SZ-97 (Titanate-Zirconate Hybrid Neoalkoxy, Kenrich LICA-97 Equivalent): Dual-Mechanism Coupling for Mixed-Filler Recycled-Plastic Compounds
SEMITECH SZ-97 is the titanate-zirconate hybrid — Kenrich LICA-97 equivalent — for compounds with mixed filler chemistry. The titanate moiety couples to CaCO₃; the zirconate moiety couples to ATH/MDH; the bridging ligand creates a single network. Standard solution for PCR wire & cable, mixed-filler engineering plastics, and dual-filler systems. 100 kg MOQ make-to-order, 2–4 week lead time.
Contents
| LICA-97 | 0.5–1.0 phr | 100 kg |
|---|---|---|
| Kenrich equivalent | Typical loading | MOQ (MTO) |
Chemistry & Specifications
Hybrid Ti+Zr neoalkoxy compound with pyrophosphate ligand; specialty grade; 100 kg make-to-order.
SZ-97 contains both Ti(IV) and Zr(IV) centres with pyrophosphato anchor and chelating diol for polymer compatibility. SEMITECH supplies as clear amber to red-brown liquid at ≥75% active, combined TiO₂+ZrO₂ 9.5–10.5%, phosphorus 3.5–4.5%, Ti:Zr ~1:1, water ≤0.3%.
Pricing: CNY 95,000–120,000/MT vs Kenrich LICA-97 at USD 22–32/kg — 25–35% discount (narrower than other grades due to chemistry complexity).
Coupling Mechanism: Dual-Mechanism Filler-Surface Binding via Ti-O and Zr-O
Ti moiety binds CaCO₃ surface; Zr moiety binds ATH/MDH surface; bridging ligand creates single network across mixed-filler particles.
- Loading 0.5–1.0 phr — PCR wire & cable compounds with mixed CaCO₃+ATH filler stream
- Loading 0.7–1.0 phr — recycled engineering plastic compounds with talc+CaCO₃ filler
- Loading 0.5–0.8 phr — multi-filler structural composites (specifically formulated dual-filler systems)
- Loading 1.0–1.5 phr — high-loading recycled compounds where filler ratios drift batch-to-batch
In PCR-PE with 50% mixed filler, SZ-97 delivers tensile retention 85–95% (vs 70–80% with SZ-12 alone) and LOI 30–32 (vs 28–30) — justifying the cost premium when PCR content targets 30%+.
▶Show full content (5 sections)
Applications & Formulation Guidance
PCR wire & cable (largest), recycled engineering plastics, multi-filler structural composites, dual-filler intumescent.
PCR wire & cable compounds are the largest driver — recycled PE/EVA cable scrap contains unpredictable mixes of CaCO₃, ATH, MDH, and talc. SZ-97 at 0.7–1.0 phr delivers near-virgin performance despite variable filler content, saving USD 200–500/MT on raw-material cost at 30% PCR content.
Recycled engineering plastics for automotive and appliance housings at 0.7–1.0 phr. Multi-filler structural composites at 0.5–0.8 phr for dual-filler systems. Avoid SZ-97 in single-filler compounds — use SZ-12 (ATH), SZ-44 (MDH), SZ-TPZ (CaCO₃), or SZ-2 (waterborne) instead.
Procurement, Storage and Quality Control
Make-to-order; CoA per shipment; 100 kg MOQ; 2–4 week lead time; nitrogen-blanket discipline; 12-month shelf life.
Production batched monthly at 200–500 kg lots. Standard packing 25 kg HDPE under N₂; 200 kg drums for ≥500 kg orders. Store under N₂ below 25°C; consume within 30 days of opening; consume within 6 months of receipt for high-precision applications.
SZ-97 Specification Sheet
Make-to-order specialty grade; CoA per batch; 100 kg MOQ.
| Property | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical name | Titanate-zirconate hybrid neoalkoxy with pyrophosphate ligand | — |
| Synonyms | LICA-97 equivalent / Ti-Zr hybrid / dual-mechanism zirconate | — |
| Form | ≥75% in n-propanol / n-butanol carrier | — |
| TiO₂ + ZrO₂ content | 9.5–10.5% | Gravimetric + ICP-OES |
| Ti:Zr molar ratio | ~1:1 ± 0.05 | ICP-OES |
| Phosphorus content | 3.5–4.5% | ICP-OES |
| Active content | ≥75% | Titration |
| Appearance | Clear amber to red-brown viscous liquid | Visual |
| Density (20°C) | 1.05–1.08 g/cm³ | ASTM D1475 |
| Viscosity (25°C) | 80–150 cP | Brookfield |
| Water content | ≤0.3% | Karl Fischer |
| APHA colour | ≤500 | ASTM D1209 |
| Flash point | 35–40°C (solvent, closed cup) | ASTM D93 |
| Thermal stability | 220°C continuous | — |
| Solubility | n-propanol, n-butanol, toluene; reacts with water | — |
| Packaging | 25 kg HDPE under N₂ / 200 kg lined steel drum | — |
| MOQ | 100 kg make-to-order | — |
| Lead time | 2–4 weeks from PO | — |
| Shelf life | 12 months sealed below 25°C under N₂ | — |
FAQ
+When does the SZ-97 cost premium pay off vs using SZ-12 or SZ-44 alone?
When PCR content ≥30%, compound has both ATH/MDH and CaCO₃, and tensile retention >85% plus LOI uplift >2 units are commercially valuable. Net cost premium ~USD 20–35/MT compound — recovered 6–10x if the improvement qualifies the compound for a premium fire-rated tier.
+Can SZ-97 fully replace separate SZ-12 + SZ-TPZ blending for mixed-filler compounds?
Yes, and it outperforms a physical blend by 5–10% on tensile and 1 LOI unit at identical total loading. The bridging architecture creates a single network across mixed filler particles that a blend cannot replicate.
+Is the 2–4 week make-to-order lead time a problem for production planning?
Manageable — maintain 6–8 week safety stock (a 100 kg drum lasts 3–6 months of typical PCR production) and plan re-orders 8 weeks before stockout.