Evaluation of the Suitability of 1, 4-dimethylpiperazine as a Substitute Catalyst in Polyurethane Foam Production

Effect of 1,4–dimethylpiperazine as a catalyst in producing polyether foam was investigated. Reference samples were produced from polyol, methylene di isocyanate (MDI), triethylene diamine (as a control catalyst), distilled water, and silicone oil using laboratory mix formulation based on polyether based polyol system. Standard sample dimensions for density test, tensile strength and elongation tests were produced from the samples. The various tests were carried out on the samples using the ASTM-D3574 standards. It was observed that 1,4-dimethylpiperazine has comparatively low gelling and blowing action compared to triethylene diamine. It is concluded that)1,4-dimethylpiperazine is a good delayed action catalyst which is found to be better for in-mold flowability and slow cure times with comparable foam properties.