Perovion TBPIN L42 is a pure liquid organic peroxide based on tert-Butyl peroxy-3,5,5-trimethylhexanoate (TBPIN, CAS 13122-18-4). It is an efficient initiator for the curing of unsaturated polyester resins at elevated temperatures, including hot-press molding formulations such as SMC, DMC, and BMC in the 120–170°C range, and for pultrusion and CIPP applications. Perovion TBPIN L42 also serves as an initiator for high-pressure ethylene polymerization, styrene and polystyrene production, and (co)polymerization of acrylates and methacrylates across a range of process temperatures, making it a versatile peroxide for thermoset composite, polymer production, and acrylics manufacturing operations.
Key Features
- Efficient Curing of Unsaturated Polyester Resins at Elevated Temperatures: Perovion TBPIN L42 is a perester-type initiator with higher reactivity than tert-butyl peroxybenzoate (TBPB) in pure resin and hot press molding formulations. It is preferred for curing UP resin-based SMC, DMC, and BMC compounds in the 120–170°C temperature range, delivering consistent gel time control, thorough through-cure, and good surface quality in compression molded composite parts.
- Cobalt-Accelerated Low-Temperature Cure Capability: In combination with a cobalt accelerator, Perovion TBPIN L42 is applicable for curing unsaturated polyester resins at temperatures of 70°C and above, extending its applicability to air-drying lacquers, gel coats, filament winding, and other ambient-to-moderate temperature cure applications. This flexibility makes it suitable for both hot press and ambient-assisted thermoset cure processes within a single product.
- High-Pressure Ethylene Polymerization Initiator: Perovion TBPIN L42 is an efficient initiator for LDPE production in both autoclave and tubular high-pressure polymerization processes, active in the temperature range of 210–240°C depending on reaction conditions. It is commonly used in combination with other peroxides to achieve a broad polymerization temperature spectrum and targeted molecular weight distributions in LDPE production.
- Styrene and (Meth)acrylate Polymerization Initiator: Perovion TBPIN L42 initiates (co)polymerization of styrene and polystyrene grades in the 90–140°C range, and solution and bulk polymerization of acrylates and methacrylates in the 90–175°C range. These application temperatures cover a wide range of coating resins, adhesive polymers, and specialty acrylic grades manufactured by solution, suspension, and bulk polymerization processes.
- Pure Liquid Form for Precise Metering: Perovion TBPIN L42 is supplied as a clear liquid at approximately 99% active content, with a density of approximately 0.89 g/cm³ and viscosity of approximately 5.0 mPa·s at 20°C. These physical properties support accurate metering and injection in automated resin dispensing, polymerization reactor feed, and continuous composite manufacturing systems.
Typical Applications
Perovion TBPIN L42 is used as a curing initiator in thermoset composite manufacturing, where it is incorporated into unsaturated polyester or vinyl ester resin paste formulations before processing. In hot-press SMC and BMC molding, it provides consistent cure activation at the mold temperature without compromising compound shelf-life at ambient storage conditions. For pultrusion and cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) rehabilitation processes, its elevated-temperature activity profile supports the exothermic cure front required for full profile consolidation and structural integrity in fiber-reinforced composite cross sections.
In polymer production, Perovion TBPIN L42 is used as a reactor feed peroxide for high-pressure LDPE processes in autoclave and tubular reactors, and as a solution or suspension polymerization initiator for acrylic coatings, adhesives, and specialty polymer grades. Additional end uses include glass fiber-reinforced polyester profiles and panels for construction, transportation, and industrial infrastructure; LDPE packaging film, coatings, and extruded products; acrylic-based architectural and industrial coatings; and suspension or emulsion acrylic copolymers for adhesive and sealant formulations.
Technical Specifications
- Chemical Type: tert-Butyl peroxy-3,5,5-trimethylhexanoate (TBPIN)
- Appearance: Clear colorless to pale yellow liquid
- Active Content: ≥ 99%
- Active Oxygen: 6.74% min (theoretical 6.95%)
- Density at 20°C: 0.900 g/cm³
- Viscosity at 20°C: 5 mPa·s
- Color: 50 Pt-Co / APHA max.
- Hydroperoxides (as TBHP): 0.099% max
- Hydrolysable chloride (inorganic + organic): 150 mg/kg max
Thermal Stability
- Organic peroxides are thermally unstable substances and must be handled with appropriate care.
- Self-Accelerating Decomposition Temperature (SADT): 55°C
- Half-life 0.1 hr: 135°C
- Half-life 1 hr: 114°C
- Half-life 10 hr: 94°C
- Classification: Organic peroxide type D, liquid
Storage Recommendations
- Recommended maximum storage temperature: 25°C
- Minimum storage temperature: -20°C
- Store in a dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
- Keep containers tightly closed.
- Avoid contact with reducing agents, acids, alkalis, and heavy metal compounds.
Packaging & Transport
- Standard Packaging: 20 kg
- Net Weight: 20 kg
- UN Number: UN 3105
- Transport Classification: Organic Peroxide Type D, Liquid, Division 5.2
Perovion TBPIN L42: Safety & Handling
Perovion TBPIN L42 should be handled in accordance with applicable safety procedures for organic peroxides. Users are advised to review the Safety Data Sheet prior to handling and to implement appropriate personal protective equipment and engineering controls as specified therein.
Safety Data Sheet and destination-compliant labeling information are available upon request. For related products, see also Perovion MEKP-CHP L28R and Perovion AAP-TBPB L27.
Reactivity Profile and Dosing Guidance
Perovion TBPIN L42 sits in the medium-reactivity perester family, decomposing with a 10-hour half-life at 94°C and a 1-hour half-life at 114°C in chlorobenzene. This reactivity window places it above tert-butyl perbenzoate in cure speed while remaining processable in unsaturated polyester and vinyl ester compounds mixed and stored at ambient temperature, giving formulators a wider safe processing margin than faster peroxyketal or peroxydicarbonate initiators.
Typical dosing in hot-press SMC and BMC formulations ranges from 0.5 to 2.0 parts per hundred resin depending on target gel time and mold residence time, with higher loadings used for faster demold cycles at the lower end of the 120-170°C cure window. When a cobalt accelerator such as Accelerator NL-53N is added, Perovion TBPIN L42 can also initiate cure at 70°C and above, extending its applicability to ambient and low-temperature curing gelcoat and laminating systems. For applications needing a slower-reacting perester alternative for room-temperature-stable formulations, formulators may wish to evaluate Perovion AAP-TBPB L27 alongside this grade.