What are the distinguishing attributes of DETDA?
Diethyl toluenediamine (DETDA), also commonly known at Gantrade by the brand names Ethacure 100, Lonza DETDA 80, Addolink 1701 and Nitroil ADA I80, is among the most popular and reliable liquids in the polyurethane industry. It boasts low viscosity and ease of handling, with an unrivaled liquidity character that enables manufacturers to process and cure it at room temperature. In addition, DETDA has superior dynamic properties comparable to 4,4'-Methylenebis(2-chloroaniline), also known as MOCA, but with less toxicity and dust concerns during production. It cures fast, leaving little room for environmental threats like humidity and oxidation to lower its quality.
Where is DETDA used?
DETDA is often used in both reaction injection molding (RIM) and the spray polyurea field. It is highly flexible in these applications, where it works as a liquid carrier and solvent for other solid curatives. DETDA is used as a coatings co-curative in the spray coating formulation in an international patent. Conveniently, its physical properties can be adjusted for different requirements, as can its processing time.
In addition to being used in polyurethane and polyurea curatives, DETDA is also used as a hardener and crosslinker for epoxies. Its two amine groups react with four epoxy groups to form a crosslinking center that is extremely heat-resistant, even with bisphenol A. Manufacturers have the freedom to adjust the amount of DETDA used to give either a fast reaction or range of crosslinking when necessary.
DETDA can also act as a reactive catalyst in the curing process. After a proper amount is added to polyols, DETDA accelerates curing speed. The above-average “catalyst” quantity circumvents the sensitivity by using a small stream catalyst; its shelf life is also much longer than metal-based catalysts. DETDA is commonly used in spray polyurea coatings, RIM, hot/cold cast polyurethanes, composites, hardener, and crosslinker in epoxies.
How is DETDA formed?
DETDA is a liquid di-functional, aromatic amine with two isomeric forms. Made from m-TDA (toluene diamine) The reaction process by which TDA is formed produces an isomer ratio of 80% 2,4 Toluene Diamine to 20 percent 2,6 Toluene Diamine. This ratio is maintained when TDA is converted to DETDA.
DETDA is formed by catalyzed ethylation to add two ethyl groups. The two ethyl groups provide two benefits to the physical properties:
1. The ethyl groups increase steric hinderance; reducing reactivity of the amine groups. DETDA is very fast-reacting and would be even more so without the presence of these groups.
2. The ethyl groups also disturb the crystallinity of the molecule, which is what gives DETDA its low melting point: Before the ethyl groups are added the TDA raw material is a solid with a melting temperature of ~98°C.
What special attention is required in handling DETDA?
DETDA suppliers use Safety Data Sheets and Technical Data Sheets to meet safety guidelines. DETDA is considered dangerous if swallowed. It is harmful in contact with skin and causes serious eye irritation. Repeated exposure may cause damage to organs. To obtain a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and other handling information, please contact us using the contact form on www.gantrade.com or call 201-573-1955.
