Frequently Asked
Questions

Here’s what you need to know about PCI

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Aquazol, or poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline), is the flagship product of Polymer Chemistry Innovation’s portfolio. You will find all the FAQs of Aquazol, ceramics, and more, below.

General Questions

How will Aquazol save me money?

Typically, less Aquazol is needed to provide the same or greater green strength than other polymer binders. Using less product results in cost savings.

Can Aquazol be used as a direct replacement for my current binder?

In many cases, yes! Aquazol can usually be used as a direct replacement for common binders. In some cases, some development work is required.

At what temperature does Aquazol soften? (Tg)

Aquazol’s glass transition temperature is 69-71°C.

What is the Vicat softening temperature?

The Vicat softening temperature of Aquazol, obtained by ASTM D-1525-82, is 70°C. Depending on the molecular weight, the softening range is 110-120°C.

Is Aquazol ionic?

Aquazol is not ionic and does not dissociate in solution. Aquazol is neutral and does not carry a charge.

What solvents can be used to dissolve Aquazol?

Water is the preferred solvent in which to dissolve Aquazol. Most polar organic solvents will dissolve Aquazol. Ethanol and methanol dissolve Aquazol, in addition to chloroform, methylethylketone, ethyl hexanol, methyl acetate, methylene chloride, acetone, dioxane, acetonitrile, nitromethane, ethanol, propylene carbonate, methanol, and propylene glycol.

Is Aquazol water soluble?

Aquazol is miscible with water at cold or ambient or warm temperatures. Above 62 degrees the cloud point is reached. The cloud point may be raised by adding a surfactant or glycol.

What is the pH of Aquazol?

Aquazol is neutral when dissolved in water.

How much Aquazol do I use?

How much Aquazol you use is entirely dependent upon the specific situation. Typical ceramic binder usage is 0.5-3.0%, but various industries do use anywhere between 0.1-20.0% ceramic binder.

What is the melt flow rheology of Aquazol?

Melt viscosity sheer at 200°C is 130 sec-1, shear rate 400,000 CPS. The lower the molecular weight, the more it approaches Newtonian behavior.

What is Aquazol's extrusion temperature?

Depending upon the molecular weight, the extrusion temperature of Aquazol is 150-180°C.

How safe is Aquazol?

Aquazol is non-toxic, have >4g/Kg oral LD-50 (median lethal dosage, rats.) Aquazol does not form formaldehyde or benzene during pyrolysis.

In what forms is Aquazol sold?

Aquazol is available for purchase as a dry granule.

What is the density of solid Aquazol?

The density of solid Aquazol is 1.14 obtained using a density gradient column, according to ASTM D-1505.

What is Aquazol's refractive index?

Aquazol’s refractive index is 1.520, which coincidentally matches that of glass.

Ceramic Questions

Can you give an example of improved green-strength?

Aquazol used as greenware binder provides improved green-strength at 0.5-3.0% weight percent. 2% Aquazol in isostatically pressed silicon carbide mix gave a load of 2,490 lbs; a strength of 215 psi, and a modulus of 1.82×10^5 psi.