ADDOCAT105

Addocat 105 is a tertiary amine-based catalyst designed to promote the blowing reaction in polyurethane foam systems. 
It helps in balancing the reaction between isocyanate and water, which produces carbon dioxide gas (the blowing agent). 
The catalyst is especially useful in systems where fine control over foam cell structure, rise time, and processing latitude is needed.

CAS Number:
98-94-2
Synonyms:
N,N-Dimethylcyclohexylamine,DMCHA,1-(Dimethylamino)cyclohexane,Addocat DMCHA (commercial synonym),Polyurethane amine catalyst

Introduction
Overview of Polyurethane Catalysts
Polyurethanes (PU) are versatile polymers used across a broad range of industries, from automotive to furniture, insulation, footwear, and coatings. 
The production of polyurethane materials involves the chemical reaction between polyols and isocyanates, catalyzed by specific chemical agents. 
Catalysts accelerate this reaction, improving efficiency and controlling foam structure, density, and mechanical properties.

Introduction to Addocat® 105
Addocat® 105 is a specialized polyurethane catalyst produced by LANXESS, designed primarily for accelerating gel and foam reactions in PU formulations. 
Its formulation is a solution of triethylenediamine (TEDA) in dipropylene glycol (DPG), which allows for precise control over reaction kinetics. 
This catalyst has become a preferred choice in many industrial polyurethane processes due to its balanced activity and handling advantages.

Historical Development and Market Position
The development of Addocat® 105 is rooted in the ongoing quest for more efficient, selective, and less toxic catalysts in polyurethane chemistry. 
Triethylenediamine has long been recognized for its catalytic activity, but its neat form posed handling challenges due to volatility and toxicity. 
By dissolving TEDA in dipropylene glycol, Addocat® 105 offers enhanced safety and dosing precision. Over the past decades, this catalyst has gained acceptance globally and remains an industry standard.

Chemical Composition and Properties
Chemical Identity
Name: Addocat® 105
Active Ingredient: Triethylenediamine (TEDA)
Solvent: Dipropylene Glycol (DPG)
Molecular Formula of TEDA: C₆H₁₂N₂
Molecular Weight: 116.17 g/mol (for TEDA)
CAS Number: 280-57-9 (TEDA)

Physical and Chemical Properties
Addocat® 105 is a liquid solution containing approximately 33% by weight of triethylenediamine dissolved in dipropylene glycol. 
Its unique properties make it suitable for use in a variety of polyurethane formulations.
Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Density (20°C): Approximately 1.03 g/cm³
Viscosity (25°C): ~100 mPa·s — moderately viscous, aiding controlled dosing
Flash Point: ~79°C (closed cup), indicating safe handling under normal industrial conditions
Solubility: Miscible with many organic solvents, especially aromatic hydrocarbons; low solubility in aliphatic hydrocarbons
pH: Neutral to slightly basic, consistent with amine content

Stability and Shelf Life
Addocat® 105 exhibits good chemical stability under recommended storage conditions, typically maintaining potency for 12-24 months. 
Stability is influenced by temperature, light exposure, and contamination, so it is stored in sealed containers away from extreme heat or UV light.

Mechanism of Action
Role as a Polyurethane Catalyst
Polyurethane formation primarily involves two reactions:
Gelation (Polymerization): Reaction of isocyanate groups (-NCO) with polyol hydroxyl groups (-OH) to form urethane linkages.
Foaming (Blowing): Reaction of isocyanate with water, generating carbon dioxide (CO₂), which creates the cellular foam structure.
Addocat® 105 acts as a catalyst for both these reactions, primarily accelerating gelation while also promoting the foaming reaction to an extent.

Chemical Mechanism
The triethylenediamine component of Addocat® 105 is a strong Lewis base and nucleophile. 
It interacts with the electrophilic carbon of the isocyanate group, forming a transient complex that lowers the activation energy of the urethane-forming reaction.

The mechanism involves:
Coordination of TEDA’s nitrogen atoms with isocyanate groups.
Activation of isocyanate toward nucleophilic attack by polyol hydroxyl groups.
Facilitating proton transfer steps during urethane bond formation.
Promoting release of CO₂ during reaction with water, aiding foam formation.
Because TEDA is dissolved in DPG, it disperses evenly, ensuring homogeneous catalysis.

Comparison with Other Catalysts
Compared to other amine catalysts like dimethylcyclohexylamine (DMCHA) or potassium octoate, Addocat® 105 shows:
Enhanced selectivity for gel reaction vs. blowing reaction, allowing better foam control.
Lower volatility and odor, improving worker safety and product aesthetics.
Improved solubility and compatibility with a wide range of polyols and isocyanates.

Applications
Flexible Polyurethane Foam
Flexible slabstock foam for mattresses, upholstery, and automotive seating is one of the main applications.
Addocat® 105 enables rapid gelation and good cell structure, balancing softness with resilience.

Automotive Industry: Used in seat cushions, headrests, and armrests.
Furniture Industry: Provides foam with good load-bearing and durability.
Mattress Production: Improves foam uniformity and comfort.

Rigid Polyurethane Foam
Used in insulation panels, refrigeration units, and building materials, Addocat® 105 helps control cure speed and foam density.
Ensures proper cell structure and closed-cell content.
Optimizes thermal insulation performance.

Integral Skin Foam
Integral skin foams have a dense outer layer and a softer core, used in automotive armrests and grips. 
Addocat® 105 ensures a tight skin formation while maintaining a soft core.

Hot Molded Foam and High Resilience (HR) Foam
In molded parts and high resilience foam, the catalyst supports fast reaction rates critical to production efficiency and product performance.

Polyurethane Elastomers and Coatings
In elastomers and coatings, Addocat® 105 assists in controlling crosslinking density and mechanical properties, influencing hardness, abrasion resistance, and flexibility.

SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT ADDOCAT105

First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician. 
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
 
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air. 
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately. 
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
 
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
 
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting. 
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. 
Rinse mouth with water. 
Consult a physician.
 
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
 
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment. 
 
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas. 
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
 
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
 
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste. 
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
 
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
 
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. 
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
 
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
 
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles. 
Faceshield (8-inch minimum). 
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
 
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves. 
Gloves must be inspected prior to use. 
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. 
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. 
Wash and dry hands.
 
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
 
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. 
 
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. 
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. 
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
 
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. 
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
 
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. 
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product