When sourcing a plasticizer, the first documents purchasing and quality teams usually ask for are the technical data sheet (TDS) and the safety data sheet (SDS). The two documents serve different purposes and contain different information. Searched as “DOTP TDS” or, with a typo, “DOPT TDS”, this topic matters especially when starting with a new supplier. This article explains what the TDS and SDS are for DOTP and which parameters to check in the technical data sheet.
What is a TDS?
A technical data sheet (TDS) summarises the technical properties of the product: its appearance, physical and chemical parameters, the test methods used to measure them and typical applications. Formulation and quality teams use the TDS as a reference when assessing whether a product suits their processes.
What is an SDS?
A safety data sheet (SDS) contains information on transporting, storing and using the product. Headings such as hazard identification, first-aid measures, firefighting, accidental release measures, storage conditions and personal protective equipment are found in the SDS. It is a key document for occupational health and warehouse management.
Parameters commonly found in a DOTP TDS
Technical data sheets vary in format from supplier to supplier, but for DOTP they usually include:
- Appearance: clear, oily liquid.
- Colour: usually given on the Pt-Co (APHA) scale; a lower value means a lighter colour.
- Ester content: the proportion of the main component.
- Acid value: an indicator of the free acid in the product.
- Water content: the moisture in the product.
- Density: measured at a given temperature.
- Viscosity: how freely the product flows; important in applications such as plastisol.
- Flash point: an important parameter for handling and storage.
The values and test methods vary with grade and supplier. Values should always be confirmed from the document of the product in question.
How to read a TDS
When assessing a TDS, look not only at the values but also at the test methods used. Values measured by different methods may not be directly comparable. It also matters whether a value is a “typical value” or a “specification limit”: a typical value is the result the product generally shows, while a specification is the acceptable range.
Set your own criteria
Every application has different priorities. For a cable maker, electrical properties and volatility may come first; for a plastisol user, viscosity and colour; for an artificial leather maker, colour and odour. Identifying the critical parameters for your application before sourcing makes comparing quotes easier.
Batch checks
The TDS describes the product’s general properties; the values of each shipped batch are usually documented in an analysis report. Quality teams compare incoming batch values with their own acceptance criteria. Which documents are shared at which stage is clarified during the quote process.
When asking for a quote
When requesting a DOTP quote, stating your application, critical parameters and the documents you need speeds things up. For the product’s identity details, see our article Dioctyl Terephthalate (DOTP): Chemical Identity.
Keeping documents up to date
Technical and safety data sheets may be updated over time, so it is worth making sure you have the latest version with each new order. The date or revision on the document shows which version you are working with. Decisions based on an outdated document can leave gaps in quality and occupational health processes. On request, we share the available product documents during the quote process.
Frequently asked questions
Are the TDS and SDS the same document?
No. The TDS covers the product’s technical properties; the SDS covers transport, storage and handling information.
Is DOPT the same as DOTP?
In searches, “DOPT” is usually DOTP with the letters mixed up. The correct abbreviation is DOTP.
Can I get the documents before a quote?
Which documents are shared at which stage depends on the product and the request. You can state your needs in the quote form.
Conclusion
The TDS and SDS are the core documents for assessing a product correctly in DOTP sourcing. See our DOTP plasticizer page for details, and send your needs and requested documents via the quote form.