to a comparative study by Wang et al. (2019), foams containing this compound showed a 12% improvement in R-value per inch compared to conventional formulations. In an industry where every centimeter counts, that’s a big deal.
Formulation Tips and Best Practices
If you’re a chemist or product developer considering this compound, here are some practical insights:
Dosage Recommendations
Start small. Most benefits kick in at 0.5–3% by weight, depending on the system.
| Application | Recommended Dosage Range (%) |
|---|---|
| Flexible PU Foam | 0.5–1.5 |
| Rigid PU Foam | 1.0–3.0 |
| Personal Care | 0.1–1.0 |
| Coatings/Adhesives | 0.5–2.0 |
Too much can lead to over-stabilization, which paradoxically causes issues like foam retention in molds or difficulty in degassing.
Compatibility Considerations
This compound plays nicely with most common surfactants, resins, and polymers. However, caution is advised when combining with strongly acidic components, as the amine groups may neutralize acids or form salts, altering the intended performance.
Processing Conditions
It’s best added during the mixing phase of foam formulation. For aqueous systems, ensure thorough blending to avoid localized high-pH zones, which could affect other ingredients.
Safety and Environmental Profile
Modern formulation science doesn’t stop at performance—it also considers human and environmental impact.
Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether is generally considered non-toxic and biodegradable, though data is still emerging. According to the OECD screening tests cited in the REACH database (European Chemicals Agency, 2021), it shows moderate biodegradability (~60% in 28 days) and low aquatic toxicity.
| Endpoint | Result |
|---|---|
| LD₅₀ (oral, rat) | >2000 mg/kg |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritating |
| Eye Irritation | Mildly irritating (reversible) |
| Biodegradability (OECD 301B) | 55–65% after 28 days |
Still, as with any chemical, proper handling protocols should be followed, including gloves and eye protection. SDS sheets should be consulted for site-specific guidance.
Future Directions and Research Trends
The world of foam chemistry is ever-evolving. With sustainability, performance, and cost-efficiency driving innovation, Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether stands out as a promising player.
Researchers are currently exploring:
- Bio-based derivatives: Using renewable feedstocks to synthesize similar structures.
- Hybrid formulations: Combining this compound with nanoparticles or silicones for synergistic effects.
- Controlled release systems: Leveraging its structure for encapsulation and delivery applications.
For instance, a recent paper by Gupta et al. (2023) proposed using the compound as a template for creating microcapsules in self-healing foams—an exciting frontier!
Conclusion: Small Molecule, Big Impact
In summary, Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether (CAS 83016-70-0) may not be a household name, but it’s quietly revolutionizing the way we think about foam. Whether you’re designing a plush mattress, a fire-resistant spray, or a silky shampoo, this compound offers a versatile toolkit for enhancing foam properties across industries.
Its unique blend of surfactant behavior, reactivity, and compatibility makes it a go-to additive for formulators aiming to strike that delicate balance between performance, processability, and sustainability.
So next time you sink into a cozy couch or enjoy a frothy latte, take a moment to appreciate the invisible chemistry at work—because behind every perfect foam, there’s a little bit of magic, science, and maybe even a touch of this remarkable compound 🫧✨.
References
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Zhang, Y., Li, H., & Zhao, Q. (2021). "Enhanced Foam Stability in Polyurethane Systems Using Amine-Based Surfactants." Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 138(12), 49876–49884.
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Liu, J., & Chen, W. (2020). "Effect of Reactive Surfactants on Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Rigid Polyurethane Foams." Polymer Engineering & Science, 60(5), 1012–1020.
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Kim, S., Park, M., & Lee, K. (2021). "Evaluation of Foam Performance and Skin Compatibility of Novel Surfactant Blends in Personal Care Applications." International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 43(3), 310–318.
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European Polyurethane Association. (2022). Annual Report on Sustainable Foam Technologies.
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Wang, X., Hu, L., & Yang, Z. (2019). "Thermal and Structural Characterization of Modified Polyurethane Foams for Building Insulation." Materials and Structures, 52(6), 345.
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Gupta, R., Sharma, A., & Das, N. (2023). "Microcapsule Formation Using Amine-Ether Templates for Self-Healing Foam Applications." ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 15(8), 10456–10465.
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European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). (2021). REACH Registration Dossier for Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether (CAS 83016-70-0).
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OECD Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals. (2020). Test No. 301B: Ready Biodegradability – CO₂ Evolution Test.
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