Challenging toxic tin catalysts in polyurethane coatings through serendipity

Marcel Butschle*, Markus Schackmann, Kim Dam-Johansen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Traditional polyurethane (PU) catalysts, especially dibutyl tin dilaurate, face scrutiny over toxicity concerns, leading to interest in safer alternatives. In an unexpected turn of events, research into a commercially available antibacterial agent revealed that it drastically reduced the pot life of PU coatings. Experiments show that when PU coatings were formulated with the antibacterial agent as catalyst, drying time and solvent resistance were improved as compared to traditional tin and zirconium catalysts. Further analysis showed that this was the result of copper compounds and it could be shown that a similar catalytic effect was achieved through Cu(II)-sulfate and Cu(II)-acetate. Such copper salts are not yet commonly known as replacements for tin catalysts. Possible mechanisms such as heterogenous catalysis or in-situ formation of the active compound were discussed.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Coatings Technology and Research
ISSN1945-9645
DOIs
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 2024

Keywords

  • Catalysis
  • Dibutyl tin dilaurate (DBTL)
  • Polyurethane
  • Toxicity

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Challenging toxic tin catalysts in polyurethane coatings through serendipity'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this