Introduction

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature. Their emissions from paints, coatings, adhesives, and other building materials pose significant health and environmental concerns, contributing to air pollution, smog formation, and indoor air quality problems. Polyurethane (PU) auxiliary agents, while critical for achieving desired properties in PU products, can also be sources of VOCs. As a result, the demand for low VOC polyurethane auxiliary agents has surged in recent years, driven by increasingly stringent environmental regulations and growing consumer awareness. This directory aims to provide a comprehensive overview of low VOC polyurethane auxiliary agent suppliers, detailing their product offerings, specifications, and relevant literature to assist users in making informed purchasing decisions.

1. Understanding Low VOC Polyurethane Auxiliary Agents

Polyurethane auxiliary agents encompass a wide range of chemicals added to PU formulations to enhance specific properties, such as curing speed, foam stability, flame retardancy, and plasticizing effect. Traditional auxiliary agents often contain VOCs, which are released during the manufacturing, application, and service life of PU products. Low VOC alternatives are designed to minimize these emissions, typically by using raw materials with lower vapor pressure, employing water-based technologies, or incorporating reactive diluents that become part of the polymer network during curing.

1.1 Types of Polyurethane Auxiliary Agents

• Catalysts: Accelerate the reaction between polyol and isocyanate.
  • Tertiary Amines: Traditional catalysts, often with high VOC content. Low VOC alternatives include blocked amines and metal catalysts.
  • Metal Catalysts: Organometallic compounds (e.g., tin, bismuth, zinc) that can exhibit lower VOC emissions compared to amine catalysts.
• Surfactants: Stabilize foam structure and control cell size.
  • Silicone Surfactants: Widely used for their excellent foam stabilization properties. Low VOC options include modified silicone surfactants with lower silicone content or those formulated with non-VOC solvents.
  • Non-Silicone Surfactants: Offer alternatives to silicone surfactants and can be formulated with lower VOCs.
• Blowing Agents: Create cellular structures in PU foams.
  • Water: Reacts with isocyanate to generate carbon dioxide, a blowing agent. Inherently low VOC.
  • Hydrocarbons: Historically used but being phased out due to high VOC content.
  • Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs): Next-generation blowing agents with very low global warming potential (GWP) and low VOC emissions.
• Flame Retardants: Improve fire resistance of PU products.
  • Reactive Flame Retardants: Chemically incorporated into the PU polymer, reducing migration and VOC emissions. Examples include phosphorus-containing polyols.
  • Non-Reactive Flame Retardants: Additives that can leach out of the PU matrix, potentially releasing VOCs. Low VOC options include microencapsulated or polymeric flame retardants.
• Plasticizers: Increase flexibility and elongation of PU products.
  • Phthalate Plasticizers: Traditional plasticizers, many of which are under regulatory scrutiny due to health concerns and VOC emissions.
  • Non-Phthalate Plasticizers: Alternatives with lower VOC content and improved safety profiles, such as bio-based plasticizers and trimellitates.
• Chain Extenders and Crosslinkers: Modify the polymer network and mechanical properties.
  • Short-Chain Diols and Triols: Can contribute to VOC emissions. Low VOC options include higher molecular weight polyols or reactive chain extenders.
• Pigments and Dyes: Provide color to PU products.
  • Solvent-Based Pigment Dispersions: Can release VOCs during application.
  • Water-Based Pigment Dispersions: Offer a low VOC alternative.
• UV Stabilizers: Protect PU products from degradation caused by ultraviolet radiation.
  • Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers (HALS): Generally exhibit low VOC emissions.
  • UV Absorbers: Can be formulated with low VOC solvents or as water-based dispersions.

1.2 Regulatory Landscape

Numerous regulations worldwide are driving the adoption of low VOC PU auxiliary agents. Key regulations include:

• United States: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations on VOC content in architectural coatings, adhesives, and sealants.
• European Union: Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation, which restricts the use of certain VOC-containing substances.
• China: National standards limiting VOC emissions from coatings, adhesives, and other products.
• California: California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations on VOC emissions from consumer products.

2. Low VOC Polyurethane Auxiliary Agent Suppliers Directory

This section provides a directory of suppliers offering low VOC polyurethane auxiliary agents. Each entry includes a brief company profile, product offerings, and relevant product parameters.

Disclaimer: This directory is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of product performance. Users are encouraged to independently verify product specifications and suitability for their specific applications.

Table 1: Low VOC Polyurethane Auxiliary Agent Suppliers

Supplier Name	Location	Product Category	Key Products	VOC Content (g/L)	Applications	Contact Information
Supplier A	City, Country	Catalysts	Low VOC Amine Catalyst A1, Metal Catalyst A2	<5, <10	Flexible foam, rigid foam, coatings	[Email Protected], +1-XXX-XXX-XXXX
Supplier B	City, Country	Surfactants	Silicone Surfactant B1, Non-Silicone Surfactant B2	<2, <5	Flexible foam, rigid foam, CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, Elastomers)	[Email Protected], +44-YYY-YYY-YYYY
Supplier C	City, Country	Flame Retardants	Reactive Flame Retardant C1, Microencapsulated Flame Retardant C2	<1, <3	Flexible foam, rigid foam, adhesives	[Email Protected], +86-ZZZ-ZZZ-ZZZZ
Supplier D	City, Country	Plasticizers	Non-Phthalate Plasticizer D1, Bio-Based Plasticizer D2	<5, <10	Flexible PVC replacement, coatings, adhesives	[Email Protected], +1-AAA-AAA-AAAA
Supplier E	City, Country	Blowing Agents	Water, HFO-1234ze	0, <1	Rigid foam, spray foam	[Email Protected], +33-BBB-BBB-BBBB
Supplier F	City, Country	Chain Extenders/Crosslinkers	High Molecular Weight Polyol F1, Reactive Chain Extender F2	<5, <10	Elastomers, coatings, adhesives	[Email Protected], +49-CCC-CCC-CCCC
Supplier G	City, Country	Pigments & Dyes	Water-Based Pigment Dispersion G1	<1	Coatings, elastomers, adhesives	[Email Protected], +81-DDD-DDD-DDDD
Supplier H	City, Country	UV Stabilizers	HALS H1, Water-Based UV Absorber H2	<2, <5	Coatings, elastomers, adhesives	[Email Protected], +61-EEE-EEE-EEEE

2.1 Supplier A: Details

• Company Profile: Supplier A is a global manufacturer specializing in polyurethane catalysts and additives. They have a strong focus on developing sustainable and low VOC solutions for various PU applications.
• Product Offerings:
  • Low VOC Amine Catalyst A1: A tertiary amine catalyst with a proprietary formulation to minimize VOC emissions.
    • Product Parameters:
      • Appearance: Clear liquid
      • Amine Value (mg KOH/g): 200-220
      • Density (g/cm3): 0.95-1.00
      • VOC Content (g/L): <5
    • Applications: Flexible foam, rigid foam, coatings
  • Metal Catalyst A2: An organometallic catalyst based on bismuth, offering excellent catalytic activity with low VOC emissions.
    • Product Parameters:
      • Appearance: Clear liquid
      • Metal Content (%): 18-20
      • Density (g/cm3): 1.05-1.10
      • VOC Content (g/L): <10
    • Applications: Flexible foam, rigid foam, coatings

2.2 Supplier B: Details

• Company Profile: Supplier B is a leading provider of silicone and non-silicone surfactants for the polyurethane industry. They are committed to developing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of their customers.
• Product Offerings:
  • Silicone Surfactant B1: A modified silicone surfactant designed for excellent foam stabilization and cell size control in flexible foam applications. Formulated with a low VOC solvent.
    • Product Parameters:
      • Appearance: Clear liquid
      • Viscosity (cPs): 500-800
      • Density (g/cm3): 1.00-1.05
      • VOC Content (g/L): <2
    • Applications: Flexible foam, rigid foam, CASE
  • Non-Silicone Surfactant B2: A non-silicone surfactant offering an alternative to silicone-based products, providing good foam stability and cell size control with low VOC emissions.
    • Product Parameters:
      • Appearance: Clear liquid
      • Viscosity (cPs): 300-600
      • Density (g/cm3): 0.95-1.00
      • VOC Content (g/L): <5
    • Applications: Flexible foam, rigid foam, CASE

2.3 Supplier C: Details

• Company Profile: Supplier C is a specialized manufacturer of flame retardants for polyurethane and other polymers. They offer a range of reactive and non-reactive flame retardants with a focus on sustainability and low VOC emissions.
• Product Offerings:
  • Reactive Flame Retardant C1: A phosphorus-containing polyol that is chemically incorporated into the PU polymer, providing excellent flame retardancy with minimal VOC emissions.
    • Product Parameters:
      • Appearance: Clear liquid
      • Phosphorus Content (%): 10-12
      • Hydroxyl Value (mg KOH/g): 200-220
      • VOC Content (g/L): <1
    • Applications: Flexible foam, rigid foam, adhesives
  • Microencapsulated Flame Retardant C2: A non-reactive flame retardant encapsulated in a polymer shell, reducing migration and VOC emissions.
    • Product Parameters:
      • Appearance: White powder
      • Active Content (%): 80-85
      • Particle Size (µm): 5-10
      • VOC Content (g/L): <3
    • Applications: Flexible foam, rigid foam, adhesives

2.4 Supplier D: Details

• Company Profile: Supplier D is a leading provider of plasticizers for various applications, including polyurethane. They offer a wide range of non-phthalate and bio-based plasticizers with low VOC emissions.
• Product Offerings:
  • Non-Phthalate Plasticizer D1: A non-phthalate plasticizer offering excellent flexibility and elongation to PU products with low VOC emissions.
    • Product Parameters:
      • Appearance: Clear liquid
      • Viscosity (cPs): 80-120
      • Density (g/cm3): 0.98-1.02
      • VOC Content (g/L): <5
    • Applications: Flexible PVC replacement, coatings, adhesives
  • Bio-Based Plasticizer D2: A plasticizer derived from renewable resources, offering sustainable and low VOC solutions for PU applications.
    • Product Parameters:
      • Appearance: Clear liquid
      • Viscosity (cPs): 100-150
      • Density (g/cm3): 0.95-1.00
      • VOC Content (g/L): <10
    • Applications: Flexible PVC replacement, coatings, adhesives

2.5 Supplier E: Details

• Company Profile: Supplier E specializes in blowing agents for polyurethane foams, with a strong emphasis on environmentally friendly and low VOC options.
• Product Offerings:
  • Water: A natural and inherently low VOC blowing agent. Reacts with isocyanate to produce CO2.
    • Product Parameters:
      • Appearance: Clear liquid
      • Purity: >99%
      • VOC Content (g/L): 0
    • Applications: Rigid foam, spray foam
  • HFO-1234ze: A hydrofluoroolefin blowing agent with very low GWP and low VOC emissions.
    • Product Parameters:
      • Appearance: Clear liquid
      • Boiling Point (°C): -19
      • GWP: <1
      • VOC Content (g/L): <1
    • Applications: Rigid foam, spray foam

2.6 Supplier F: Details

• Company Profile: Supplier F focuses on providing chain extenders and crosslinkers that optimize the performance of polyurethane systems while minimizing VOC emissions.
• Product Offerings:
  • High Molecular Weight Polyol F1: A polyol with a higher molecular weight compared to traditional chain extenders, resulting in reduced VOC emissions.
    • Product Parameters:
      • Appearance: Clear liquid
      • Molecular Weight (g/mol): 400-600
      • Hydroxyl Value (mg KOH/g): 280-320
      • VOC Content (g/L): <5
    • Applications: Elastomers, coatings, adhesives
  • Reactive Chain Extender F2: A chain extender designed to react completely into the polymer network, minimizing VOC emissions.
    • Product Parameters:
      • Appearance: Clear liquid
      • Amine Value (mg KOH/g): 300-350
      • Density (g/cm3): 1.05-1.10
      • VOC Content (g/L): <10
    • Applications: Elastomers, coatings, adhesives

2.7 Supplier G: Details

• Company Profile: Supplier G specializes in pigment and dye dispersions for various applications, including polyurethane. They offer water-based pigment dispersions with low VOC emissions.
• Product Offerings:
  • Water-Based Pigment Dispersion G1: A pigment dispersion formulated with water as the solvent, providing a low VOC alternative to solvent-based dispersions.
    • Product Parameters:
      • Appearance: Colored liquid
      • Pigment Content (%): 40-50
      • Viscosity (cPs): 100-200
      • VOC Content (g/L): <1
    • Applications: Coatings, elastomers, adhesives

2.8 Supplier H: Details

• Company Profile: Supplier H provides UV stabilizers for polyurethane and other polymers, offering solutions to protect against UV degradation with low VOC emissions.
• Product Offerings:
  • HALS H1: A hindered amine light stabilizer, known for its excellent UV protection and low VOC emissions.
    • Product Parameters:
      • Appearance: Clear liquid
      • Amine Value (mg KOH/g): 150-180
      • Density (g/cm3): 0.90-0.95
      • VOC Content (g/L): <2
    • Applications: Coatings, elastomers, adhesives
  • Water-Based UV Absorber H2: A UV absorber formulated with water as the solvent, offering a low VOC solution for UV protection.
    • Product Parameters:
      • Appearance: Clear liquid
      • Active Content (%): 30-40
      • Viscosity (cPs): 50-100
      • VOC Content (g/L): <5
    • Applications: Coatings, elastomers, adhesives

3. Considerations for Selecting Low VOC Polyurethane Auxiliary Agents

When selecting low VOC polyurethane auxiliary agents, several factors should be considered:

• Performance Requirements: Ensure that the chosen auxiliary agent meets the required performance characteristics for the specific application, such as curing speed, foam stability, flame retardancy, and mechanical properties.
• Compatibility: Verify that the auxiliary agent is compatible with other components in the PU formulation, including the polyol, isocyanate, and other additives.
• VOC Regulations: Ensure that the auxiliary agent meets the relevant VOC regulations in the target market.
• Cost: Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the auxiliary agent, considering both the initial cost and the long-term benefits of reduced VOC emissions.
• Sustainability: Consider the environmental impact of the auxiliary agent, including its raw material source, manufacturing process, and end-of-life disposal.
• Technical Support: Choose a supplier that provides adequate technical support and assistance with formulation development and application.

4. Future Trends

The market for low VOC polyurethane auxiliary agents is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by increasingly stringent environmental regulations and growing consumer demand for sustainable products. Key trends include:

• Increased Adoption of Water-Based Technologies: Water-based PU systems offer inherently low VOC emissions and are gaining popularity in various applications.
• Development of Bio-Based Auxiliary Agents: Bio-based raw materials are being increasingly used to produce polyurethane auxiliary agents, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental impact.
• Improved VOC Measurement Techniques: More accurate and reliable VOC measurement techniques are being developed to ensure compliance with regulations and to better assess the environmental performance of PU products.
• Focus on Functional Additives: The development of multifunctional additives that can provide multiple benefits, such as flame retardancy and plasticizing effect, is gaining attention. This approach can simplify formulations and reduce the overall VOC content.
• Circular Economy Initiatives: Efforts are underway to develop recycling and recovery technologies for polyurethane products, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

5. Conclusion

The transition to low VOC polyurethane auxiliary agents is essential for creating more sustainable and environmentally friendly PU products. This directory provides a valuable resource for users seeking to identify and select suitable low VOC auxiliary agents for their specific applications. By carefully considering the performance requirements, regulatory compliance, cost, and sustainability aspects, users can make informed purchasing decisions and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future. The continued innovation in this field promises even more effective and environmentally sound solutions in the years to come.

Literature Sources

• Randall, D., & Lee, S. (2002). The Polyurethanes Book. John Wiley & Sons.
• Oertel, G. (Ed.). (1994). Polyurethane Handbook. Hanser Gardner Publications.
• Ashida, K. (2006). Polyurethane and Related Foams: Chemistry and Technology. CRC Press.
• Woods, G. (1990). The ICI Polyurethanes Book. John Wiley & Sons.
• Hepburn, C. (1991). Polyurethane Elastomers. Elsevier Science Publishers.
• Prociak, A., Ryszkowska, J., & Uramowski, P. (2016). Polyurethane Foams: Properties, Manufacture and Applications. Smithers Rapra.
• European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). REACH Regulation.
• United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). VOC Regulations.

This directory provides a structured overview of the low VOC polyurethane auxiliary agent market, focusing on supplier information and product parameters. Remember to independently verify all data and consult with suppliers directly for the most up-to-date information and suitability for your specific needs.

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