Study on the low-temperature foaming stability process of zinc neodecanoate container in cold chain logistics

In the field of cold chain logistics, temperature control is a key link in ensuring the quality of goods. As an important part of modern cold chain logistics, the thermal insulation performance of refrigerated containers directly affects its temperature control effect. Zinc Neodecanoate, as a highly efficient stabilizer, is increasingly widely used in low-temperature foaming materials for refrigerated containers. This article will conduct in-depth discussions on the basic parameters of zinc neodecanoate, low-temperature foaming process flow and stability optimization, and combines relevant domestic and foreign literature to present a comprehensive technical picture to readers.

1. Introduction to zinc neodecanoate

Zinc neodecanoate is an organic zinc compound with the chemical formula C18H34O4Zn and CAS number is 27253-29-8. With its excellent thermal stability and light stability, it has become an important additive in the field of polyurethane foam plastics. Table 1 lists the main physical and chemical parameters of zinc neodecanoate:

1.1 Functional characteristics of zinc neodecanoate

Zinc neodecanoate mainly plays the following functions in polyurethane foam systems:

• Providing excellent thermal stability to prevent foam from decomposing at high temperatures;
• Enhance the dimensional stability of the foam and reduce shrinkage deformation;
• Improve the mechanical properties of foam and improve impact strength;
• Suppress the aging process of foam and extend the service life.

Just as a good commander needs a right-hand man to plan, the polyurethane foam system also requires stabilizers such as zinc neodecanoate to ensure consistent performance.

2. Overview of low-temperature foaming process

Cold chain transportation requires extremely strict performance requirements for insulation materials, especially in the extreme low temperature environment of -40°C. Polyurethane rigid foam has become a refrigerated container lining with its excellent thermal insulation and mechanical properties.The first choice for materials. However, to achieve stable low-temperature foaming, a series of technical challenges must be overcome.

2.1 Foaming principle

The formation of polyurethane foam is a complex chemical reaction process, which mainly includes the following steps:

1. The polymerization reaction of isocyanate and polyol to form polyurethane prepolymer;
2. The prepolymer reacts with water to form carbon dioxide gas, and at the same time produces carbamate groups;
3. The gas expands to form a foam structure, and finally cures and is set.

In this process, zinc neodecanoate acts like a careful gardener, carefully caring for the smooth progress of each step of the reaction, ensuring the uniformity and stability of the foam structure.

2.2 Process parameter control

Table 2 lists the key process parameters and their control ranges that affect the stability of low-temperature foaming:

3. Stability optimization strategy

In order to improve the stability of zinc neodecanoate in low-temperature foaming systems, we can start from the following aspects:

3.1 Formula Optimization

The foam stability can be effectively improved by adjusting the proportion of each component in the formula. For example, appropriately increasing the molecular weight of the polyol can improve the flexibility of the foam; introducing a proper amount of silicone oil can improve the fluidity of the foam and reduce bubble bursting.

3.2 Process Improvement

The gradual heating method can effectively control the reaction rate and avoid foam instability caused by local overheating. In addition, by optimizing the design of the mixing equipment, it is possible to ensure that the components are fully mixed and reduce defects caused by uneven dispersion.

3.3 Surface treatment

Surface modification of zinc neodecanoate can improve its in-polyDispersion and compatibility in urethane systems. Commonly used surface modification methods include silane coupling agent treatment and ultrasonic dispersion.

IV. Current status of domestic and foreign research

4.1 Progress in foreign research

European and American countries started early in the research of polyurethane foam stabilizers and accumulated rich experience. For example, BASF, Germany has developed a new composite stabilizer that can maintain good foam stability under -50°C. Dow Chemical in the United States focused on the influence of different metal ions on the properties of zinc neodecanoate and found that the presence of calcium ions can significantly enhance its stability.

4.2 Domestic research trends

In recent years, my country has made great progress in research in the field of polyurethane foam stabilizers. The Department of Chemical Engineering of Tsinghua University revealed the microscopic mechanism of zinc neodecanoate under low temperature conditions through molecular simulation technology; the School of Materials of Zhejiang University has developed a new nano-scale zinc neodecanoate, which significantly improves its dispersion in the foam system.

5. Future development direction

With the rapid development of the cold chain logistics industry, the performance requirements for thermal insulation materials are getting higher and higher. The application of zinc neodecanoate in low-temperature foaming systems also faces new challenges and opportunities. Future R&D directions may include the following aspects:

1. Develop new stabilizers with higher thermal stability and weather resistance;
2. Research on intelligent regulation technology to achieve precise control of foaming process;
3. Explore stabilizer alternatives to sources of renewable resources and promote green and sustainable development.

As a philosopher said, “Only by constantly pursuing progress can one be invincible in a changing world.” I believe that through the unremitting efforts of scientific researchers, zinc neodecanoate will have broader application prospects in the cold chain logistics field.

References:
[1] Smith J, et al. Polyurethane foam stabilizers: A review. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2018.
[2] Zhang L, et al. Study on the microstructure and properties of polyurethane foam stabilized by zinc neodecanoate. Chinese Journal of Polymer Science, 2020.
[3] Wang H, et al. Effect of metal ions on the performanceof zinc neodecanoate in low temperature foaming system. Advanced Materials Research, 2019.
[4] Li X, et al. Molecular simulation study on the action mechanism of zinc neodecanoate in polyurethane foam system. Polymer Engineering & Science, 2021.

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