Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP) is a chemical compound whose widespread use in the manufacturing industry stems from a well-defined set of physical and chemical properties. For professionals working with plastics, coatings, and other polymer-based products, a thorough understanding of these technical specifications is crucial for optimal product development and quality control. This article provides an overview of DOP's key characteristics and different available grades.

Physical and Chemical Properties of DOP

To effectively utilize Dioctyl Phthalate technical specifications, one must first grasp its fundamental properties:

  • Appearance: Typically described as a transparent, colorless to slightly colored, oily liquid. This visual characteristic is often a primary indicator of purity and quality.
  • Odor: Possesses a mild, characteristic scent.
  • Purity: High purity levels, generally 99.5% or higher, are standard for most industrial applications, ensuring consistent performance and predictable outcomes.
  • Density: The specific gravity is approximately 0.983-0.985 g/cm³ at 20°C, a factor influencing its mixing behavior with other components.
  • Boiling Point: A high boiling point, around 384°C, signifies low volatility, meaning it is less likely to evaporate during processing or use, thus remaining effective within the material.
  • Flash Point: Typically in the range of 190-195°C, indicating its relative safety in handling and storage regarding flammability.
  • Solubility: Soluble in oils and organic solvents but generally insoluble in water.

These properties collectively contribute to DOP's efficacy as a plasticizer, allowing it to integrate smoothly into polymer matrices and provide lasting flexibility.

Different Grades of Dioctyl Phthalate

The versatility of DOP is further highlighted by its availability in various grades, each tailored for specific application requirements:

  • General Grade DOP: This is the most common grade, widely used across plastic, rubber, paint, and emulsifier industries. It’s suitable for a broad range of PVC products including leatheroid, agricultural films, packaging, and cables.
  • Electrical Grade DOP: Characterized by excellent electrical insulating properties, this grade is specifically designed for the production of wires and cables where electrical safety and performance are paramount.
  • Food Grade DOP: Used in the manufacture of food packaging materials, this grade adheres to stricter purity and safety standards to ensure it does not contaminate foodstuffs.
  • Medical Grade DOP: Formulated for medical and sanitary products, this grade undergoes rigorous testing and quality control to meet the demanding safety and performance criteria of the healthcare industry.

Each grade is subject to specific technical indexes regarding color, acidity, water content, and refractive index, ensuring they meet the stringent requirements of their intended applications. For manufacturers, selecting the appropriate grade of DOP is essential for achieving desired product performance and regulatory compliance.

The Role of DOP in Material Science

The fundamental principle behind the uses of Dioctyl Phthalate in plastic applications is its ability to reduce the glass transition temperature of polymers. By inserting itself between polymer chains, DOP increases their mobility, thereby lowering the temperature at which the polymer transitions from a rigid, glassy state to a softer, more flexible state. This makes it easier to process the material and improves the flexibility of the final product, especially at lower temperatures.

NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. is a reliable source for high-quality Dioctyl Phthalate, offering various grades to meet the precise technical demands of your manufacturing processes. Understanding these Dioctyl Phthalate technical specifications empowers you to make informed decisions for your product development.