The potential of trimerization catalyst TAP in aqueous polyurethane dispersions

March 10, 2025by admin0

Potential of trimerization catalyst TAP in aqueous polyurethane dispersions

Introduction

Waterborne Polyurethane Dispersions (PUDs) have been widely used in coatings, adhesives, leather, textiles and other industries in recent years due to their environmental protection, low VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions, excellent mechanical properties and wide application fields. However, during the synthesis of aqueous polyurethane, the selection of catalysts has a crucial impact on the performance, reaction rate, stability, etc. of the product. As a new catalyst, trimerization catalyst TAP (Triazine-based Accelerator for Polyurethane) has gradually become a research hotspot due to its high efficiency, environmental protection, low toxicity and other characteristics. This article will discuss in detail the potential of TAP in aqueous polyurethane dispersions, covering its mechanism of action, product parameters, application advantages and future development directions.

1. Basic characteristics of trimerization catalyst TAP

1.1 Chemical structure of TAP

TAP is a catalyst based on the triazine ring structure. Its chemical structure contains multiple active groups, which can effectively promote the reaction between isocyanate (NCO) and hydroxyl (OH). The stability of the triazine ring allows TAP to maintain high catalytic activity under high temperature and acidic environments.

1.2 Catalytic mechanism of TAP

The catalytic mechanism of TAP is mainly based on the interaction of active groups in its molecular structure with isocyanate and hydroxyl groups. TAP can bind to isocyanate molecules through hydrogen bonds or coordination bonds, reducing the reaction activation energy, thereby accelerating the reaction rate. In addition, TAP can further optimize reaction conditions by regulating the pH value of the reaction system.

1.3 Physical and chemical properties of TAP

parameter name	Value/Description
Appearance	Colorless to light yellow liquid
Density (g/cm³)	1.05-1.15
Viscosity (mPa·s)	50-100
Solution	Easy soluble in water, alcohols, and ether solvents
Stability	Stable within pH 5-9
Toxicity	Low toxicity, meet environmental protection requirements

2. Advantages of TAP in aqueous polyurethane dispersions

2.1 Increase the reaction rate

TAP can significantly increase the reaction rate between isocyanate and hydroxyl groups, shorten the reaction time, and thus improve production efficiency. Experiments show that under the same reaction conditions, the reaction rate using TAP is 30%-50% higher than that of traditional catalysts.

2.2 Improve product performance

The introduction of TAP can not only accelerate the reaction, but also improve the mechanical properties, water resistance and chemical resistance of the aqueous polyurethane dispersion. For example, aqueous polyurethane coatings prepared using TAP have higher tensile strength and elongation of break.

2.3 Reduce VOC emissions

TAP, as an environmentally friendly catalyst, can effectively reduce the VOC content in aqueous polyurethane dispersions and meet the increasingly stringent environmental protection regulations.

2.4 Improve storage stability

The stability of TAP makes it difficult to decompose or fail during storage, thereby extending the shelf life of the aqueous polyurethane dispersion.

III. Specific application of TAP in aqueous polyurethane dispersions

3.1 Coating Industry

In the coating industry, TAP is mainly used in the preparation of water-based polyurethane coatings. By using TAP, the coating can cure quickly at lower temperatures to form a dense coating film, improving the weather and wear resistance of the coating.

3.2 Adhesive Industry

In the adhesive industry, TAP can significantly improve the bonding strength and initial adhesion of water-based polyurethane adhesives, and is suitable for bonding of various substrates such as wood, plastic, and metal.

3.3 Leather Industry

In the leather industry, TAP is used in the preparation of water-based polyurethane leather coatings, which can improve the softness, wear resistance and fold resistance of the coating and extend the service life of leather products.

3.4 Textile Industry

In the textile industry, TAP is used in the preparation of water-based polyurethane textile coatings, which can improve the waterproofness, breathability and wrinkle resistance of textiles, and is widely used in outdoor clothing, sportswear and other fields.

IV. Comparison between TAP and other catalysts

4.1 Comparison with traditional organotin catalysts

parameter name	TAP	Organotin Catalyst
Catalytic Efficiency	High	High
Environmental	Low toxic, environmentally friendly	High toxic, not environmentally friendly
Stability	High	Low
Cost	Higher	Lower

4.2 Comparison with amine catalysts

parameter name	TAP	Amine Catalyst
Catalytic Efficiency	High	in
Environmental	Low toxic, environmentally friendly	in
Stability	High	in
Cost	Higher	Lower

V. Future development direction of TAP

5.1 Improve catalytic efficiency

In the future, one of the research directions of TAP is to further improve its catalytic efficiency, and achieve a more efficient reaction rate through molecular structure optimization or the development of composite catalysts.

5.2 Reduce production costs

At present, TAP’s production cost is relatively high. In the future, it is necessary to reduce its production costs through process optimization or large-scale production, so that it can be widely used in more fields.

5.3 Expand application fields

TAP’s application fields are currently mainly concentrated in the coatings, adhesives, leather and textile industries. In the future, it can further expand to automobiles, construction, electronics and other fields to achieve its greater potential.

5.4 Improve environmental performance

As the increasingly stringent environmental regulations, TAP’s environmental performance needs to be further improved. By developing more environmentally friendly synthetic processes or alternative raw materials, it will reduce its impact on the environment.

VI. Conclusion

Trimerization catalyst TAP has shown great application potential in aqueous polyurethane dispersions. Its high efficiency, environmental protection and low toxicity make it widely used in coatings, adhesives, leather, textile and other industries. Through further research and development, TAP is expected to become the mainstream catalyst in the field of water-based polyurethane dispersions in the future and promote the sustainable development of related industries.

Appendix: TAP product parameter table

parameter name	Value/Description
Appearance	Colorless to light yellow liquid
Density (g/cm³)	1.05-1.15
Viscosity (mPa·s)	50-100
Solution	Easy soluble in water, alcohols, and ether solvents
Stability	Stable within pH 5-9
Toxicity	Low toxicity, meet environmental protection requirements
Catalytic Efficiency	High
Environmental	Low toxic, environmentally friendly
Stability	High
Cost	Higher

Through the detailed discussion of this article, I believe that readers have a deeper understanding of the potential of trimerization catalyst TAP in aqueous polyurethane dispersions. As a new catalyst, TAP can not only improve the reaction rate and product performance, but also reduce VOC emissions, meeting environmental protection requirements. In the future, with the continuous advancement of technology, TAP is expected to be widely used in more fields, promoting the development of the water-based polyurethane dispersion industry.