Nitrochemie's POSS-based catalysts represent a new generation of tin-free catalysts for modern adhesive, sealant and silicone systems. They combine outstanding performance with excellent stability and safety, enabling formulations that meet today's sustainability expectations while supporting long-term regulatory compliance.
Moving away from tin
Organotin catalysts are subject to increasing regulatory scrutiny, driving the demand for safer and more sustainable alternatives.
Although bismuth catalysts offer good selectivity and lower toxicity, their limited hydrolytic stability can restrict long-term performance.
Zinc-based catalysts generally provide insufficient reactivity and are therefore mainly used as co-catalysts.
POSS catalysts offer a robust solution. They are completely tin-free and do not require classification or labelling under the CLP Regulation. This helps minimise regulatory risks across the entire value chain, from manufacturing to the finished product.
Innovative POSS technology
At the heart of the technology is a POSS framework (Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane), within which an active titanium centre functions as a highly selective catalyst.
Its unique cage-like structure stabilises the catalyst, significantly reducing unwanted side reactions while enabling precise and efficient catalysis. Compared with conventional metal catalysts, POSS catalysts deliver outstanding hydrolytic and thermal stability, resulting in reliable long-term performance.
Key benefits
- Completely tin-free and not subject to CLP classification and labelling
- Enhanced future regulatory security
- Innovative catalyst architecture with excellent long-term stability
- Very high selectivity
- Good hydrolytic stability
- Easy incorporation into a wide range of formulations
Available POSS catalysts
The catalyst portfolio is available in different concentrations and diluent systems, allowing flexible adaptation to various matrices, crosslinking chemistries and processing requirements.
Current POSS titanate grades include:
- TP246 – in OS®1600 (methyltris(methylpropylketoxime)silane)
- TP249 – in BDAC (dibutoxydiacetoxysilane)
- TP224 – in an ETA/MTA blend (ethyltriacetoxysilane / methyltriacetoxysilane)
- TP250 – in DINCH (diisononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate)
- TP252 – in HV5201 (oligomeric DAMO with reduced monomer content)
Further variants (e.g. based on zirconium rather than titanium) are available on request but are not yet commercially available
Nitrochemie - Specialist in chemical intermediates
Nitrochemie Aschau GmbH is an internationally established specialty chemicals manufacturer with more than 40 years of experience in the development and production of chemical intermediates. The company focuses on silanes and other high-quality intermediates, including acid chlorides, epoxides and peroxides for demanding applications, supported by market-oriented R&D, advanced production technologies and a high level of supply reliability.
