SPECIAL EFFECTS | PIGMENTS
Offering users something special
From automotive to electronics and packaging, applications for special effect pigments are on the increase. However, Mark Holmes finds that performance is as important as appearance
The use of special effects in plastics is growing and pigment manufacturers are responding with new designs and improvements in performance to meet rising demand. New applications for special effects are emerging in automotive, construction, consumer electronics and packaging, with the desire to establish strong brand identity and to create more “individualised” plastic products both presenting solid growth opportunities. However, as well as looking good, today’s effect pigments must also perform well in processing and within the compound. Merck supplies special effect pigments to a
diverse range of industries, which all have their own individual trends, according to Dr Marc Hunger, Global Marketing Director Industrial Pigments, Performance Materials. However, while colour and effect trends drive new product and range developments, the need to add functionality to colour is also increasing. “Electro-mobility and requests for individualisation are driving changes in the market,” he says. “Car manufacturers are trying to save weight, while individualisation may change developmental directions. Indeed, car interior colours and effects might get more important than the exterior, and we are seeing increasing requests for flexible solutions to change colour and design to offer individualisation. For
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example, for highly flexible changes in design and colour, we have developed our IM3D technology [in-mould 3D)] where it is possible to create a 3D visual in plastic parts. In addition, in order to save weight, there is an increasing demand for mass colouration of plastics rather than using coatings.” Introduced back in 2016, the patented IM3D technology works using an overmoulding process that transfers a pattern in the mould surface to a preform/film containing pearl effect pigments. Overmoulding with a transparent resin creates a flat-faced part with an accentuated depth and rich appearance.
More metallics Hunger cites another example from the automotive industry. “In order to meet customer requests for more metallic-like effects, we have just introduced Xirallic effect pigments for plastic applications,” he says. “The move towards mass coloured plastic parts for automotive, as well as interior and exterior architectural applications, requires additional chemical and UV stability. Merck has developed a functional ceramic-like stabilisation of the pigments to withstand the temperature of the extrusion [and injection moulding] process. This WAY (weathering and anti-yellowing) technology is an enabler for
March 2018 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 57
Main image: PolyOne’s OnColor Brilliant Metallic masterbatches use coating- grade pigments to mimic painted
metallic finishes
PHOTO: POLYONE
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