TMQ Product Specifications
Typical Parameters
| Parameter | Standard Grade | Premium Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | 2,2,4-Trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (polymerized) | Same |
| CAS Number | 26780-96-1 | Same |
| Appearance | Amber to brown flakes or powder | Consistent amber flakes |
| Softening Point | 80–100°C | 88–100°C |
| Ash Content | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.3% |
| Volatile Matter | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.3% |
| Specific Gravity | 1.1–1.2 g/cm³ | Same |
| Solubility | Soluble in benzene, toluene, chloroform; insoluble in water | Same |
| Molecular Weight | 1000–2000 (polymerized) | Same |
Available Forms
| Form | Advantages | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Amber flakes | Easy to handle, standard form | General rubber compounding |
| Powder | Better dispersion | Masterbatch preparation |
| Pastilles | Dust-free, free-flowing | Automated dosing systems |
| Oil-treated | Reduced dust | Open mill mixing |
TMQ Applications
Primary Applications
TMQ is one of the most versatile rubber antioxidants, used across a wide range of rubber products:
| Application | Typical Loading (phr) | Why TMQ is Used |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger and truck tires | 0.5–2.0 | Primary antioxidant for heat aging protection |
| Conveyor belts | 1.0–3.0 | Excellent heat resistance in continuous operation |
| Hoses and tubing | 0.5–1.5 | Cost-effective long-term protection |
| Seals and gaskets | 0.5–2.0 | Good compression set resistance |
| Footwear | 0.5–1.0 | Durable protection at low cost |
| Industrial rubber goods | 0.5–2.0 | All-purpose antioxidant |
| Wires and cables | 0.5–1.5 | Thermal stability during operation |
| Latex products | 0.5–1.0 | When staining is acceptable |
TMQ vs Other Rubber Antioxidants
How TMQ Compares
| Property | TMQ (RD) | 6PPD | DTPD | BHT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Quinoline (polymerized) | P-Phenylenediamine | P-Phenylenediamine | Phenolic |
| Heat aging protection | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Very good | ✅ Good | ⚠️ Moderate |
| Flex cracking resistance | ✅ Good | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Very good | ❌ Poor |
| Ozone resistance | ❌ None | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Good | ❌ None |
| Staining | ⚠️ Staining | ⚠️ Staining | ⚠️ Staining | ✅ Non-staining |
| Volatility | ✅ Low (polymerized) | ⚠️ Moderate | ✅ Low | ❌ High |
| Cost | ✅ Low | ⚠️ Medium | ⚠️ Medium | ✅ Low |
| Best used with | 6PPD or IPPD | TMQ or wax | TMQ | SP or MBMBP |
Synergistic Combinations
TMQ is most effective when used in combination with other antioxidants:
| Blend | Ratio | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| TMQ + 6PPD | 1:1 or 2:1 | Best all-around protection — heat aging + flex fatigue + ozone |
| TMQ + IPPD | 1:1 | Good balance of heat and flex protection |
| TMQ + DTPD | 1:1 | Excellent thermal stability for high-temp applications |
| TMQ + wax | 2:1 | Heat aging + ozone protection |
Recommended total antioxidant dosage: 1.0–3.0 phr (combined)
Recommended Formulations
Tire Sidewall Compound
| Ingredient | Parts (phr) | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Natural rubber | 60.0 | Base polymer |
| SBR | 40.0 | Base polymer |
| Carbon black (N330) | 50.0 | Reinforcement |
| TMQ | 1.5 | Primary heat aging protection |
| 6PPD | 1.5 | Flex fatigue + ozone protection |
| Microcrystalline wax | 2.0 | Physical ozone barrier |
| ZnO | 3.5 | Activator |
| Stearic acid | 2.0 | Activator |
| CBS | 0.8 | Accelerator |
| Sulfur | 2.0 | Cross-linking agent |
Conveyor Belt Cover Compound
| Ingredient | Parts (phr) | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Natural rubber | 50.0 | Base polymer |
| SBR | 50.0 | Base polymer |
| Carbon black (N220) | 55.0 | Reinforcement |
| TMQ | 2.5 | Heat aging protection |
| DTPD | 1.0 | Thermal stability |
| ZnO | 5.0 | Activator |
| Stearic acid | 2.0 | Activator |
| CBS | 1.0 | Accelerator |
| Sulfur | 2.5 | Cross-linking agent |
TMQ Production Method
TMQ is manufactured through the acid-catalyzed polymerization of 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline monomers. The process involves:
- Monomer synthesis: Aniline reacts with acetone in the presence of an acid catalyst to form the quinoline monomer
- Polymerization: The monomer undergoes acid-catalyzed oligomerization to form polymeric TMQ
- Neutralization: The product is neutralized to remove catalyst residue
- Purification: Washing and drying to achieve the final specification
- Forming: The molten TMQ is flaked, pastillated, or ground into powder
Quality Control Points
- Softening point range — Key indicator of polymerization degree
- Ash content — Measures residual catalyst and impurities
- Volatile matter — Ensures consistent handling and processing
- Color consistency — Batch-to-batch quality indicator
How to Choose Between TMQ and 6PPD
| Scenario | Choose TMQ | Choose 6PPD |
|---|---|---|
| Heat aging is the primary concern | ✅ Best choice | — |
| Ozone resistance is needed | — | ✅ Essential |
| Flex cracking is a problem | — | ✅ Best protection |
| Budget is the main constraint | ✅ Low cost | — |
| Dark-colored products only | ✅ Fine | ✅ Fine |
| Use as a secondary antioxidant | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Good |
| High-temperature processing | ✅ Low volatility | ⚠️ Moderate volatility |
| Combined with wax for ozone | ✅ Add 6PPD | ✅ Use TMQ as secondary |
Pricing and Market Trends (2026)
Estimated Pricing (FOB China)
| Grade | Price Range (USD/kg) | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| TMQ (standard flakes) | $1.80–$3.00 | Stable |
| TMQ (high purity) | $2.20–$3.50 | Stable |
| TMQ (pastilles) | $2.00–$3.20 | Stable |
Market Outlook
- Steady demand — TMQ remains the most cost-effective high-performance antioxidant for tire and industrial rubber
- Chinese capacity expanding — New production lines in Shandong stabilizing supply
- Blend optimization — Growing trend toward optimized TMQ + 6PPD formulations for better cost-performance ratios
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is TMQ a staining or non-staining antioxidant?
TMQ is a staining antioxidant. It causes discoloration in rubber products and should not be used in light-colored or transparent goods. For non-staining applications, use phenolic antioxidants such as BHT or SP.
Q: What is the difference between TMQ and TMQ (RD)?
They are essentially the same product. TMQ is the general chemical name, while RD (from the Chinese abbreviation "thermoplastic quinoline") is a common grade designation used in the Chinese rubber chemical industry.
Q: What is the recommended dosage of TMQ in tire compounds?
Typical dosage is 0.5–2.0 phr, often used in combination with 1.0–2.0 phr of 6PPD for balanced protection.
Q: Can TMQ be used with sulfur donors?
Yes. TMQ is fully compatible with sulfur-based curing systems and shows no negative interaction with sulfur donors.
Q: What is the shelf life of TMQ?
Typically 24–36 months when stored in sealed packaging under cool, dry conditions (below 30°C).
Q: How does polymerized TMQ differ from monomeric antioxidants?
The polymerized structure of TMQ gives it lower volatility and better persistence compared to monomeric antioxidants. This means TMQ remains effective at higher processing temperatures and for longer durations in service.
Where to Buy TMQ
Rayway Chemical supplies TMQ (RD) with ISO 9001 certification and REACH compliance for EU importers.
📧 Contact Rayway Chemical → for current pricing, free samples, and technical documentation.
Last updated: May 2026. Specifications are based on standard production batches. Contact suppliers for current documentation and pricing.
