A method for producing pigment fragments with predetermined internal and / or external contours using a crack-forming layer, and the pigment fragments themselves.

By using a crack-forming layer structured substrate in pigment production, the problem of inconsistent pigment fragment size and shape is solved, enabling pigment production with narrow size distribution and consistent shape, suitable for secure verification of data carriers and valuable items.

CN111032791BActive Publication Date: 2026-04-03GIESECKE & DEVRIENT CURRENCY TECHNOLOGY GMBH
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2018-06-05
Publication Date
2026-04-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies struggle to precisely control the size and shape of pigment fragments, resulting in inconsistent external contours of the pigments and hindering their application in data carriers and valuable items.

Method used

A structured first layer is formed on the substrate using a crack-forming layer. A pigment layer is then applied to this layer. The size and shape of the pigment are controlled through the crack-forming process to avoid subsequent damage to the pigment structure. Precise peeling is achieved by utilizing the pigment islands and residual segments formed by the cracks.

Benefits of technology

It achieves narrow size distribution and shape consistency of pigment fragments, simplifies the production process, reduces mechanical force requirements, and improves the application effect of pigments in printing and safety verification.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A method for generating pigment fragments includes the following steps: forming a first layer (3) on a starting substrate (2); structuring the first layer (3); and peeling the pigment fragments off the starting substrate (2). According to the invention, the first layer (3) is a crack-forming layer, and thus the first layer is structured by the formation of cracks (32). Before peeling off the pigment fragments, a pigment layer (4) is applied to the first layer (3) structured by cracks (32).
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for producing pigments and the corresponding pigments. Background Technology

[0002] Data carriers (such as valuable documents or identification documents) and other valuable items (such as branded products) are often coated with effect pigments for protection. These effect pigments allow for verification of the authenticity of the data carrier while preventing unauthorized copying. Effect pigments may be integrated into or applied to the substrate of the data carrier, for example. Pigments with specific external contours are a known form of such effect pigments.

[0003] Effect pigments can be prepared, in particular, by coating a carrier material, then peeling the coating off the carrier and grinding it into small fragments. These fragments can then be dispersed as pigments in an adhesive and finally printed. The shape and size of the pigments cannot be precisely defined by this method of production.

[0004] However, various other methods are known for producing pigments with specific external contours.

[0005] For example, WO 2005 / 017048 A2 proposes a method for imprinting a carrier material according to a desired pigment profile and forming a coating on the imprinted carrier material. The coating can be removed from the carrier layer and broken down into pigments with a diameter of 5 to 100 micrometers by grinding and sieving. EP 2 062 947 A1 also proposes an improved imprinting structure for defining the pigment profile, in which the peeled layer is broken down into pigments.

[0006] In an alternative approach, the pigment layer is structured into pigments using lasers or etching.

[0007] However, it is still necessary to sieve pigment fragments with consistent external contours according to their size and other factors. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a flexible yet cost-effective method for producing pigments, which in particular allows for the production of pigments with a very narrow pigment size distribution.

[0009] This objective is achieved through the features defined by the independent claims. Improvements to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] The basic idea of ​​this invention is to use a crack-forming layer within the framework of pigment production. In particular, crack formation can be used to produce individual pigment flakes.

[0011] In the method for producing pigment, a first layer is formed on a substrate, the first layer is structured, and then the pigment is peeled off from the substrate. In this case, the first layer is a crack-forming layer, and thus the first layer is structured by generating cracks. A pigment layer is applied to the crack-structured first layer before the pigment is peeled off from the substrate.

[0012] This avoids structuring the pigment through subsequent process steps (e.g., by damaging the pigment layer during or after the process of peeling the pigment off the substrate). In this case, the resulting pigment size distribution is determined by the crack formation process.

[0013] The pigment includes at least a pigment layer and optionally a first layer. The pigment layer itself may include multiple local layers, such as one or more of the following local layers: a reflective layer (especially a metallic or highly refractive medium reflective layer), an absorbent layer (especially a metallic or highly refractive absorbent layer), a liquid crystal layer, a magnetic layer, and / or an imprinting layer.

[0014] The pigment layer is structured into multiple pigment segments by applying the pigment layer onto the structured first layer (and into the cracks).

[0015] The first layer is preferably adjusted specifically for the pigment layer. The thickness of the crack-forming layer is particularly greater than the thickness of the pigment layer. The width of the crack to be formed is adjusted to accommodate the pigment layer within the crack.

[0016] The applied pigment layer has pigment segments, especially on the pigment islands of the first layer, and there is residual pigment in the cracks of the first layer on the substrate.

[0017] The first layer, in particular, forms cracks autonomously within the framework of its curing (e.g., drying or solidification). Therefore, cracking occurs particularly independently of the substrate. The properties of the (carrier) substrate (e.g., flexibility) do not contribute to crack formation. Cracks appear as the first layer decreases in volume during curing. This volume change is also known as shrinkage. The first layer can be a layer with a high shrinkage rate during drying. Alternatively, curing (and shrinkage) can be triggered by curing methods (especially radiation curing, such as UV curing).

[0018] Another advantage is that crack formation supports the peeling step. Within the framework of crack formation, perfectly straight or smooth edges will not appear in the first layer. Pigment islands in the first layer are created through crack formation, each having at least an undercut portion and / or an enlarged sidewall region. These pigment islands have torn sidewall regions, and therefore the area of ​​these torn sidewall regions is larger than that of straight sidewalls. The pigment islands also have undercut portions, especially within the sidewall regions. Therefore, they are no longer attached to the substrate over the entire area, but have been partially peeled off from the substrate. Thus, theoretically, the mechanical force required for the peeling step is slightly reduced. A more significant advantage is that, due to the larger surface area and undercut portions, the solvent can better dissolve the soluble layer. In particular, although there is residual pigment in the cracks on the substrate, the solvent can still reach its soluble localized layer.

[0019] In the total area of ​​the first layer, the area ratio of cracks is at least 2%, preferably at least 3%, more preferably at least 5%, and especially, the area ratio of cracks is less than 15%, preferably less than 12%, and more preferably less than 10%. The area ratio of cracks is preferably 2-15%.

[0020] The percentage is more preferably 3-12%, and even more preferably 5-10%. Accordingly, the area ratio of pigment islands is less than 98%, preferably less than 97%, even more preferably less than 95%, especially greater than 85%, preferably greater than 88%, and even more preferably greater than 90%. Typically, the width of the crack is greater than 100 nanometers, preferably greater than 200 nanometers, and even more preferably greater than 500 nanometers.

[0021] Preferably, the crack-forming layer can be printed (in certain areas or throughout the entire area). Alternatively, other coating methods, such as scraping or spraying, can be used in certain areas or throughout the entire area.

[0022] Preferably, the first layer and / or method parameters are selected within the framework of crack formation to produce pigments of a specified size, i.e., in particular, sizes with a target size distribution.

[0023] To support the formation of certain pigment shapes, a first layer may be applied to certain areas, particularly in the form of strips, rectangles, or squares and / or core points, to facilitate crack formation. Core points are created to form cracks, particularly as localized depressions. Therefore, the core points (in terms of depth and length) are smaller than the resulting cracks. Core points may exist in the substrate or in the first layer. They are constructed and arranged relative to each other such that the shape of the pigment is determined by the core points. Alternatively, the first layer may be applied to multiple areas, for example, in the form of strips, rectangles, or squares, resulting in multiple patches of pigment in each area. The shape of the applied area (through crack formation starting at the edge of the area) determines the shape of the pigment; for example, strip or rectangular (or square) area => rectangular (or square) pigment.

[0024] In the first configuration of the step of peeling pigments from the substrate, the soluble layer is dissolved. The pigment layer (and the first layer) has been structured as pigments (or structured as pigment segments of the pigment layer and pigment islands of the first layer), so that the pigments can be peeled from the substrate without mechanical stress, i.e., forming further fragments. A localized layer of the substrate containing the first layer can be dissolved. Using a soluble paint layer as a localized layer is advantageous. Alternatively, the first layer itself can be dissolved.

[0025] The soluble layer is particularly preferably water-soluble. Alternatively, other solvents, such as organic solvents, can be used. However, organic solvents are more expensive and are generally not compatible with all (conceivable or used) pigment layers (or localized layers).

[0026] In a second configuration of the peeling step, the pigment is peeled off from the substrate using an intermediate substrate. During peeling, the intermediate substrate stabilizes the pigment under mechanical stress. The pigment layer is brought into contact with the intermediate substrate, causing the already structured pigment layer to partially adhere to the intermediate substrate. A suitable adhesive layer can be applied to the carrier layer of the intermediate substrate or the pigment layer. The adhesive layer should also be soluble, especially water-soluble. The pigment is separated from the substrate by separating the intermediate substrate from the substrate.

[0027] An intermediate product for producing pigments (especially pigments produced according to any of the above-described procedures) includes a substrate, a first layer, and a pigment layer. The first layer is disposed on the substrate as a crack-forming layer, wherein cracks have already been formed. The pigment layer is disposed on the crack-structured first layer and is thereby structured into multiple pigment flakes that can be peeled off from the substrate.

[0028] This method can produce pigments with a specified size distribution without any intermediate steps.

[0029] The intermediate substrate includes at least one intermediate substrate layer. Typically, the intermediate substrate includes an intermediate substrate layer and an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer of the intermediate substrate is configured such that the pigment layer adheres better to the adhesive layer than to the substrate itself. The adhesive layer is soluble, particularly a water-soluble layer.

[0030] Pigments produced from pigment layers can be called planar pigments or flake pigments.

[0031] Of course, the pigment can be used for printing. The pigment (especially pigment stripped from a starting substrate and / or intermediate substrate) is processed into printing ink. The printing ink containing the pigment is used for printing. Preferably, the printing is performed by screen printing, especially by partitioning. Alternatively, the pigment can be printed by gravure printing, and optionally by flexographic printing. The printing ink comprises the pigment and at least one solvent and optionally a binder. If the resulting pigment has a pigment size of less than 15 micrometers, preferably less than 10 micrometers, the printing ink can be used for offset printing.

[0032] The effect pigment can be used to ensure the security of data carriers (such as valuable documents or identity documents), but it can also be used to ensure the security of other valuable items (such as branded goods). The effect pigment allows for verification of authenticity and prevents unauthorized copying. The effect pigment can be integrated into a substrate, or applied (especially printed) onto a substrate.

[0033] The pigment's size or lateral dimension is less than 200 micrometers, particularly less than 60 micrometers, and preferably less than 30 micrometers. It is foreseeable that pigments with sizes ranging from 1 micrometer to 200 micrometers, preferably from 10 micrometers to 100 micrometers, and particularly preferably from 20 micrometers to 60 micrometers, are possible. The pigment thickness is in the range of 30 nanometers to 4 micrometers (or less than 2 micrometers), preferably between 100 nanometers and 1 micrometer.

[0034] A metal layer (e.g., aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, or alloys thereof) can be used as the optical effect layer for the pigment. The thickness of the metal layer is between 2 nanometers and 200 nanometers, preferably between 10 nanometers and 50 nanometers, and particularly preferably between 15 nanometers and 30 nanometers.

[0035] The optical effect layer can be constructed as a reflective layer or a translucent layer, where a high refractive index (HRI) layer can be used instead of a metal layer. The pigment preferably comprises a three-layer structure, which can be designed as a color-changing and / or color-filtering structure. The pigment can be formed from a three-layer structure, or may contain a three-layer structure as a support local layer or an optically active local layer. This three-layer structure preferably consists of a translucent metal layer, a dielectric layer, and a reflective (or translucent) metal layer. For example, silica, zinc sulfide, magnesium fluoride, or titanium dioxide can be used as the dielectric.

[0036] Particularly preferred is that at least the optically active local layer of the pigment is configured symmetrically with respect to the pigment plane. Thus, the orientation of the pigment is irrelevant after the printing process. For example, the pigment may be formed from two identical translucent local layers, with a supporting spacer layer. Such a pigment preferably has a metallic luster of a specific color spectrum in a top view, and exhibits a spectrum complementary to that color spectrum in transmitted light, particularly preferably gold in a top view and blue in transmitted light. In another variation, the dielectric layer and the translucent layer are symmetrically arranged (above and below) around a shared reflective layer.

[0037] To influence the orientation of the pigment with a magnetic field, a magnetic layer can be used. This magnetic layer can be formed, for example, of iron, nickel, or cobalt metals, or of iron oxide (especially magnetite (Fe3O4)), or of an alloy containing these metals. Such alloys preferably contain other elements, such as silicon, neodymium, boron, gadolinium, samarium, strontium, barium, or manganese. Preferably, these alloys are nickel-free magnetic iron, chromium, and / or aluminum alloys, such as the alloy used in EP2402401A1. It is advantageous for the magnetic layer to be located inside the pigment. In a particularly advantageous variation, the magnetic local layer is disposed between two reflective local layers, for example, made of aluminum. The pigment particularly preferably has a central magnetic layer with a three-layer structure on both sides (symmetrically), namely, particularly on both sides, from the inside out, a reflective layer (preferably a reflective metal layer), a spacer layer (preferably a dielectric layer), and an absorption layer (preferably a translucent metal layer). The corresponding interference layer structure (on both sides) can also be achieved solely by a dielectric layer (e.g., titanium dioxide or silicon dioxide). Attached Figure Description

[0038] Further exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not drawn to scale for clarity.

[0039] In the attached diagram:

[0040] Figure 1a -d shows the layer structure formed at different moments in the process of pigment production through the crack-forming layer;

[0041] Figure 2a b shows two different examples of cracks in the crack-forming layer in a top view;

[0042] Figure 3 The temporal process of crack formation is shown in a structure where the crack-forming layer consists of multiple strips;

[0043] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This demonstrates how to peel pigments from a substrate using an intermediate substrate; and

[0044] Figure 6The cross-sectional view of the layered structure uses the core point for crack formation, and three different pigment shapes are shown in the top view. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The following examples will illustrate how to use crack templates to produce pigments with a very narrow size distribution.

[0046] In this context, a crack template refers to a layer on a carrier foil (such as PET) that has a continuous network of cracks, so that the entire layer ultimately consists of individual islands. This crack template is covered with a metallic coating, which tears at the edges of the islands due to height differences and the size of the islands (which determines the pigment size). The pigment layer is structured through crack formation.

[0047] Figure 1a A carrier foil including a carrier layer 21 and an optional release layer 22 is shown. (Example) Figure 1b As shown, a continuous crack-forming layer is applied to a carrier foil, in which cracks 32 are formed, thereby creating pigment islands 31.

[0048] like Figure 1c As shown, pigment layer 4 is applied to the crack-forming layer. Pigment layer 4 includes pigment segments 41 located on pigment islands 31. Additionally, the pigment layer also includes residual segments 42 disposed in cracks 32 located on the carrier foil or its release layer 22. Pigment layer 4 may be or include a metallic coating. The pigment layer may include multiple local layers, particularly a symmetrical multilayer structure. For example, the pigment may include the following layers as local layers: one or more reflective local layers, one or more dielectric local layers, and one or more absorbent local layers, such as an absorbent material-dielectric material-reflective material, dielectric material-absorbing material-dielectric material, dielectric material-reflective material-dielectric material, or absorbent material-dielectric material-absorbing material structure.

[0049] To obtain the pigment, the crack template can be peelable from the foil (the crack template separates from the foil but remains connected to other pigment layers), or the crack template itself can be water-soluble or soluble in another solvent, so that in this case, after separation from the substrate, the crack template dissolves and releases the pigment.

[0050] Therefore, two types of pigments can be produced:

[0051] - A pigment consisting of a first pigment local layer (e.g., a vapor-deposited metal coating) and a crack-forming layer; or

[0052] - Pigments consisting only of pigment layers (e.g., vapor-deposited metal coatings) (without crack-forming layers).

[0053] Figure 1dVarious pigments 10 and 11 are shown. Pigment 10 includes only pigment layer 4, that is, depending on the specific case, it also includes partial layers of pigment layer 4. In contrast, pigment 11 includes pigment layer 4 or partial layers thereof, as well as a crack-forming layer. The shape and size of pigments 10 and 11 correspond to the shape and size of pigment islands 31 (or pigment segments 41).

[0054] Crack-forming layers can contribute to pigment stability, or crack-forming materials can possess functional properties (such as fluorescent dyes or magnetic particles).

[0055] It is known that there are different possibilities for generating a crack template.

[0056] In a first embodiment, during physical drying, the dispersant applied to the entire area of ​​the carrier foil cracks at a sufficiently high minimum film-forming temperature (MFT > 50°C). The dispersant consists of particles dispersed in water, which are organic polymers (e.g., based on polyacrylates, polystyrene, etc.), inorganic substances (e.g., silica, titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, etc.), or mixtures thereof. To ensure the solubility of the crack template in water, water-soluble compounds (e.g., sugar molecules, starch, or polyethylene glycol, etc.) may be added.

[0057] In another embodiment, a sol-gel technique is used to generate a crack template. Here, metallic and non-metallic alkoxides are used, which form sol particles through hydrolysis and condensation reactions. These ultimately form a gel, which, in a thin-layer morphology, readily forms cracks during drying.

[0058] In another embodiment, a brittle UV-curable varnish with a high shrinkage rate is fully coated onto a carrier foil. During radiation curing, widespread cracks form due to shrinkage.

[0059] The crack template can be used to obtain the pigment, for example, through metallization. Ideally, the aforementioned UV-curable varnish is designed to self-peel in water (water-soluble UV-curable varnish). For non-water-soluble UV-curable varnishes, it is conceivable to use a water-soluble intermediate layer to allow the pigment to peel off from the starting foil in water. A corresponding release layer 22 is then provided on the carrier foil. This release layer 22 is soluble in a solvent, preferably in a water-based solvent, or in an organic solvent.

[0060] Similarly, in reverse laminated foils with adhesive, pigments can be peeled off from the carrier foil, the adhesive is then dissolved, and the pigments are released. See below for further details. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This variation will be explained in more detail.

[0061] Controlling crack formation plays a decisive role in the size distribution and shape of pigments and depends on the chosen crack template generation method. In the case of physical drying of the dispersant, the island size (= pigment size) is adjusted using known parameters such as minimum film-forming temperature, layer thickness, particle size, additives, or drying conditions.

[0062] Figure 2a Images of a crack template are shown, in which the cracks form numerous islands of varying sizes. The island and pigment sizes are <100 micrometers, particularly in the range of 10 to 30 micrometers (area of ​​100 to 900 square micrometers).

[0063] Furthermore, it is known that the first-generation cracks tear vertically inward from the edge of the printed image, while the second-generation cracks appear parallel to the edge of the printed image, thus situated between the first-generation cracks. The resulting ladder-like crack template leads to the formation of rectangular islands or pigments. Figure 2b An image of a corresponding crack template with slightly larger islands is shown. Here, the pigment size is also less than 100 micrometers, but in the range of 20 to 60 micrometers (area of ​​400 to 3600 square micrometers).

[0064] However, this effect diminishes as the distance from the edge of the printed image increases. If only rectangular islands are needed, the foil should be printed in strips.

[0065] Figure 3 Three bands of the crack-forming layer on carrier 2 are shown. For clarity, the drying and crack formation stages are shown from top to bottom in the figure. The time arrow t indicates a time process from top to bottom. The wet crack-forming layer is still crack-free. During drying, the first crack 32a appears from the edge of the band inward. Then, the first-generation crack 32b extends from one side to the other across the entire band. Subsequently, cracks 32c appear parallel to the edge. The dried crack-forming layer consists of approximately rectangular pigment islands 31 and cracks 32 between them.

[0066] Hexagonal islands and pigments can also be achieved through other methods.

[0067] For crack templates based on UV-curable varnishes, predetermined crack points can be introduced during radiation curing via an appropriate structure on an imprinting tool. The imprinting tool, for example, presses two notches into the UV-curable varnish (see nanoimprinting), thereby initiating a crack at the shortest distance between the two notches due to shrinkage after radiation curing. Now, through specific notch arrangements, cracks can be selectively controlled into the form of lines and grids.

[0068] Figure 6The top row shows a notch 62 arranged in the crack-forming layer on the starting substrate 2. The notch 62 serves only as a core point for crack formation and is therefore smaller, particularly narrower and shorter, compared to the subsequent crack 32. Similarly, the notch 62 only needs to extend partially into the crack-forming layer. A pigment layer is applied to the crack-forming layer, thereby creating a pigment segment 41.

[0069] Because there are many relative arrangements of gaps and many types of gaps themselves, the shapes of islands and pigments are also diverse.

[0070] exist Figure 6 In the second row, the triangular edge notch 62a is used to create the straight crack 32, thereby producing the rectangular pigment 10a. The third row shows that the square pigment 10b can be produced by the corresponding arrangement of the star-shaped notch 62b.

[0071] Of course, this method can also easily be used to generate hexagonal pigment 10c using notch 62c. This notch 62c generates cracks 32 at 120° angles to each other, similar to a triangular star.

[0072] Pigment layers or one or more localized layers can be produced, in particular, by vapor deposition, such as by PVD spraying. In this case, the aforementioned localized layer or sublayers of the localized layer can be applied. Alternatively, localized layers, especially metallic layers, can be applied by gravure or flexographic printing.

[0073] Alternatively, after the residual segments are peeled off the substrate, the substrate can be reused for this method. On a substrate with a raised texture, the first foil, crack-forming layer, and pigment layer can be produced side-by-side multiple times. This saves material costs and reduces process steps.

[0074] List of reference numerals

[0075] Pigments 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 11

[0076] 2. Starting substrate

[0077] 21. Carrier layer of the starting substrate

[0078] 22 Release Layer

[0079] 3 First layer

[0080] 31 Paint Island

[0081] Cracks 32, 32a, 32b, and 32c

[0082] 4. Pigment layer

[0083] 41 Pigment Section

[0084] 42 Residual Segment

[0085] 5. Intermediate substrate

[0086] 51 Support layer of intermediate substrate

[0087] 52 Adhesive layer of intermediate substrate

[0088] 54 Adhesive layer with pigment segments

[0089] 55 Free Adhesive Layers

[0090] 62, 62a, 62b, and 62c are the nuclei points used to form cracks.

Claims

1. A method for producing pigments (10, 11), comprising the steps of: - A first layer (3) is formed on the starting substrate (2); -Structure the first layer (3); and - Remove pigments (10, 11) from the starting substrate (2); Its features are: The first layer (3) is the crack-forming layer, and thus the first layer is structured by generating cracks (32); and Before stripping the pigments (10, 11), the pigment layer (4) is applied to the first layer (3) structured by the cracks (32). The pigment layer (4) includes multiple local layers.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pigments (10, 11) include: - Pigment layer (4) or - Pigment layer (4) and first layer (3).

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The pigment layer (4) is structured into multiple pigment segments (41) by applying it to the structured first layer (3).

4. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The applied pigment layer (4) has pigment segments (41) on the pigment islands (31) of the first layer (3) and residual segments (42) in the cracks (32) on the starting substrate.

5. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first layer (3) itself forms cracks (32).

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Cracks (32) form within the solidified framework of the first layer (3).

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The solidification includes drying or curing.

8. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Within the framework of crack formation, the first layer (3) and / or method parameters are adjusted to produce pigments (10, 11) with sizes within the target size distribution.

9. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The core point (62) used for crack formation is generated in the form of a local depression, so that the shape of the pigment is determined by the core point (62).

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The core point (62) for crack formation is generated in the starting substrate (2) or the first layer (3) in the form of a local depression.

11. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first layer (3) is applied in the form of multiple strips.

12. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the step of peeling pigments (10, 11) from the starting substrate (2), the first layer (3) is dissolved.

13. The method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, In the step of peeling pigments (10, 11) from the starting substrate (2), the soluble release layer (22) of the starting substrate (2) dissolves.

14. The method as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The soluble release layer (22) is water-soluble.

15. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: The pigment layer (4) is brought into contact with the intermediate substrate (5), wherein the structured pigment layer (4) is attached to the intermediate substrate (5) in a multi-segment manner; and Separate the intermediate substrate (5) and the starting substrate (2), wherein pigments (10, 11) are stripped from the starting substrate (2) by a separation step.

16. The method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, At least the pigment layer (4) is attached to the adhesive layer (52) of the intermediate substrate.

17. The method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The adhesive layer is disposed on the support layer (51) of the intermediate substrate.

18. An intermediate product for producing pigments (10, 11) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising a starting substrate (2) on which: - First layer (3), wherein the first layer (3) serves as a crack-forming layer in which cracks (32) have formed; and - A pigment layer (4) arranged on a first layer (3) structured by cracks (32), and thereby structured into a plurality of peelable pigment flakes (10, 11) formed at least by the pigment layer (4) and optionally by the first layer (3), which can be peeled off from the substrate. in, The pigment layer (4) includes multiple local layers.

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