Tributyl Phosphate (TBP)

Tributyl phosphate (TBP) is a solvent with high boiling point and ester characteristics, with wide applications in industries such as defoamers and rare earth element extraction agents. As a well-known neutral organic phosphorus extraction agent, valued for its exceptional extraction performance and low acidity during back-extraction. In the extraction process, the phosphoric acid groups of the extracting agent form coordination complexes with rare earth elements, facilitating their separation and enrichment from rare earth leachate.

Here are specific examples of TBP’s applications in various industries:

• Rare Earth Elements Extractant

TBP is employed as an extractant for metal chelation and the extraction of rare earth elements. It can extract cobalt, iridium, manganese, molybdenum, palladium, rhodium, nickel, uranium, and tungsten. Currently, it is widely used for the extraction of wet-process phosphoric acid purification and as an extractant for lithium metal extraction.

• Aviation Hydraulic Fluid

TBP is employed as a heat exchange medium, pressure-resistant agent, and anti-wear agent in lubricating oils. It is used as an aircraft hydraulic fluid, such as the Skydrol series from Eastman.

• Defoamer

Tributyl phosphate possesses low surface tension and is soluble in organic solvents but insoluble in water, making it suitable for defoaming applications across various industrial fields. In the dyeing printing, and coatings industries, it maintains the aesthetic appearance of products without causing craters or affecting the system. In the petroleum and metal processing manufacturing industries, it avoids the occurrence of silica stains or creaming, ensuring the quality of the products.

• Plasticizer

TBP is utilized as a primary plasticizer for nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate, chlorinated rubber, and polyvinyl chloride.

• Solvent

TBP serves as a solvent for gas chromatography, nitrocellulose, ethyl cellulose, coatings, inks, and adhesives.

• Polymerization Inhibitor

It exhibits excellent inhibitory effects on acrylic esters, methyl methacrylate, acrylic acid, acrylonitrile, styrene, and butadiene. Its inhibitory performance surpasses that of phenols.

• Storage

TBP should be sealed and kept in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. It should be protected from moisture, water, ignition sources, and heat. Common packaging options include galvanized drums, each weighing 200kg net, or square IBC packages weighing 1000kg.