Its compatibility with aqueous and semi-aqueous systems, low colour contribution, and excellent defoaming efficacy in alkaline cement environments make it the preferred defoamer for concrete admixture producers, ready-mix concrete plants, and industrial fluid formulators across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.
Technical specifications
| PARAMETER | SPECIFICATION | TEST METHOD |
|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 126-71-6 | — |
| Chemical Name | Tri-Isobutyl Phosphate (TIBP) | — |
| Appearance | Clear colourless to pale yellow liquid | Visual |
| Purity | ≥ 98.0 % | GC |
| Density @ 20°C | 0.964 – 0.968 g/cm³ | ASTM D4052 |
| Viscosity @ 25°C | 3.5 – 5.0 mPa·s | ASTM D445 |
| Flash Point | 108°C | ASTM D93 |
| Boiling Point | 264°C | — |
| Water Solubility | Slightly soluble (0.35 g/100mL @ 20°C) | — |
| Refractive Index @ 20°C | 1.412 – 1.415 | — |
| Shelf Life | 24 months sealed | — |
| HS Code | 2919.90 |
Applications
- Concrete Admixture Formulations — TIBP is the standard defoamer in PCE and PNS superplasticiser formulations across GCC concrete admixture producers — prevents foam generation during admixture production, packaging, and dosing that would otherwise introduce unwanted air into concrete.
- Ready-Mix Concrete — Foam Control — Prevents excessive air entrainment in ready-mix concrete when SLS-containing additions or foamy aggregates are present — maintains designed air content within ±1% of target.
- Industrial Process Fluids — Effective defoamer in water treatment chemicals, textile processing fluids, and agricultural spray formulations across GCC industrial operations.
- Cement & Concrete Admixture Compatibility — Unlike silicone defoamers that can interfere with cement hydration and admixture performance at overdose, TIBP is highly compatible with all standard concrete admixture chemistry including PCE, PNS, lignosulphonate, and AEA systems.
- Fermentation & Food Processing — TIBP is used as a defoamer in food-grade fermentation processes — relevant to Saudi Arabia and UAE food and beverage manufacturing operations.
Key properties
- Excellent defoaming in alkaline cement environments (pH 11–13)
- No silicone — no risk of silicone incompatibility with admixtures or cement
- Low viscosity — easy dosing at low addition levels
- Compatible with all standard PCE, PNS, and lignosulphonate admixture chemistries
- Slightly water-soluble — effective in both aqueous and semi-aqueous systems
- Flash point 108°C — standard flammable liquid precautions
- Effective at very low addition levels (0.01–0.1% on admixture weight)
- Does not affect concrete set time or compressive strength at recommended levels
Usage and recommendations
In concrete admixture formulations: add TIBP at 0.05–0.3% by weight of admixture solution to control foam during production and handling. In ready-mix concrete direct application: use at 0.001–0.005% by weight of cement (as part of admixture blend). Do not overdose — excess TIBP can reduce admixture effectiveness. For foam concrete applications (where foam is intentionally generated with SLS), TIBP is not used — it would destroy the intentional foam. Contact Raykem for TIBP application support specific to your admixture formulation or process.
Packaging
- 25 kg PE Jerry Cans
- 200 kg Steel Drums
- IBC on request
Storage and shelf life
Store in sealed drums at 5–40°C away from ignition sources. Flash point 108°C — flammable liquid precautions. Shelf life: 24 months.