**Yu Mingjie Technology - Overview of Pearlescent Pigments and Their Applications**
Pearlescent pigments are a modern type of powder pigment that mimic the elegant luster and color found in natural pearls, shells, butterflies, fish, and metals. These pigments are glossy, non-toxic, odorless, resistant to acids and alkalis, non-flammable, non-explosive, non-conductive, non-migrating, easy to disperse, highly heat- and weather-resistant, and meet strict environmental standards. They offer the shimmering effect of metallic pigments while also producing soft, natural pearl-like colors. The glittering effect is passive, meaning it becomes visible when light hits the surface.
The main types of pearlescent pigments include natural fish scale pigments, bismuth oxychloride crystal pigments, and mica-coated pigments. Among these, mica-based pigments are the most widely produced and used globally. These pigments are made from natural mica flakes (ranging from 4μm to 120μm in size and about 0.5μm in thickness), coated with multiple layers of titanium or other metal oxides using advanced chemical processes.
Pearlescent pigments can be classified into several series: silver white, iridescent (interference), gold, colored, and mica iron. Each series offers unique visual effects. These pigments work by reflecting, refracting, and transmitting light, creating a soft, elegant pearly luster similar to that of natural pearls.
Compared to traditional pigments, pearlescent pigments provide a distinctive soft luster. Their special surface structure, high refractive index, and transparency allow them to produce an effect similar to real pearls in transparent media. The pigments are composed of thin layers of metal oxides, and changing the composition of these layers alters the pearlescent effect.
With excellent chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties, pearlescent pigments are ideal for use in paints, inks, plastics, and many other applications. They add a new dimension of color quality to products. Being non-toxic, they are safe for use in food packaging and children's toys. They are resistant to dilute acids and bases, do not harm the environment, and are practically insoluble in water without containing heavy metals. Additionally, they are non-combustible, non-conductive, and can withstand temperatures up to 800°C. They are also suitable for radiation-curing systems like electron beam and UV curing. Their chemical structure ensures good dispersion and compatibility with water-based coatings.
Key characteristics of pearlescent pigments include:
- Density: approximately 3g/cm³
- Excellent chemical resistance to water, acids, alkalis, and organic solvents
- High heat resistance (no change at 800°C)
- Non-conductive
- Non-magnetic
- Excellent lightfastness
- Proven non-toxic by government authorities
- Oil absorption: 90±20g/100g
Pearlescent pigments are widely used in various industries, including automotive coatings, plastics, cosmetics, printing inks, paper, textiles, rubber, and ceramics. They enhance product value by offering a unique, luxurious appearance.
**Applications:**
1. **In Plastics:**
Pearlescent pigments are ideal for clear and translucent resins, enhancing color and gloss. In less transparent resins like PC or PVC, they still deliver a strong pearlescent effect. They are commonly used in cosmetic containers, packaging, toys, films, and decorative materials.
2. **In Cosmetics:**
Made from natural mica, these pigments are safe for skin and eye contact, meeting FDA standards. Available in diverse colors, they are used in lipsticks, eyeshadows, foundations, nail polishes, and more.
3. **In Coatings:**
Their good dispersibility and physical properties make them popular in the coatings industry. Mixing with any base paint creates a pearlescent finish. Used in cars, buildings, and daily items, they offer a metallic and lustrous appearance.
4. **In Printing Inks:**
They provide a pearlescent effect without altering the original color tone, adding metallic and iridescent finishes. Widely used in packaging, magazines, and advertising.
Pearlescent pigments bring a new level of sophistication to products across industries. Whether in cosmetics, plastics, or coatings, they add visual appeal and value.
**Editor: Hardware Business Network Information Center**
**Source: http://news.chinawj.com.cn**
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