At a glance

Item Detail
Name Trixylyl phosphate (trixylenyl phosphate, TXP)
CAS No. 25155-23-1
Formula / MW C₂₄H₂₇O₄P / approx. 410.45 g/mol
Class Aromatic phosphate-ester flame retardant / plasticizer
Appearance Colorless viscous liquid
Main uses PVC & rubber plasticizer, non-halogen flame retardant, lubricant additive

Material overview

Trixylyl phosphate (TXP) is an aromatic phosphate ester of phosphoric acid with three xylenol (dimethylphenol) molecules. As a halogen-free organophosphorus compound, it is classified as a multifunctional additive that imparts both flame retardancy and plasticity.

  • Properties — density approx. 1.14–1.17 g/cm³, boiling point above 300 °C, pour point −19.9 °C, flash point 232 °C. Nearly insoluble in water (approx. 20 μg/L at 20 °C), giving good compatibility with hydrophobic matrices.
  • Manufacturing — esterification of phosphorus oxychloride (POCl₃) with xylenol over a catalyst. The isomer ratio of the xylenol feedstock causes viscosity and color variation, so grade control matters.
  • Mechanism — during combustion, phosphate radicals form a char layer in the condensed phase that blocks oxygen and heat transfer, while the molecule itself acts as a liquid plasticizer increasing polymer chain flexibility.

TXP is hygroscopic; sealed storage under an inert atmosphere is recommended for long-term keeping.

Applications by industry

  1. PVC products — plasticizer-cum-flame-retardant for conveyor belts, artificial leather, and flooring. Low volatility and water resistance suit long-life products.
  2. Rubber compounds — improves processability of natural and synthetic rubber; used in industrial parts requiring heat and oil resistance.
  3. Lubricant & hydraulic-fluid additive — fire-resistant, anti-wear additive for steam-turbine oils and greases; tied to demand for fire-resistant hydraulic fluids in aviation, heavy machinery, and power generation.
  4. Electrical & wire insulation — increasingly adopted as a halogen-free flame-retardant solution in construction and wire & cable under tightening fire-safety codes.

Storage & handling

Industrial bulk typically ships in 200 kg net galvanized steel drums. Store sealed in a dry, cool, well-ventilated warehouse; inert-atmosphere storage is recommended due to hygroscopicity. Keep away from direct sunlight and below the flash point (232 °C). With a pour point of −19.9 °C it stays fluid at low temperatures, but check viscosity after prolonged cold exposure.

Market outlook

  • Size — from approx. US$69.4 million in 2025 to US$72.66 million in 2026, expanding to US$95.99 million by 2034 at a 4.7% CAGR.
  • Parent markets — flame-retardant phosphate esters are projected to grow from US$4.1 billion in 2026 to US$6.1 billion by 2036 (4.1% CAGR); the overall phosphate-ester market from US$3.86 billion in 2026 to US$5.85 billion by 2032 (6.9% CAGR).
  • Drivers — tightening fire-safety regulation in construction, wire & cable, and electronics is pulling halogen-free substitution, while fire-resistant hydraulic fluids for aviation and heavy equipment provide a stable demand floor.
  • Price direction — tracks xylenol and POCl₃ feedstock prices; as non-halogen regulation persists, demand for low-color, high-purity premium grades should gradually rise.

Note for procurement teams

Grade selection

Grade Traits Recommended use
Standard plasticizer Price-competitive, standard color PVC conveyor belts, flooring
Low-color / high-purity Low APHA color Electrical & electronic parts, white products
Lubricant-additive grade Controlled acid value & viscosity Hydraulic fluid & turbine-oil additive

COA checklist — phosphorus (P) content and acid value, color (APHA) and moisture, viscosity and density, hydrolytic stability.

Practical tips — as a feedstock-linked item, spell out price-adjustment clauses in contracts. Request REACH/RoHS non-halogen compliance documents up front, validate plasticizing/flame-retardant performance with a small sample, then scale to drum-level orders to bring unit cost down.

Even for items not in our catalog, send TKNCO a product name or CAS number and we will confirm sourcing feasibility and supply terms within 48 hours.

This brief summarizes the public sources below for general information and does not guarantee contract prices at any given time.

References