Zirconates
A zirconate is a mixed oxide containing zirconium. Examples include Na2ZrO3, Ca2ZrO4 which can be prepared by fusing zirconium dioxide with e.g. Na2O and CaO respectively (Wikipedia, Zirconates, 7/1/2010)
Tetrafunctional organo-metallic compounds based on titanium (Ti), silicone (Si) and Zirconium (Zr) make useful coupling agents because the central metal’s tetravalency is conducive to electron sharing. Titanium ester derived coupling agents have an advantage in their relative ease of manufacture and molecule building, thus providing specific function for a wide scope of composite applications. Virtually all Titanium IV derivatives produce colored pigments on contact with phenolic containing free hydroxy groups. Zirconates in general are not color body producers in contact with phenols other than nitrophenols. In unfilled plastics, the zirconates often provide superior UV stability when compared to the titanates. Zr based organometallics often are able to withstand higher process temperatures due its higher molecular weight when compared to their Ti based counter parts. (Salvatore J. Monte, 7/1/2010)
"Ken-React Reference Manual-Titanate, Zirconate and Aluminum Coupling Agents" Kenrich Petrochemicals, Inc. (1995) Kenrich Petrochemicals
Recent Journal Articles
2/4/2011
Mechanical Properties of Silane and Zirconate Coupling Agent-Treated Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fiber-Filled Acrylic-Impact Modified Poly (Vinyl Chloride) Composites
(1563 – 1570) Polymer - Plastics Technology and Engineering 49 #15 (2010)
Bakar et al of the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia showed the modulus significantly increased while the impact and flexural strength insignificantly improved with increasing coupling agent treatment of the composites. The reduction in water absorption, the formation of new absorption bands and the slight number of treated fiber pulled-out proved that there was an interaction between fiber and matrix. However, this interaction was insufficient to enhance the impact and flexural strength significantly. (RDC 1/3/2011)