Top 6 High-Performance Phosphate Esters for Extraction and Coatings

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In industrial chemistry, few compounds are as multifunctional and dependable as phosphate esters — the quiet workhorses behind efficient metal extraction and durable coatings.

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The top six high-performance phosphate esters used in extraction and coatings are P204, TBP, TOP, TEP, NP-10, and AEO-3, each engineered for a specific balance of solubility, stability, and surface activity to enhance process efficiency and product performance.

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From hydrometallurgy to waterborne paints, phosphate esters deliver crucial functions — acting as extractants, wetting agents, dispersants, and corrosion inhibitors. This article explains how each of these six esters works, why they are vital to extraction and coating systems, and how Donghong Chemical leads their production.

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1. 2-Ethylhexyl Phosphate (P204)

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When it comes to metal extraction, P204 is the industry’s gold standard.

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Known chemically as bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate, P204 is a strong acidic phosphate ester widely used in rare earth, nickel, copper, and cobalt extraction processes.

Key Specifications:

• Purity: ≥98%
• Acid Value: 140–150 mgKOH/g
• pH (5% sol.): 1–3
• Color: ≤40 APHA
• Solubility: Miscible with organic solvents, insoluble in water

Applications:

• Hydrometallurgy: Extracts and separates rare and non-ferrous metals.
• Coatings: Improves adhesion and corrosion resistance on metal substrates.
• Lubricants: Acts as an anti-wear and antioxidant additive.

Why It’s High-Performance:
P204 offers exceptional selectivity for metal ions while forming stable phosphate–metal complexes. In coatings, it enhances bonding between organic resins and metal surfaces.

Donghong Chemical’s P204 is produced under controlled esterification, ensuring low impurities and consistent acidity for efficient extraction and coating applications.

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2. Tributyl Phosphate (TBP)

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For over half a century, Tributyl Phosphate (TBP) has been the workhorse extractant in the chemical and nuclear industries.

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TBP is a neutral triester that acts as both a solvent and complexing agent, valued for its thermal stability and low volatility.

Key Specifications:

• Purity: ≥99%
• Boiling Point: 289°C
• Acid Value: ≤0.1 mgKOH/g
• Color: ≤30 APHA

Applications:

• Extraction: Solvent for uranium, thorium, and rare earths.
• Coatings: Used as a leveling agent and coalescent in alkyd and epoxy systems.
• Plasticizers: Improves flexibility in polymer films.

Why It’s High-Performance:
TBP combines excellent solvency, low reactivity, and high thermal resistance, making it indispensable for extraction and as a coalescent in high-gloss coatings.

Donghong Chemical’s TBP offers water content ≤0.1% and odor-free grade, ideal for high-purity extraction systems and solvent-based paints.

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3. Trioctyl Phosphate (TOP)

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For high-temperature and heavy-duty systems, Trioctyl Phosphate (TOP) delivers unmatched stability.

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TOP is a hydrophobic, high-boiling triester used as a flame retardant, plasticizer, and lubricant additive.

Key Specifications:

• Purity: ≥99%
• Flash Point: ≥190°C
• Density: 0.92–0.94 g/cm³
• Color: ≤30 APHA

Applications:

• Coatings: Provides flexibility and high-temperature resistance.
• Extraction: Used for heavy metal separation in acidic conditions.
• Plastics: Enhances mechanical strength and flame retardancy.

Why It’s High-Performance:
TOP maintains structural stability even under strong acidic and thermal conditions, making it suitable for long-cycle extraction systems and heat-resistant coatings.

Donghong Chemical’s TOP is manufactured with a closed-loop esterification system, ensuring low VOC emissions and consistent film-forming performance in coatings.

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4. Triethyl Phosphate (TEP)

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As industries move toward safer, halogen-free additives, Triethyl Phosphate (TEP) has become the go-to eco-friendly choice.

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TEP is a low-viscosity, colorless, non-halogenated phosphate ester used in flame retardant, catalytic, and coating applications.

Key Specifications:

• Purity: ≥99%
• Boiling Point: 215–220°C
• Acid Value: ≤0.3 mgKOH/g
• Color: ≤20 APHA

Applications:

• Extraction: Solvent and carrier for metal ion separation.
• Coatings: Flame retardant and plasticizer for PU, acrylic, and epoxy systems.
• Catalyst: Used in polymer synthesis and curing reactions.

Why It’s High-Performance:
TEP’s low toxicity, non-corrosive nature, and excellent flame-retardant properties make it ideal for both coating systems and environmentally responsible extraction operations.

Donghong Chemical’s TEP meets REACH and RoHS standards, ensuring full compliance for global markets.

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5. Nonylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether Phosphate (NP-10)

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For coating manufacturers looking for high-efficiency dispersion and wetting, NP-10 Phosphate Ester is a must-have additive.

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NP-10 is an amphiphilic phosphate ester surfactant, combining strong wetting and dispersing abilities with low foaming and excellent compatibility in coating systems.

Key Specifications:

• Purity: ≥99%
• Acid Value: 80–120 mgKOH/g
• pH (5% sol.): 1–2
• Solubility: Water-soluble

Applications:

• Coatings: Pigment dispersant, wetting agent, and leveling aid.
• Extraction: Improves phase separation and surface tension control.
• Textiles: Used in dyeing and finishing auxiliaries.

Why It’s High-Performance:
NP-10 offers strong interfacial activity and is highly compatible with both anionic and nonionic systems. It provides clean, stable emulsions and smooth film finishes in coatings.

Donghong Chemical’s NP-10 is manufactured with acid value control (±5 mgKOH/g) to ensure perfect reproducibility in paint formulations.

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6. Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether (3) Phosphate (AEO-3)

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When balancing surface activity and environmental safety, AEO-3 Phosphate Ester sets the industry standard.

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AEO-3 is an anionic surfactant-type phosphate ester known for its excellent wetting, emulsifying, and anti-corrosion performance in coatings, textiles, and cleaning systems.

Key Specifications:

• Purity: ≥99%
• Acid Value: 80–120 mgKOH/g
• pH (5% sol.): 1–2
• Biodegradability: ≥90%

Applications:

• Coatings: Wetting, dispersing, and anti-foaming additive.
• Metal Extraction: Emulsion stabilizer in aqueous-organic extraction systems.
• Textiles: Penetrant and leveling agent for dyeing.

Why It’s High-Performance:
AEO-3 combines fast wetting, low foaming, and chemical stability, making it perfect for waterborne coatings and eco-friendly formulations. Its biodegradability ensures minimal environmental impact.

Donghong Chemical’s AEO-3 is globally recognized for consistent purity, low odor, and stable viscosity, suitable for green industrial applications.

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Dive Deeper: Comparative Overview of the Six Phosphate Esters

Product	Type	Purity (%)	Primary Function	Application Focus
P204	Acidic Monoester	≥98	Metal extractant, adhesion promoter	Hydrometallurgy, coatings
TBP	Neutral Triester	≥99	Solvent, coalescent	Extraction, resin blending
TOP	Neutral Triester	≥99	Flame retardant, stabilizer	Heat-resistant coatings
TEP	Neutral Triester	≥99	Flame retardant, catalyst	PU, acrylic coatings
NP-10	Amphiphilic Diester	≥99	Dispersant, wetting agent	Pigment dispersion, emulsions
AEO-3	Anionic Diester	≥99	Wetting, emulsifying	Waterborne coatings, cleaning

Key Takeaway:
The right phosphate ester depends on your end use — acidic esters (P204) excel in extraction, while neutral and amphiphilic esters (NP-10, AEO-3) deliver superior coating performance.

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Why Choose Donghong Chemical for High-Performance Phosphate Esters

Donghong Chemical (Guangdong, China) is a specialized manufacturer of phosphate esters, surfactants, and coating additives, serving global markets across metallurgy, coatings, and textiles.

Core Advantages:

• 20,000-ton annual capacity with advanced esterification systems.
• High-purity (≥99%) production and low acid residue.
• ISO9001 & ISO14001 certified facilities.
• REACH, RoHS, and OEKO-TEX compliant products.
• Custom formulations for coating and extraction clients.

Export Markets:
Europe, Southeast Asia, South America, and the Middle East.

Product Support:

• Free sample testing.
• Technical guidance for coating and extraction systems.
• Detailed COA, MSDS, and TDS documentation.

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Conclusion: One Chemistry, Multiple Industries

Phosphate esters continue to define progress in both metal extraction and coating technology, combining chemical stability with surface functionality.
The six standouts — P204, TBP, TOP, TEP, NP-10, and AEO-3 — prove how one class of compounds can bridge two industrial worlds: efficiency in separation and excellence in film formation.

With its high-purity production, reliable supply, and commitment to sustainability, Donghong Chemical remains a top global source for phosphate esters tailored to advanced extraction and coating systems.

For technical data or bulk order inquiries:

📧 Email: dohollchemical@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp: +86 139 0301 4781

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Donghong Chemical — Professional supplier of high-performance phosphate esters for coatings, extraction, and industrial applications worldwide.