Effect pigments for resins and paints
Pigments are classified according to how they reflect light. The main types of pigments according to the color obtained are:
-white pigments;
-black pigments;
-color pigments;
-effect pigment
White pigments: The pigment particles completely scatter the incident light equally in all directions
Black pigments: Pigment particles absorb all wavelengths of visible light.
Color pigments: The pigment particles absorb certain wavelengths of visible light and scatter the remaining wavelengths, depending on the color
With spectacular pigments, things are much more interesting. The effective pigments can be: metallic pigments, pearl pigments, luminescent pigments and fluorescent pigments.
Metallic pigments
The metallic pigments consist of thin metal (mostly aluminum) particles as well as extremely thin and shiny pigments called vacuum metallized pigments (VMP); they are not transparent and reflect all the incident light in one direction. The pigment particles act as small mirrors, leading to a reflective metallic luster when applied to give an aligned parallel orientation. Metallic pigments have a number of advantages: good chemical resistance, easy to disperse without solvents, silver / gold / bronze shades with very good coating and brightness.
Pearlescent pigments
The pearl pigments are based on natural or synthetic silicate minerals that are coated with TiO2, Fe2O3 and SiO2.
The classic mother-of-pearl pigment range is based on natural minerals. Additional surface treatments lead to further benefits, such as weather resistance.
Synthetic silicate minerals are purer and whiter than natural minerals. They have thinner and more homogeneous particles. Pearl pigments based on synthetics show greater refraction of light. Transparent pigments with a pearly luster, selectively reflect part of the light that falls directly on the smooth surface of the special particles. The other part of the light enters the transparent particles and is partially reflected either at the boundary between the pigments or at the bottom of the particles. The internally reflected light is superimposed in the special particles, which leads to interactions with neighboring pigment particles to create additional reflections. Partial light reflection and optical overlay create interference phenomena, which together with many internal reflections form the characteristic appearance of pearl luster pigments.
Pearl pigments based on glass (Ca-Al borosilicate) particles give very high gloss (diamond-like effects).
Color pearl pigments are achieved by adding color pigments (Fe2O3, manganese violet, pigment black, etc.) to the surface coating.
Luminescent pigments
Luminescent pigments respond to daylight and artificial light by absorbing light energy, returning it when the lighting conditions change to a darker environment. Luminescent pigments can be used in many applications and products: such as coatings, inks, plastics, rubber, ceramics and glass. They are also widely used in toys, protective or decorative products.
The advantages of luminescent pigments are that there is a wide variety of colors and particle sizes in the pigment, which can be found under a pile of powder or ready-made masterbatch. Pigments that are visible under UV or IR light are also available.
Fluorescent pigments
The fluorescent pigments increase the available color space and create new and brighter shades in pure form or in combination with other dyes.
The fluorescent pigments for daylight are finely ground resin systems that have built-in unique fluorescent dyes. The type of resin system determines the chemical properties of different ranges and applications. Fluorescent colors are brighter than conventional non-fluorescent colors and often only small amounts are required to achieve a bright fluorescent effect. Due to their exceptional brilliance, daylight fluorescent pigments are especially useful when remote visibility is required. The final color and opacity depend on the characteristics of the system used as well as the charge and type of the fluorescent pigment and the use of any opaque pigment. Fluorescent pigments are very easy to disperse, giving very bright colors.
We currently offer powdered standard pigments such as green, yellow, white, blue, red, and some others.
Very soon Chimatech will also offer a wide range of effect pigments to its customers, as well as floor coverings and paints with effect pigments.
Coming soon! If intererested, please send us an inquiry via email :)