Tricresyl Phosphate (TCP) is an aromatic, viscous, colorless-to-yellow phosphate ester. It is widely used as a plasticizer, flame retardant, lubricant additive, hydraulic fluid component, and anti-corrosion agent.
TCP is valued for its high thermal stability, low volatility, and strong chemical resistance.
🔧 What Is TCP Used For?
✔ 1. Plasticizer
TCP provides plastics with:
Flexibility
Durability
Softness
Heat and chemical resistance
It is commonly used in PVC, nitrocellulose, and phenolic resin systems.
✔ 2. Flame Retardant
Because of its phosphate structure, TCP:
Reduces heat release during burning
Slows flame spread
Lowers smoke generation
Thus, it serves as a flame-retardant additive in certain polymers.
✔ 3. Lubricant Additive
In synthetic lubricants, TCP acts as:
Anti-wear agent
Oxidation inhibitor
Corrosion inhibitor
It is a critical additive in aviation turbine oils.
✔ 4. Hydraulic Fluid Component
TCP is used in high-temperature resistant:
Hydraulic fluids
Compressor oils
Turbine oils
due to its excellent stability.
✔ 5. Coatings & Paint Applications
In coatings, TCP improves:
Flexibility
Hardness balance
Chemical resistance
Gloss and durability
🎯 Purposes of TCP
To increase flexibility in PVC and rubber
To enhance performance in high-temperature lubricants
To provide flame retardancy and heat resistance
To improve chemical durability in coatings
To enhance thermal stability in hydraulic and turbine fluids
To prevent oxidation and corrosion
🏭 Industries That Use TCP
Plastic & PVC manufacturing
Lubricant additives (aviation, turbine oils)
Hydraulic and industrial oils
Paints & coatings
Rubber and elastomer production
Chemical processing
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