Chemical Properties
Zirconyl propionate is a white, free-flowing powder, with a slight odor of propionic acid. The powder is not soluble in water, but soluble in ethanol, ethyl acetate and isopropanol. (Solubility in ethyl acetate and ethanol is >150 g/100 ml solvent and in isopropanol is >65 g/100 ml solvent). In both air and an inert atmosphere, this product starts to decompose at around 160°C , to give an intermediate species which itself decomposes at around 350°C, to give at higher temperatures zirconium oxide.
Uses
Zirconyl propionate is used to promote adhesion in solvent-based inks.
Source of zirconium, soluble in organic solvents, for applications involving crosslinking with oxygenated organic polymers
Precursor to zirconium oxide, through a solventbased process
Crosslinker for polyvinyl alcohol (suitable for nonaqueous, organic solvents)
benefits
Safer alternative to titanium acetylacetonate to promote adhesion
Improves adhesion for printing onto difficult substrates, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, metals, and other packaging materials
Improves heat and scrub resistance of polyamide based inks
Functions particularly well with cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) and nitro cellulose resins, where adhesion is required to co-extrude polyolefin films
Flammability and Explosibility
Non flammable
