Dibutyl phosphate (DBP)

Dibutyl phosphate is a strong acid, that is soluble in all common organic solvents such as aliphatic, aromatic, and chlorinated hydrocarbons, as well as in alcohols.

The main usages are as follows；

• Plasticizer

Dibutyl phosphate is commonly used as a plasticizer in the production of plastics and rubber goods, enhancing their flexibility and stretchability. It improves the flowability and processability of materials during manufacturing, providing a similar performance to TBEP.

• Solvent

Dibutyl phosphate serves as an organic solvent and finds applications in the manufacturing processes of inks, adhesives, coatings, and cleaning agents.

• Extractant

Dibutyl phosphate is utilized as an extractant for rare earth elements, especially in the separation and purification of metals like uranium and thorium. It effectively extracts uranium from ores and solutions, catering to the uranium mining and nuclear fuel production industries.

• Flame retardant

Dibutyl phosphate acts as a flame-retardant additive in plastics, coatings, and textiles. It helps to reduce flammability and enhance the fire resistance properties of these materials.

However, it is important to note that the use of dibutyl phosphate is subject to certain restrictions and regulations due to potential health and environmental risks.

• Storage

For proper storage, dibutyl phosphate should be kept in its original sealed container, ensuring a shelf life of at least 24 months. Suitable materials for storage include stainless steel, glass, and plastics like polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It is important to AVOID using ordinary steel containers as they can react with DBP, leading to the generation of hydrogen gas and posing an explosion hazard.