Perodox® DCP - Dicumyl Peroxide

Dicumyl Peroxide (DCP) is an organic peroxide with the chemical formula C₁₈H₂₂O₂ and CAS number 80-43-3. It is widely used as a crosslinking agent for polymers and as an initiator for polymerization reactions

The molecular weight of Dicumyl Peroxide is 270.37 g/mol

Dicumyl Peroxide appears as a white to pale yellow crystalline solid or powder with a characteristic odor

The melting point of Dicumyl Peroxide is between 39-41°C

Dicumyl Peroxide begins to decompose at 70°C, with significant decomposition occurring at higher temperatures. The decomposition temperature is listed as 130°C in some sources

No, Dicumyl Peroxide is insoluble in water but is soluble in organic solvents such as acetone, aromatic solvents, alcohols, and esters

The flash point of Dicumyl Peroxide is >110°C (230°F) in a closed cup

The density of Dicumyl Peroxide is 1.56 g/mL at 25°C

The vapor pressure of Dicumyl Peroxide is 15.4 mm Hg at 38°C

Dicumyl Peroxide should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The recommended storage temperature is below 30°C, with optimal long-term storage at 2-8°C

Dicumyl Peroxide is primarily used as a crosslinking agent for polymers (PE, EVA, PP), a vulcanizing agent for rubbers (EPDM, natural rubber, silicone), and an initiator for polymerization reactions

n polymer crosslinking, DCP creates covalent bonds between polymer chains, improving thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance of materials like polyethylene and EVA

In rubber vulcanization, Dicumyl Peroxide acts as a curing agent that forms crosslinks between rubber molecules, enhancing elasticity, durability, and heat resistance

Yes, Dicumyl Peroxide is commonly used for crosslinking polyethylene, particularly for wire and cable insulation applications

Dicumyl Peroxide is used as a crosslinking agent in EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) encapsulants for solar panels, providing durability and weather resistance

Dosage varies by application but typically ranges from 0.5% to 3% by weight of the polymer. For polyethylene crosslinking, a common dosage is 2.4 parts per 100 parts of polymer

Crosslinking with Dicumyl Peroxide typically occurs at temperatures between 160°C and 190°C

The half-life of Dicumyl Peroxide is 10 hours at 120°C, 1 hour at 140°C, and 1 minute at 185°C

Dicumyl Peroxide is among the most stable dialkyl peroxides due to steric hindrance around the peroxide group, making it safer to handle than many other peroxides while still effective for high-temperature applications

When heated, Dicumyl Peroxide decomposes into cumyl alcohol and acetophenone, which can be irritating

Dicumyl Peroxide is combustible and can form explosive mixtures in air when finely dispersed. It may ignite organic materials on contact

Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, eye protection, and dust masks. Avoid contact with heat, sparks, open flames, and incompatible materials. Use local exhaust ventilation and avoid dust formation

For inhalation: Move to fresh air. For skin contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. For eye contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. For ingestion: Rinse mouth and seek medical attention

Dicumyl Peroxide has low acute toxicity with an oral LD50 of 4100 mg/kg in rabbits. It is mildly irritating to skin but decomposition products can be more irritating

Yes, Dicumyl Peroxide is toxic to aquatic organisms and may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment. It has low mobility in soil but high bioaccumulation potential in fish

Dicumyl Peroxide is incompatible with reducing agents, strong acids, strong bases, heavy metals, and accelerators. These can cause violent reactions or decomposition

When stored properly, Dicumyl Peroxide has a shelf life of 12 months. Some sources recommend use within 3 months for optimal performance

Dispose of Dicumyl Peroxide at a licensed chemical destruction plant or by controlled incineration. Do not contaminate water sources

Dicumyl Peroxide is classified as UN 3110, Organic Peroxide Type F, solid, Packing Group II

Dicumyl Peroxide is typically available in 1 kg, 5 kg, and 25 kg packages. It is often packaged in plastic bags within corrugated boxes

Dicumyl Peroxide is produced by reduction and condensation of cumene hydroperoxide with sodium sulfite and perchloric acid catalyst, or as a byproduct of cumene autooxidation in the cumene process

Key manufacturers include Arkema, Nouryon, United Initiators, PERGAN GmbH, NOF Corporation, and several Chinese producers Shandong Do Sender Chemicals Co.,Ltd.

The global Dicumyl Peroxide market is projected to reach 200-350 million USD by 2025, with an estimated CAGR of 3.5%-4.5% through 2030, driven by demand from electrical, automotive, and renewable energy sectors

Dicumyl Peroxide is considered environmentally friendly compared to some alternatives due to its low toxicity and odorlessness, and it is supported by national development policies for green materials

Functional equivalents include Perkadox® BC-FF by Nouryon and DCUP by United Initiators

No, Dicumyl Peroxide is not typically used for vulcanizing butyl rubber

Dicumyl Peroxide enables EVA foam to form fine, uniform cells while improving heat resistance and weather resistance

Dicumyl Peroxide serves as a flame-retardant additive in the production of flame-retardant polystyrene

Due to steric hindrance from substituents around the peroxide group, Dicumyl Peroxide is relatively stable among dialkyl peroxides

Recommended storage temperature is below 30°C, with optimal long-term storage at 2-8°C. The maximum recommended storage temperature is 38°C

Recommended PPE includes safety glasses, gloves, protective clothing, and dust masks (type N95 in US or P3 in EN 143)

The vapor density of Dicumyl Peroxide is 9.3 (vs air), meaning it is heavier than air

The refractive index of Dicumyl Peroxide is 1.5360

Dicumyl Peroxide is sometimes supplied as a mixture with approximately 60% CaCO₃ to increase stability, which changes its classification from Class 5.2 to environmentally hazardous Class 9

Dicumyl Peroxide has very low water solubility of 0.04 mg/100 ml or 0.4-2 mg/l

The log P value of Dicumyl Peroxide is 5.5-5.6 at 25°C, indicating high hydrophobicity

Use water spray, powder, foam, or carbon dioxide. Cool exposed containers with water spray from a distance. Evacuate area if involved in fire

Dicumyl Peroxide is classified as WGK 2 (hazardous to water) in Germany

The RTECS (Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances) number for Dicumyl Peroxide is SD8150000

Yes, Dicumyl Peroxide is listed in the TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) inventory