TBP is a
solvent and
plasticizer for cellulose esters such as
nitrocellulose and
cellulose acetate, similarly to
tricresyl phosphate. It is also used as a
flame retardant for cellulose fabrics such as cotton. It forms stable
hydrophobic complexes with some metals; these complexes are soluble in organic solvents as well as
supercritical CO2. The major uses of TBP in industry are as a component of aircraft
hydraulic fluid,
brake fluid, and as a solvent for extraction and purification of
rare-earth metals from their
ores. TBP finds its use as a solvent in
inks, synthetic
resins,
gums,
adhesives (namely for
veneer plywood), and
herbicide and
fungicide concentrates. As it has no odour, it is used as an
anti-foaming agent in
detergent solutions, and in various
emulsions,
paints, and
adhesives. It is also found as a de-foamer in
ethylene glycol-
borax antifreeze solutions. In oil-based
lubricants addition of TBP increases the oil film strength. It is used also in
mercerizing liquids, where it improves their
wetting properties. It can be used as a
heat-exchange medium. TBP is used in some consumer products such as
herbicides and water-thinned paints and tinting bases.
Nuclear chemistry Tributyl phosphate is used in combination with
di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid for the
solvent extraction of uranium, as part of the purification of natural ores. It is also used in
nuclear reprocessing as part of the
PUREX process. A 15–40% (usually about 30%) solution of tributyl phosphate in
kerosene or
dodecane is used in the
liquid–liquid extraction (solvent extraction) of
uranium,
plutonium, and
thorium from spent uranium
nuclear fuel rods dissolved in
nitric acid. Liquid extraction can also be used for chemical uranium enrichment. == Hazards==