SPECIAL EFFECT | PIGMENTS
The latest special effect pigments offer an enhanced sensory experience as well as ways to improve handling and sustainability. Jennifer Markarian reports
Shining examples of pigment innovation
Pigments that provide sparkle and shimmer, together with those that allow tailoring of gloss or matte surface effects, are sought after for a wide range of plastics applications. In addition to improv- ing the effects that can be obtained, pigment suppliers are working hard on carriers that provide better compatibility, are developing dust-free pellet forms, and exploring ways to reduce carbon footprint, the latter ranging from shortened supply chains to the use of recycled or bio-based carriers. Trends in special effect pigments go beyond simple fashion preferences. For example, in automotive parts—both interior and exterior—there is a clear trend toward the use of moulded-in colours with metallic effects, according to Mark Tyler, Executive Account Manager Plastics at aluminum effect pigment manufacturer Silberline. The key drivers towards replacing paint include
total part cost reduction as well as sustainability aspects, such as lower volatiles generation, reduced transportation of parts, and better recyclability at end-of-life, Tyler says. The chrome paint process is under pressure, he adds, and may eventually be eliminated, which will further open
www.compoundingworld.com
the door for moulded-in colour. “Most painted plastic parts could be moulded-in
colour, [the design team] just needs to take the time to address the tool design, part geometry and achievable colour space (the ever-elusive chrome look),” he says. Tyler says Silberline continues to develop pigments and other technologies for this chrome- like colour space, such as its Liquid Metal Series. This product line uses a very thin, milled “Silver Dollar” type pigment. However, he says achieving a very bright and highly reflective colour requires a well-developed processing technique. “If pro- cessed incorrectly, you will degrade the flake and lose the look you’re going for,” he warns. Other recent work at Silberline has focused on
improving pigment carrier systems beyond the company’s PE or mineral oil carriers. A new PP carrier for Silberline’s Silvet E1 series pigments is said to have enhanced compatibility with PP compounds to provide better strength, improved clarity and increased effect in the end product. Another new carrier providing enhanced
compatibility with engineering polymers (such as March 2023 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 15
Main image: Special effect pigments are more than just metallics. Eckart’s SynAdd products allow a tailored matte finish to be achieved
IMAGE: ECKART
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
