Catalysts and casting article, method, and composition

Abstract: Amino-ester catalysts for curing water-curable isocyanate-functional materials. Also disclosed are catalysis methods and curable compositions involving amino-ester catalysts, and casting articles and methods of orthopedic casting.

Description: Field of the Invention This invention relates to catalysts for curing isocyanate-functional materials. In another aspect, this invention relates to curable compositions comprising an isocyanate-functional material and a catalyst. This invention also relates to casting articles and methods of orthopedic casting. Background of the Invention Orthopedic casts for use in treating bone fractures or other conditions requiring immobilization of a body member are generally formed from a sheet of fabric or scrim material coated or impregnated with a substance that hardens into a rigid structure after the sheet has been wrapped around the body member. Many orthopedic casts now commonly used are comprised of a backing impregnated with a water-curable isocyanate-functional prepolymer. The backing can be knitted, woven, or nonwoven scrim comprised of natural, polymeric, or glass fibers. The preferred scrim materials are knitted fiberglass scrims. These casts when cured have a higher strength to weight ratio than plaster-of-paris, are more resistant to water and provide good radiolucency. U. S. Pat. No. 4,411,262 (von Bonin), U. S. Pat. No. 4,502,479 (Garwood), and U.S. Pat. No. 4,667,661 (Scholz et al.) disclose water-curable isocyanate-functional prepolymers useful in orthopedic bandages. The prepolymer typically includes a tertiary amine catalyst in an amount selected to optimize the "set" time. After the resin-impregnated scrim has been immersed in water, sufficient "working time", e.g., 3 to 5 minutes, should be provided in which the wrapping is accomplished and the cast is manually molded into a desired shape. However, after the cast is shaped, the resin should continue to harden and rapidly build strength, typically in 15-30 minutes, into a rigid, high-strength, weight-bearing cast. U. S. Pat. No. 4,376,438 (Straube et al.) discloses an orthopedic casting material wherein the tertiary amine catalyst is incorporated into the backbone of the polymer portion of the isocyanate-functional prepolymer. No separate catalyst is required. U. S. Pat. No. 4,502,479 (Garwood et al.) discloses the use of tertiary alkanolamines, e.g., dimethylethanolamine, as catalysts in the curing of a water-curable isocyanate-functional prepolymer. At concentrations which do not adversely affect shelf stability, these catalysts do not cure as fast as desired by many experienced cast appliers. U. S. Pat. No. 4,433,680 (Yoon) discloses the use of 2,2'-dimorpholinyldiethyl ether (DMDEE) as a catalyst in the cure of a water-curable isocyanate-functional prepolymer on an open-weave fibrous substrate to form an orthopedic bandage. U. S. Pat. No. 4,705,840 (Buckanin) discloses the use of 2,2'-dimorpholinyldialkyl ethers substituted on one of the carbon atoms alpha to the central ether oxygen atom as catalysts in the curing of water-curable isocyanate-functional prepolymers. Various compounds of Formula I below are known. For example, 2-(dialkylamino)ethyl 1-alkylprolinates are described in West German Pat. No. DE 1,933,411 (Likhosherstov et al., abstracted at Chemical Abstracts 76:153583m), Khim.-Farm.Zh. 1967, 1 , 26 (Lebedeva et al., abstracted at Chemical Abstracts 67:82022d), and Khim.-Farm.Zh. 1973, 7 , 10 (Likhosherstov et al., abstracted at Chemical Abstracts 79:53122d) as low toxicity ganglioplegic agents. Similarly, 2-(dialkylamino)ethyl 1-methylpipecolinates are described in Soviet Union Pat. No. 278027 (Likhosherstov et al., abstracted at Chemical Abstracts 74:53512c) as pharmaceutical agents. 2-(1-Piperidinyl)ethyl and 2-(4-morpholinyl)ethyl 4-morpholineacetates and 1-piperidineacetates are described in Acta. Pol. Pharm. 1979, 36 , 1 (Wolinski et al., abstracted at Chemical abstracts 91:123691n) as anticholinergic agents, and various aminoalkyl esters of piperidino- and morpholino-acetic acid are described in Acta. Pol. Pharm. 1980, 37 , 397 (Wolinski et al., abstracted at Chemical Abstracts 95:80069d) and Pol. J. Pharmacol. Pharm. 1978, 30 , 497 (Faff et al., abstracted at Chemical Abstracts 91:32648n). 2-(Diethylamino)ethyl dimethylaminoacetate is described in Farm. Zh. (Kiev) 1990, 1 , 38 (Grinevich et al., abstracted at Chemical Abstracts 114:42025q) as having significant inotropic activity. Also, 2-(diethylamino)ethyl N,N-dimethylglycinate is described in Khim.-Farm.Zh. 1983, 17 , 916 (Razina et al., abstracted at Chemical Abstracts 99:169415u) and said to possess analgesic activity. FR-A-2 207 949 recommends to replace bad smelling morpholine catalysts with carboxylic ester catalysts where both the acid and the ester part are substituted with a tertiary amino group. Summary of the Invention This invention provides curable compositions comprising an isocyanate-functional prepolymer and a catalytically effective amount of a compound of Formula I wherein: R₁ and R₂ are independently straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms, or R₁ and R₂ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having four or five carbons in the main alkylene chain, or R₁ and R₂ together form a group of the formula -A-O-B- or wherein A and B are independently straight chain or branched chain alkylene groups each having two carbon atoms in their main alkylene chain and R₅ is alkyl, aryl, or a deactivating substituent; R₃ is hydrogen or straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms, or R₁ and R₃ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having three or four carbon atoms in the main alkylene chain, with the proviso that when R₁ and R₃ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having three or four carbon atoms in the main alkylene chain, then R₂ is straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to about six carbon atoms; R₄ is hydrogen, straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms, R₆ and R₇ are independently straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms, or R₆ and R₇ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene or alkenylene group with four or five carbons in the main alkylene or alkenylene chain, or R₆ and R₇ together form a group of the formula -A-O-B- or wherein A, B, and R₅ are as defined hereinabove, or R₄ and R₆ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having three or four carbon atoms in the main alkylene chain, with the proviso that when R₄ and R₆ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having three or four carbon atoms in the main alkylene chain, then R₇ is straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms. In addition, this invention provides casting articles comprising a flexible sheet with a coating of the above-described curable composition thereon. This invention also provides a catalysis method for catalyzing the cure of a water-curable isocyanate-functional prepolymer comprising forming a mixture of: a) an isocyanate-functional material, b) water, and c) a catalytically effective amount of a compound of Formula I. Also, this invention provides methods of orthopedic casting using the above-described casting articles. The use of the compounds of Formula I as catalysts affords water-curable compositions having good set times, satisfactory shelf stability and, when curing is initiated, affords materials having surprisingly good early strengths when compared to compositions comprising commonly used catalysts of the prior art. The compositions of the invention are useful as adhesives, foams, coatings, and sealants, and as the curable component of an orthopedic bandage. This invention further provides compounds of Formula II: wherein: R₈, and R₉ are independently straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms, or R₈ and R₉ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having four or five carbons in the main alkylene chain, or R₈ and R₉ together form a group of the formula -A-O-B- or wherein A and B are independently straight chain or branched chain alkylene groups each having two carbon atoms in their main alkylene chain and R₁₂ is alkyl, aryl, or a deactivating substituent; R₁₀ is hydrogen or straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms, or R₈ and R₁₀ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having three or four carbon atoms in the main alkylene chain, with the proviso that when R₈ and R₁₀ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having three or four carbon atoms in the main alkylene chain, then R₉ is straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms; and R₁₁ is hydrogen, straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms. This invention also provides coating articles, catalysis methods, and methods of orthopedic casting involving compounds of Formula II. Detailed Description of the Invention The compounds suitable for use as catalysts in this invention include compounds of Formulas I and II above. In Formula I R₁ and R₂ can be independently straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms. R₃ can be hydrogen or straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms. Alternatively, R₁ and R₂ along with the catenary nitrogen therebetween can form a pyrrolidine ring or a piperidine ring. When R₁ and R₂ together form a group of the formula -A-O-B- or a morpholine ring or an N'-substituted piperazine ring for example can be formed. The N'-substituent R₅ is preferably a deactivating substituent, i.e., a group that substantially reduces the basicity of the N' nitrogen. For example alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl [-C(O)Oalkyl], dialkylaminocarbonyl [-C(O)N(alkyl)₂], alkylaminocarbonyl, arylaminocarbonyl, alkylarylaminocarbonyl, and the like are suitable and others can be easily selected by those skilled in the art. R₅ can also be an aryl group such as phenyl, naphthyl, or the like, including substituted aryl such as methylphenyl (i.e., tolyl) or methylnaphthyl. When R₅ is alkyl the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group is not unduly critical to the utility of the compound as a catalyst. As a further alternative, R₁ and R₃ together can form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene chain having three or four carbons in the main alkylene chain, i.e., R₁ and R₃ along with the catenary nitrogen and the methine carbon therebetween can form a pyrrolidine or piperidine ring. In an instance wherein R₁ and R₃ form a pyrrolidine or piperidine ring, R₂ is straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms (i.e., the ring is an N-alkyl pyrrolidine or piperidine ring). R₄ and R₆ can optionally form a piperidine ring, in which case R₇ is straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms (i.e., the compound is an ester of an N-alkyl-2-piperidine carboxylic acid, sometimes referred to as a 1-alkylpipecolinate). R₄ and R₆ can also optionally form a pyrrolidine ring in which case also R₇ is straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms (i.e., the compound is an ester of an N-alkyl proline). Some of the preferred compounds of Formula I include: 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl 1-methylpipecolinate; 2-(1-methylpiperidyl)methyl 1-methylpipecolinate; 2-(1-piperidino)ethyl 1-piperidinoacetate; 2-(1-methylpiperidyl)methyl N,N-dimethylaminoacetate; 2-(1-morpholino)ethyl N,N-diethylaminoacetate; 2-(1-morpholino)ethyl alpha-(N-morpholino)propionate; 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl N,N-dimethylaminoacetate; and 2-(1-piperidino)ethyl N,N-dimethylaminoacetate; and 2-(1-pyrrolidino)ethyl 1-methylpipecolinate. Most preferred are 2-(1-methylpiperidyl)methyl 1-methylpipecolinate and 2-(1-pyrrolidino)ethyl 1-methylpipecolinate. These compounds are preferred because, when combined with an isocyanate-functional prepolymer, they provide resins with superior strength soon after curing is initiated when compared with the commonly used catalysts of the prior art. As for Formula II, R₈ and R₉ can be independently straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms. R₁₀ can be hydrogen or straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms. Alternatively, R₈ and R₉ along with the catenary nitrogen therebetween can form a pyrrolidine ring or a piperidine ring. When R₈ and R₉ together form a group of the formula -A-O-B- or a morpholine ring or an N'-substituted piperazine ring for example can be formed. The N'-substituent R₁₂ is preferably a deactivating substituent, i.e., a group that substantially reduces the basicity of the N' nitrogen. For example, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl [-C(O)Oalkyl], dialkylaminocarbonyl [-C(O)N(alkyl)₂], alkylaminocarbonyl, arylaminocarbonyl, alkylarylaminocarbonyl, and the like are suitable and others are easily selected by those skilled in the art. R₁₂ can also be an aryl group such as phenyl, naphthyl, and the like, including substituted aryl such as methylphenyl (i.e., tolyl) and methylnaphthyl. When R₁₂ is alkyl the number of carbons in the alkyl group is not unduly critical to the utility of the compounds as catalysts. As a further alternative, R₈ and R₁₀ together can form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene chain having three or four carbons in the main alkylene chain, i.e., R₈ and R₁₀ along with the catenary nitrogen and the methine carbon therebetween can form a pyrrolidine or piperidine ring. In an instance wherein R₈ and R₁₀ form a pyrrolidine or piperidine ring, R₉ is straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms (i.e., the ring is an N-alkyl pyrrolidine or piperidine ring). Preferred compounds of Formula II include: 2-(1-piperidino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate; 2-(4-morpholino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate; 2-(N,N-diethylamino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate; 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate; and 2-(1-methylpiperidyl)methyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate. Most preferred is 2-(1-pyrrolidino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate. These compounds too are preferred because, when combined with an isocyanate-functional prepolymer, they provide resins with superior strength soon after curing is initiated when compared with the commonly used catalysts of the prior art. Compounds of Formula I contain a nitrogen both in the alcohol residue of the ester and in the acid residue of the ester. They can be prepared by the transesterification reaction shown below, wherein the alkoxy portion of an ester of Formula III is replaced by the alkoxy portion of a compound of Formula IV: and wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₆ and R₇ are as defined above, and "-OR'" designates an alkoxy, phenoxy, or other group capable of being displaced during the transesterification reaction. The transesterification reaction can be carried out under conventional conditions, e.g., conditions involving such catalysts as dibutyl tin oxide, titanium isopropoxide, alkali metals, alkali metal hydrides and the like. Preferably the catalyst is sodium or potassium or the hydrides of these metals, because the residues of these catalysts are readily neutralized and separated from the product. Tin catalysts are less preferred, because the presence of tin compounds in an isocyanate-functional material can decrease the shelf stability of the material by catalyzing undesirable side reactions such as allophanate formation. Many synthetic intermediates of Formulas III and IV are known. Others can be readily prepared from other known compounds by methods well known to those skilled in the art. Some compounds of Formula III, for example, are alkyl esters of either alpha-(N,N-dialkylamino)acetic acids or 1-cyclic amine substituted acetic acids. Such compounds can be prepared from alkyl α-haloalkanoates (wherein halo is bromo or chloro) by reaction with suitable secondary amines. 2-Carboxy-N-heterocyclics of Formula III can be prepared, e.g., by catalytic reduction of pyridine-2-carboxylic acids followed by methylation, or by catalytic reduction of an N-methyl quaternary salt of a 2-carboxypyridine. Compounds of Formula IV are 2-(N,N-disubstituted amino)alkyl alcohols. These compounds are also generally known and can be prepared, for example, from the corresponding secondary amine and a suitable epoxide by methods well known to those skilled in the art. The compounds of Formula II can be prepared by the transesterification reaction shown below, wherein the alkoxy portion of an ester of Formula V is replaced by the alkoxy portion of a compound of Formula VI: and wherein R₈, R₉, R₁₀, and R₁₁ are as defined above, and "-OR'" designates an alkoxy, phenoxy, or other group capable of being displaced during the transesterification reaction. The transesterification reaction can be carried out under conventional conditions, e.g., conditions involving such catalysts as dibutyl tin oxide, titanium isopropoxide, alkali metals, alkali metal hydrides and the like. Preferably the catalyst is sodium or potassium or the hydrides of these metals, because the residues of these catalysts are readily neutralized and separated from the product. Tin catalysts are less preferred, because the presence of tin compounds in an isocyanate-functional material can decrease the shelf stability of the material by catalyzing undesirable side reactions such as allophanate formation. Synthetic intermediates of Formulas V and VI are known, or can be readily prepared from other known compounds by methods well know to those skilled in the art. Compounds of Formula V, for example, are alkyl esters of either pyrrolidineacetic acid or 1-substituted pyrrolidineacetic acids. Such compounds can be prepared as described in the Examples below from alkyl α-haloalkanoates (wherein halo is bromo or chloro) by reaction with pyrrolidine. Compounds of Formula VI are 2-(N,N-disubstituted amino)alkyl alcohols. These compounds are also generally known and can be prepared, for example, from the corresponding secondary amine and a suitable epoxide by methods well known to those skilled in the art. Compounds of Formulas I and II are useful as catalysts for curing any isocyanate-functional material or composition. They are particularly useful for curing water-curable isocyanate-functional prepolymers. In this regard it is notable that the catalysts of the invention comprise an ester group and therefore would be expected to be relatively easily hydrolysed. Nonetheless, they function surprisingly well as catalysts of a reaction involving water. Preferred prepolymers for use with the compounds of Formulas I and II are based on aromatic isocyanates. Such prepolymers are generally prepared by reacting a polyol with an excess of a polyisocyanate under conventional conditions. Such prepolymers are well known to those skilled in the art and are disclosed, e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,411,262 (von Bonin et al.), 4,433,680 (Yoon), 4,502,479 (Garwood et al.), 4,667,661 (Scholz et al.), 4,705,840 (Buckanin), and 4,758,648 (Rizk et al.). A suitable prepolymer for use in the curable compositions of the invention uses an isocyanate known as ISONATE™ 2143L isocyanate (a mixture containing about 73% of diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate, Dow) and a polypropylene oxide polyol known as NIAX™ Polyol PPG 725 (AC West Virginia Polyol Co.). To prolong the shelf-life of the material, it is preferred to include about 0.02-0.5 percent by weight of benzoyl chloride or other suitable stabilizer. The most preferred curable compositions, casting articles, catalysis methods, and orthopedic casting methods of the invention involve prepolymers described in European Patent Application No. 90306696.7. The curable compositions of the invention comprise an isocyanate-functional material and a catalytically effective amount of a compound of Formula I or Formula II. As used herein, the term "an effective amount" designates an amount of a component sufficient to provide the desired physical properties (e.g., cure rate, layer to layer lamination, and strength) to the curable composition. The particular amount of compound that constitutes a catalytically effective amount will vary with the particular compound used, the particular isocyanate-functional material used, the particular applications of the curable composition, and the set time that is desired for the curable composition. Particular amounts are easily selected by those skilled in the art and are set forth generally below with respect to particular applications. In order to prepare a curable composition of the invention, an isocyanate-functional material and a compound of Formula I or Formula II can be mixed using conventional mixing techniques. In order to avoid premature curing of the resulting curable composition, the mixing should be done under anhydrous conditions, preferably in a substantially inert atmosphere, e.g., nitrogen gas. The resulting curable composition should also be stored under anhydrous conditions in a container substantially impermeable to oxygen and water vapor. The curable compositions of the invention can be cured by exposure to water, e.g., water vapor or liquid water. For sealants, adhesives, and coatings, ordinary ambient humidity is usually adequate to promote cure. Heat or high humidity will accelerate cure, and low temperatures (e.g., 5°C or less) or low humidity (e.g., 15% relative humidity or less) will retard cure. Bonds to damp substrates (e.g., wood) typically cure faster than bonds to dry substrates (e.g., glass). The reactivity of a curable composition once it is exposed to water as a curing agent can be controlled by the amount of the compound of Formula I or Formula II present in the curable composition. A catalytically effective amount of the compound of Formula I or Formula II is the amount necessary to achieve the desired reactivity. One of the most advantageous uses of the curable compositions of this invention is in orthopedic casting applications, where the composition is used as the resin component of a resin-coated flexible sheet, which resin component hardens on exposure to water. (As used herein, the term "coating" is intended to designate not only a surface application of composition, but also an application wherein a sheet material is impregnated with a composition, i.e., wherein the composition surrounds the fibers of the sheet material, or wherein the composition is absorbed by the fibers). For use in orthopedic casting, the reactivity of the curable composition must not be so great that: (1) a hard film quickly forms on the surface of the composition preventing further penetration of the water into the bulk of the composition; or (2) the cast becomes rigid before the application and shaping is complete. The particular preferred amount of compound of Formula I or Formula II will depend upon the nature of the isocyanate-functional material, the desired set time, and the curing conditions. When the material is an isocyanate-functional polyurethane prepolymer based on an aromatic isocyanate, the amount of compound of Formula I or Formula II suitable for orthopedic casting applications will generally range from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the isocyanate-functional prepolymer, preferably from about 0.1 to about 3%, most preferably from about 0.2 to about 2%. Foaming of the composition is preferably minimized because foaming reduces the porosity of the cast and its overall strength. Foaming occurs because carbon dioxide is released when water reacts with isocyanate groups. One way to minimize foaming is to add a foam suppressor such as ANTIFOAM™ A silicone fluid (Dow Corning), ANTIFOAM™ 1400 silicone fluid (Dow Corning), or L550 or L5303 silicone surfactants. It is preferred to use a silicone liquid such as Dow Corning ANTIFOAM™ 1400 silicone fluid at a concentration of about 0.1 to 1.0 percent by weight. The casting articles of this invention, useful as orthopedic casting tapes, comprise a flexible sheet material with a water-curable composition coated thereon. They are preferably prepared by forming an isocyanate-functional prepolymer in the presence of a compound of Formula I as described above and coating the resulting curable composition onto a flexible sheet material, e.g., a fabric. In the preferred embodiments relating to casting articles, a porous, flexible sheet material is used. The porous material is preferably impregnated with the composition. A preferred example of a porous, flexible sheet material that can be impregnated with the composition of this invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,479. The sheet material disclosed therein imparts high structural strength to an orthopedic bandage prepared therefrom. A particularly preferred sheet material for use in the casting articles of this invention is the scrim used as the scrim component of SCOTCHCAST™ 2 Casting Tape (3M), described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,609,578, Example 1. The sheet material is a fiberglass fabric comprised of extensible knit fiberglass that exhibits an extensibility of at least about 20% in the length direction and has been heat set without tension in order to reduce fraying. The amount of composition applied to the sheet material for use as a casting article such as an orthopedic casting tape must be sufficient for formation of a strong interlayer laminate bond but not so great as to occlude the porosity and unnecessarily thicken the sheet, which should be thin for rapid and complete hardening. Excessive composition can also cause the casting article to be messy to handle because of stickiness or dripping and transfer of composition. The sheet material used in a casting article (e.g., an orthopedic casting tape) is generally formed in rolls of various widths, generally from 2.5 cm (one inch) to about 15 cm (six inches) wide. The sheet material can be coated with the curable composition in an amount, in terms of weight, of about 50 to about 500 g/m². In a preferred embodiment using a fiberglass fabric the curable composition preferably constitutes about 35% to about 50% by weight of the coated casting article. Generally, the composition will flow into the capillary spaces between contiguous filaments of the sheet material and will become rigidly bonded upon curing. A casting article (e.g., an orthopedic casting tape) can be in the form of a roll wound up on a plastic core or in the form of a rolled or folded multi-layer laminate splint. The article can be sealed within a moisture- and oxygen-impermeable container such as an aluminum foil pouch. For use, the container is opened and the article is fully immersed and squeezed in tap water for about 5 to 30 seconds to replace entrapped air with water. Generally a sufficient amount of water is absorbed by the article in this manner. When a roll is unwound during wrapping of a cast, the excess moisture coats the freshly exposed composition surfaces insuring thorough wetting and rapid hardening. An alternate but less preferable method involves wrapping the cast without dipping and then allowing atmospheric moisture or water provided by spraying or by application of a wet towel to cure the composition. Prior to applying an orthopedic cast to a limb or body member of a patient, a protective layer can be positioned about the limb or body member. The protective layer can take the form of a tubular stockinet or some other convenient form such as, for example, an elongate, non-woven, cotton, or polyester strip or bandage that can be wrapped about the limb or body member. With the protective layer in a proper position, the moistened casting article can be wrapped about the body member and over the protective layer in a manner similar to that used in applying an elastic-type bandage. The cast can be shaped in a manner similar to that used in shaping a plaster-of-paris cast. Eight or fewer layers of the cast material are generally sufficient to form a cast having significant strength within 8 minutes and having weight-bearing strength within 30 minutes. A fully cured cylindrical laminate having eight or fewer layers, e.g., six layers, should support at least about 3.6 kg/cm (20 lb/inch) and preferably at least about 7.2 kg/cm (40 lb/inch) of cylinder length according to the dry strength ring strength test described in detail below. A further test (delamination test) to illustrate strength is also described below. Ring Strength Test In this test, the "dry strength" of cured cylinders of resin-coated materials is determined. For this test, cured cylinders are formed as described below so as to form six-layered cylinders around a 2 inch (5.08cm) mandrel. Each cylinder ring is formed by removing a roll of 3 inch (7.62cm) wide resin-coated material from its storage pouch and immersing the roll completely in deionized water having a temperature of about 80°F (27°C) for about 30 seconds. The roll of resin-coated material is then removed from the water and the material is wrapped around a 2 inch (5.08cm) mandrel covered with a thin stockinet to form six complete uniform layers using a controlled wrapping tension of about 45 grams per centimeter width of the material. Each cylinder is completely wound within 30 seconds after removal of the roll from the water. Thirty minutes after initial immersion in water, each cylinder is removed from its respective mandrel and allowed to cure for 48-60 hours in a controlled atmosphere of 75°F ± 3°F (34° ± 2°C) and 55% ± 5% relative humidity. Each cylinder is then placed in the fixture of an INSTRON™ tensile testing machine. Compression loads are applied to the cylinder along its exterior and parallel to its axis. The cylinder is placed lengthwise between the two bottom bars of the fixture (the bars being 1.9 centimeters wide, 1.3 centimeters in height, and 15.2 centimeters long, and spaced about 4 centimeters apart). The inside edges of the bars have a curbed surface having a 1/8 inch (0.31cm) radius. A third bar (0.63cm wide, 2.5cm high, and 15.2cm long) is then centered over the top of the cylinder, parallel to its axis. The contacting (bottom) edge of the third bar has a curved surface having a 1/8 inch (0.31cm) radius. The third bar is brought down to bear against and crush the cylinder at a speed of about 5 cm/min. The maximum or peak force applied while crushing the cylinder is recorded as the ring strength, which in this particular instance is the "dry strength" (expressed in terms of force per unit length of the cylinder, i.e., newtons/cm). For each material, at least five samples are tested, and the average peak force applied is calculated and reported as the "dry strength". To measure the "wet strength", the same procedure is followed as for the "dry strength", except that after curing for 48-60 hours, the cylinder is immersed in water at about 113°F (45°C) for about 30 minutes, and then allowed to dry under ambient conditions for about 15 minutes. The cylinder is then placed in the instrument and crushed as described above in order to determine "wet strength." To determine the "warm wet strength" of the cylinder, the procedure as set forth above for "wet strength" is followed, except that the cylinder is placed in the fixture and crushed immediately after removal from the 113°F (45°C) water bath. Delamination Test This test measures the force necessary to delaminate a cured cylinder of a resin-coated material. Each cylinder ring is formed by removing a roll of 3 inch (7.62 cm) wide resin-coated material from its storage pouch and immersing the roll completely in deionized water having a temperature of about 80°F (27°C) for about 30 seconds. The roll of resin-coated material is then removed from the water and the material is wrapped around a 2 inch diameter (5.08 cm) mandrel covered with a thin stockinet to form six complete uniform layers using a controlled wrapping tension of about 45 grams per centimeter width of the material. A free tail about 6 inches (15.24 cm) long is kept and the rest of the roll is cut off. Each cylinder is completely wound within 30 seconds after removal of the roll from the water. Fifteen to 20 minutes after initial immersion of the roll in water, the cured cylinder is removed from the mandrel. Delamination strength is determined as follows: The free tail of the cylinder is placed in the jaws of an INSTRON™ Model 1122 tensile testing machine and a spindle is placed through the hollow core of the cylinder so that the cylinder rotates freely about the axis of the spindle. The tensile testing machine is then activated to pull on the free tail at a speed of 127 cm/min. The average force required to delaminate the wrapped layers over the first 33 centimeters of the material is recorded in terms of force per unit width of sample (newtons/cm). For each material, at least five samples are tested, and the average delamination force is calculated and reported as the "delamination strength." In addition to the above-described use in orthopedic casting, curable compositions of this invention will be useful in a variety of applications wherein isocyanate-functional materials have been used previously, e.g., as sealants (e.g., caulks), coatings, foams, adhesives, and so forth. They can be applied to a variety of articles and substrates, such as articles or substrates of glass, metal, plastic, wood, leather, masonry, textiles, and the like. When used as an adhesive, the composition is placed between an article and a substrate, in contact with both, and exposed to moisture sufficient to cure the composition. When used as a coating, the composition is deposited as a continuous layer on the surface of the article to be coated and exposed to moisture sufficient to cure the composition. When used as a sealant, the composition is deposited in the void to be sealed and exposed to moisture sufficient to cure the composition. When used as a structural reinforcing material, the composition is coated onto and/or impregnated into an article comprised of a flexible sheet of fibrous or non-fibrous fabrics, papers, felts, foams and the like and exposed to moisture sufficient to cure the composition. When used for making foams the compositions are usually mixed with a precise amount of water and immediately packed into an appropriate mold. For such applications wherein the isocyanate-functional material is an isocyanate-functional polyurethane prepolymer based on an aromatic isocyanate, an effective amount of compound of Formula I preferably is about 0.002 to 2 weight percent, and most preferably about 0.05 to 0.5 weight percent based upon the weight of prepolymer. Other ingredients and adjuvants can be incorporated into the compositions of the invention. Suitable ingredients and adjuvants and effective amounts thereof are disclosed, e.g. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,705,840 (Buckanin) and are easily selected by those skilled in the art. The compositions of the invention can be put into packages according to techniques known to those skilled in the art. Suitable packages include, for example, aluminum foil laminate pouches, caulking tubes (made, for example, of aluminum foil laminates, metal or plastic), screw-capped squeezable tubes, cans, drums, and the like. Several compounds of Formula I were prepared as follows: Catalyst A . 2-(N,N-Dimethylamino)ethyl N,N-Dimethylaminoacetate A mixture of 65.5 g (0.5 mol) of ethyl N,N-dimethylglycinate, 44.6 g (0.5 mol) of N,N-dimethylethanolamine and 0.82 g of dibutyltin oxide was heated at about 130°C. The ethanol by-product was collected in a Dean-Stark trap. When the rate of ethanol evolution and amount of ethanol collected showed that the reaction was essentially complete, the reaction was heated at about 180°C until ethanol evolution ceased. The liquid product was purified by distillation at reduced pressure to provide 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl N,N-dimethylaminoacetate. Catalyst B . 2-(1-Piperidino)ethyl N,N-Dimethylaminoacetate Using the method described for Catalyst A, 65.6 g ethyl N,N-dimethylglycinate was reacted with 64.6 g of 2-(1-piperidino)ethanol and 0.97 g of dibutyltin oxide to provide the desired product, which was purified by distillation. Catalyst C . 2-(N,N-Dimethylamino)ethyl N-methylpipecolinate A mixture of 85 g (0.5 mol) of ethyl 1-methylpipecolinate, 44.6 g (0.5 mol) of N,N-dimethylethanolamine and 0.82 g of dibutyltin oxide was heated at about 145°C for 30 hours. The ethanol by-product was collected in a Dean-Stark trap. When the rate of ethanol evolution and amount of ethanol collected showed that the reaction was essentially complete, the reaction was heated at about 180°C until ethanol evolution ceased. The liquid product was purified by distillation at reduced pressure to provide 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl N-methylpipecolinate. Catalyst D . N-Methyl-(2-piperidyl)methyl N-Methylpipecolinate A mixture of 85.6 g (0.5 mole) of ethyl 1-methylpipecolinate, 64.6 g (0.5 mole) of 1-methyl-2-piperidinemethanol and 1.1 g dibutyltin oxide was heated at 130°C for three hours and then gradually heated to 200°C. When the amount of ethanol collected indicated the reaction was essentially complete the liquid product, N-methyl-(2-piperidyl)methyl N-methylpipecolinate, was distilled at 0.25 mm Hg pressure at about 130°C. The nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectra of the product were consistent with the structural assignment. Catalyst E . N-Methyl-(2-piperidyl)methyl N,N-Dimethylaminoacetate A mixture of 75 g of ethyl N,N-dimethylglycinate, 75 g of 1-methyl-2-piperidylmethanol and 1 g of titanium tetra(n-butoxide) was heated at 145°C until the amount of ethanol collected indicated the reaction was complete. After cooling a small amount of water was added, the mixture was filtered, and the filtrate was distilled under reduced pressure to provide N-methyl-2-piperidylmethyl N,N-dimethylaminoacetate. Catalyst F . 2-(N-Morpholino)ethyl 2-(N-Morpholino)propionate To 174 g of morpholine was added slowly with stirring 181 g of ethyl 2-bromopropionate. To the stirred mixture was added 200 ml of diethyl ether while maintaining the temperature about 35°C. After about 16 hours 700 ml of toluene was added, then the insoluble salts were removed by filtration. The salts were neutralized by the addition of potassium carbonate, then extracted with toluene. The toluene filtrate and extracts were evaporated to provide 158 g of ethyl 2-(N-morpholino)propionate. To 50 g of ethyl 2-(N-morpholino)propionate was added 50 g of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)morpholine and 0.5 g of dibutyltin oxide. This mixture was heated to 150°C. A Dean Stark trap was used to collect evolved ethanol. After 2 hours the temperature was elevated to 175°C and maintained at that temperature for 3 hours. After a total of 14 ml of ethanol had been collected, the product was purified by vacuum distillation to provide 2-(N-morpholino)ethyl 2-(N-morpholino)propionate as a crystalline solid. Catalyst G . 2-(N-Morpholino)ethyl N,N-Diethylaminoacetate To a mixture of 70 g of N-[(2-hydroxy)ethyl]morpholine and 85 g of ethyl (N,N-diethylamino)acetate was added 0.8 g of dibutyltin oxide and the mixture was heated to 145°C. A Dean Stark trap was used to collect the evolved ethanol. An additional 0.4 g of dibutyltin oxide was added and the temperature was increased gradually to 180°C over several hours. The total volume of ethanol collected was 28 ml. The product, 2-(N-morpholino)ethyl N,N-diethylaminoacetate, was separated by vacuum distillation. The structural assignment was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectral analysis. Catalyst H . 2-(N-Morpholino)ethyl N,N-Dimethylaminoacetate Using the general method used to prepare Catalyst G but using ethyl (N,N-dimethylamino)acetate, the product 2-(N-morpholino)ethyl N,N-dimethylaminoacetate was obtained by vacuum distillation. Catalyst I . 2-(1-Pyrrolidino)ethyl 1-Methylpipecolinate Using the general method used to prepare Catalyst G but using N-(2-hydroxyethyl)pyrrolidine and ethyl 1-methylpipecolinate the product 2-(1-pyrrolidino)ethyl 1-methylpipecolinate was obtained by vacuum distillation. Catalyst J . 2-(1-Pyrrolidino)ethyl N,N-Dimethylaminoacetate Using the general method used to prepare Catalyst G but using N-(2-hydroxyethyl)pyrrolidine and ethyl N,N-dimethylaminoacetate the product 2-(1-pyrrolidino)ethyl N,N-dimethylaminoacetate was obtained by vacuum distillation. pKa Several catalysts were characterized by their titration curves (i.e., their pKa values) as follows: To a 0.1 g sample of a catalyst was added with stirring 60 ml of distilled water, then 10 ml of 0.1N hydrochloric acid was added. The solution was stirred for 10 minutes, then backtitrated with 0.1N sodium hydroxide solution. The pH during backtitration was measured potentiometrically using a Metrohm Model 670 TITROPROCESSOR™ potentiometer (Brinkman Instruments Inc., Westbury, NY). The endpoint and half-neutralization point were determined by the instrument, and for the purposes of this determination the half-neutralization point is taken as the pKa. The values of pKa for several catalysts are shown in Table I below. The following Examples are provided to illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated, and temperatures are designated in degrees Celsius. Examples 1-9 Compositions of the invention useful, for example, in connection with orthopedic casting materials, sealants, adhesives, foams, or coatings, were prepared and their gel times were measured as set forth below: To a stirred 30.00 g sample of ISONATE™ 2143L isocyanate (Dow) in a 100 mL (4.5 cm diameter) polyethylene beaker was added 0.30 g of a selected catalyst, then 10 ml of water was added gently from a syringe. The mixture was stirred by hand with a 1.7 cm wide wooden tongue depressor at a rate of about 60 to 75 rpm. This time until gelation occurred was recorded. Gelation was defined as the point at which the viscosity was sufficient to allow formation of a permanent depression in the mixture. Results are shown in Table II below. Example 10 A curable composition of the invention useful, for example, in connection with an orthopedic casting material, a sealant, an adhesive, a foam, or a coating, was prepared as follows: An amount, 1125 g (7.76 equivalents), of ISONATE™ 2143L isocyanate (modified diphenylmethane diisocyanate, Dow) was added to a one gallon (4L) jar having a three-necked lid equipped with a thermometer, stirrer and nitrogen inlet. To this was added 30.0 g (about 1.5 weight percent) of 2-(1-piperidino)ethyl N,N-dimethylaminoacetate (Catalyst B), 1.0 g of paratoluenesulfonyl chloride, 80 g of PLURONIC™ F-108 polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide block copolymer (available from BASF Wyandotte Corporation), and 3.6 g of Dow-Corning DB-100 silicone fluid. This was followed by the addition of 9.6 g of BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol) in 480 g of NIAX™ PPG-725 (a polypropylene oxide polyol having a molecular weight of about 750, AC West Virginia Polyol Co.) and 270 g of NIAX™ PPG-425 (a polypropylene oxide polyol having a molecular weight of about 425, AC West Virginia Polyol Co.). The theoretical equivalent ratio of isocyanato groups to hydroxyl groups was 3.15:1 and the isocyanato equivalent weight of the resulting prepolymer was 375 g/equivalent. The addition of the polyol mixture was made through a dropping funnel over a period of thirty minutes. After addition the polymerization reaction was carried out at 50-60°C for one hour to afford a curable composition of the invention. Example 11 Using the general method of Example 10, 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl N,N-dimethylaminoacetate (Catalyst A) was incorporated (in an amount of about 1.0 percent by weight) into a curable composition of the invention. Examples 12-15 and Comparative Examples C-1 and C-2 As shown in Table III below, curable compositions of the invention useful, for example, in connection with orthopedic casting materials, sealants, adhesives, foams, or coatings, and comparative compositions were prepared in the general manner described in Example 10. While still hot (49-60°C) the compositions were poured into 240 mL (8 oz) jars and the jars were sealed. The samples were subjected to accelerated aging conditions of 49°C in the sealed glass jars. Individual samples were periodically cooled to room temperature and then equilibriated for at least 4 hours in a water bath at 23° C. The viscosity of the cooled sample was measured using a SYNCHROLECTRIC™ Viscometer Model RVT (Brookfield Engineering Labs, Inc., Spoughton, Massachusetts) using spindles #6 and #7. Viscosity values are set forth in Table III below. The results in Table III show that these compositions of the invention age well compared to Comparative Example C-2. Examples 16-17 and Comparative Examples C-3 and C-4 Curable compositions of the invention useful, for example, in connection with orthopedic casting materials, sealants, adhesives, foams, or coatings, and comparative compositions were prepared as described in general terms in Example 10 using various catalysts as shown in Table IV below. The amount of catalyst used was selected to provide a set time of about 3 minutes. 240 mL (8 oz) samples of the compositions of Examples 16 and 17 and Comparative Examples C-3 and C-4 were subjected to accelerated aging conditions of 49°C in sealed glass jars. Individual samples were periodically cooled to room temperature and then equilibriated for 2 hours in a water bath at 23°C. The viscosity of the cooled sample was measured using a SYNCHRO-LECTRIC™ Viscometer Rodel RVT (Brookfield Engineering Labs, Inc., Spoughton, Massachusetts) using spindles #6 and #7. The viscosities are set forth in Table IV below. The results in Table IV show that upon accelerated aging these casting articles of the invention exhibit viscosity increases comparable to those of the Comparative Examples. The following Examples are provided to illustrate the synthesis of novel compounds of Formula II of the invention. Example 18 Ethyl 1-Pyrrolidineacetate To an ice bath-cooled solution of 213.4 g (3 mol) of pyrrolidine in 450 mL of tetrahydrofuran was added dropwise over about 2 hours 250.5 g (1.5 mol) of ethyl bromoacetate, maintaining the temperature below 30°C. To this solution was added 150 mL of toluene to precipitate pyrrolidinium bromide, which was separated by filtration. The filtrate was evaporated under vacuum to provide a residue of about 241 g of ethyl 1-pyrrolinidineacetate. Example 19 2-(1-Piperidino)ethyl1-Pyrrolidineacetate A mixture of 78.5 g (0.5 mol) of ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate, 64.6 g (0.5 mol) of 2-piperidinoethanol and 1.0 g of dibutyltin oxide was heated at about 150°C while collecting the ethanol by-product in a Dean-Stark trap. When the rate of ethanol evolution and amount of ethanol collected showed that the reaction was essentially complete, the reaction was heated at about 170°C until ethanol evolution ceased. The liquid product was purified by distillation at reduced pressure to provide 2-(1-piperidino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate. Example 20 2-(4-Morpholino)ethyl 1-Pyrrolidineacetate Using the method of Example 2, 75.5 g ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate was reacted with 65.6 g of 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)morpholine to provide the desired product, which was purified by distillation at a temperature of about 120°C and a pressure of about 300 µmHg. Example 21 2-(N,N-Dimethylamino)ethyl 1-Pyrrolidineacetate To a mixture of 80 g (0.51 mol) of ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate and 0.5 g of sodium hydride (in the form of a 60% by weight suspension in mineral oil) was added 48 g (0.54 mol) of 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethanol. The mixture was purged with nitrogen gas, heated gradually and then maintained at about 150°C while collecting the ethanol by-product in a Dean-Stark trap. The liquid reaction product was distilled at 85°C at a pressure of 100 µmHg to provide 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)-ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate. The structure of the product was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectral analysis. Example 22 2-(1-Pyrrolidinyl)ethyl 1-Pyrrolidineacetate To a mixture of 1.3 g of sodium hydride (in the form of a 60% by weight suspension in mineral oil) and 100 g (0.64 mol) of ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate was added 91 g of 2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethanol. The mixture was heated slowly to about 225°C, and the ethanol by-product was collected in a Dean-Stark trap. The reaction mixture was cooled to about 25°C, then 12 g of 1-bromopropane was added to react any alkoxide present. The sodium bromide by-product was removed by filtration. The desired product 2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate was purified by distillation at 95°C at a pressure of 250 µmHg. The structural assignment was confirmed by mass spectral analysis. Example 23 2-(N,N-Diethylamino)ethyl 1-Pyrrolidineacetate Using the method of Example 22, ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate was reacted with 2-(N,N-diethylamino)-ethanol to provide 2-(N,N-diethylamino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate, b.p. 92°C at 250 µmHg. Example 24 2-(1-Methylpiperidyl)methyl 1-Pyrrolidineacetate Using the method of Example 22, ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate was reacted with 2-(1-methylpiperidyl)methanol to provide 2-(1-methylpiperidyl)methyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate. Purification was carried out by distillation at 125°C and at a pressure of 400 µmHg. Example 25 N-(N-Acetylpiperazinyl)ethyl 1-Pyrrolidineacetate Using the method of Example 21, 43.2 g of ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate was reacted with 42.5 g of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N'-acetylpiperazine in the presence of 0.7 g of 60 weight percent sodium hydride in mineral oil. The product was purified by distillation at a temperature of about 180°C and a pressure of about 0.5 mmHg. Gas chromatography of the product showed a single major constituent. Examples 26-28 Curable compositions useful, for example, in connection with orthopedic casting materials, sealants, adhesives, foams, or coatings, comprising a compound of the invention of Formula II were prepared and their gel times measured as set forth below: To a stirred 30.00 g sample of ISONATE™ 2143L isocyanate (Dow) in a 100 mL (4.5 cm diameter) polyethylene beaker was added 0.30 g of a compound of Formula II, then 10 mL of water was added gently from a syringe. The mixture was stirred by hand with a 1.7 cm wide wooden tongue depressor at a rate of about 60 to 75 rpm. The time until gelation occurred was recorded as gel time. Gelation was defined as the point at which the viscosity was sufficient to allow formation of a permanent depression in the mixture. The gel time was found to be 45 seconds for the composition of Example 26, comprising 2-(1-piperidino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate, 90 seconds for the composition of Example 27, comprising 2-(4-morpholino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate, and 400 seconds for the composition of Example 28, comprising for N-(N-acetylpiperazinyl)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate. Example 29 A further curable composition useful, for example, in connection with an orthopedic casting material, a sealant, an adhesive, a foam, or a coating, was prepared as follows: An amount, 1125 g (7.76 equivalents), of ISONATE™ 2143L isocyanate (modified diphenylmethane diisocyanate, Dow) was added to a one gallon (4L) jar having a three-necked lid equipped with a thermometer, stirrer and nitrogen inlet. To this was added 29.99 g of the catalyst 2-(1-piperidino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate from Example 19, 1.0 g of para-toluenesulfonyl chloride, 80 g of PLURONIC™ F-108 polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide block copolymer (available from BASF Wyandotte Corporation), and 3.6 g of Dow-Corning DB-100 silicone fluid. This was followed by the addition of 9.6 g of BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol) in 480 g of NIAX™ PPG-725 (a polypropylene oxide polyol having a molecular weight of about 750, AC West Virginia Polyol Co.) and 270 g of NIAX™ PPG-425 (a polypropylene oxide polyol having a molecular weight of about 425, AC West Virginia Polyol Co.). The addition of the polyol mixture was made through a dropping funnel over a period of thirty minutes. After addition the polymerization reaction was carried out at 50-60°C for one hour to afford a curable composition of the invention. Examples 30-32 and Comparative Examples C-5 through C-7 In the manner of Example 29 above, compounds of Formula II and known catalysts were independently incorporated into curable compositions as set forth in Table V below, wherein catalyst concentration is given in weight percent based on the total weight of the curable composition. Example Catalyst Example Number Concentration (%) 30 2-(N,N-diethylamino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate 23 0.9 31 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate 21 0.8 32 2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate 22 0.75 C-5 DMDEE™ (Texaco) -- 2.5 C-6 MEMPE -- 1.32 C-7 NIAX™ A-99 /DMEA -- 0.3/0.3 Examples 33-34 Further curable compositions useful, for example, in connection with orthopedic casting materials, sealants, adhesives, foams, or coatings, were prepared according to the general method of Example 29 above. The particular catalyst used and the amount thereof in weight percent based on total weight of the composition are shown in Table VI. The amount of catalyst used was selected to provide a set time of approximately 3 minutes. About 2.5 to 3 kg of each composition was made, mixed for about 2 hours, and sealed in several 240 mL (8 oz) glass jars. Example Catalyst Example Number Concentration (%) 33 2-(1-methylpiperidino)methyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate 24 0.6 34 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate 21 0.9 Aging Data The compositions of each of Examples 30-32 and Comparative Examples C-5 through C-7 were independently machine coated using a curtain coating technique in an atmosphere substantially free of moisture (less than 5% relative humidity) on a 7.6 cm (three inch) wide strip of heat-set fiberglass fabric [the fabric of SCOTCHCAST PLUS™ casting tape, 3M, described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,609,578 (Reed)] to give a casting article in the form of a tape containing 42.5% by weight of the composition based on total weight of the tape. The tape was then cut in lengths of about 3.65 m (4 yards), rolled onto 7.6 cm (3 inch) long hollow cylindrical polyethylene cores having a diameter of 1.9 cm (0.75 inch), and packaged in foil pouches for storage until later use and evaluation. Rolled samples of the casting article prepared above were stored in sealed aluminum foil envelopes similar to those used to store similar commercial items. The casting articles were subjected to accelerated aging at a temperature of 65.5°C (150°F) for the period of time indicated in Table VII below. After cooling to 23-25°C and equilibrating for 24 hours, the rolls were sequentially removed from the pouches and immediately unwound in such a manner that the force needed to unwind the rolls could be measured. The force needed to unwind the rolls was measured using an Instron™ Model 1122 tensile testing machine with a 50lb (22.7Kg) load cell. Each roll was unwound counterclockwise from a freely rotating spindle over a freely rotating crosshead spindle attached to the load cell of the tensile testing machine onto a 3.875 inch (9.84cm) diameter take-up roller rotating at 60 revolutions per minute covered with stockinette (3M MS04). The crosshead spindle consisted of a freely rotating 3/8 inch dia x 5.5 inch (0.95cm x 14cm) long rod counter-balanced to ensure that it hung in a horizontal position parallel to both the unwind spindle and the take-up roller. The force was measured by a Microcon™ Model MC4100 microprocessor using the following machine conditions: Area = 0 gage length = 4.5 inches (11.4cm) crosshead speed = 0.1 inches/min (0.254cm/min) Start force averaging at 0.0005 inches (0.00127cm) (preset point 8, elongation, 0.005) End force averaging at 0.0136 inches (0.0345cm) (preset point 9, elongation, 0.0136) Fail Criteria = 100% Load Limit = 43,360 kg force Crosshead stop = off Elongation correction factor = no correction The average force over 95.7 inches (24.3cm) of tape was recorded as the unwind force (ignoring the first 3.65 inches (9.3cm) of tape). The unwind force was measured for 5 rolls and the average values are set forth in TABLE VII below, wherein a lack of an entry indicates that the roll was cured when tested. Unwind Force (Newtons) Day Example 30 31 32 C-5 C-6 C-7 0 6.85 6.05 6.41 5.6 8.76 8.81 7 11.0 9.46 10.1 8.65 11.0 -- 16 20.3 37.7 18.6 13.6 15.8 -- 24 48.1 -- 38.6 19.8 27.5 -- The results in Table VII show that upon accelerated aging these casting articles comprising a catalyst of this invention exhibit unwind tension comparable to, and often superior to, those of the comparative examples. 240 mL (8 oz) samples of the compositions of Examples 32-34 and Comparative Examples C-5 and C-6 above were subjected to accelerated aging conditions of 49°C in sealed glass jars. Individual samples were periodically cooled to room temperature and then equilibriated for 2 hours in a water bath at 23°C. The viscosity of the cooled sample was measured using a SYNCHRO-LECTRIC™ Viscometer Model RVT (Brookfield Engineering Labs, Inc., Spoughton, Massachusetts) using spindles #6 and #7. The viscosities are set forth in Table VIII below. Viscosity (cps x 10⁻³) Day Example 32 33 34 C-5 C-6 0 75 72 69 66 58 7 80 74 81 86 58 14 120 96 98 88 72 21 138 96 106 90 72 28 204 124 130 108 78 35 300 152 170 120 82 42 470 150 232 116 80 49 590 208 266 128 72 pKa Several of the compounds of the invention were characterized by their titration curves (i.e., their pKa values) as follows: To a 0.1 g sample of a compound of the invention was added with stirring 60 mL of distilled water, then 10 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid was added. The solution was stirred for 10 minutes. The pH of the solution was then measured potentiometrically using a Metrohm Model 670 TITROPROCESSOR™ potentiometer (Brinkman Instruments Inc., Westbury, NY) while backtitrating with 0.01N sodium hydroxide solution. The endpoints and half-neutralization points were determined by the instrument, and for the purposes of this determination the half-neutralization point is taken as the pKa. The values of pKa for several compounds are as shown in Table IX. Compound MeasupKa red first second 2-(1-piperidino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate 8.97 6.72 2-(1-pyrrolidino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate 9.26 7.12 2-(1-methylpiperidinyl)methyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate 9.15 7.03 Example 35 A curable composition useful, for example, in connection with an orthopedic casting material, a sealant, an adhesive, a foam, or a coating, was prepared as follows: An amount, 2210 g (15.35 equivalents), of ISONATE™ 2143L isocyanate (modified diphenylmethane diisocyanate, Dow) was added to a one gallon (4L) jar having a three-necked lid equipped with a thermometer, heating mantle, stirrer, and nitrogen inlet. To this was added 1.8 g of benzoyl chloride, 6.66 g of Dow-Corning DB-100 silicone fluid, 17.76 g of BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), 148 g of PLURONIC™ F-108 polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide block copolymer (available from BASF Wyandotte Corporation) and 22.2 g of 2-(1-methylpiperidyl)methyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate (Example 7). This was followed by the addition of 620.1 g of NIAX™ Polyol PPG-2025 (a polypropylene oxide polyol having a molecular weight of about 2025, available from AC West Virginia Polyol Co.), 229.4 g of LG 650 polyol (a polyol containing polymeric particles, available from AC West Virginia Polyol Co.), and 444 g of NIAX™ E-562 (a polypropylene oxide available from AC West Virginia Polyol Co.). The polymerization reaction was carried out at 50-60°C for one hour to afford a curable composition. Example 36 and Comparative Example C-8 Using the general method of Example 35, 2-(1-pyrrolidino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate (Example 22) was incorporated into the curable composition of Example 36. As Comparative Example C-8, a composition using MEMPE as a catalyst was prepared. The ingredients and amounts used in Example 36 and Comparative Example C-8 are shown in Table X. Component Example 36 Comparative Example C-8 Weight (g) Weight (g) ISONATE™ 2143L 2204.46 2183.9 Benzoyl Chloride 1.85 0 p-Toluenesulfonyl Chloride 0 1.8 DB-100 6.66 66.6 BHT 17.76 17.75 Catalyst 27.75 48.81 PLURONIC™ F-108 148.0 147.91 NIAX™ PPG-2025 620.12 620.12 LG 650 229.40 229.26 NIAX™ E-562 444.00 443.74 TOTAL 3700.00 3700.00 The compositions of Examples 35 and 36 and Comparative Example C-8 were machine coated as described above in connection with "Aging Data". The resulting casting tapes were packaged in foil pouches for storage until later use and evaluation. Using the tests described above, "dry strength", "wet strength", "ring delamination", and "warm wet strength" were measured for casting tapes comprising Compositions 35 and 36 and Comparative Composition C-8. The results are shown in Table XI below: Strength Test Example 35 36 C-8 Dry 911.9 900.8 863.8 Wet 696.6 703.7 492 Warm Wet 528.4 524.9 285.1 Ring Delamination 56.5 53.4 51.2 (Strength measured in newtons) The results in Table XI show that, when used in curable compositions and casting tapes, compounds of this invention provide useful products that exhibit significantly higher wet strength, warm wet strength, and ring delamination values than the Comparative Example.

Claims: A curable composition comprising (i) an isocyanate-functional material; and (ii) a catalytically effective amount of a compound: (A) of the formula wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms, or R₁ and R₂ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having four or five carbons in the main alkylene chain, or R₁ and R₂ together form a group of the formula -A-O-B- or wherein A and B are independently straight chain or branched chain alkylene groups each having two carbon atoms in their main alkylene chain and R₅ is alkyl, aryl, or a deactivating substituent; R₃ is hydrogen or straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms, or R₁ and R₃ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having three or four carbon atoms in the main alkylene chain, with the proviso that when R₁ and R₃ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having three or four carbon atoms in the main alkylene chain, then R₂ is straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to about six carbon atoms; R₄ is hydrogen, straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to about six carbon atoms, R₆ and R₇ are independently straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms, or R₆ and R₇ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene or alkenylene group with four or five carbons in the main alkylene or alkenylene chain, or R₆ and R₇ together form a group of the formula -A-O-B- or wherein A, B and R₅ are as defined hereinabove, or R₄ and R₆ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having three or four carbon atoms in the main alkylene chain, with the proviso that when R₄ and R₆ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group with three or four carbon atoms in the main alkylene chain then R₇ is straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to about six carbon atoms; or (B) of the formula wherein R₈ and R₉ are independently straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms, or R₈ and R₉ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having four or five carbons in the main alkylene chain, or R₈ and R₉ together form a group of the formula -A-O-B- or wherein A and B are independently straight chain or branched chain alkylene groups each having two carbon atoms in their main alkylene chain and R₁₂ is alkyl, aryl, or a deactivating substituent; R₁₀ is hydrogen, straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms, or R₈ and R₁₀ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having three or four carbon atoms in the main alkylene chain, with the proviso that when R₈ and R₁₀ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having three or four carbon atoms in the main alkylene chain, then R₉ is straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms; and R₁₁ is hydrogen or straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms. A curable composition according to Claim 1, wherein the isocyanate-functional material is an isocyanate-functional prepolymer based on an aromatic isocyanate. A curable composition according to Claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from: 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl 1-methylpipecolinate; 2-(1-methylpiperidyl)methyl 1-methylpipecolinate; 2-(1-piperidino)ethyl 1-piperidinoacetate; 2-(1-methylpiperidyl)methyl N,N-dimethylaminoacetate; 2-(1-morpholino)ethyl N,N-diethylaminoacetate; 2-(1-morpholino)ethyl alpha-(N-morpholino)propionate; 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl N,N-dimethylaminoacetate; 2-(1-pyrrolidino)ethyl 1-methylpipecolinate; 2-(1-piperidino)ethyl N,N-dimethylaminoacetate; 2-(1-piperidino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate; 2-(4-morpholino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate; 2-(N,N-diethylamino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate; 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate; and 2-(1-methylpiperidyl)methyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate. A catalysis method for catalyzing the cure of an isocyanate-functional material comprising forming a mixture of: a) an isocyanate-functional material, b) water, and c) a catalytically effective amount of a compound: (A) of the formula wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to about six carbon atoms, or R₁ and R₂ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having four or five carbons in the main alkylene chain, or R₁ and R₂ together form a group of the formula -A-O-B- or wherein A and B are independently straight chain or branched chain alkylene groups each having two carbon atoms in their main alkylene chain and R₅ is alkyl, aryl, or a deactivating substituent; R₃ is hydrogen or straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms, or R₁ and R₃ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having three or four carbon atoms in the main alkylene chain, with the proviso that when R₁ and R₃ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having three or four carbon atoms in the main alkylene chain, then R₂ is straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms; R₄ is hydrogen, straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms, R₆ and R₇ are independently straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to about six carbon atoms, or R₆ and R₇ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene or alkenylene group with four or five carbons in the main alkylene or alkenylene chain, or R₆ and R₇ together form a group of the formula -A-O-B- or wherein A, B and R₅ are as defined hereinabove, or R₄ and R₆ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having three or four carbon atoms in the main alkylene chain, with the proviso that when R₄ and R₆ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group with three or four carbon atoms in the main alkylene chain then R₇ is straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to about six carbon atoms; or (B) of the Formula wherein R₈ and R₉ are independently straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms, or R₈ and R₉ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having four or five carbons in the main alkylene chain, or R₈ and R₉ together form a group of the formula -A-O-B- or wherein A and B are independently straight chain or branched chain alkylene groups each having two carbon atoms in their main alkylene chain and R₁₂ is alkyl, aryl, or a deactivating substituent; R₁₀ is hydrogen, straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms, or R₈ and R₁₀ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having three or four carbon atoms in the main alkylene chain, with the proviso that when R₈ and R₁₀ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having three or four carbon atoms in the main alkylene chain, then R₉ is straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms; and R₁₁ is hydrogen or straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms. A method according to claim 4, wherein the isocyanate-functional material is an isocyanate-functional prepolymer based on an aromatic isocyanate. A method according to Claim 4, wherein the compound is selected from: 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl 1-methylpipecolinate; 2-(1-methylpiperidyl)methyl 1-methylpipecolinate; 2-(1-piperidino)ethyl 1-piperidinoacetate; 2-(1-methylpiperidyl)methyl N,N-dimethylaminoacetate; 2-(1-morpholino)ethyl N,N-diethylaminoacetate; 2-(1-morpholino)ethyl alpha-(N-morpholino)propionate; 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl N,N-dimethylaminoacetate; 2-(1-pyrrolidino)ethyl 1-methylpipecolinate; 2-(1-piperidino)ethyl N,N-dimethylaminoacetate; 2-(1-piperidino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate; 2-(4-morpholino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate; 2-(N,N-diethylamino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate; 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate; and 2-(1-methylpiperidyl)methyl 1-pyrrolidineacetate. An article comprising a flexible sheet material coated with a composition according to Claim 1. An article according to Claim 7 in the form of an orthopedic casting tape. A method of orthopedic casting comprising the steps of: (i) providing a flexible sheet material coated with a composition according to Claim 1; (ii) contacting the coated sheet material with water in order to initiate cure of the composition; and (iii) applying the coated sheet material to a body member of a subject. A compound of the formula wherein R₈ and R₉ are independently straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms, or R₈ and R₉ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having four or five carbons in the main alkylene chain, or R₈ and R₉ together form a group of the formula -A-O-B- or wherein A and B are independently straight chain or branched chain alkylene groups each having two carbon atoms in their main alkylene chain and R₁₂ is alkyl, aryl, or a deactivating substituent; R₁₀ is hydrogen, straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms, or R₈ and R₁₀ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having three or four carbon atoms in the main alkylene chain, with the proviso that when R₈ and R₁₀ together form a straight chain or branched chain alkylene group having three or four carbon atoms in the main alkylene chain, then R₉ is straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms; and R₁₁ is hydrogen or straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic alkyl of one to six carbon atoms.

Inventors: SCHERRER ROBERT A C O MINNESOT, SCHOLZ MATTHEW T C O MINNESOTA, SCHERRER, ROBERT A., C/O MINNESOTA MINING AND, SCHOLZ, MATTHEW T., C/O MINNESOTA MINING AND
Applicants: MINNESOTA MINING & MFG, MINNESOTA MINING AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Application year: 1992
Main classification: C08G18
IPC codes: C08J7, A61F13, C08G18, C07D295