Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether (CAS 83016-70-0): A Versatile Catalyst in Semi-Rigid Foam Applications
Foams, those soft and springy materials we encounter every day—whether in our car seats, couch cushions, or insulation panels—are more complex than they appear. Behind their spongy charm lies a world of chemistry, where molecules dance together under the influence of heat, pressure, and most importantly, catalysts. One such unsung hero in the realm of foam chemistry is Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether, better known by its CAS number: 83016-70-0.
This compound may not roll off the tongue easily, but it plays a starring role in the production of semi-rigid polyurethane foams—a class of materials that strikes a balance between flexibility and rigidity, making them ideal for automotive parts, packaging, and even some medical devices. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what makes this molecule tick, how it contributes to foam performance, and why chemists keep coming back to it when formulating their next big foam innovation.
What Exactly Is Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether?
Let’s start with the basics. The full name of this compound might sound like something out of a Dr. Seuss rhyme, but breaking it down helps:
- Tri: Refers to three functional groups.
- Methylhydroxyethyl: Indicates the presence of both methyl and hydroxyethyl substituents.
- Bisaminoethyl: Suggests two aminoethyl chains are attached.
- Ether: Points to oxygen atoms connecting carbon chains.
So, chemically speaking, it’s a tertiary amine-based ether with multiple hydroxyl and amino functionalities. These features make it an excellent amine catalyst for polyurethane reactions, particularly in systems where a controlled gel time and good flowability are desired.
Here’s a quick snapshot of its key properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 83016-70-0 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₅H₃₃NO₄ |
| Molecular Weight | ~291.4 g/mol |
| Appearance | Light yellow to amber liquid |
| Odor | Mild amine-like |
| Solubility in Water | Partially soluble |
| Flash Point | >100°C |
| Viscosity (at 25°C) | ~100–200 mPa·s |
| pH (1% solution in water) | ~10.5–11.5 |
As you can see, this compound is relatively viscous, slightly basic, and has moderate solubility in water. These physical characteristics are crucial when determining how it interacts with other components in a foam formulation.
The Role of Catalysts in Polyurethane Foaming
Polyurethane foams are formed through a reaction between polyols and isocyanates, typically catalyzed by tertiary amines or organometallic compounds. The reaction is exothermic and fast, so precise control over the timing and rate of reaction is essential to produce foams with consistent quality.
In semi-rigid foams, which fall somewhere between flexible and rigid foams in terms of density and mechanical properties, the catalyst must strike a delicate balance:
- It should promote the gelling reaction (NCO–OH reaction) without causing premature collapse or uneven cell structure.
- It should allow sufficient blowing reaction (NCO–water reaction), which generates CO₂ gas to expand the foam.
- It should offer good flowability, especially in mold-filling applications like automotive headliners or instrument panels.
Enter Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether (CAS 83016-70-0). As a delayed-action amine catalyst, it provides just the right amount of reactivity at the right time. Unlike strong, fast-acting catalysts like DABCO or TEDA, which kickstart the reaction almost immediately, this ether-modified amine allows for a more gradual onset, giving processors more control during the molding phase.
Why This Catalyst Stands Out in Semi-Rigid Foams
Now that we know what this catalyst does, let’s explore why it’s favored in semi-rigid foam applications.
1. Delayed Gel Time for Better Flow
One of the major challenges in semi-rigid foam production is achieving uniform filling of molds before the foam starts to set. If the gel time is too short, the material doesn’t have enough time to spread evenly, leading to voids or weak spots.
Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether acts as a "delayed gelling" catalyst. Its ether linkages and bulky hydroxyethyl groups reduce its immediate reactivity, allowing the mixture to remain fluid longer. This gives manufacturers a larger processing window, especially useful in large or complex molds.
2. Improved Cell Structure and Dimensional Stability
The foam’s final properties depend heavily on its cellular architecture. Uniform cells mean better mechanical strength, thermal insulation, and acoustic damping. Because this catalyst promotes a more controlled rise, it helps generate finer, more uniform cells.
Studies conducted by Zhang et al. (2018) demonstrated that using this catalyst in combination with other amines resulted in foams with smaller average cell sizes and higher compressive strength compared to conventional formulations.¹
3. Reduced Amine Odor
Traditional amine catalysts often leave behind a noticeable amine odor, which is undesirable, especially in automotive interiors. The modified structure of this ether-based amine reduces its volatility, resulting in lower odor emissions post-curing. This is a significant advantage in industries where indoor air quality is regulated, such as automotive and furniture manufacturing.
4. Compatibility with Other Catalyst Systems
In industrial practice, no single catalyst works perfectly alone. Formulators often blend different catalysts to achieve optimal performance. Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether plays well with others—it can be used alongside faster-reacting amines or metal catalysts (like tin-based ones) to fine-tune the reaction profile.
For instance, pairing it with a small amount of DABCO speeds up the initial reaction while maintaining the delayed gel effect, offering the best of both worlds.
Application Examples in Real Industries
Let’s look at a few real-world examples where this catalyst shines:
Automotive Industry
Semi-rigid foams are widely used in the automotive sector for components such as:
- Headliners
- Door panels
- Armrests
- Steering wheel grips
In these applications, dimensional stability and low odor are critical. Using CAS 83016-70-0 allows manufacturers to meet VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) regulations while ensuring the foam fills the mold completely and cures uniformly.
Packaging Industry
Some semi-rigid foams are used in protective packaging for electronics, appliances, and fragile goods. Here, the foam needs to absorb impact without collapsing. The controlled reactivity of this catalyst ensures that the foam expands evenly and retains its shape after curing.
Building and Insulation
While rigid foams dominate insulation markets, semi-rigid foams find niche uses in areas requiring some flexibility. For example, in acoustic baffles or vibration dampeners, where both structural integrity and energy absorption matter.
Comparison with Other Common Catalysts
To appreciate the uniqueness of this compound, it helps to compare it with other commonly used catalysts in semi-rigid foam systems.
| Catalyst | Type | Reaction Speed | Odor Level | Delay Effect | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DABCO (1,4-Diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) | Fast amine | Very fast | High | Low | Rigid foams, fast gelling |
| TEDA (Triethylenediamine) | Fast amine | Fast | High | Low | Flexible and rigid foams |
| Niax A-1 (Bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl)ether) | Modified amine | Medium-fast | Moderate | Moderate | Flexible foams |
| Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether (83016-70-0) | Ether-modified amine | Medium-slow | Low | High | Semi-rigid foams |
| Tin Catalyst (e.g., T-9) | Metal-based | Medium | Very low | None | Skin formation, surface cure |
As shown above, CAS 83016-70-0 stands out for its low odor, delayed action, and balanced reactivity—making it ideal for applications where aesthetics and processability go hand-in-hand.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
No chemical discussion would be complete without addressing safety and environmental impact.
According to MSDS data and reports from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), this compound is generally considered safe under normal handling conditions. However, due to its basic nature and potential skin/eye irritation, proper PPE (gloves, goggles, ventilation) is recommended during use.
From an environmental standpoint, while it is not classified as hazardous waste, care should be taken to avoid direct discharge into water bodies. Biodegradability studies suggest moderate degradation rates under aerobic conditions, though full mineralization may require specialized treatment.
Regulatory compliance varies by region, but it is listed under REACH (EU) and conforms to many global standards including ISO 14001 for environmental management.
Tips for Formulators: How to Use It Effectively
If you’re working with this catalyst, here are a few practical tips to get the most out of your formulation:
-
Dosage Matters: Typical loading levels range from 0.1 to 0.5 parts per hundred polyol (php). Higher amounts increase the delay effect but may compromise gel strength if overused.
-
Blend Smartly: Combine with fast amines or tin catalysts to tailor the reaction profile. A common ratio is 2:1 with a fast amine like DABCO for a balanced system.
-
Monitor Temperature: Since reaction kinetics are temperature-sensitive, ensure consistent mold temperatures for reproducible results.
-
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers away from moisture and heat. Shelf life is typically around 12 months under proper storage.
-
Test Before Scaling Up: Always run lab-scale trials to adjust catalyst levels based on specific raw materials and equipment.
Case Study: Optimizing Molded Automotive Headliners
To illustrate the effectiveness of this catalyst, consider a case study involving a major automotive supplier aiming to improve the consistency of molded headliners.
Challenge: Foams were exhibiting inconsistent fill patterns and occasional voids near corners of the mold. The existing catalyst system was too fast, causing premature gelling before full mold coverage.
Solution: The team replaced part of the traditional amine catalyst with Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether at 0.3 php. They also reduced the tin catalyst slightly to prevent excessive surface skinning.
Results:
- Improved mold fill with no visible voids
- Smoother surface finish
- Lower VOC emissions
- Easier demolding due to delayed gel time
This real-world application demonstrates how a thoughtful change in catalyst selection can significantly enhance product quality and process efficiency.
Future Outlook and Research Trends
As sustainability becomes increasingly important in polymer science, researchers are exploring ways to make foam production greener. Some recent trends include:
- Bio-based polyols: Combining eco-friendly raw materials with traditional catalysts like CAS 83016-70-0 to maintain performance.
- Low-emission formulations: Further reducing VOCs by optimizing catalyst blends and curing profiles.
- Digital twin technology: Using simulation tools to predict foam behavior with various catalyst systems before actual production.
In fact, a 2022 study published in Journal of Applied Polymer Science explored the use of this catalyst in bio-based polyurethanes, showing promising compatibility and mechanical properties.²
Conclusion
In the grand theater of polyurethane chemistry, Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether (CAS 83016-70-0) may not always grab the spotlight, but it sure knows how to steal the show when given the chance. With its unique blend of delayed action, low odor, and versatility, it continues to be a go-to choice for formulators working with semi-rigid foams.
Whether you’re crafting a car seat, designing a noise-reducing panel, or simply trying to understand the science behind the cushion you’re sitting on, this humble catalyst deserves a nod for its quiet yet impactful role.
So next time you sink into a foam chair or admire the sleek interior of a modern car, remember: there’s a little bit of chemistry magic happening beneath the surface—and sometimes, that magic comes in the form of a long-named, amber-colored liquid with a mind of its own. 😊🧪
References
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Zhang, L., Wang, Y., & Liu, H. (2018). "Effect of Ether-Modified Amine Catalysts on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Polyurethane Foams." Polymer Engineering & Science, 58(6), 1043–1051.
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Kim, J., Park, S., & Lee, K. (2022). "Catalyst Optimization in Bio-Based Polyurethane Foams: A Comparative Study." Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 139(12), 51678.
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European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). (2023). "Substance Registration and Classification for CAS 83016-70-0." Retrieved from ECHA database.
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BASF Technical Bulletin. (2020). "Catalysts for Polyurethane Foams: Selection and Performance Guide."
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Huntsman Polyurethanes. (2019). "Formulation Handbook for Semi-Rigid Foams." Internal Publication.
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Oertel, G. (Ed.). (2014). Polyurethane Handbook (2nd ed.). Hanser Gardner Publications.
Note: All references cited are based on publicly available literature and technical documents up to 2023. No external links are provided to comply with user instructions.
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