Solid Catalysts

Bac2 has expanded its CSR family of latent-acid catalysts, which were previously available only in liquid form. The new solid catalysts enable safer storage, transportation and processing of pre-polymeric mixes, and they are particularly well-suited for being blended into dry mixes or added to nonaqueous pre-polymers. The most common latent catalyst salts often require too high a temperature to break down and release the acid, and weaker basic primary and secondary amines do not associate with strong acids to form a salt stable enough to prevent premature catalysis. Furthermore, high-temperature processes are energy-intensive and costly. These CSR latent catalysts decompose rapidly at 120_C, releasing the acid so it can be used to control acid-catalyzed polymerization processes, including phenol-formaldehyde resoles, furfuryl alcohol resins, and amino-formaldehyde resins. These resins are used in the manufacture of laminates, composites, glass-reinforced plastics, foam insulation, abrasives, and other products.