Colour Changing Masterbatch - FAQs
Q: Which technical information should be provided, if I would like to order a thermochromic (also photochromic and photoluminescent) masterbatch suitable for my business or research project?
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A: Thermochromic (also photochromic and photoluminescent) pigments behaves very differently from the regular pigments. They are extremely sensitive to the environmental condition.
Therefore, to design a thermohcormic (also photochromic and photoluminescent) masterbatch fit your request, some basic information as follow is needed:
(1) The polymeric material used for your product, e.g. PE, PP, TPU, PC, PS, PLA…etc.
(2) The colour changing effect requested, e.g. single or multi staged colour changes and the colour switching temperatures.
(3) Production methods and conditions (especially the processing temperature), e.g. injection moulding, extrusion, blowing, yarn…etc.
(4) Whether the end product will be in contact with food.
(5) Specific request such as special mechanical properties and appearance of the end product.
We are very willing to provide all possible technical supports until the success of your project. The more detailed information you provide in advance, the easier and earlier we may provide you the ideal thermochromic (also photochromic and photoluminescent) MB for your research and business project. At the same time we will respect your research and business secret.
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Thermochromic Masterbatch
Q: What is the processing condition of our thermochromic MB?
A: As masterbatches, the processing is feasible up to 220°C with a max duration of 10 minutes. Otherwise,
the thermochromic pigments would decompose, losing its colour changing effect.
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Q: Is it possible to produce thermochromic PET products, e.g. yarn?
A: Still impossible since the processing temperature of PET is higher than 220°C.
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Q: How about the usual lifetime of the thermochromic effect?
A: Duration of colour changing effect could be at least 4000-8000 times or 2 years if the thermochromic masterbatch is properly stored.
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Q: How should I store the thermochromic MB at best?
A: Cool, e.g. 4°C and in the dark. Sunlight and UV light must be avoided.
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A: Thermochromic colours appear somehow glass like (little bit transparent) due to its organic nature (no exception worldwide). Thus, their colour appearances are not so strong as the usual pigments.
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Q: Is it possible to produce transparent thermochromic plastic product?
A: Impossible, since the particle size of thermochromic pigment (~1 µm) is too big.
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Q: What is the relationship between product thickness and thermochromic pigment contents?
A: 3-5% of pigments is needed for 1 mm thick plastic product and 1-2% of pigments for 3 mm thick product to give the product a colour appearance sufficiently intensive.
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Q: Is it possible to have thermochromic MB for producing food containers or cups?
A: Yes, we provide also FDA level therochromic MB of different plastic materials, e.g. PE, PP and PLA.
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Multi-Stage Thermochromic Masterbatch
Q: Which care should be taken for chosing multi-stage thermochromic MB?
A: the "realistic" thermochromic temperatures difference between 2 colours chosen have better to be more than 10oC in order to deliver the best multi-coloured thermochromic effect.
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Thermochromic Masterbatch "Yarn Special"
Q: Which care should be taken for producing thermochromic yarn?
A: When spinning, only one sieve of <100 mesh is allowed. Because the average diameter of the thermochromic pigment is 7~15 µm, which is regarded as a pigment with a coarser particle size. Using more than one sieve of 100 mesh, the thermochromic pigment will be easily blocked by the sieve, causing blockage. As a result, the back pressure will keep rising during the spinning process
If possible, we recommend to use only one sieve of 60-80 mesh
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Photochromic Masterbatch
Q: What is the processing condition of our photochromic MB?
A: As masterbatches, the processing is feasible up to 220°C with a max duration of 10 minutes. Otherwise, the photochromic pigments would decompose, losing its colour changing effect.
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Q: How about the usual lifetime of the photochromic effect?
A: Duration of colour changing effect could be 4000-8000 times or 2 years if the photochromic masterbatch is properly stored.
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Q: How should I store the photochromic MB at best?
A: Cool, e.g. 4°C and in the dark. Sunlight and UV light must be avoided.
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A: Photochromic colours appear somehow glass like (little bit transparent) due to its organic nature (no exception worldwide). Thus, their colour appearances are not so strong as the usual pigments.
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Q: What is the relationship between product thickness and photochromic pigment contents?
A: 3-5% of pigments is needed for 1 mm thick plastic product and 1-2% of pigments for 3 mm thick product to give the product a colour appearance sufficiently intensive.
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Q: Long lasting outdoor application of photochromic pigment possible?
A: Yes, directly integrate photochromic dye into plastic materials. Then the photochromic effect may potentially last for around a half year outdoor (under sunshine)! Special technical know-how will be needed. If interested, please contact us. Example: https://youtu.be/5CncHmM_LGA
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Photoluminescent Masterbatch
A: Coming soon ...
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Coloured Photoluminescent Masterbatch
Q: What is the processing condition of our coloured glow in the dark MB?
A: As masterbatches, the processing is feasible up to 260°C with a max duration of 10 minutes.
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Donna Polymer
R&D Support & Customised Production
