Tetrapropan-2-yl Silicate: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Properties and Applications
Tetrapropan-2-yl Silicate: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Properties and Applications
Tetrapropan-2-yl silicate, also known as tetraisopropyl orthosilicate or isopropyl silicate, is a highly versatile chemical compound that finds extensive use in various applications across different industries. INNO Specialty Chemicals, a leading manufacturer, and supplier of specialty chemicals based in China, is a prominent supplier of tetrapropan-2-yl silicate to customers worldwide. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the properties and applications of tetrapropan-2-yl silicate.
Properties of Tetrapropan-2-yl Silicate
Tetrapropan-2-yl silicate is a colorless, clear, and highly flammable liquid with a pungent odor. It has a molecular weight of 208.33 g/mol and a density of 0.9 g/cm3 at 20°C. Tetrapropan-2-yl silicate has a boiling point of 155°C and a flashpoint of 38°C. It is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, and benzene but is insoluble in water.
Applications of Tetrapropan-2-yl Silicate
Tetrapropan-2-yl silicate is a highly versatile chemical compound that finds extensive use in various industries, including construction, coatings, adhesives, and electronics, among others. Some of its major applications are as follows:
1. Construction: Tetrapropan-2-yl silicate is widely used in the construction industry as a binder and hardener for cement and concrete. It reacts with the free lime in the cement to form a stable calcium silicate hydrate gel, which increases the strength and durability of the concrete. It is also used as a water repellent and surface treatment agent for concrete and brick surfaces.
2. Coatings: Tetrapropan-2-yl silicate is a key ingredient in many coatings formulations. It is used as a crosslinking agent for epoxy, polyester, and other resin systems, which improves their adhesion, hardness, and chemical resistance. It is also used as a binder and solvent in coatings for metal, glass, and ceramic substrates.
3. Adhesives: Tetrapropan-2-yl silicate is used as a coupling agent and adhesion promoter in various adhesive formulations. It improves the bonding strength and durability of adhesives for metal, glass, and plastic substrates. It is also used as a crosslinking agent for polyurethane and epoxy adhesives, which improves their mechanical and chemical properties.
4. Electronics: Tetrapropan-2-yl silicate is used as a precursor for the production of silica-based materials used in the electronics industry. It is used as a sol-gel precursor for the deposition of silica films, which are used as dielectric layers and passivation coatings for semiconductor devices. It is also used as a binder and filler for electronic packaging materials, such as underfill and encapsulants.
Advantages of Tetrapropan-2-yl Silicate
Tetrapropan-2-yl silicate offers several advantages over other chemical compounds used in similar applications. Some of its key advantages are as follows:
1. High reactivity: Tetrapropan-2-yl silicate reacts quickly with moisture and other functional groups, making it an excellent crosslinking agent and adhesion promoter.
2. Low toxicity: Tetrapropan-2-yl silicate has low toxicity and is safe to handle, making it a preferred choice for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
3. Excellent chemical resistance: Tetrapropan-2-yl silicate offers excellent chemical resistance, making it ideal for use in coatings and adhesives exposed to harsh chemicals and environmental conditions.
4. Versatile: Tetrapropan-2-yl silicate is a highly versatile chemical compound that finds use in various applications across different industries.
Conclusion
Tetrapropan-2-yl silicate is a highly versatile and important chemical compound used in various applications across different industries. It offers several advantages over other chemical compounds used in similar applications, such as high reactivity, low toxicity, excellent chemical resistance, and versatility. INNO Specialty Chemicals is a leading manufacturer and supplier of tetrapropan-2-yl silicate, providing high-quality products to customers worldwide.