Triisopropanolamine (TIPA), a tertiary alkanolamine, is majorly used as a grinding chemical that reduces agglomeration in the ball milling process and changes the particle distribution of the finished cement.
Triisopropanolamine is a white to slightly yellow crystalline that is almost odorless. It is fully soluble in water. It is a corrosive and hygroscopic solid.
Triisopropanolamine is an amine used for a variety of industrial applications including as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and chemical intermediate. It is also used to neutralize acidic components of some herbicides. It is majorly used as a grinding chemical that reduces agglomeration in the ball milling process and changes the particle distribution of the finished cement.
Major applications include water-based coating applications and agricultural products. Additional applications are antistat agents for polymers, corrosion inhibitor, electrodeposition/electrocoating, lubricants, paper, pigment dispersion, plastics, polyurethane additive, reaction intermediates, rubber curing, surfactants, mineral dispersion, and urethanes.
Triisopropanolamine (TIPA) can act as an interfacial transition zone (ITZ) to improve the mechanical properties of the mortar and the concrete. It can also be used to increase the compressive strength of the cement-fly ash system by accelerating the hydration of both the compounds.
1. Cement industry - TIPA is commonly used a cement grinding additives. It increases the strength of cement and other mixtures for cement.
2. Metallurgy - TIPA is used as antioxidants and coolant and prevent corrosion in metals.
3. Polyurethane industry - preliminary usage as a agent and catalyst to improve PU quality.
4. Textile industry - TIPA is used as refining agent and other dye specific agent properties.
The process involves preparing raw materials with a molar ratio of 1:3.00 to 3.05 using liquefied ammonia (pure ammonia) and propylene oxide. The reactor is decompressed to -0.098Mpa to remove oxygen, then deionized water is added to achieve a 28-60% concentration of ammoniacal liquor. The ammonia and propylene oxide are introduced in two batches: first, half the weight of liquefied ammonia is pumped into the still, followed by half the weight of propylene oxide at 20-50°C, maintaining an internal pressure below 0.5Mpa and a reaction temperature of 20-75°C. After adding propylene oxide, the mixture is kept for 1.0-3.0 hours. Then, under the same conditions, the second half of the liquefied ammonia and propylene oxide are added, and the reaction continues for another 1.0-3.0 hours at 20-120°C. After the reaction, the pressure in the reactor is reduced to remove moisture and low-boiling impurities, resulting in a Triisopropanolamine product with less than 5% water content.
ChEBI: Triisopropanolamine is an amino alcohol.
White solid with slight odor of ammonia. Denser than water .
Triisopropanolamine neutralizes acids to form salts plus water in exothermic reactions. May be incompatible with isocyanates, halogenated organics, peroxides, phenols (acidic), epoxides, anhydrides, and acid halides. Flammable gaseous hydrogen is generated by combination with strong reducing agents, such as hydrides.
Irritant to skin and eyes.
Irritation of eyes and skin. May cause slight corneal injury or burn. Repeated contact may cause skin burn. Heated vapor may cause moderate respiratory irritation. Low to moderately toxic by oral routes.
Flammability and Explosibility
Non flammable
Diisopropanolamine, Triisopropanolamine, Isopropanolamine, and Mixed Isopropanolamine are used as water-soluble emulsifiers and neutralizers in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 1%. In animal studies these ingredients were slightly toxic to practically nontoxic to rats and guinea pigs via acute oral administration. Triisopropanolamine was relatively nontoxic to rats in the two subchronic oral studies. These ingredients were moderate skin irritants for rabbits. All four ingredients, when tested at 100% concentrations, were severe ocular irritants in rabbits. Products containing small amounts (-1%) of Diisopropanolamine or Triisopropanolamine were not ocular irritants in rabbits. The Triisopropanolamine salt was not mutagenic in Aspergillus nidulans. Diisopropanolamine and Isopropanolamine at concentrations of 2% did not induce allergic contact dermatitis or photoallergic dermatitis in humans. Clinical studies on cosmetic products containing no more than 1% Diisopropanolamine or 1.1% Triisopropanolamine were minimal skin irritant and contact sensitizers. It is concluded that Diisopropanolamine, Triisopropanolamine, Isopropanolamine, and Mixed Isopropanolamine are safe as cosmetic ingredients in the present practices of use and concentration. The Isopropanolamines should not be used in products containing N-nitrosating agents.
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Diisopropanolamine, Triisopropanolamine, Isopropanolamine, and Mixed Isopropanolamine
Hygroscopic. Store away from oxidizing agents, water/moisture. Keep the container tightly closed and place it in a cool, dry and well ventilated condition. Store under inert gas.
Pensri Piboonchaisit, et al. Novel Route to Tris(silatranyloxy-i-propyl)amine Directly from Silica and Triisopropanolamine, Part I.ScienceAsia.1999,25113-119.
Paul J. Sandberg.; F. Doncaster. On the mechanism of strength enhancement of cement paste and mortar with triisopropanolamine.Cem. Concr. Res.2004,34(6), 973-976.
