Tricresyl Phosphate (TCP) is a colorless to pale yellow, viscous liquid organophosphate ester widely recognized as one of the most effective phosphate-based plasticizers and flame-retardant additives. TCP imparts excellent flame retardancy, good plasticizing efficiency, low volatility, and superior hydrolytic stability for PVC, polyurethane, cellulose nitrate, ethyl cellulose, and synthetic rubber applications.
Technical Specifications
| ITEMS | SPECIFICATIONS |
| Appearance | Colorless or light-yellow Liquid |
| Phosphorus Content | ≥8.3% |
| Acid Value | ≤0.1mgKOH/g |
| Free Phenol | ≤0.1% |
| Loss on Heat | ≤0.1% |
Packaging and Storage
- Net weight 200kgs galvanized iron drum, 16MT/FCL with pallets
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from strong oxidants and acids.
Advantages of Tricresyl Phosphate (TCP)
- Exceptional thermal and hydrolytic stability
- High plasticizing efficiency with good compatibility in PVC, cellulose nitrate, and various synthetic rubbers
- Excellent resistance to weathering, oil, and chemicals
- Low volatility and high thermal stability (decomposition >300°C)
Primary Applications of Tricresyl Phosphate (TCP)
- PVC flexible cables and wire & cable insulation (especially for 90–105°C rated products)
- Conveyor belts, flooring, roofing membranes, and tarpaulins
- Anti-foaming agent in hydraulic fluids and extreme-pressure lubricants
- Flame-retardant plasticizer in cellulosic resins and vinyl coatings
- Synthetic rubber and nitrocellulose formulations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is TCP still used in aviation hydraulic fluids?
A: While TCP was formerly used in aircraft hydraulic fluids (e.g., Skydrol competitor), most modern aviation fluids have transitioned to tributyl phosphate (TBP) or other safer phosphate esters. Industrial-grade TCP remains widely used in non-aviation applications.
Q: Can TCP be used in food-contact applications?
A: No. TCP is not FDA or EU 10/2011 approved for food contact materials.
Q: Is TCP biodegradable?
A: TCP exhibits low biodegradability but is readily eliminated in properly operated biological wastewater treatment plants.
Q: Are there halogen-free alternatives to TCP?
A: Yes. For applications requiring halogen-free flame retardancy, consider aryl phosphates (e.g., RDP, BDP) or non-phosphate alternatives such as aluminum diethyl phosphinate.
Q: Does TCP contain phthalates?
A: No. TCP is a phosphate ester plasticizer and is completely phthalate-free.
Related Products
| Product Name | CAS No. | Key Applications | Link / Quick View |
| Tris(2-Ethylhexyl) Phosphate (TOP) | 78-42-2 | Effective flame-retardant and low-temperature plasticizers for PVC, cellulose derivatives, and synthetic rubbers. | View Product → |
| Trioctyl Trimellitate (TOTM) | 3319-31-1 | Premium, high-molecular-weight, heat-resistant, and low-volatility primary plasticizer | View Product → |
| Diisononyl Phthalate (DINP) | 28553-12-0 | High-molecular-weight, general-purpose, non-phthalate-alternative phthalate plasticizer | View Product → |
| Diisodecyl Phthalate (DPHP) | 26761-40-0 | High-molecular-weight, branched general-purpose phthalate plasticizer | View Product → |
| Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP) | 117-84-0 | The most widely used general-purpose plasticizer for PVC worldwide | View Product → |
| Dioctyl Adipate (DOA) | 123-79-5 | A typical, highly efficient, primary cold-resistant plasticizer with excellent low-temperature flexibility, good heat stability, and superior resistance to weathering and UV light. | View Product → |
| Dioctyl Terephthalate (DOTP) | 6422-86-2 | High-performance, general-purpose, non-phthalate plasticizer widely recognized as one of the safest and most environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional phthalate plasticizers. | View Product → |
| Acetyl Tributyl Citrate (ATBC) | 77-90-7 | ATBC serves as an eco-friendly and non-toxic alternative to traditional phthalate-based plasticizers. It is approved for use in food-contact materials, medical devices, and children’s products. | View Product → |
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