Tris(2-ethylhexyl) Phosphate (TOP) is a colorless, odorless, high-boiling organophosphate ester widely recognized as one of the most effective flame-retardant and low-temperature plasticizers for PVC, cellulose derivatives, and synthetic rubbers. TOP combines excellent plasticizing efficiency with strong flame-retardant properties (phosphorus-based) and outstanding cold flexibility performance, making it ideal for applications requiring both fire safety and pliability in extreme environments.
TOP is non-halogenated, low-smoke, and exhibits extremely low volatility and migration.
Technical Specifications
| ITEMS | SPECIFICATIONS |
| Appearance | Transparent, oily liquid with no visible impurities |
| Content (GC) | ≥99.0% |
| Dioctyl phosphate content (GC) | ≤0.2% |
| Octanol content (GC) | ≤0.15% |
| Surface tension,mN/m (20-25℃) | ≥18 |
| Acid value, mgKOH/g | ≤0.2 |
| Colourity (Pt-Co) | ≤30 |
| Density, g/mL | 0.921-0.927 |
| Water content | ≤0.2% |
| Viscosity (cp)25℃mm2/s | ≤20 |
Packaging and Storage
- Net weight 180kg iron drum or 1000kg IBC drum.
- Stored at dry, shady, ventilated place. Prevented from collision and sunrays, rain-attack during handling and shipping.
Key Advantages of Tris(2-ethylhexyl) Phosphate (TOP)
- Strong flame-retardant performance (LOI increase up to 28–32% in flexible PVC)
- Excellent low-temperature flexibility (down to -70°C)
- Very low volatility and migration resistance
- Good hydrolysis stability and electrical insulation properties
- Compatible with PVC, PVAc, nitrocellulose, ethyl cellulose, PMMA, and most synthetic rubbers
- Low smoke generation compared to halogenated systems
- Non-toxic profile suitable for many regulated applications
Primary Applications of Tris(2-ethylhexyl) Phosphate (TOP)
- Flame-retardant flexible PVC cables and wire insulation (UL 90°C, 105°C, low-smoke zero-halogen compounds)
- Anti-static and flame-retardant conveyor belts
- PVC leather cloth and tarpaulins
- Cellulose acetate films and sheets
- Vinyl flooring and wall coverings
- Hydraulic fluids and lubricants (anti-wear additive)
- Extraction solvent in nuclear and pharmaceutical industries
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is TOP a flame retardant or just a plasticizer?
TOP is both. It acts as a highly efficient primary plasticizer while simultaneously providing strong phosphorus-based flame retardancy and smoke suppression.
How does TOP compare with other phosphate plasticizers like TPP, TCPP, or TCEP?
TOP has significantly better low-temperature performance (-70°C vs -20°C to -40°C for most others), much lower volatility, and superior hydrolysis resistance, making it preferred for outdoor and long-life applications.
Is TOP considered phthalate-free?
Yes, TOP is completely phthalate-free and is often used as a safer alternative to DOP/DEHP in flame-retardant formulations.
Can TOP be used in food-contact applications?
Standard TOP is not approved for direct food contact. For food-contact requirements, alternative plasticizers such as DOA or ATBC should be considered.
Where can I buy high-quality Tris(2-ethylhexyl) Phosphate (TOP)?
You can contact us via email [email protected] for offers and bulk orders.