HZ1520X POLYURETHANE RESIN

HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin is a polyester-based polyurethane resin produced by Huangshan Zhongze New Material Co., Ltd. from polyester polyol and diisocyanate, supplied as an approx. 30 % solution in ethyl acetate and isopropanol and used as the main binder in alcohol/ester-soluble, benzene- and ketone-free gravure printing inks for flexible packaging.
The HZ1520X polyurethane binder is chosen by ink makers who need a binder that gives white inks with excellent transfer and overprinting, good adhesion to a wide range of packaging films, and good resistance to boiling water and steam, while being especially suited to medium- and low-speed printing and to inks that are later laminated with solvent-free adhesives.
The HZ1520X ink resin works as a film-forming binder: after the solvent evaporates, the polyurethane chains form a tough, flexible film that wets the substrate, anchors pigments and bonds to the film surface through polar urethane and ester groups, while its controlled molecular weight keeps the ink fluid and printable.

PRODUCT TYPE: POLYESTER-BASED POLYURETHANE RESIN SOLUTION FOR GRAVURE INK
Manufacturer: Huangshan Zhongze New Material Co., Ltd.
Appearance: Colourless or pale yellow transparent liquid
Viscosity (25 °C): 700–1000 mPa·s
Nonvolatile content: 30 ± 1 %
Solvent: Ethyl acetate, isopropanol
Packaging: 180 kg net / metal drum
Shelf life: 6 months from production, sealed, at room temperature below 30 °C

COMMON PRODUCT & CHEMICAL NAMES OF HZ1520X POLYURETHANE RESIN:

HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin, HZ1520X, HZ 1520X, HZ1520x, HZ1520X PU Resin, HZ1520X Polyurethane Ink Resin, Polyester Polyurethane Resin, Polyester-Based Polyurethane Resin, Polyurethane Resin for Printing Ink, PU Ink Binder, Polyurethane Gravure Ink Resin, Alcohol-Soluble Polyurethane Resin, Alcohol/Ester-Soluble Polyurethane Resin, Polyurethane Resin Solution, Thermoplastic Polyurethane Ink Binder

HZ1520X is the manufacturer's product code within the HZ series of polyurethane resins for printing inks from Huangshan Zhongze New Material Co., Ltd. The other names describe the chemistry and use: a polyester polyurethane (polyester polyol extended with diisocyanate), delivered as a solution and used as a printing ink binder. Because it is a proprietary polymer in solvent, HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin has no single CAS number, EC number or molecular formula, the identity of the solvents and any registered components are given in the SDS.
The HZ1520X polyester polyurethane solution is a fully reacted, one-component thermoplastic polyurethane solution. It should not be confused with two-component polyurethane systems (polyol plus isocyanate hardener), with isocyanate-terminated prepolymers or with polyurethane adhesives used for lamination, those are reactive products with different handling and applications.

WHAT IS HZ1520X POLYURETHANE RESIN?

HZ1520X POLYURETHANE RESIN IS A LINEAR POLYURETHANE POLYMER DISSOLVED IN SOLVENT. IT IS MADE IN TWO MAIN STEPS TYPICAL FOR INK POLYURETHANES:
1. A polyester polyol (a hydroxyl-terminated polyester made from dicarboxylic acids and diols) reacts with a diisocyanate to form urethane linkages and build up the polymer chain.
2. The molecular weight and end groups are controlled, the reaction is completed so that the resin is essentially free of reactive isocyanate groups, and the polymer is dissolved in ethyl acetate and isopropanol to the delivery concentration.

The polyester segments give HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin adhesion, toughness and good pigment wetting, while the urethane (and possibly urea) groups provide hydrogen bonding, cohesion and heat resistance. The manufacturer states that the molecular weight and structure of its HZ series are controlled and that the resins are completely soluble in alcohol and ester solvents. Details of the composition of HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin are proprietary, further information is available on request from Ataman Kimya.

Gravure printing on plastic films for food and consumer packaging has moved away from toluene and ketone solvents towards inks based on ethyl acetate and alcohols. Polyurethane resins are the binder of choice for these "benzene-free, ketone-free" inks, because they dissolve in alcohol/ester mixtures, adhere to many films and keep their flexibility after lamination. HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin belongs to this group of binders.
Within the manufacturer's HZ series, HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin is positioned mainly for white inks. In the manufacturer's internal ink tests it is specially recommended for white ink, transfer, overprinting and resistance to boiling water and steam, and it can be used selectively for colour inks and for solvent-free lamination. Its strongest fit is in medium- and low-speed gravure presses and in ink systems whose printed film is afterwards laminated with solvent-free adhesive.

The HZ1520X polyurethane binder is compatible with vinyl chloride–vinyl acetate copolymers and ketone-aldehyde resins, two co-resins that are often added to polyurethane inks to adjust hardness, drying, gloss, pigment wetting and cost. This compatibility gives the ink formulator room to tune the system.

Typical end uses for inks based on HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin: printed and laminated flexible packaging for snacks, confectionery, frozen foods, dairy and personal care products, pouches and bags that are boiled or steam-treated, labels and shrink films where the substrate and ink system have been validated.

TECHNICAL DATA OF HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin

TYPICAL VALUES ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER:
Appearance: Colourless or pale yellow transparent liquid
Viscosity (25 °C): 700–1000 mPa·s
Nonvolatile content: 30 ± 1 %
Solvent: Ethyl acetate, isopropanol

APPLICATION PROFILE FROM THE MANUFACTURER'S INTERNAL INK TESTS (+++ = SPECIALLY RECOMMENDED, ++ AND + = SELECTIVE USE):
White ink: +++
Colour ink: +
Transfer: +++
Overprinting: +++
Solvent-free lamination: ++
Resistance to boiling water and steam: +++

Data such as hydroxyl or acid value, glass transition temperature, molecular weight, density and flash point are not published by the manufacturer for HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin and are available on request from Ataman Kimya.

HOW HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin PERFORMS IN GRAVURE INK

Transfer and printability: in gravure, ink must fill the engraved cells, release cleanly to the film and level before it dries. The controlled viscosity and solvent balance of HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin support good cell release and levelling, which the manufacturer rates as excellent.
Overprinting: in multi-colour jobs, each ink layer must accept the next one without picking or bleeding. HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin gives good overprinting, which is particularly important for white inks that are printed as a full background layer.
Adhesion: the polyester polyurethane bonds to many treated films, the manufacturer states good adhesion to all kinds of substrates. Adhesion on each film type should still be confirmed with tape tests.
White ink: titanium dioxide white inks need high binder strength to hold large pigment loads and give opacity without chalking. The HZ1520X ink resin is designed with this use in mind.
After-treatment resistance: the boiled-water and steam resistance rating makes HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin suitable for inks in laminated packages that are boiled or steam-treated, subject to testing of the complete laminate.
Lamination: printed films are often laminated with a second film. The HZ1520X polyester polyurethane solution is suited to inks used with solvent-free laminating adhesives, where ink-adhesive interaction and bond strength are critical.

WHICH PROBLEMS DOES HZ1520X POLYURETHANE RESIN SOLVE?

- Toluene and ketones must be removed from the ink → HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin is designed for alcohol/ester solvent systems.
- White background ink has poor transfer or overprinting → HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin is specially recommended for white inks with excellent transfer and overprinting.
- Ink loses bond in boiled or steam-treated pouches → HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin is rated highly for boiling water and steam resistance.
- Ink is incompatible with solvent-free laminating adhesive → HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin is suitable for inks used with solvent-free lamination.
- Formulation needs co-resins for drying and gloss → HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin is compatible with vinyl chloride–vinyl acetate copolymers and ketone-aldehyde resins.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN USING HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin

- Press speed: the manufacturer recommends HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin especially for medium- and low-speed printing, for high-speed presses, solvent balance and drying should be adjusted and tested.
- Colour inks: HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin is rated for selective use in colour inks, for colour series, the manufacturer offers other HZ grades that are rated higher for colour.
- Solvent balance: use ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate and alcohols (ethanol, isopropanol) in balanced ratios, too much fast solvent causes drying in the cells, too much slow solvent leaves retained solvent.
- Retained solvent: for food packaging, retained solvent levels in the printed film must be controlled.
- Co-resins: test compatibility and the final properties when adding vinyl chloride–vinyl acetate copolymer, ketone-aldehyde resin or nitrocellulose.
- Substrates: test adhesion on each film (for example corona-treated OPP, PET, PA and PE) and with the adhesive system used.
- Storage: observe the 6-month shelf life and storage below 30 °C, re-inspect material that exceeds the shelf life.

INITIAL FORMULATION APPROACHES WITH HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin

The compositions below are illustrative laboratory starting mixtures (% w/w), not validated commercial recipes. Each totals 100 %. Resin percentages refer to solutions as supplied, confirm actual solids, solvent compatibility and additive suitability before optimisation.

1. WHITE GRAVURE INK FOR LAMINATION
Mix HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin (about 35–50 % of the ink as supplied) with an ethyl acetate/isopropanol or ethyl acetate/n-propyl acetate/alcohol solvent blend and add a dispersing additive. Disperse rutile titanium dioxide (typically about 25–35 % of the ink) in a bead mill to the required fineness. Adjust with solvent to the printing viscosity, then check opacity, transfer, overprinting and laminate bond strength.

ILLUSTRATIVE INITIAL COMPONENTS (% W/W)
HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin (30 % solids): 45.00 %
Rutile titanium dioxide: 30.00 %
Ethyl acetate: 15.00 %
Isopropanol: 9.00 %
Dispersing additive: 1.00 %
Total: 100.00 %
The added solvents are separate from the solvents already present in the resin solution. Any additional press-side dilution changes the final composition and requires renormalisation.

2. MODIFIED WHITE INK WITH CO-RESIN
Replace part of HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin with a vinyl chloride–vinyl acetate copolymer solution or a ketone-aldehyde resin to adjust drying speed, block resistance and hardness. Start with a small replacement (for example 10–20 % of the binder solids) and compare adhesion and lamination results with the pure HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin formula.

ILLUSTRATIVE INITIAL COMPONENTS FOR 15 % CO-RESIN IN BINDER SOLIDS (% W/W)
HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin (30 % solids): 38.25 %
Compatible co-resin solution (30 % solids): 6.75 %
Rutile titanium dioxide: 30.00 %
Ethyl acetate: 15.00 %
Isopropanol: 9.00 %
Dispersing additive: 1.00 %
Total: 100.00 %
This gives 11.475 % polyurethane solids and 2.025 % co-resin solids, keeping total binder solids at 13.50 %. Select a compatible vinyl chloride–vinyl acetate or ketone-aldehyde resin solution and recalculate its dosage if its solids differ from 30 %.

3. OVERPRINT VARNISH OR EXTENDER
Dilute HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin with the same solvent blend used in the ink, optionally with slip and anti-blocking additives, and use as an extender or clear base to reduce colour strength without changing the binder system.

ILLUSTRATIVE INITIAL COMPONENTS (% W/W)
HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin (30 % solids): 50.00 %
Ethyl acetate: 30.00 %
Isopropanol: 20.00 %
Total: 100.00 %
This additive-free starting varnish contains approximately 15 % resin solids. Optional slip or anti-blocking additives replace an equal mass of added solvent, confirm clarity, adhesion and lamination compatibility.

These starting points must be adapted to the press, cylinders, substrates and adhesive. The manufacturer also recommends adjusting the formula to the specific application conditions.

ALTERNATIVES TO HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin

Other HZ series grades from the same manufacturer: HZ1530B, HZ1536G, HZ1550X, HZ1580, HZ1593 and HZ2512 for different combinations of white and colour inks, press speeds and lamination performance, HZ3512 as a water-based emulsion.
Other polyurethane ink binders from global producers, for alcohol/ester or n-propyl acetate systems.
Nitrocellulose-based ink systems: fast drying and good heat resistance, usually combined with polyurethane for lamination inks.
Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) binders: alternative alcohol-soluble binders for some films.
Vinyl chloride–vinyl acetate copolymers and chlorinated polypropylene: co-binders for adhesion and specific films.
Water-based polyurethane dispersions: for water-based gravure and flexo inks.

HOW DOES HZ1520X POLYURETHANE RESIN WORK AT THE MOLECULAR LEVEL?
 
HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin belongs to the polyurethane family, polymers whose chains are held together by urethane linkages formed when isocyanate groups react with hydroxyl groups. In a typical polyurethane resin, long, flexible polyol segments alternate with shorter, more rigid segments built from diisocyanates and chain extenders. The behaviour of the resin, whether as a coating, a finish, a binder or an adhesive, comes from how these two kinds of segments interact with each other and with the substrate.
 
The urethane linkage: Each urethane group contains an N–H unit that can donate a hydrogen bond and a carbonyl oxygen that can accept one. Neighbouring urethane groups, in the same chain or in adjacent chains, therefore form strong hydrogen bonds with each other. These interactions act as physical crosslinks that hold chains together, give strength and toughness to the dried film and contribute to adhesion on polar surfaces.
 
Hard and soft segments: The polyol portions of the chain, usually polyester, polyether or polycarbonate, have low glass transition temperatures and remain mobile at use temperature, they provide flexibility, elongation and softness. The isocyanate-derived portions, rich in urethane and sometimes urea groups, are stiff and strongly hydrogen-bonded, they provide hardness, strength and heat resistance. Because the two types of segment are chemically different, they partly separate into microscopic domains. Hard domains act as reinforcing junction points embedded in a soft, rubbery matrix, which is why polyurethanes can be both tough and elastic.
 
Film formation: When a polyurethane resin is applied from solution or dispersion, the carrier evaporates and the chains move closer together. As they approach, hydrogen bonds between urethane groups re-form and hard domains assemble, turning the liquid layer into a coherent film. High-molecular-weight resins can form useful films by this physical drying alone. In reactive systems, residual hydroxyl or isocyanate groups take part in further crosslinking with a curing agent, building a chemically bonded network with higher solvent and chemical resistance.
 
Adhesion to substrates: Urethane groups and polar end groups interact with polar sites on textiles, leather, wood, metals, plastics and mineral surfaces through hydrogen bonding and dipole interactions. The flexible soft segments let the film follow the movement and deformation of the substrate without cracking, which helps maintain adhesion under bending, stretching and temperature changes.
 
Abrasion and mechanical resistance: The combination of hard domains and elastic soft segments allows the film to absorb and dissipate energy when it is scratched, rubbed or impacted. Instead of breaking, the material deforms and recovers. This energy-absorbing structure is the reason polyurethane coatings and finishes show good abrasion and scuff resistance.
 
Effect of the isocyanate type: If aromatic diisocyanates are used, the aromatic urethane structures can absorb ultraviolet light and slowly form coloured oxidation products, so films may yellow on light exposure. Aliphatic diisocyanates do not contain these aromatic rings and give better light stability and colour retention. The choice of isocyanate therefore governs how the resin behaves outdoors or under strong lighting.
 
Effect of the polyol type: Polyester polyols give strong intermolecular interactions, good mechanical strength and oil resistance, but their ester bonds can be hydrolysed slowly by water, especially in warm, humid or alkaline conditions. Polyether polyols give better hydrolysis resistance and low-temperature flexibility, while polycarbonate polyols combine hydrolytic stability with high durability. The polyol backbone thus sets the long-term resistance of the film to moisture and ageing.
 
Ageing: Over time, heat, light, oxygen and moisture can break urethane or polyol linkages, reducing molecular weight and network density. Antioxidants, UV absorbers and hydrolysis stabilisers are commonly added to polyurethane systems to slow these processes.
 
Final properties depend on the polyol and isocyanate types, hard-to-soft segment ratio, molecular weight, solvent or dispersion medium, curing agent and drying conditions. HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin dosage and process conditions should therefore be confirmed through laboratory trials.

QUALITY CONTROL AND PURCHASING CRITERIA FOR HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin

- product code and manufacturer (HZ1520X, Huangshan Zhongze New Material Co., Ltd.)
- appearance: colourless or pale yellow, transparent, no gel particles or haze
- viscosity at 25 °C: 700–1000 mPa·s
- nonvolatile content: 30 ± 1 %
- solvent system: ethyl acetate and isopropanol
- production date and remaining shelf life
- COA for each batch, TDS and SDS
- food-contact and regulatory documentation if required for the packaging application

Batch COA, SDS and regulatory documents for HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin are available on request from Ataman Kimya.

STORAGE AND HANDLING OF HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin

Store HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin in the original, tightly closed metal drums in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from heat, sparks, open flames and direct sunlight, at room temperature below 30 °C. Close containers immediately after use to avoid solvent loss and moisture uptake. The manufacturer gives a shelf life of 6 months after production under these conditions, material older than this should be inspected again before use.
Because HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin contains flammable solvents, ground and bond containers and equipment, use explosion-protected equipment where required, and avoid static discharge.

SAFETY OF HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin

The HZ1520X polyurethane binder is a resin solution in ethyl acetate and isopropanol, so its hazards are mainly those of these solvents. Solutions of this type are typically classified as highly flammable liquids and vapours (H225), causing serious eye irritation (H319) and possibly drowsiness or dizziness (H336), and are transported as flammable liquids (class 3). The exact classification, flash point and UN transport data of HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin are given in its SDS, available on request from Ataman Kimya.
Handling: work in well-ventilated areas or with local exhaust, keep away from ignition sources, and avoid breathing vapours.
Protective equipment: safety glasses or goggles, solvent-resistant gloves and protective clothing, respiratory protection with an organic vapour filter if ventilation is insufficient.
First aid: after inhalation, move to fresh air, after skin contact, wash with soap and water, after eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water for several minutes, after swallowing, rinse the mouth and seek medical advice.
Fire: use foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide or water spray, do not use a full water jet. Cool containers exposed to heat.
Spills: remove ignition sources, absorb with inert material and dispose of according to local regulations, do not allow entry into drains.

BUYING HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin

The HZ1520X ink resin is supplied in metal drums of 180 kg net. When requesting HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin, please give the ink type (white, colour or extender), the press speed, the film substrates, the lamination method and the annual volume, so that the right HZ grade can be confirmed. Because of the 6-month shelf life, purchase quantities should be planned according to consumption. Lead times are available on request from Ataman Kimya.

SUPPLY OF HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin FROM ATAMAN KIMYA

Ataman Kimya supplies HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin to printing ink manufacturers and converters. Ataman Kimya provides TDS, SDS and COA documents, supports customers in selecting the right grade of the HZ polyurethane resin series and helps with logistics and shelf-life planning. For prices and technical support, please contact Ataman Kimya.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin

WHAT IS HZ1520X POLYURETHANE RESIN USED FOR?
It is a binder for alcohol/ester-soluble polyurethane gravure printing inks, especially white inks for flexible packaging.

IS HZ1520X POLYURETHANE RESIN SUITABLE FOR COATINGS OR ADHESIVES IN AUTOMOTIVE AND CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS?
No. The manufacturer designs and recommends HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin for gravure printing inks, not as an industrial coating or structural adhesive resin.

DOES HZ1520X POLYURETHANE RESIN NEED A HARDENER?
No. It is a fully reacted, one-component polyurethane solution that forms a film by solvent evaporation.

CAN HZ1520X POLYURETHANE RESIN BE USED FOR COLOUR INKS?
Yes, selectively. It is rated mainly for white inks, for colour inks, other HZ grades may be more suitable.

IS HZ1520X POLYURETHANE RESIN SUITABLE FOR HIGH-SPEED PRINTING?
The manufacturer recommends it especially for medium- and low-speed printing.

WHICH CO-RESINS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH HZ1520X POLYURETHANE RESIN?
Vinyl chloride–vinyl acetate copolymers and ketone-aldehyde resins.

HOW LONG CAN HZ1520X POLYURETHANE RESIN BE STORED?
6 months after production at room temperature below 30 °C in sealed containers.

DOES HZ1520X POLYURETHANE RESIN CONTAIN TOLUENE OR KETONES?
It is supplied in ethyl acetate and isopropanol and is intended for benzene- and ketone-free ink systems.

HZ1520X POLYURETHANE RESIN – TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Product name: HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin
Manufacturer: Huangshan Zhongze New Material Co., Ltd.
Chemistry: Polyester-based polyurethane resin (polyester polyol + diisocyanate)
Appearance: Colourless or pale yellow transparent liquid
Viscosity (25 °C): 700–1000 mPa·s
Nonvolatile content: 30 ± 1 %
Solvent: Ethyl acetate, isopropanol
Compatibility: Vinyl chloride–vinyl acetate copolymer, ketone-aldehyde resin
Best suited for: White gravure inks, medium/low-speed printing, inks for solvent-free lamination, boil and steam resistant packaging
Packaging: 180 kg net / metal drum
Storage and shelf life: Below 30 °C, sealed, 6 months after production

HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin can be sourced from ATAMAN KİMYA. For further information and supply inquiries about HZ1520X Polyurethane Resin, please contact ATAMAN KİMYA.