MATERIALS | PIGMENTS
Right: Lanxess has developed a black
pigment that reflects 20% more of the sun’s near-infra- red radiation (NIR) than conventional products, controlling thermal heating
Inorganic Pigments Group (IPG). Use of the pigment can also extend the service
life of a plastic component considerably, as the thermal decomposition of the polymer matrix is reduced due to lower heat absorption. In addition, the difference between daytime and night-time temperatures is less extreme so plastic components are exposed to reduced thermomechanical stresses, which can lead to crack formation or even bursting. “Bayferrox 303 T’s characteristics also make it suitable for use in the automotive industry, to colour the dashboard for example, which is exposed to high and sus- tained solar radiation,” says Bartolucci.
Colouring bioplastics Colouring of bioplastics is gaining increasing importance, and is usually achieved with colour masterbatches consisting of a polymer carrier material and the respective pigments. The AF-Eco colour masterbatches from the Bio-Fed branch of Akro-Plastic are made with biodegradable carrier polymers. The portfolio now includes a broad range of biodegradable masterbatch carriers and products include carbon black-free dark types. “These new products have been developed to meet the requirements of every biodegradable plastics application and their increasing complex- ity, also minimising the interactions with other polymer components of the compound,” says the
IMAGE: LANXESS
company. It says the AF-Eco products contain pigments certified in accordance with the OK Compost Industrial and EN 13432 standards on biodegradability of plastics (EN 13432 limits the non-biodegradable material content to a maximum of 5% and 1% per individual pigment). The BASF Colors & Effects brand now also includes a growing portfolio intended for use with compostable materials that meet EN 13432 requirements. Further innovations from the company include what it describes as a colour collection optimised for contemporary plastic design. It says the collection “shows how new colorants enable current consumer trends and highlight how sustainable pigments meet the industries diverse demands for safety, reliability and brilliance in plastics coloration.” The most relevant pigment consumption trends include high chemical purity, waste management and demanding engineering plastics, according to Marc Dumont, Head of Global Industry Manage- ment Plastics at BASF Colors & Effects, who adds
Colour forecasting in a time of Covid
Every year, many of the leading companies involved in colour put out their views on trends for the coming months. Most of those have been researched over many months and pre-dated the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The first post-Covid forecast
comes from Ampacet. Discussing colour trends back in April the company’s Insight and Innovation Director
The Covid-19
pandemic will have an impact on future colour trends
Linda Carroll said: “Prevailing, regional socio – economic conditions have always been a primary influenc- er of colour direction. This current pandemic, however, will influence colour preference on a global scale in four areas. “The desire for health and wellness will be reflected in the desire for clean, aquatic blues and lifted, organic green pal- ettes. Our personal sanctuaries have been threatened during this period of unrest, which will result in consumers gravitating to the global colour of trust and integrity, blue.”
Carroll explained this would
certainly have an impact on colour trends. “The pandemic infused a pervasive feeling of gloom and futility. Fortunately, human resiliency will prevail, and many will gravitate to colours of optimism and hope found in vibrant oranges (colour of fierce independence) and bright, sunshine yellow values,” she said. “Finally, our desire for balance will be tempered by a sense of trepida- tion due to the unknown economic impact of the pandemic. As a result, earthy browns, and their clear association with physical and intellec- tual grounding, and the enriched purples – the colour of mystery and spirituality, will find devotees.” �
www.ampacet.com
38 COMPOUNDING WORLD | September 2020
www.compoundingworld.com
IMAGE: AMPACET
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