Triisopropanolamine (TIPA) Product Profile

Product Description

Triisopropanolamine (TIPA) is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₉H₂₁NO₃, which belongs to the class of alcohol amines. It consists of isopropanolamine groups and is a colourless to light yellow transparent liquid with a slight ammonia odour at room temperature.TIPA has excellent chemical stability and multifunctionality, and is widely used in building materials, chemical industry, paints, personal care and other fields. Its CAS number is 122-20-3, and it can be prepared by the catalytic reaction of isopropanol and ammonia.

Triisopropanolamine-(TIPA)-Product-Profile

Product Features

  • Efficient Neutralisation and Chelation
    TIPA molecule contains three hydroxyl and amine groups, which can form stable chelates with various metal ions (e.g. Fe³⁺, Ca²⁺), effectively inhibiting the formation of precipitates and enhancing the performance of the product.
  • Low volatility and high boiling point
    Compared with monoethanolamine (MEA) or triethanolamine (TEA), TIPA has lower volatility (boiling point around 305°C), is more stable at high temperatures or in confined environments, and reduces volatilisation losses.
  • Environmental protection and safety
    TIPA has good biodegradability and low skin irritation, which meets the requirements of modern industry for environmental protection and safety.
  • Multi-functional synergies
    combines alkalinity, dispersibility and corrosion inhibition to optimise several process steps at the same time, e.g. grinding aid and strength enhancement in cement.
  • Wide compatibility
    is miscible with a wide range of solvents such as water, alcohols, ethers and other solvents, which is suitable for the development of different formulation systems.

Main areas of application

  1. Construction Materials Industry
    Cement grinding aids: as a core ingredient, TIPA reduces grinding energy consumption by 10-20%, while increasing the early and late strength of cement (compressive strength increase by 5-15%).
    Concrete admixtures: Optimises hydration reaction by chelating calcium ions, extending setting time and improving durability.
  2. Chemical & Coatings Industry
    Metal working fluids: protects metal surfaces from corrosion by acting as a corrosion inhibitor and pH regulator.
    Aqueous coatings: Improve pigment dispersion, enhance coating adhesion and gloss.
  3. Personal Care
    Emulsifiers & Stabilisers: Used in emulsion cosmetics (e.g. face creams, sunscreens) to enhance system stability.
    pH adjusters: mildly adjust the acidity and alkalinity of formulations to reduce irritation to sensitive skin.
  4. Other fields
    Gas treatment: Used as desulphurising agent to absorb acidic gases (e.g. CO₂, H₂S).
    Rubber additives: promote vulcanisation reaction, improve the elasticity and anti-aging properties of rubber products.

Recommendations for use and storage

  1. Recommended additive amount: according to different application areas, the additive amount is usually 0.1%-2.0% (specific need to be optimised by experiment).
  2. Storage conditions: stored in a cool and dry place, avoid contact with strong oxidants, shelf life of 24 months.
  3. Safety Protection: Wear goggles and gloves during operation, rinse with water if in contact with skin.

Concluding remarks

Triisopropanolamine (TIPA) has become an indispensable ‘invisible helper’ in modern industry due to its unique versatility and environmental adaptability. Whether it is to promote the green transformation of the building materials industry or to enhance the user experience of daily chemical products, TIPA has demonstrated its outstanding value. With the further development of the technology, its application potential will be further unleashed to provide innovative solutions for more fields.

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