BACOTE 20 - THE ALKALINE CROSSLINKER FOR …

1 BACOTE 20 - THE ALKALINE CROSSLINKER FOR paper AND paperboard GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS BACOTE 20 is a clear ALKALINE solution of stabilized ammonium zirconium carbonate, containing anionic hydroxylated zirconium polymers. It is an effective CROSSLINKER suitable for practically all types of paper and paperboard applications. Stored in sealed containers, BACOTE 20 is stable at ambient temperatures for a minimum of 12 months in a sealed container and can be used in the temperature range 0 70 C. CAS Number 68309-95-5 TYPICAL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES Viscosity Centipoise pH Specific Gravity Solution Stability at 70 C 5 >24 hrs BENEFITS FOR COATING MILLS FORMALDEHYDE FREE As an inorganic CROSSLINKER , BACOTE 20 is totally formaldehyde free. RAPID CURE Effective with all commonly used binders, it reacts rapidly with binder functionality as water is released in the drying section.

2 No need for elevated temperatures or extended cure time. IMPROVED PRINTABILITY Achieved by optimal water resistance, reduction of coating angle, uniform distribution of binders within the coating and open coating structure. OPTICAL PROPERTIES No adverse effects on optical properties no time or heat exposure yellowing. REGULATORY STATUS Approved under FDA and BfR regulations as a component of paper and paperboard in contact with aqueous and fatty foods. QUALITY Manufactured to ISO 9001 DATA SHEET 102 MODE OF ACTION When added to a coating or size press formulation, BACOTE 20 interacts weakly with oxygenated sites, mainly carboxyl or hydroxyl groups on the binder molecules. Removal of water and carbon dioxide during the drying stage drives the reaction to completion due to the generation of reactive zirconium cations. Covalent bonds are formed and the reaction is irreversible under normal coating conditions.

3 The reaction is not heat dependent. The dried coating will exhibit optimal water resistance but will remain hydrophilic in nature and the microporous structure of the coating surface will be open or unblocked. TYPICAL ADDITION LEVELS BACOTE 20 should always be used on an as received basis. It is 100% active. BACOTE 20 reacts directly with the binders present in the coating or size press formulation. Unlike other crosslinkers, BACOTE 20 functions by the generation of cationic zirconium resulting from decomposition during drying. Solids content is therefore not applicable to addition levels. The recommended addition level for BACOTE 20 (on an as received or trade solution basis) is in the range 5 7% on total dry binder content. Optimisation needs to be determined empirically based on the degree of property enhancement required. HOW TO USE BACOTE 20 BACOTE 20 contains a carbonate anion.

4 As such, it should never be subject to a pH below 7. The recommended way to use BACOTE 20 in any formulation is to add it as the last ingredient. All components of the mix should be combined and a final pH adjustment made, if necessary, to bring the formulation into the range of pH 10. BACOTE 20 should be added at this point. BACOTE 20 should not be mixed with any other material prior to use, neither should it be diluted prematurely to avoid deactivation or decomposition. STORAGE AND HANDLING When delivery is made by road tanker, semi bulk container or drums into a storage facility, care should be taken to ensure that site health and safety procedures for the safe handling of materials are followed. Bulk storage tanks and pipelines if outdoors, should be fitted with trace heating. BACOTE 20 must not be subjected to extremes of temperature or allowed to freeze.

5 DO NOT ALLOW TO FREEZE BACOTE 20 is an active CROSSLINKER . It is therefore strongly advised that the bulk storage system, tanks and lines be thoroughly and professionally cleaned prior to the first delivery of BACOTE 20 , in common with good chemical handling practices and procedures. For containers containing BACOTE 20 , simple washing with water will be sufficient before introducing any new materials. BACOTE 20 should be considered as a 5 6% ammonia solution, hence all copper containing alloys should be eliminated from any storage or delivery system. Mild Steel is not recommended. The storage facility at MEL Chemicals is stainless steel. Polyethylene, glass reinforced plastic or polypropylene are also suitable for storage of BACOTE 20 . Pumps can be plastic ( epoxy resin) or stainless steel.

6 Again, mild steel is not recommended.