ABSTRACT
We reported on the fundamental characteristics of KAOLIZER No.25 (KL-No.25), which is a reactive amine catalyst, in the previous paper[1]. In this paper we describe the results on KL-No.25 applied to practical automotive foams.
These days, automotive seat cushions contents have been changing from Hot molded foam to HR molded one from the viewpoint of energy saving and cost reduction. At the same time, volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the cars have been an important factor in the problem of safety and health.
Triethylenediamine (TEDA), which is volatile, is generally used as a catalyst for HR molded foam because it has strong catalytic activity and gelling action. We have found that KL-No.25 also has strong gelling action and can replace TEDA. We have compared the characteristics of KL-No.25 with those of TEDA used in HR molded foam systems (back and front seats). Furthermore, we have noted the relation between the gelling/blowing index and the catalytic activity of typical reactive amine catalysts.
Japan has been introducing the replacement of TEDA in some HR molded foam makers. We expect KL-No.25 will be useful for HR molded foam in automotive seat cushions in the world.
