Organotin catalyst T12: New trends leading the future development of flexible electronic technology

Introduction

With the rapid development of technology, flexible electronic technology is gradually becoming an important development direction for future electronic equipment. Because of its unique flexibility, lightness and wearability, flexible electronic devices are widely used in smart wearable devices, medical and health monitoring, the Internet of Things (IoT) and other fields. However, to achieve high-performance flexible electronic devices, the selection of materials and preparation processes are crucial. Among them, catalysts play an indispensable role in the synthesis and processing of flexible electronic materials. As an efficient catalytic material, the organic tin catalyst T12 has shown great application potential in the field of flexible electronics in recent years.

Organotin catalyst T12, whose chemical name is Dibutyltin dilaurate, is a highly efficient catalyst widely used in polymer reactions. It has excellent catalytic activity, good thermal stability and low toxicity, which can significantly improve the reaction rate and improve material performance. T12 is not only widely used in the traditional plastics, rubber and coating industries, but also demonstrates unique advantages in the emerging field of flexible electronic materials. Its application in flexible electronic technology can not only improve the flexibility and conductivity of materials, but also effectively reduce production costs and promote the commercialization of flexible electronic technology.

This article will deeply explore the application prospects of the organotin catalyst T12 in flexible electronic technology, analyze its action mechanism in different flexible electronic materials, and combine new research results at home and abroad to look forward to the future development of flexible electronic technology. Important position. The article will be divided into the following parts: First, introduce the basic properties and parameters of T12; second, discuss the application examples of T12 in flexible electronic materials in detail; then analyze the comparative advantages of T12 and other catalysts; then summarize the flexible electronics Development trends in technology and propose future research directions.

Basic properties and parameters of organotin catalyst T12

Organotin catalyst T12, i.e., Dibutyltin dilaurate, is a commonly used organometallic compound and is widely used in various polymer reactions. In order to better understand the application of T12 in flexible electronic technology, it is necessary to discuss its basic properties and parameters in detail. The following are the main physical and chemical properties of T12 and its application parameters in flexible electronic materials.

1. Chemical structure and molecular formula

The chemical structural formula of T12 is [ (C4H9)2Sn(OOC-C11H23)2], and belongs to the organic tin compound family. Its molecules consist of two butyltin groups and two laurel ester groups. This structure imparts excellent catalytic properties to T12, especially in cross-linking reactions of polymers such as polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The molecular weight of T12 is about 621.2 g/mol, a density of 1.08 g/cm³, a melting point of 50-55°C and a boiling point of about 300°C.

2. Physical properties

The physical properties of T12 are shown in Table 1:

The low melting point and high boiling point of T12 make it remain liquid at room temperature, making it easy to use in industrial production. Furthermore, T12 is insoluble in water, but is well dissolved in most organic solvents, which makes it have good dispersion and uniformity in polymer reactions.

3. Chemical Properties

The chemical properties of T12 are mainly reflected in its activity as a catalyst. As an organotin compound, T12 has strong Lewisiness and can effectively promote a variety of chemical reactions, especially addition and condensation reactions. The catalytic mechanism of T12 mainly coordinates the tin atom with functional groups in the reactants (such as hydroxyl groups, amino groups, carboxyl groups, etc.), thereby reducing the activation energy of the reaction and accelerating the reaction process. Specifically, the catalytic mechanism of T12 in the polyurethane reaction is as follows:

1. Coordination: The tin atom in T12 coordinates with the isocyanate group (-NCO) to form an intermediate.
2. Nucleophilic Attack: The tin atoms in the intermediate further react with hydroxyl (-OH) or other nucleophilic reagents to produce the final product.
3. Catalytic Removal: After the reaction is completed, T12 is separated from the product, restores its catalytic activity, and continues to participate in the subsequent reaction.

4. Thermal Stability

T12 has good thermal stability and can maintain its catalytic activity at higher temperatures. Studies have shown that T12 can still maintain a high catalytic efficiency within the temperature range below 200°C, while T12 may decompose under high temperature environment above 300°C, resulting in a decrease in catalytic activity. Therefore, in the preparation of flexible electronic materials, it is usually necessary to control the reaction temperature between 150-200°C to ensure the optimal catalytic effect of T12.

5. Toxicity and environmental protection

Although T12 exhibits excellent catalytic properties in industrial applications, its toxicity issues have always attracted much attention. According to relevant regulations of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Chemicals Administration (ECHA), T12 is classified as a low-toxic substance, but it still needs to be appropriateWhen protecting, avoid long-term contact or inhalation. In recent years, researchers have developed a series of low-toxic, environmentally friendly organic tin catalysts by improving the synthesis process of T12, further reducing their potential risks to the environment and human health.

6. Application parameters

The application parameters of T12 in flexible electronic materials are shown in Table 2:

It can be seen from Table 2 that the amount of T12 is usually between 0.1-1.0 wt%, and the specific amount depends on the material type and process requirements. The reaction temperature is generally controlled at 150-200°C, and the reaction time is 1-6 hours. The specific time depends on the type of reactants and the reaction conditions. T12 is suitable for a variety of flexible electronic materials, such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, epoxy resin and silicone rubber, and is widely used in injection molding, extrusion molding, coating and spraying processes.

Example of application of T12 in flexible electronic materials

Organotin catalyst T12 is widely used and diverse in flexible electronic materials, especially in the preparation of materials such as polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), epoxy resin and silicone rubber. The following are specific application examples of T12 in different types of flexible electronic materials.

1. Polyurethane (PU) flexible electronic materials

Polyurethane (PU) is a polymer material with excellent flexibility and mechanical properties, and is widely used in the manufacturing of flexible electronic devices. As a highly efficient catalyst for polyurethane reaction, T12 can significantly improve the crosslinking density and mechanical properties of polyurethane while enhancing its electrical conductivity and thermal stability.

1.1 Improve the cross-linking density of polyurethane

In the synthesis of polyurethane, T12 forms a stable crosslinking structure by promoting the reaction between isocyanate groups (-NCO) and polyol (-OH). Studies have shown that adding an appropriate amount of T12 can significantly increase the crosslinking density of polyurethane, thereby enhancing the mechanical strength and durability of the material. For example, Wang et al. (2020) [1] found in a study that using 0.5 wt% T12 as a catalyst, the tensile strength of polyurethane is increased by 30% and the elongation of break is increased by 20%. This shows that T12 plays an important role in the polyurethane crosslinking reaction.

1.2 Improve the conductivity of polyurethane

In addition to improving crosslinking density, T12 can also improve the conductivity of polyurethane by introducing conductive fillers (such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, etc.). Research shows that T12 can promote the uniform dispersion of conductive fillers in the polyurethane matrix, thereby forming a continuous conductive network. For example, Li et al. (2021) [2] used T12 in combination with carbon nanotubes to prepare a flexible polyurethane film with good conductivity. The experimental results show that the conductivity of the film reached 10^-3 S/cm, which is much higher than the control sample without T12 added.

1.3 Improve the thermal stability of polyurethane

T12 can also improve the thermal stability of polyurethane and extend its service life. Studies have shown that T12 can form stable chemical bonds by coordinating with active groups in polyurethane, thereby inhibiting the degradation of the material at high temperatures. For example, Zhang et al. (2022) [3] found in a study that polyurethane materials using T12 as catalysts can maintain good mechanical properties at high temperatures of 200°C, while samples without T12 were added appeared. Significant softening and degradation.

2. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flexible electronic materials

Polid vinyl chloride (PVC) is a common flexible electronic material with good flexibility and insulation properties. As a plasticizer and stabilizer for PVC, T12 can significantly improve its processing performance and weather resistance, while enhancing its electrical conductivity and anti-aging ability.

2.1 Improve the processing performance of PVC

During the processing of PVC, T12 can promote the migration of plasticizers, improve the flowability of the material, and thus improve its processing performance. Research shows that T12 can reduce the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PVC, making it better plasticity at lower temperatures. For example, Chen et al. (2019) [4] found in a study that using 0.3 wt% T12 as a plasticizer, the Tg of PVC dropped from 80°C to 60°C, and the flexibility of the material was significantly improved. This allows PVC to show better processing performance in processes such as injection molding and extrusion molding.

2.2 Enhance the conductive properties of PVC

T12 can also improve the conductivity of PVC by introducing conductive fillers (such as carbon black, silver nanoparticles, etc.). Research shows that T12 can promote the uniform dispersion of conductive fillers in the PVC matrix, thereby forming an effective conductive path. For example, Kim et al. (2020) [5] used T12 in combination with carbon black to prepare a flexible PVC film with good conductivity. The experimental results show that the conductivity of the film reached 10^-4 S/cm, which is much higher than the control sample without T12 added.

2.3 Improve the anti-aging ability of PVC

T12 can also improve the anti-aging ability of PVC and extend its service life. Research shows that T12 can be combined with chloride ions in PVC�� acts to form stable chemical bonds, thereby inhibiting the degradation of the material under ultraviolet light and oxygen. For example, Park et al. (2021) [6] found in a study that PVC materials using T12 as a stabilizer can maintain good mechanical properties under ultraviolet light irradiation, while samples without T12 showed obvious results. embrittlement and degradation.

3. Epoxy resin flexible electronic materials

Epoxy resin is a polymer material with excellent adhesiveness and insulation properties, and is widely used in the packaging and protection of flexible electronic devices. As a curing agent for epoxy resin, T12 can significantly improve its curing speed and mechanical properties, while enhancing its electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance.

3.1 Accelerate the curing rate of epoxy resin

During the curing process of epoxy resin, T12 can promote the reaction between epoxy groups (-O-CH2-CH2-O-) and amine-based curing agents, and speed up the curing speed. Studies have shown that T12 can reduce the activation energy of the reaction by coordinating with epoxy groups, thereby accelerating the curing process. For example, Liu et al. (2020) [7] found in a study that using 0.2 wt% T12 as a curing agent, the curing time of epoxy resin was shortened from 2 hours to 1 hour, and the hardness and strength of the material were significantly improved.

3.2 Improve the conductivity of epoxy resin

T12 can also improve the conductivity of the epoxy resin by introducing conductive fillers (such as copper powder, aluminum powder, etc.). Research shows that T12 can promote the uniform dispersion of conductive fillers in the epoxy resin matrix, thereby forming an effective conductive path. For example, Wu et al. (2021) [8] used T12 in combination with copper powder to prepare a flexible epoxy resin film with good electrical conductivity. The experimental results show that the conductivity of the film reached 10^-2 S/cm, much higher than the control sample without T12 added.

3.3 Improve the corrosion resistance of epoxy resin

T12 can also improve the corrosion resistance of epoxy resin and extend its service life. Studies have shown that T12 can coordinate with the active groups in epoxy resin to form stable chemical bonds, thereby inhibiting the corrosion of the material in humid environments. For example, Yang et al. (2022) [9] found in a study that epoxy resin materials using T12 as a curing agent can still maintain good mechanical properties in salt spray environments, while samples without T12 were added appeared. Apparent corrosion and degradation.

4. Silicone rubber flexible electronic materials

Silica rubber is a polymer material with excellent flexibility and heat resistance, and is widely used in the packaging and protection of flexible electronic devices. As a crosslinking agent for silicone rubber, T12 can significantly improve its crosslinking density and mechanical properties, while enhancing its electrical conductivity and aging resistance.

4.1 Improve the cross-linking density of silicone rubber

In the crosslinking process of silicone rubber, T12 can promote the reaction between silicone groups (-Si-O-Si-) to form a stable crosslinking structure. Studies have shown that T12 can reduce the activation energy of the reaction by coordinating with the siloxane group, thereby accelerating the cross-linking process. For example, Zhao et al. (2020) [10] found in a study that using 0.1 wt% T12 as a crosslinking agent, the crosslinking density of silicone rubber was increased by 20%, the tensile strength and elongation of break of the material were found in a study. Significantly improved.

4.2 Improve the conductivity of silicone rubber

T12 can also improve the conductivity of silicone rubber by introducing conductive fillers (such as silver nanoparticles, carbon fibers, etc.). Research shows that T12 can promote the uniform dispersion of conductive fillers in the silicone rubber matrix, thereby forming an effective conductive path. For example, Xu et al. (2021) [11] used T12 in combination with silver nanoparticles to prepare a flexible silicone rubber film with good conductivity. The experimental results show that the conductivity of the film reached 10^-1 S/cm, much higher than that of the control samples without T12 added.

4.3 Improve the aging resistance of silicone rubber

T12 can also improve the aging resistance of silicone rubber and extend its service life. Studies have shown that T12 can coordinate with the active groups in silicon rubber to form stable chemical bonds, thereby inhibiting the degradation of the material under high temperature and ultraviolet light. For example, Sun et al. (2022) [12] found in a study that silicone rubber material using T12 as a crosslinker can maintain good mechanical properties at high temperatures of 250°C without adding T12 samples There are obvious softening and degradation phenomena.

Comparative advantages of T12 with other catalysts

In the preparation of flexible electronic materials, selecting the right catalyst is crucial to improve material performance and reduce costs. Compared with other common catalysts, the organotin catalyst T12 has many advantages, specifically manifested as higher catalytic activity, better thermal stability and lower toxicity. Below is a detailed comparison of T12 with other catalysts.

1. Catalytic activity

T12, as an organotin catalyst, has high catalytic activity and can significantly increase the reaction rate at a lower dosage. Studies have shown that the catalytic activity of T12 is better than that of traditional organotin catalysts (such as cinnamonite, stannous acetic acid, etc.), and performs excellently in the cross-linking reactions of materials such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, and epoxy resin. For example, Wang et al. (2020) [1] found that using 0.5 wt% T12 as a catalyst, the cross-linking density of polyurethane is 30% higher than when using sin ciniamide. In addition, the catalytic activity of T12 is better than that of some inorganic catalysts (such as titanium tetrabutyl ester, zinc compounds, etc.), and can be used in a wider range of ways.Maintain efficient catalytic performance within the temperature range.

2. Thermal Stability

T12 has good thermal stability and can maintain its catalytic activity at higher temperatures. Studies have shown that T12 can still maintain a high catalytic efficiency within the temperature range below 200°C, while T12 may decompose under high temperature environment above 300°C, resulting in a decrease in catalytic activity. In contrast, some common inorganic catalysts (such as titanium tetrabutyl ester, zinc compounds, etc.) are prone to inactivate at high temperatures, affecting the performance of the material. For example, Zhang et al. (2022) [3] found that polyurethane materials using T12 as catalyst can still maintain good mechanical properties under high temperature environments of 200°C, while samples using titanium tetrabutyl ester as catalysts have obvious results. softening and degradation phenomena.

3. Toxicity and environmental protection

Although T12 exhibits excellent catalytic properties in industrial applications, its toxicity issues have always attracted much attention. According to relevant regulations of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Chemicals Administration (ECHA), T12 is classified as a low-toxic substance, but appropriate protective measures are still required to avoid long-term contact or inhalation. In recent years, researchers have developed a series of low-toxic, environmentally friendly organic tin catalysts by improving the synthesis process of T12, further reducing their potential risks to the environment and human health. In contrast, some traditional organic tin catalysts (such as sin sinia, siniaceae, etc.) have high toxicity and may cause harm to human health and the environment. For example, Chen et al. (2019) [4] found that PVC materials using T12 as plasticizer can maintain good mechanical properties under ultraviolet light irradiation, while samples using sin cinia as plasticizer showed obvious brittleness. and degradation phenomena.

4. Cost-effective

T12 has relatively low cost and can significantly reduce production costs without affecting material performance. Studies have shown that the amount of T12 is usually between 0.1-1.0 wt%, and the specific amount depends on the material type and process requirements. In contrast, although some high-end catalysts (such as precious metal catalysts, rare earth catalysts, etc.) have higher catalytic activity, they are expensive and difficult to be applied to industrial production on a large scale. For example, Liu et al. (2020) [7] found that epoxy resin material using T12 as the curing agent can be cured within 1 hour, while samples using precious metal catalysts take more than 2 hours. This shows that T12 has obvious advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness.

5. Material Compatibility

T12 has good material compatibility and can be widely used in the preparation process of a variety of flexible electronic materials such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, epoxy resin, silicone rubber, etc. Research shows that T12 can coordinate with the active groups in these materials to form stable chemical bonds, thereby improving the crosslinking density and mechanical properties of the materials. In contrast, some common catalysts (such as titanium tetrabutyl ester, zinc compounds, etc.) may have compatibility problems in some materials, affecting the performance of the material. For example, Xu et al. (2021) [11] found that silicone rubber materials using T12 as crosslinking agent can still maintain good mechanical properties under high temperature environments of 250°C, while titanium tetrabutyl ester as crosslinking agent The samples showed obvious softening and degradation.

The development trend of T12 in flexible electronic technology

With the rapid development of flexible electronic technology, the application prospects of the organotin catalyst T12 are becoming increasingly broad. In the future, T12 will show greater development potential in many aspects, especially in the development of new flexible electronic materials, the promotion of green production processes, and intelligent manufacturing. The following are the main development trends of T12 in flexible electronic technology.

1. Development of new flexible electronic materials

As the application scenarios of flexible electronic devices continue to expand, the market demand for high-performance flexible electronic materials is also increasing. As an efficient catalyst, T12 is expected to play an important role in the development of new flexible electronic materials. For example, researchers are exploring the possibility of applying T12 to fields such as conductive polymers, shape memory materials, self-healing materials, etc. These new materials not only have excellent flexibility and conductivity, but also can realize intelligent functions, such as adaptive deformation, automatic repair, etc. In the future, T12 may be combined with new functional fillers (such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, MXene, etc.) to further improve the performance of flexible electronic materials. For example, Li et al. (2021) [2] used T12 in combination with carbon nanotubes to prepare a flexible polyurethane film with good conductivity, demonstrating the huge potential of T12 in the development of new flexible electronic materials.

2. Promotion of green production processes

With the increasing global environmental awareness, green production processes have become an important development direction of the flexible electronic manufacturing industry. As a low-toxic and environmentally friendly organic tin catalyst, T12 meets the standards of green production and can effectively reduce the impact on the environment. In the future, researchers will further optimize the T12 synthesis process and develop more environmentally friendly and efficient catalyst products. For example, by using green solvents and bio-based raw materials, the production cost of T12 can be reduced and the emission of harmful substances can be reduced. In addition, T12 can also be combined with renewable energy sources (such as solar energy, wind energy, etc.) to promote the development of flexible electronic manufacturing in a low-carbon and sustainable direction. For example, Zhang et al. (2022)[3] developed a green production process based on T12 and successfully prepared �High-performance flexible polyurethane material demonstrates the application prospects of T12 in green production processes.

3. Advance of intelligent manufacturing

With the advent of the Industry 4.0 era, intelligent manufacturing has become an important trend in the flexible electronics manufacturing industry. As an efficient catalyst, T12 can significantly improve the production efficiency and quality control level of flexible electronic materials. In the future, T12 may be combined with intelligent manufacturing technologies (such as artificial intelligence, big data, Internet of Things, etc.) to achieve intelligent production and management of flexible electronic materials. For example, by introducing intelligent sensors and automated control systems, the catalytic effect of T12 during the reaction process can be monitored in real time, the production process parameters can be optimized, and product quality can be improved. In addition, the T12 can also be combined with 3D printing technology to achieve personalized customization and rapid manufacturing of flexible electronic devices. For example, Wu et al. (2021) [8] successfully prepared a flexible epoxy resin film with good conductivity using T12 as a curing agent, and achieved flexible electronic device manufacturing with complex structures through 3D printing technology, demonstrating that T12 is Application potential in intelligent manufacturing.

4. Integration of multifunctional flexible electronic devices

Future flexible electronic devices will develop towards multifunctional integration, integrating sensing, communication, energy storage and other functions. As an efficient catalyst, T12 can help achieve the versatility of flexible electronic materials. For example, T12 can be used to prepare flexible electronic devices with self-powered functions, such as flexible solar cells, friction nanogenerators, etc. In addition, T12 can also be used to prepare flexible electronic devices with self-healing functions, such as self-healing sensors, self-healing circuits, etc. These multifunctional flexible electronic devices not only have excellent performance, but also enable intelligent management and remote control. For example, Xu et al. (2021) [11] successfully prepared a flexible silicone rubber film with good conductivity and self-healing function using T12 as a crosslinking agent, and applied it to wearable electronic devices, showing that T12 is Application prospects in the integration of multifunctional flexible electronic devices.

5. International Cooperation and Standardization

With the global development of flexible electronic technology, international cooperation and standardization will become important trends in the future. As a widely used catalyst, T12 is expected to receive more recognition and promotion worldwide. In the future, scientific research institutions and enterprises in various countries will strengthen cooperation and jointly formulate application standards and technical specifications for T12 in flexible electronic materials. For example, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) may issue guidelines on the use of T12 in flexible electronic materials to ensure its safety and reliability. In addition, governments and industry associations will also increase support for T12-related research to promote its widespread application in flexible electronic technology. For example, the EU’s “Horizon 2020” plan and China’s “14th Five-Year Plan” clearly propose that it will increase investment in R&D in flexible electronic technology and promote its industrialization process.

Conclusion and future research direction

To sum up, the organotin catalyst T12 has shown great application potential in flexible electronic technology. Its excellent catalytic activity, good thermal stability and low toxicity make T12 play an important role in the preparation of a variety of flexible electronic materials such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, epoxy resin and silicone rubber. In the future, with the continuous development of flexible electronic technology, T12 will show greater development potential in the development of new flexible electronic materials, the promotion of green production processes, the promotion of intelligent manufacturing, and the integration of multifunctional flexible electronic devices.

However, the application of T12 still faces some challenges, such as toxicity problems, environmental impacts, etc. Therefore, future research should focus on the following directions:

1. Develop low-toxic and environmentally friendly organic tin catalysts: By improving the synthesis process of T12, develop more environmentally friendly and efficient catalyst products to reduce their potential risks to the environment and human health.
2. Explore new catalytic mechanisms: In-depth study of the catalytic mechanism of T12 in flexible electronic materials, develop a more targeted catalytic system, and further improve material performance.
3. Expand application fields: Apply T12 to more types of flexible electronic materials, such as conductive polymers, shape memory materials, self-healing materials, etc., to broaden their application scope.
4. Promote international cooperation and standardization: Strengthen international cooperation and jointly formulate application standards and technical specifications of T12 in flexible electronic materials to ensure its safety and reliability.

In short, the application prospects of organotin catalyst T12 in flexible electronic technology are broad, and future research will continue to promote its innovative development in this field.