Dicumyl Peroxide
Whatsapp Order
Dicumyl Peroxide (DCP) is a widely used organic peroxide with powerful free radical initiator properties. It appears as a white crystalline solid with a characteristic odor and is primarily employed as a cross-linking agent and polymerization initiator in the plastics and rubber industries. Due to its ability to generate free radicals upon thermal decomposition, it facilitates curing and cross-linking of polymers, improving mechanical properties and heat resistance. Dicumyl Peroxide is a key component in manufacturing processes for polyethylene, polypropylene, EPDM rubber, and other elastomers.
Categories: Catalysts, Vulcanizing Agents
Tags: Crosslinking agent, Dicumyl Peroxide, Industrial chemical, Organic peroxide, Rubber industry
Description
Dicumyl Peroxide Uses
Table of Contents
Toggle
Primary UsesÂ
- Polymer Cross-Linking & Curing Agent
- Rubber Industry: Used extensively to cross-link EPDM, polyethylene, and other elastomers, enhancing tensile strength, elasticity, and thermal stability of rubber products.
- Plastic Industry: Initiates polymerization and cross-linking in polyethylene and polypropylene, improving chemical resistance and mechanical durability of plastics.
- Cable & Wire Industry: Utilized in insulation and jacketing materials for wires and cables to enhance heat resistance and mechanical integrity.
- Polymerization Initiator
- Employed as a free radical initiator in the synthesis of polymers and copolymers, especially for manufacturing polyethylene and polypropylene with specific properties.
- Manufacture of Foams & Thermosets
- Used in production of polyethylene foams, hot melt adhesives, and thermosetting plastics to control curing and polymer network formation.
Secondary UsesÂ
- Adhesives & Sealants
- Facilitates curing and hardening in specialty adhesives and sealant formulations, especially those requiring thermal curing.
- Coatings Industry
- Acts as a curing agent in powder coatings and specialty coatings to improve durability and chemical resistance.
- Composite Materials
- Used in polymer composite manufacturing for enhanced cross-linking and mechanical performance.
- Laboratory & Research Applications
Applied as a radical initiator in experimental polymerization and organic synthesis studies.
PRODUCT KEY FEATURES
- Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): 2,2'-Azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) alternative name; but actually: 2,2-Dimethyl-1,3-peroxyphenylpropane (Dicumyl Peroxide)
- Common/Trade Name: Dicumyl Peroxide (DCP)
- CAS Number: 80-43-3
- HS Code: 2916.31.00
- Molecular Formula: C18H22O2
- Synonyms:
- Dicumyl Peroxide
- DCP
- 2,2'-Di(phenylmethyl)peroxide
- Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: White crystalline solid or powder
- Melting Point: Approx. 39–43°C
- Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents such as benzene, toluene
- Stability: Stable under cool, dry storage; decomposes violently on heating above 150°C releasing oxygen and free radicals
- Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Explosive organic peroxide; fire and explosion hazard
- Reactivity: Highly reactive, especially under heat or contamination
- Toxicity: Harmful if inhaled or ingested; irritant to skin and eyes
- Exposure Limits: Strict occupational exposure limits apply
- Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool (<30°C), dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and incompatible materials
- Container Type: Use original sealed containers made of suitable materials
- Shelf Life: Typically 6–12 months under ideal storage
- Handling Precautions: Avoid friction, shock, heat, and contamination; use PPE
- Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Classified as hazardous under most transportation regulations
- Subject to strict handling, storage, and disposal regulations due to explosive potential
- Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms; avoid environmental release
- Persistence: May degrade in environment but with caution due to toxicity
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required:
- Flame-resistant lab coat or protective clothing
- Chemical-resistant gloves
- Safety goggles or face shield
- Respiratory protection if dust or fumes generated
- Handling Guidelines:
- Minimize exposure to heat, sparks, and static electricity
- Use explosion-proof equipment and grounding
- Avoid contamination with metals, accelerators, or reducing agents
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical help if symptoms develop
- Skin Contact: Wash affected area thoroughly with water and soap; seek medical attention if irritation persists
- Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; get medical attention
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; seek emergency medical care
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Highly combustible and explosive under heat or contamination
- Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide; do not use water jets directly
- Special Precautions: Evacuate area; wear full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus
- Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, phenolic compounds, and other toxic gases
Related products
BxPB Paint Drier (Lead Replacement)
BxPB Paint Drier is a specialized industrial additive designed as a non-toxic, lead-free alternative to traditional lead-based paint driers. It contains 36% active metal content primarily composed of bismuth and other metals, formulated to accelerate the drying and curing process of oil-based paints, varnishes, and coatings. The product improves film formation, reduces drying times, and enhances the durability and gloss of finished surfaces without the health and environmental hazards associated with lead compounds. BxPB36% Paint Drier is commonly used in architectural, industrial, and automotive coatings as a safer substitute for lead-based driers.
Calcium Drier
Calcium Drier is a metal-based drying agent primarily composed of calcium salts of fatty acids (commonly calcium octoate or calcium linoleate), widely used as a siccative in paints, varnishes, inks, and coatings. It functions as a catalyst to accelerate the oxidative cross-linking and polymerization of drying oils, leading to faster drying times and improved film hardness and durability. Calcium Driers are valued for their good compatibility with other driers, low toxicity, and efficient catalytic activity at low concentrations. They are commonly used alone or in combination with other metal driers such as cobalt or manganese driers for optimized drying performance.
Ferrous Sulphide
 Ferrous Sulphide (FeS) is an inorganic iron-sulfur compound appearing as a dark gray to black crystalline powder or solid. It has low solubility in water but reacts with acids to release hydrogen sulfide gas. It is used in numerous industrial and chemical processes due to its sulfide content and reactive properties. Ferrous Sulphide serves as a key intermediate in metallurgy, chemical synthesis, wastewater treatment, pigment production, and more.
Lead Drier
 Lead Drier is a chemical additive primarily used in the coatings and paints industry to accelerate the drying and curing process of oil-based paints, varnishes, and coatings. It functions as a catalytic agent that promotes the oxidative polymerization of drying oils, reducing the drying time and improving the film formation. Lead driers are traditionally lead-based salts such as lead naphthenate or lead octoate, valued for their effectiveness at low concentrations. Due to toxicity concerns, their use is increasingly regulated and often replaced by safer alternatives.
Liquid Chlorine
 Liquid Chlorine is a pale yellow-green, highly reactive chemical primarily composed of chlorine dissolved in water or as liquefied chlorine gas under pressure. It is widely used as a powerful disinfectant, bleaching agent, and oxidizer in water treatment, sanitation, and various industrial applications. Due to its strong antimicrobial properties, liquid chlorine effectively controls bacteria, viruses, algae, and other microorganisms, ensuring safe potable water and hygienic conditions.
Master Pozzolith
 Master Pozzolith is a high-performance concrete admixture designed to improve the workability, strength, and durability of concrete. It acts as a water-reducing agent and plasticizer, enabling reduced water content while maintaining slump and flow characteristics. This results in enhanced compressive strength, reduced permeability, and improved resistance to weathering and chemical attack. Master Pozzolith is widely used in ready-mix concrete, precast elements, and structural applications to optimize concrete performance and longevity.
Zinc Octoate
Zinc Octoate is a metal carboxylate solution containing approximately 10% zinc content, derived from zinc and 2-ethylhexanoic acid (octoic acid). It functions as an effective curing agent, catalyst, and crosslinker in various polymer systems such as paints, coatings, adhesives, and rubber compounds. This compound improves film hardness, drying times, and overall durability of finished products, making it widely used in industrial and manufacturing processes.
Zinc Oxide USP
 Zinc Oxide USP is an inorganic white powder composed primarily of ZnO. It is widely used as a functional additive in rubber, ceramics, glass, paints, and chemical industries. Known for its excellent chemical stability, UV-absorbing capability, and reactivity with acids and alkalis, this grade is tailored for industrial applications where high purity is not mandatory but consistent quality and performance are essential.