Di-n-butyl Phosphate

Description

Di-n-butyl Phosphate is a colorless to light yello w clear oil y liquid. It is not soluble in water, but readily soluble inorganic solvents such as esters, alcohols and ethers, etc. It possesses excellent extreme pressure antiwear performance.

Applications

It is widely used for blending gear oils. It is also used as gasoline additives and combustion inhibitors.

Reference Dosage

The recommended dosage is from 0.3% to 1%.

• We conduct real-world industrial lubricant performance tests, ensuring optimal performance in high-load, high-temperature, and extreme pressure applications.
• Industrial application testing includes:
  ✅ Hydraulic Pump Wear Test – Evaluates wear protection for hydraulic fluids in heavy machinery.
  ✅ Turbine Oil Oxidation Stability Test – Measures oxidation resistance in steam and gas turbine lubricants.
  ✅ Grease Dropping Point & Cone Penetration Tests – Determines high-temperature stability and consistency.
  ✅ Bearing Corrosion & Water Washout Testing – Assesses grease performance in wet conditions.
  ✅ Rolling Element Bearing Test (FE-8/FE-9) – Simulates bearing wear in industrial applications.

Di-n-butyl Phosphate (also known as n-Butyl Phosphate, DBP, or DNBP) is an organic chemical compound with the formula C₈H₁₉O₄P. It is a phosphate ester that is commonly used in various industrial applications, including as a lubricant additive, plasticizer, fire retardant, and extractant in the chemical industry.

Key Characteristics of Di-n-butyl Phosphate:

1. Chemical Structure:
   • Di-n-butyl phosphate is an ester of phosphoric acid and butanol (a primary alcohol).
   • It consists of two butyl groups (C₄H₉) attached to a phosphate (PO₄) group.
2. Physical Properties:
   • Appearance: It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid.
   • Boiling Point: Approximately 175°C to 190°C.
   • Solubility: Slightly soluble in water but highly soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, and most oils.
   • Density: Around 0.95 to 1.0 g/cm³ at 20°C.
3. Reactivity:
   • It is chemically stable but can hydrolyze in the presence of water over time, especially under acidic or basic conditions, releasing alcohol and phosphoric acid.

Applications of Di-n-butyl Phosphate:

1. Lubricant Additive:
   • Anti-Wear and Extreme Pressure Agent: Di-n-butyl phosphate is used as an anti-wear additive in lubricants, particularly in high-temperature and high-pressure environments. It forms a protective layer on metal surfaces to reduce friction and wear.
   • Improves Lubricity: In industrial lubricants and hydraulic fluids, it improves lubrication properties by reducing friction and wear, particularly in systems that involve heavy-duty operation.
2. Plasticizer:
   • It is sometimes used as a plasticizer in the production of flexible plastics, helping to enhance their flexibility and reduce brittleness, especially in PVC-based products.
3. Fire Retardant:
   • Di-n-butyl phosphate is employed as a flame retardant in various applications, particularly in materials that are exposed to high heat or fire risks.
4. Extraction Agent:
   • Metal Extraction: It is used in the extraction of metals, such as uranium, thorium, and other heavy metals, from aqueous solutions. This is done by forming complex organophosphorus compounds with metal ions.
   • Solvent Extraction: Di-n-butyl phosphate is used in solvent extraction processes in the chemical industry to separate specific metals from ores.
5. Hydraulic Fluids and Other Industrial Fluids:
   • It can be found in hydraulic fluids, lubricants, and other industrial fluids due to its ability to provide lubrication and corrosion protection under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions.
6. Dispersing Agent:
   • It may be used in some industrial applications as a dispersing agent, particularly in systems where a stable suspension or emulsion is needed, such as in paints or coatings.

Benefits of Di-n-butyl Phosphate:

1. Enhanced Lubricity:
   • As an additive, DBP improves the lubricity of oils, reducing wear and extending the life of machinery.
2. Corrosion Resistance:
   • The compound provides corrosion protection to metal surfaces, helping to prevent rust or damage caused by moisture or aggressive operating conditions.
3. Thermal Stability:
   • It helps maintain stability in high-temperature environments, ensuring that lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and oils maintain their effectiveness even under stress.
4. Fire Resistance:
   • Di-n-butyl phosphate is useful in applications where fire resistance is critical, as it helps reduce flammability in lubricants and hydraulic fluids.

Considerations:

1. Toxicity and Environmental Impact:
   • Di-n-butyl phosphate can be toxic if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. It can also be harmful to aquatic life if released into water bodies. Proper handling and disposal procedures should be followed.
   • It is important to consider regulatory guidelines for the use and disposal of this chemical, especially in regions with strict environmental standards.
2. Hydrolysis in Water:
   • Di-n-butyl phosphate can hydrolyze in the presence of water, releasing phosphoric acid and butanol. This may affect its performance in aqueous environments, so care must be taken in applications where water contamination is a concern.
3. Compatibility with Other Chemicals:
   • It is important to test the compatibility of Di-n-butyl phosphate with other additives or chemicals used in the system to avoid undesirable reactions or performance degradation.

Conclusion:

Di-n-butyl phosphate is a versatile and useful compound that plays a significant role in improving the performance of lubricants, hydraulic fluids, plasticizers, and fire-resistant fluids. Its ability to provide anti-wear, corrosion protection, and fire resistance makes it valuable in high-performance applications across various industries. However, due to its toxicity and potential environmental impacts, proper handling and usage guidelines should be followed to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.