Catalysts

Catalysts play a crucial role in the formulation of polyurethane foams, significantly impacting the properties of the foam by regulating the type and amount used in blowing (gas generation) and curing (gelation) reactions. Catalysts for polymeric foams based on isocyanates include gelation process catalysts, foaming catalysts, cyclotrimerization catalysts, and others. Metal catalysts typically accelerate the reaction between isocyanate groups and hydroxyl groups and are known as “gelation catalysts.” In contrast, tertiary amine catalysts primarily speed up the reaction between water and isocyanates, producing carbon dioxide, and are called “blowing catalysts.