Effect pigment preparation for powder coating

Abstract

This invention discloses an effect pigment preparation, comprising or consisting of a mixture of a first component which is a flaky metal effect pigment based on aluminum or aluminum alloys having a median particle size d50,M and as a second component a pearlescent pigment of a filler having a median particle size d50,P any of:i) a silvery, absorbing pearlescent pigment comprising a transparent substrate with a refractive index of lower than 1.6 and an absorbing coating with a refractive index of > 2.0 or ii) a silvery transparent pearlescent pigment, which comprises a transparent substrate with a refractive index of lower than 1.6 and a coating with at least one transparent metal oxide with a refractive index of > 2.0 or iii) an uncoated transparent platelet with a refractive index of lower than 1.6, and mixtures of any of the second components i), ii) and iii), wherein the ratio by weight of the second component to the first component is in a range of 2.5 to 8.0, wherein the effect pigment preparation is in a powdered form and wherein these two components of the mixture are contained in the effect pigment preparation in an amount of 70 to 100 wt.%, referred to the total amount of the effect pigment preparation.

Description

EFFECT PIGMENT PREPARATION FOR POWDER COATINGThe present invention relates to effect pigment preparations of metal pigments and specialpearlescent pigments of silvery color and absorbing properties. The invention also relatesto the use of this effect pigment preparation in powder coatings and powder coatingscontaining this effect pigment preparation. Metal effect pigments, and particularly aluminum effect pigments, involve a high degree of explosion risks during handling, storage, transportation and processing. Mainly for thesereasons aluminum effect pigments for liquid coating applications are delivered in form ofpastes. In powder coatings the pigments, however, need to have a powdered form as theremoval of solvent before processing into the powder coating would be too expensive andtoo risky with respect to safety demands. This requires high safety standards and know-how for all users in the relevant application areas of powder metal pigments and especiallyfor powder coatings. Especially when processing powdery materials in powder coatings,the dangers of e.g. dust explosions must be avoided. For this reason, fine Al pigments, for example, cannot be used by some powder coating companies and are therefore prohibited there. What is desirable for the customer is a combination of easy and safe handling, highopacity and metallic appearance of the effect pigments. Particularly, metal powders whichare declared as explosive goods lead to higher transport costs, possibly higher taxes, higher transport risks and internal administrative efforts when exported.Aluminum pigments prepared as pigment preparation in form of pellets or granules(disclosed e.g. in: US 4544600 A, DE 2530560 A1, US 4725317 A) are safer with respectto dust explosion risks and transportation, but such aluminum pigments cannot be used inpowder coatings in form of dry blending or bonding. These are the two methods ofpreparation of metallic effect pigments in powder coating, because such pigments usually cannot be processed by extrusion and grinding as all other components of the powder coating. The metal effect pigments need to have a powdered form to be utilized in these methods and in pellet form they frequently do not dissolve to the desired finely distributed form. WO 2005 / 111152 A1 disclosed mixtures of e.g. pearlescent pigments with small amounts(at a maximum of 5 wt.%) of very thin aluminum metal pigments having a mirror-likeappearance.WO 2011 / 095447 A2 discloses mixtures of perlite with other effect pigments to enhancesparkle effects in applications such as coatings, plastics, printing inks or cosmetics. Here the amount of perlite is preferably lower than the amount of the effect pigment. WO 2013 / 175339 A1 discloses a mixture of metallic effect pigments and pearlescent pigments, wherein the amount of metallic pigment dominates. This mixture is safer with respect to aluminothermic reactions of the aluminum effect pigments. The amount of metallic effect pigments here is clearly higher than the amount of the pearlescent pigments. US 5,277,711 A discloses mixtures of iron oxide coated aluminum pigments with ironoxide coated mica pigments in a powdery state.WO 2020 / 208134 A1 discloses mixtures of metal effect pigments with silvery pearlescent pigments which are intended to be used in automotive coatings. Metal pigments offered for such coatings are always delivered in form of pastes. It is an object of this invention to provide a metallic effect pigment, particularly analuminum effect pigment which can be transported, handled, stored and processed in aform without the risk of a powder explosion or metallic flammability. In the application theoptical effect should still provide a metallic impression with good hiding power and asilvery appearance. This object is solved by providing an effect pigment preparation, comprising or consisting of a mixture of a first component which is a flaky metal effect pigment based on aluminum or aluminum alloys having a median particle size d50,M and as a second component a pearlescent pigment of a filler having a median particle size d50,P any of: i) a silvery, absorbing pearlescent pigment comprising a transparent substrate with a refractive index of lower than 1.6 and an absorbing coating with a refractive index of > 2.0 or ii) a silvery transparent pearlescent pigment, which comprises a transparent substrate with a refractive index of lower than 1.6 and a coating with at least one transparent metal oxide with a refractive index of > 2.0 or iii) an uncoated transparent platelet with a refractive index of lower than 1.6, and mixtures of any of the second components i), ii) and iii), wherein the ratio by weight of the second component to the first component is in a rangeof 2.5 to 8.0, characterized in that the effect pigment preparation is in a powdered form and wherein these two components of the mixture are contained in the effect pigment preparation in an amount of 70 to 100 wt.%, referred to the total amount of the effect pigment preparation. Further embodiments of the invention are disclosed in claims 2 to 15. First component: flaky metal effect pigmentThe flaky metal pigment is an aluminum or aluminum alloy-based effect pigment. Suchmetal pigments are most commonly used in powder coatings and stand for a silvery, metallic appearance. Most preferably the flaky metal effect pigment is suitable to be used in a powder coating. Such metal pigments, particularly aluminum effect pigments have special demands regarding their electrostatic chargeability. For example, aluminum pigments obtained bydry- or wet-milling which are covered with saturated fatty acids like most generally stearicacid which leads to leafing-pigments. Examples thereof are Standart® PC 200, Standart®PC 100 (both from Eckart GmbH) or Blitz 2091 (Benda-Lutz). Aluminum pigmentsobtained by wet-milling with lubricants comprising unsaturated fatty acids, like oleic acidare not suitable per se in powder coatings. These aluminum pigments are too explosiveduring the application in powder coatings. Aluminum pigments obtained by dry milling witheither saturated fatty acids (leafing) or unsaturated fatty acids (non-leafing) undercontrolled oxygen conditions are applicable in powder coatings. Commercially availableexamples are PC 20 (leafing,) or PCN 8810 (non-leafing), both from Eckart GmbH.In other embodiments the metallic pigments are leafing pigments wherein an aluminum effect pigment is coated with a fluoroalkyl silane as disclosed in WO 2009 / 077191 A1. In other embodiments the metallic pigments are coated with a polysiloxane and mostpreferably with a polysiloxane as disclosed in EP 2318463 B1 and as described below informula (IV) within this invention.In other embodiments the flaky metal effect pigments are coated with an envelopingpassivation layer which also ensures electrostatic chargeability.The passivation layers are SiO2, polymer and mixtures or combinations thereof. The flakymetal effect pigments may comprise or consist of examples of commercially availablealuminum effect pigments with silica coating for powder coating are PCR (Eckart GmbH)or Powdal XT (Schlenk Metallic Pigments GmbH).In polymer coated embodiments the polymer is preferably a (meth)acrylate-based polymer and most preferably this polymer comprises or even consists of a polymerized three- functional methacrylate monomer. In such coated metallic effect pigments a 3-dimensional polymer film is formed by polymerizing adequate monomers in a dispersion of flaky aluminium pigments in a solvent. The polymerization can be affected by initiators or by heat treatment. Examples of suitable acrylate or methacrylate based monomers are methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, isodecyl acrylate, lauryl, stearyl acrylate, butoxylated acrylate, dimethylaminoethyl acrylate (DAMEA,) diethylaminoethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxybutyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate, methoxyethyl acrylate, butoxyethyl acrylate, glycidyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, 2- ethylhexyl methacrylate, isodecyl methacrylate, n-lauryl methacrylate, n-stearyl methacrylate, n-butoxyethyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxybutyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, methoxyethyl methacrylat, butoxyethylmethacrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, triethylene glycol diacrylate, ethylene glycol methacrylate, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, tetramethylolpropane tetraacrylate, ditrimethylolpropane tetraacrylate, pentaerythritol tetraacrylate, di-pentachloropropane threotol hexapeptide acrylate, di-pentachloro propane erythritol pentaacrylate, di-pentachloro propane oxopropionate erythritol pentaacrylate monoester and mixturesthereof. Most preferred (meth)acrylate monomers are trimethylolpropane triacrylate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate and mixtures thereof.Examples of commercially available products are PCA or HCP (Eckart GmbH) or PCF(Toyo Aluminium). In other embodiments the aluminum flakes may be coated with a binder material suitable for powder coating which can be, for example, coated onto the aluminum flakes via a spray drying process as disclosed in WO 2005 / 063897 A2. In a different technology powder coating resins which are preferably polyester based systems can be coated ontoaluminum flakes via a so-called spontaneous precipitation which is disclosed in WO 2017 / 167450 A1. Suitable products may be also aluminum flakes coated with a combination of a silica layer and a polymer layer. Commercially available products are PCU (Eckart GmbH), PowdalSDT (Schlenk Metallic Pigments GmbH).The flaky metal effect pigments based on aluminum or aluminum alloys preferably have amedian particle size d50,M in a range of 4.0 to 50 µm. More preferably the flaky metal effect pigments have a d50,M in a range of 5.0 to 44.0 µm, even more preferably in a range of 6.0to 40.0 µm and most preferably in a range of 6.0 to 35.0 µm.The particles size distribution is preferably determined by laser granulometry using the Fraunhofer approximation. It is determined as volume weighted distribution of equivalent spheres. Preferably a Mastersizer 3000 (Malvern Panalytical) is used as measurement instrument according to the instructions of the manufacturer.In some embodiments the flaky metal effect pigments of the first component have anaverage particle thickness hM in a range of more than 50 to 1.500 nm and more preferablyin a range of 150 nm to 800 nm. Below of 50 nm average thickness the metal pigmentsare not mechanically stable enough to be mixed with the second component withoutbecoming damaged. Furthermore, such pigments are usually very expensive as they are produced either by physical vapor deposition (PVD) or by more cumbersome wet-milling technologies (EP 1621586 B1, EP 2102294 B1) compared to the standard procedures.As a silvery optical effect is envisaged, the flaky metal effect pigments based on aluminumpreferably have no coating which would impart a color impression. For example it is preferred that the flaky metal effect pigments are not coated with metal oxides of high (>1.8) refractive index or absorbing properties in the visible wavelength region. Therefore, in very preferred embodiments the flaky metal effect pigments are not coated with metal oxides such as iron oxides and more specifically not coated with any of Fe2O3, Fe3O4, Fe(OH)3, TiO2, ZrO2 or ZnO or combinations or mixtures thereof. Second component: The second component is a silvery pearlescent pigment of a filler having a median particle size d50,P. The median size is preferably in a range of 6.0 to 40 µm and more preferably ina range of 7.0 to 30 µm. They may be determined in the same way as for the first component.Silvery absorbing pearlescent pigments of type i):The pearlescent pigments of type i) used in the effect pigment preparation are silvery,absorbing pearlescent pigments with optical properties reflecting a metallic look. These pearlescent pigments usually have optical properties such that the resulting color in reflection is essentially a neutral silver tone or a slightly colored tone and cover a color region from absorbing grey to anthracite shades. With respect to pearlescent pigments generally the color tone “anthracite” is also often referred to as “black”. In this invention the term “silvery, absorbing pearlescent pigments” is used for pearlescent pigments which have a combination of neutral silver or slightly colored reflection color and grey to anthracite absorption color tones providing a metallic-like characteristic. In preferred embodiments the silvery, absorbing pearlescent pigments are selected from the following types:a) pearlescent pigments comprising a transparent substrate which is coated with a high-refractive index layer with n > 1.8, which comprises or consists of an iron-oxide with Fe(ll)- ions, b) pearlescent pigments comprising a transparent substrate which is coated with a high- refractive index layer with n > 1.8, which comprises or consists of titanium suboxide or a pearlescent pigment comprising a substrate with a high-refractive index with n > 1.8 layer, which comprises or consists of a titanium suboxide that is optionally coated with a high- refractive index layer with n > 1.8, c) pearlescent pigments comprising a transparent substrate which is coated with a high- refractive index layer with n > 1.8, which comprises or consists of titanium oxynitride, d) pearlescent pigments comprising a transparent substrate which is coated with a layer comprising carbon, wherein the carbon is enclosed in a particulate form in another metal oxide layer or is formed as a separate, individual layer, e) a transparent substrate coated with a first layer comprising or consisting of a mixture of the oxides of titanium, iron and at least one of cobalt and chromium and a second layer on the first layer, wherein the second layer comprises an oxide of titanium, and mixtures or combinations of the pearlescent pigments a) to e) or pearlescent pigments with mixtures or combinations of the various coating layers mentioned in the pearlescent pigments a) to e).The optical properties of the silvery, absorbing pearlescent pigments useable for the effectpigment preparation can be evaluated by making a drawdown of a colorless lacquer(preferably BASF farblos ZM 26- 3025) with a pigmentation height of 10 wt.% of thepearlescent pigment using a 100 µm doctor 25 blade on a black / white cartoon paper. The total content of non-volatile components in the lacquer should be 30 wt.%. The optical properties of the dried drawdowns are measured with a BYK-Mac instrument. Preferably, the chroma C*15° of such a drawdown of the silvery pearlescent pigments measured on black background is ≤ 15, more preferably ≤ 14 and most preferably ≤ 10. The hiding power of the silvery pearlescent pigment in such drawdowns can be defined as the ratio of the L*75°,black / L*75°,white-values measured on the black to white background, respectively. This ratio is preferably higher than 70%. This high hiding power is mainly achieved by the absorbing layer of the pearlescent pigments. The lightness is represented by the L*15° value which is close to the angle of reflection and preferably this value measured on the drawdowns on black background is above 90 and more preferably above 100 for thepearlescent pigments of the effect pigment preparation in this particular application.In a first preferred embodiment a) the silvery pearlescent pigments used in the effectpigment preparation are pearlescent pigments comprising a transparent substrate which iscoated with a high-refractive index layer with n > 1.8, which comprises or consists of aniron-oxide with Fe(II)- ions. In a further preferred embodiment the silvery pearlescentpigment a) has a coating comprising a metal oxide layer comprising Ti and Fe, wherein the iron is mainly Fe(II) ions, which is preferably an ilmenite (FeTiO3) layer or a magnetite (Fe3O4) layer or mixtures thereof. In a further preferred embodiment the pearlescent pigment has a coating comprising a first layer of TiO2 followed by a metal oxide layer containing Fe(II)-ions, preferably consisting of ilmenite. Pearlescent pigments with a coating comprising a homogeneously distributed ilmenite (FeTiO3) have been described in EP 1620511 A2. Pearlescent pigments with a coating comprising first a TiO2 layer followed by an inhomogeneously distributed ilmenite layer have been described in WO 2012 / 130776 A1. Further examples of such pearlescent pigments are disclosed in EP 246523 A2, EP 3119840 A1 (with an Al2O3 substrate) or EP 681009 A2 (with a further high-refractive index coating). Pearlescent pigments with a single layer of ilmenite on a TiO2 platelet substrate have been described in WO 1997 / 043348 A1. The thicknesses of the layers disclosed in these documents need to be reduced in order to achieve the silvery to grey shaded pearlescent pigments in reflection as demanded in the effect pigment preparation.In further preferred embodiments the silvery pearlescent pigment comprises the following structure: (a1) a transparent platelet-shaped synthetic substrate, (a2) a titanium oxidelayer, followed by (a3) a metal oxide layer comprising Ti- and Fe-ions, wherein the Fe-ionsare mainly Fe(II)-ions. In a further preferred embodiment the silvery pearlescent pigment has a layer of ilmenite (FeTiO3). In further preferred embodiments the pearlescent pigment has an iron(III) oxide content of less than 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the pigment. All other amounts of Fe-ions in iron oxides are in the reduced Fe(II) oxidation state. A higher amount of remaining Fe(III)-ions would lead to an undesired brownish absorption color. The amounts of Fe(II) or Fe(III) can be determined with Mößbauer spectroscopy or with XPS analysis, possibly combined with sputter profiles. In further embodiments the total amount of iron compounds, calculated as elemental iron, in the silvery, absorbing pearlescent pigment according to the invention is less than 5.0% by weight, preferably in a range from 1% by weight to 4.3% by weight, particularly preferably in a range from 1.4% by weight to 2.9% by weight and very particularly preferably in a range from 1.5% by weight to 2.3% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the pearlescent pigment. With such low amounts of Fe a silvery color can be well developed. Higher amounts than 15 wt.% lead to pearlescent pigments with a too strong absorption color. In further preferred embodiments the pearlescent pigment of type a) has an iron / titanium weight ratio as a function of the coating, in accordance with formula (I): Fraction o (I)f the coating (wt. %)is in a range from 1.0 to 25.0. Herein “iron content” stands for the amount of iron compounds, calculated as elemental iron, and “titanium content” stands for the amount of titanium compounds, calculated as elemental titanium, in each case in the pearlescent pigment and based on the total weight of the pearlescent pigment, and where the “fraction of the coating (% by weight)” stands for the weight fraction, based on the total weight of the pearlescent pigment, of the overall coating applied to the substrate. In other embodiments this parameter is in a range from 1.2 to 8.0, preferably in a range from 2.0 to 7.5, particularly preferably in a range from 2.5 to 7.0, and very particularly preferably in a range from 3.0 to 6.0. This parameter especially ensures that the pearlescent pigment has a silvery color as demanded in the effect pigment preparation. In another embodiment b) the silvery, absorbing pearlescent pigments comprise a transparent substrate which is coated with a high-refractive index layer with n > 1.8 whichcomprises or consists of a titanium suboxide or a substrate with a high-refractive index n > 1.8 layer comprising or consisting of a titanium suboxide that is optionally coated with a high-refractive index layer with n > 1.8. The high-refractive coating layer with n > 1.8 of the second kind of pigment is made from a different material than the substrate`s titanium suboxide and is preferably TiO2. The coated titanium suboxide layer or the titanium suboxide substrate denote to titanium oxides wherein the formal oxidation number of titanium is below 4. They can be represented by the formula: TinO2n-1 (II)wherein n is an integer of 1 to 100, preferably n = 1 to 10. Typical examples of suchcompounds are TiO, Ti2O3, Ti3O5, Ti4O7. Mixtures of any such species may be also included. In further embodiments the titanium suboxide content can be less than 5% based on the total pigment and the main component of said titanium suboxide is Ti2O3. An example of a commercially available pearlescent pigment with titanium suboxide is Iriodin®9605 (Merck). In another embodiment c) the silvery pearlescent pigments comprise a transparent substrate which is coated with a high-refractive index layer with n > 1.8, which comprises or consists of titanium oxynitride. The titanium oxynitrides can be expressed by the general formula: TixNyOz (III) wherein x is 0.2 to 0.6, y is 0.05 to 0.6 and z is 0.1 to 0.9, which comprises a solid solution of 25 nitrogen in titanium monoxide. Such pearlescent pigments have been described in US 4,623,396 A. Pearlescent pigments with intense blue color or a bluish fade have been described in EP 332071 A1 or in EP 735115 A1. Herein a first TiO2 layer is reduced with ammonia at temperatures in the range of 750 °C to 850 °C. If the optical thickness of the TiO2 layer deposited in a first step is in the range of 50 to 100 nm silvery effect pigments are obtained. In EP 842229 B1 pearlescent pigments are described were a flakyTiO2 substrate is first formed by solidification of a hydrolysable aqueous solution of a titanium compound on an endless band. These substrates can be coated with further TiO2 or other metal oxides and calcined under reducing conditions. Examples of such pearlescent pigments are Paliocrom Blausilber L6000 and L6001, which have been earlier manufactured by BASF Colors and Effects GmbH.In a further embodiment d) the pearlescent pigment of the effect pigment preparation comprises a transparent substrate which is coated with a layer comprising carbon, wherein the carbon is enclosed in a particulate form in another metal oxide layer or is formed as a separate, individual layer on at least one high-refractive index layer. In DE 4227082 A1 pearlescent pigments were disclosed, wherein pearlescent substrates or TiO2 coated pearlescent pigments were coated with organofunctional silanes and calcined or pyrolyzed under inert gas atmosphere yielding a pearlescent pigment containing carbon insilica matrix and having a darker color. Similar pearlescent pigments were disclosed in DE4227082 A1. In EP 3230384 A1 a pearlescent pigment with metallic silvery look was disclosed where on top of a high-refractive index coating like TiO2 a very thin pure carbon layer is coated via a fluidized bed apparatus. In EP 3795645 A1 similar pigments were disclosed and the carbon layer was identified to be a mixture of amorphous carbon (a-C) and nanocrystalline graphite (nc-graphite). In a preferred embodiment of pearlescent pigments d) a transparent substrate is coated with a transparent metal oxide with refractive index ≥ 2.0 and at least one layer which consists of a mixture of amorphous carbon (a-C) and nanocrystalline graphite (nc- graphite). The transparent metal oxide with high refractive index is preferably TiO2, ZrO2,ZnO, SnO2 and more preferably TiO2 or SnO2. A commercially available product isRonaflux Specular Silver (Merck KGaA).Most preferred embodiments of variant d) have the following structures: -transparent substrate+ a-C / nc-graphite layer + TiO2- transparent substrate+ TiO2 + a-C / nc-graphite layer.In a further embodiment e) the pearlescent pigment of the effect pigment preparation comprises a transparent substrate platelet coated with a first layer comprising or consisting of a mixture of the oxides of titanium, iron and at least one of cobalt and chromium and a second layer on the first layer, wherein the second layer comprises an oxide of titanium. Such pearlescent pigments have a black absorption color and are described in US 6,361,593 B2 and US 6,290,766 B1. Commercially available Products are Vegetable Black Olive (Sun Colors and Effects). In further embodiments mixtures or combinations of the pearlescent pigments a) to e) itself or pearlescent pigments with mixtures or combinations of the various coating layersmentioned in the pearlescent pigments a) to e) can be used. For example, pearlescent pigments comprising a coating of mixtures or combinations of titanium suboxide and titanium oxynitride may be used. In preferred embodiments the silvery, absorbing pearlescent pigments are taken from the following group: a) pearlescent pigments of type a), wherein the pearlescent pigment has a coatingcomprising a metal oxide layer comprising Ti- and Fe-ions, wherein the Fe-ions are mainlyFe(II) ions, which is preferably an ilmenite (FeTiO3) layer, magnetite (Fe3O4) or mixtures thereof or b) pearlescent pigments of type b), wherein the titanium suboxide can be represented bythe formula TinO2n-1 (II) wherein n is an integer of 1 to 10, orc) pearlescent pigments of type c), wherein the titanium oxynitride can be represented by the formula TixNyOz (III) wherein x is 0.2 to 0.6, y is 0.05 to 0.6 and z is 0.1 to 0.9, which comprises a solid solution of nitrogen in titanium monoxide, and mixtures or combinations of the pearlescent pigments a) to c) or pearlescent pigments with mixtures or combinations of the various coating layers mentioned in the pearlescent pigments a) to c). The high-refractive index layers of the silvery pearlescent pigments of type a), b) or c) preferably have an index of refraction n of > 2.0 and more preferably n > 2.3.Preferably the silvery, absorbing pearlescent pigments of type i) or of silvery, transparentpearlescent pigments of type ii) have a transparent substrate like natural mica, syntheticmica, glass, perlite, SiO2, Al2O3 and mixtures thereof. More preferably the transparent substrates are chosen from natural mica, synthetic mica,glass, and mixtures thereof and most preferably is synthetic mica.Pearlescent pigments based on substrates like SiO2 or Al2O3 are rare in powder coatingindustry as they are the costliest ones.The silvery, absorbing pearlescent pigments have the highest opacity of all pigments orfillers of the second component due to their absorbing properties in the visible wavelength region. They also have a more metallic look compared to the pearlescent pigments of typeii). Consequently also the pigment preparation as a whole has the highest opacity and bestmetallic look.Silvery transparent pearlescent pigments of type ii): The silvery transparent pearlescent pigments of type ii) are conventional silverypearlescent pigments which comprise a transparent substrate and at least one coating of atransparent metal oxide with a refractive index of ≥ 2.0. Preferably the transparent coatingis any of TiO2, ZrO2 SnO2, and ZnO and combinations thereof. Most preferably TiO2 isused which can be in rutile or anatase modification. In more preferred embodiments TiO2is used in the rutile modification. With “transparent coating” it is meant that the metal oxide has essentially no absorption in the visible wavelength region (400 to 780 nm). With “essentially no absorption” it is meant that the absorption coefficient of the metal oxide k is below of 0.01 is this wavelength region (referring to literature values).In case of a single coating with a transparent high refractive index metal oxide it is wellknown in the art that the silvery color will develop at optical thicknesses in a range of about80 to 160 nm and more preferably in a range of 90 to 140 nm.For silvery pearlescent pigments with a single TiO2-layer the geometrical thicknesses are in a range of 30 to 60 nm, more preferred in a range of 35 to 45 nm. In further embodiments a further metal oxide layer is located onto the transparent substrate and the transparent high refractive metal oxide layer as described in US 2008 / 168924 A1. In other embodiments so-called multilayer pearlescent pigments may be employed which contain an alternating layer sequence of transparent high / low / high refractive indexlayers. The low refractive index layers have a refractive index of < 1.6 in the visiblewavelength region and may be preferably SiO2, Al2O3 or MgF2.In preferred embodiments the transparent pearlescent pigments of type ii) are pearlescentpigments with the following structures: natural mica / TiO2 natural mica / TiO2 / SiO2 / TiO2 synthetic mica / TiO2 synthetic mica / TiO2 / SiO2 / TiO2 glass flake / TiO2 glass flake / TiO2 / SiO2 / TiO2 SiO2 / TiO2SiO2 / TiO2 / SiO2 / TiO2. Al2O3 / TiO2 Al2O3 / TiO2 / SiO2 / TiO2. Most preferred embodiments have the following structures: natural mica / TiO2 natural mica / TiO2 / SiO2 / TiO2 synthetic mica / TiO2synthetic mica / TiO2 / SiO2 / TiO2 glass flake / TiO2 glass flake / TiO2 / SiO2 / TiO2. The thicknesses of the TiO2and possibly also the SiO2-layers layers are adjusted such to provide a silvery interference color. Suitable silvery multilayer pearlescent pigments of type ii) were described in EP 2346950 B1 or EP 1213330 B1.In EP 1564261 A2 or EP 1469041 B1 multilayer or single layer pearlescent pigments withsilvery color were described in which the thickness of the TiO2 layers were carefully adjusted to the substrate which had an unusual low distribution of their thicknesses. In this case the substrate becomes an active layer with respect to the formation of an interference color. On the other hand the substrates with broad thickness variation exhibit a smear out effect for the interference colors so that the final color is only determined bythe thickness of the high refractive index layer. The silvery pearlescent pigments have asilvery interference color and may exhibit a color flop at angles far from oblique. In a powder coating application, however, the plane parallel orientation of the effect pigments is usually less developed and here various colors produced by non-alignment may also add to yield an overall silvery effect. In preferred embodiments the silvery pearlescent pigments of type i) or ii) according to the invention may be provided with an outer top-coating which comprises a metal oxide. This protective layer further enhances the light stability, weather stability and / or chemical stability of the pearlescent pigment. Especially the photoactivity of any TiO2 layers and the concomitant destroying of organic resins in coatings may be effectively reduced by these protective layers. Such pearlescent pigments may be used in architectural powdercoatings. The external protective layer of the silver-colored pigments according to theinvention can comprise, or preferably consist of, one, two or three metal oxide layersand / or metal hydroxide layers and / or metal oxide hydrate layers of the elements Si, Al, Zr,Sn, Zn or Ce. Such weather stable external protective layers are described in EP 0888410 B1, EP 063210910 A1, EP 1727864 B1, EP 1682622 B1, EP 2691478 B1 or EP 2904052 B1, for example. In the art it is also common to further modify the metal oxide layer or layers of the top- coating by organofunctional agents, preferably by organofunctional silanes. For the purpose of this invention such organofunctional coatings may be applied, but in preferred embodiments they are not applied. Instead a different organofunctional modification may be used as described below. The amount of the metal oxides in the top-coating is generally low as this top coating is aimed to alter optical properties of the pearlescent pigments as low as possible. The amount may be in a range of 0.1 to 4.0 wt.%, more preferably in a range of 0.2 to 3.0 wt.% and most preferably in a range of 0.3 to 2.0 wt.%, each referred to the total amount of pearlescent pigment of type i) or ii). Uncoated transparent platelets of type iii): The uncoated transparent platelet of type iii) with a refractive index of lower than 1.6 of thesecond component is preferably chosen from natural mica, synthetic mica, glass, kaolin,kaolinite, talc, perlite, sericite, SiO2, Al2O3 and mixtures thereof, more preferably from natural mica, synthetic mica, glass, kaolin, kaolinite, talc, perlite, sericite, and mixtures thereof and most preferably from natural mica, synthetic mica, glass, kaolin and mixtures thereof. Such uncoated platelets of a material with low refractive index do not contribute to the metallic effect, but act as fillers in the final powder coating application. They do, however, effectively reduce the safety risks of the metallic effect pigment powder. This kind of mixture may be usable in applications where a certain metallic effect is demanded, which may be achieved with low costs.Organofunctional surface modification of second component:In preferred embodiments the pearlescent pigments of type i) or ii) may be coated on their surface with a leafing-agent. Such leafing agent will affect an enhanced concentration ofthe coated pigments near to the top of the final application coating, e.g. a powder coating.In such coatings the brilliance will be enhanced and more sparkling and better opacity maybe observed.In preferred embodiments the leafing-agent will be any of a phosphate-based additive, aphosphonate-based additive, a phosphite based additive, an alkyl silane or a polysiloxaneor mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment the polysiloxane of the organofunctional surface modification has a polysiloxane according to formula (IV):Herein R1is a saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and / or an aryl, alkylaryl or arylalkyl radical having 6 to 30 carbon atoms. R2, R3, R4and R5independently represent saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain orbranched alkylidene radicals having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and / or aryl radicals, alkylarylradicals and / or arylalkyl radicals having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. x and y are integers representing polymerization degrees and x = 1 to 200; y = 2 to 30.The moiety A is any of (CH2)n, O, S, (OCH2CH2)m or C6R64, wherein n = 0 or 1 and m = 0to 30 and R6is H and / or alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.The moiety B is (CH2)z or (OCH2CH2)w, where z = 0 to 30 and w = 0 to 30. R7and R8independently each represent O, OH or a saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and / or an aryl, alkylaryl or arylalkylradical having 6 to 9 carbon atoms and wherein X represents O or OH. At least one of R7,R8 or X are bonded to the surface of the pearlescent pigments of type i) or ii) or to thesurface of filler of type iii). Such modified pearlescent pigments are further described in detail in EP 2698403 B1.In other embodiments the organic surface modification may be chosen from organic phosphorus-containing additives as disclosed in EP 1812518 B1. Particularly, the pearlescent pigments or fillers of types i) to iii) are coated on the surface with at least one organic phosphorus-containing additive having the general formula (V) R9R10P(O)(OR11) (V) and / or of the general formula (VI) R9P(O)(OR11)(OR12) (VI) Herein R9and R10independently of one another are hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl radical having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, with the proviso that R9and R10are not simultaneously hydrogen, and R11and R12independently of one another are H or alkylhaving 1 to 10 carbon atoms. More preferably, R9 and R10 independently of one anotherare a linear or branched alkyl radical having 8 to 20 carbon atoms and most preferably 8 to18 C-atoms. Preferably R11and R12independently of one another are H. These additive are organofunctional phosphinic or phosphonic acids. In other embodiments the pearlescent pigments of type i) or ii) or the filler of type iii) may be coated on their surface with an organofunctional phosphorus-containing additive represented by formula (IIV): (R9-O)n-P(O)(OR11)3-n (VII) Herein, R9and R11have the meaning as described above and n is 1 or 2. The organofunctional phosphoric esters described in this formula can be a mixture of mono or bifunctional species. Preferably R11is H and preferably R9is an alkyl radical having 6 to 18 C-atoms and more preferably 8 to 16 C-atoms.In other embodiments the pearlescent pigments of type i) or ii) or the filler of type iii) maybe coated on their surface with an alkyl silane of formula (VIII): R9Si(OR13)3 (VIII)Herein, R13is H or an alkyl radical having 1 to 4, preferably 1 or 2 C-atoms. R9has the meaning described above, but for an alkyl silane R9is preferably an alkyl radical having 6 to 18 C-atoms and more preferably 8 to 16 C-atoms. Effect pigment preparation: The effect pigment preparation comprises or consists of a mixture of a first component and a second component which were described in detail before. In preferred embodiments the effect pigment preparation consists of these two components of the mixture. In this casethe effect pigment preparation has a maximum of compatibility to all desired applications,preferably to powder coatings. Generally the mixture is contained in the effect pigment preparation in an amount of 70 to 100 wt.%, referred to the total amount of the effect pigment preparation. More preferably the amount of the mixture is in a range of 80 to 100 wt.%, furthermore preferably the amount of the mixture is in a range of 90 to 100 wt.%, even more preferably the amount of the mixture is in a range of 95 to 100 wt.% and most preferably the amount of the mixture is in a range of 98 to 100 wt.%, each based on the amount of the total pigment preparation. The pigment preparation is available in powder form which means that no solvents or only a minimum amount of solvent is contained therein. The maximum amount of solventcontained in the effect pigment preparation is 2.0 wt.%, preferably 1.0 wt.% and morepreferably 0.5 wt.%, and most preferably 0.3 wt.%, each based on the amount of the totalpigment preparation. The solvent content may be indirectly determined by determining thenon-volatile content of the pigment preparation, preferably using a moisture analyzer like Ultra-X 3031D at a maximum temperature of 160 °C.Other components which might be present in the effect pigment preparation are e.g.binder and preferably binder suitable for powder coating, additives, waxes or other fillers.The effect pigment preparation is preferably excluded in plastic parts which contain aplastic material which is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP highdensity polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane(PUR), polyacrylate, polyamide (PA) or nylons, polyvinylchloride (PVC), polycarbonate(PC) and ABS / MABS.The two components have a ratio by weight of the second component to the firstcomponent in a range of 2.5 to 8.0, preferably in a range of 3.0 to 6.0 and most preferablyin a range of 3.5 to 5.0. Below of a ratio of 2.5 the desired security with respect to dust explosion risks or inflammability may not be secured. For ratios of 8.0 the hiding power of the effect pigment preparation in the final application becomes too low. It might be compensated by using a higher total amount of the effect pigment preparation in the final application formulation, but such increase might be limited by other factors. In powder coatings, for example, it is hardly possible to increase the total amount of the effect pigment preparation to an amount of about 8 wt.% of the total formulation. The range of the ratios of the two components of the mixture of the effect pigment preparation may depend in detail on the fineness and of the thickness of the metal effect pigment (first component). Finer and thinner flaky metal pigments will tend to be more sensitive to dust explosion risks, because of their higher specific surface. Here it might be advisable to use a higher ratio of component two to component one than 2.5. In preferred embodiments the two components of the effect pigment preparation have asimilar particle size distribution. This may be expressed in first instance by a comparisonof the median values d50,M of the flaky metal effect pigments and d50,P of the secondcomponent. Preferably the d50,M of the flaky metal effect pigments (first component) andthe d50,P of the second component do not differ more than ±10.0 µm, more preferably donot differ more than ±7.5 µm and most preferably do not differ more than ±5.0 µm. If the particle sizes differ too strong a separation of the two components during the final application process may occur. Method of preparation: The two components of the effect pigment mixture can be mixed using conventional means. They can be mixed in a mixer, for example. In some embodiments this mixing process can be performed under inert gas atmosphere.Use and Formulations:A further embodiment of the present invention is the use of the effect pigment preparationin applications which demand a VOC free or VOC low formulations such as powdercoating or cosmetics, preferably powder cosmetics. Examples for powder cosmeticapplications are pressed eye shadow, eye shadow pencil, loose eye shadow, eye shadow powder, mascara, and brow pencil. Most preferred applications are powder coatings. Here the effect pigment preparation may be used in amounts of, for example, a range of 0.5 to 8.0 wt.%, more preferably in an amount in a range of 1.0 to 6.0 wt.% and most preferably in an amount in a range of 2.0 to 5.0 wt.%, each referred to the total amount of the powder coating formulation. The effect pigment preparation may be added to the powder coating preparation by the well-known dry blend or bonding method. A further embodiment of the present invention is a formulation such as a powder coating formulation, a cosmetic formulation or a VOC free coating application which contains the effect pigment preparation. All preferred embodiments regarding the effect pigment preparation and all preferred embodiments regarding the first and the second components of the mixture do equally apply to such formulations. Preferred is a powder coating formulation which contains a suitable binder and the effectpigment preparation. As binders typically polymers based on polyacrylates, polyesters,polyurethanes, polyepoxides and are used.Furthermore, the powder coating formulation may contain additives, additional fillers,degassing agents, film-forming agents, flame-retardant agents, adhesion promoters, corrosion inhibitors, light-stabilizing agents, flatting agents, photo initiators, polymerization inhibitors, polymerization initiators, radical interceptors, anticaking agents, slip agents, radiation curing reactive thinners, thermally cross-linkable reactive thinners, UV absorbers, leveling agents, cross linking catalysts, waxes, and mixtures thereof.A EXAMPLES Example series 1: A polysiloxane additive was manufactured according to paragraphs

[0133] to

[0134] of EP 2698403 B1. The silvery, absorbing pearlescent pigment Symic C604 (Pearlescentpigment based on synthetic mica and having a coating of TiO2 and Fe2O3 including Fe(II)ions and having a d50,P = 23.0 µm from Eckart GmbH) was precoated with 1.0 wt.% of thisadditive by dissolving a proper amount of the additive in 20 g ethyl acetate and mixing it with 20 g of Symic C604 in a kneader for 20 min. Afterwards, the pearlescent pigment wasdried under vacuum at 100 °C for 1 hour.16.0 g of this pretreated pearlescent pigment and 4.0 g of PCU 2000 (a polymer coatedmetal effect pigment for powder coating, Eckart GmbH, D50,M = 25.8 µm) were added witha predetermined ratio of 80 wt.% of Symic C604 and 20 wt.% of PCU 2000 into a plasticcup having a volume of 60 mL. The cup cover was closed and it was placed into aSpeedMixer® and mixed for 30 sec. at 1300 rpm. Afterwards, the cover was opened, andthe pigment cake was removed from cladding by using a spatula. This mixing procedurewas repeated for three more times.Example 2: Effect pigment preparation prepared as in Example 1, but PCU 1000 (D50,M =14.0 µm) was used as metallic pigment and Symic A604 (d50,P = 9.1 µm) was used aspearlescent pigment here with a pre-coating with the polysiloxane additive of Example 1(1.2 wt.%, referred to pearlescent pigment). Symic A604 has a similar pigment composition as Symic C604 and differs only in particle size.Example 3: Effect pigment preparation prepared as in Example 1, but Symic C604 wasfirst further pre-coated with a weather stabilizing metal oxide and then the polysiloxanemodification according to Example 2 (paragraph

[0139] ) of EP 2698403 B1.Example 4: Effect pigment preparation prepared as in Example 1, but as component twoa silvery transparent pearlescent pigment based on a synthetic mica substrate and a TiO2coating (Symic C001, Eckart GmbH) was used without precoating of the polysiloxaneadditive from Example 1.Example 5: Effect pigment preparation prepared as in Example 1, but as component twoa filler based on a synthetic mica substrate (Synafil 1050, Eckart GmbH) was used without precoating of the polysiloxane additive from Example 1.Comparative Examples 1a to 1c: Mixtures of Symic C604 with PCU 2000 (ca 20 µm) were prepared according to example 1but with various ratios according to table 1.Comparative Example 2: PCU 2000 (polymer coated aluminium flakes from EckartGmbH for powder coating with d50,M of about 25.8 µm) without mixture with pearlescentpigment.Comparative Example 3: Symic C604 (Eckart GmbH)Comparative Example 4: PCU 1000 (polymer coated aluminium flakes from EckartGmbH for powder coating with d50,M of 14.0 µm).Table 1: Ratio of samples of Effect pigment preparations Sample ContentContent Ratio second first pearlescent component component to metal [%] (flaky metal pigment pigment) [%] Example 1 80 20 4.0Example 2 80 20 4.0Example 3 80 20 4.0Example 4 80 20 4.0Example 5 80 20 4.0Comp.33.3 66.7Example 1a0.5Comparative50 50Example 1b1.0Comparative66.7 33.3Example 1c2.0Comparative Example 2 / 100 0.0Comparative Example 3100 0 --Comparative Example 4 / 100 0.0B Testing methods:B1 Ignition test measured by IBExU (Institut für Sicherheitstechnik GmbH) / and tested inaccordance with „EN 14034-3: Determination of explosion characteristics of dust / airmixtures - Part 3: Determination of the lower explosion limit LEL of dust / air mixtures.” Theexperimental tests were carried out in a closed 20 -L- explosion sphere. The dust wasdispersed from a dust storage container by means of dried compressed air at 20 bar via adust distribution device (impact nozzle) into the sphere. The explosion sphere was – takinginto account the current air pressure - evacuated before the start of the test to such anextent that after the dust / air mixture had been blown in normal pressure (1013 mbar) prevailed in the sphere. Standardized pyrotechnic igniters (manufacturer: Sobbe GmbH, Fabrik Elektrischer Zünder) were used, which are ignited electrically. For each explosion test, 2 detonators with a total energy of 2 kJ (determination of the dust explosion capability and the LEL) were utilized. The dust concentration was varied stepwise over a wide concentration range. An overpressure of ≥ 0.3 bar above the pressure generated by the ignition initial wasassessed as an explosion and the tested sample was therefore classified as explosive. Allsamples with no or lower generated pressure were classified as “non-explosive”.This classification was in accordance with VDI -Guidelines - VDI 2263, Part 1: Dust firesand dust explosions, Hazards - assessment – safety measures, Safety -relatedparameters of bulk goods, February 2022, and DIN EN ISO / IEC 80079-20-2: Explosiveatmospheres - Part 20-2: Material properties - Test methods for combustible dusts(ISO / IEC 80079-20-2:2016 / Correction 1:2017).B2 Flammability test:This test is based on the „United Nations Recommendations on the Transport ofDangerous Goods, Model Regulations“ as well as of chemicals presenting physical hazards according to the “Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)” “Manual of Tests and Criteria” Part III, Section 33.2 Flammable Solids1.4” Rev 7, 2019, A body having a groove of triangular shape with a length of 250 mm, a width of 20 mm and a depth of 10 mm was filled evenly with the pigment sample. Then the pigment powderwas turned onto a ceramic plate while maintaining the form of the groove and thetriangular body was removed. The sample was inflamed on one side using a Bunsenburner wherein the duration time was 5 min at maximum.It was assessed whether: the sample was inflammable at all or whether the sampleexpired after the burner was removed or the burning time for a distance of 200 mm. If the burning time was equal or less than 20 minutes the experiment was repeated twice and an average value was determined from these three trials. B5 Optical evaluation, Powder Coating applications and optical testingThe samples of all Examples and Comparative Examples were mixed with a commerciallyavailable powder coating binder (068 / 80020 from Tiger Coatings GmbH ) in a dry blend.In most cases the concentration of the effect pigment preparation was 2.0 wt.%, referredto the total powder coating formulation. Only in Example 5b the concentration of the effect pigment preparation was doubled (4.0 wt.%). The powder coating formulations were applied onto steel panels using a Corona manualgun (PEM-X1 from Wagner GmbH) at a voltage of 70 kV. The panels were each cured at atemperature of 200 °C for 15 min.The panels were measured regarding their optical properties using a BYK Mac colorimeter. Results are summarized in Table 3. L*15° is a measure of the brilliance, C*15° is a measure of the chroma. The flop was calculated according to the common formula: Flop index =2.69 x (L*15°-L*110°)1.11 / L*45°0.86The hiding power was determined visually in a qualitative manner.C Results and Discussion: Table 2: Results for testing samples Explosio Burning n test 20 Flop Hiding Sample testL L*15° index C*15°power Non- not Example 1 flammable explosive77.1 21.3 3.2 goodNon- not Example 2 flammable explosive76.6 19.5 4.7 very goodNon- not Example 3 flammable explosive68.8 22.2 1.8 goodNon- not Example 4 flammable explosive60.2 21.5 3.2 mediumNon- not Example 5a flammab47.3 20.8 0.2 low tole explosive medium Non- not Example 5b flammable explosive52.0 19.9 0.3 mediumComp. Example 1a2 min 14s explosive 86.1 19.5 0.6 goodextinct Comparative after Example 1bexplosive 83.8 19.8 1.5 goodignition Comparative Example 1c / explosive 80 20.8 2.5 goodComparative Example 23min 45s explosive 70.5 18.9 0.3 very goodComparative Non- not Example 3 flammable explosive53.7 26.9 6.2 mediumComparative Example 4 / explosive 74.2 15.6 0.3 very goodThe results summarized in table 2 showed that all inventive Examples 1 to 4 were non-flammable and not explosive. Furthermore, brightness (L*15°) and the Flop-index improved compared to the applications with the pure metal effect pigments (Comparative Example 2 and 4). The hiding power was of course decreased compared to the pure metaleffect pigment samples but was still good. Also, the Chroma increased due to the additionof pearlescent pigments (compare to Comparative Example 3) but was still acceptable.Example 5a was also excellent with respect to flammability and explosion potential, but thebrightness was rather low. Naturally the hiding power was low here because of the very low content of aluminum pigment. The filler material naturally does not contribute to hiding power. In Example 5b the hiding power and the brightness already improved. Mixtures of flaky aluminum pigments with fillers are thus recommended for applications where the metallic optical properties are not desired on a high level. They are a cost-effectivealternative to pure metal pigments or the even more costlier absorbing pearlescent pigments. Comparative Examples 1a to c show that the flammability and the dust explosion potentialare still high if the ratio of pearlescent pigment to flaky metal pigment is too low.

Claims

Claims:

1. Effect pigment preparation, comprising or consisting of a mixture of a firstcomponent which is a flaky metal effect pigment based on aluminum or aluminum alloys having a median particle size d50,M and as a second component a pearlescent pigment of a filler having a median particle size d50,P any of: i) a silvery, absorbing pearlescent pigment comprising a transparent substrate witha refractive index of lower than 1.6 and an absorbing coating with a refractive index of > 2.0 or ii) a silvery transparent pearlescent pigment, which comprises a transparentsubstrate with a refractive index of lower than 1.6 and a coating with at least one transparent metal oxide with a refractive index of > 2.0 or iii) an uncoated transparent platelet with a refractive index of lower than 1.6,and mixtures of any of the second components i), ii) and iii),wherein the ratio by weight of the second component to the first component is in arange of 2.5 to 8.0, characterized in thatthe effect pigment preparation is in a powdered form and wherein these twocomponents of the mixture are contained in the effect pigment preparation in anamount of 70 to 100 wt.%, referred to the total amount of the effect pigment preparation.

2. Effect pigment preparation according to claim 1, wherein the ratio by weight of thesecond component to the first component is in a range of 3.0 to 6.0.

3. Effect pigment preparation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flaky metal effectpigment is suitable to be used in a powder coating.

4. Effect pigment preparation according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein theflaky metal effect pigment is coated with an enveloping passivation layer.

5. Effect pigment preparation according to claim 4, wherein the passivation layercomprises or is taken from the group consisting of SiO2, polymer and mixtures or combinations thereof.

6. Effect pigment preparation according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein theflaky metal effect pigment is not coated with an iron oxide and preferably notcoated with Fe2O3, Fe3O4, Fe(OH)3, TiO2, ZrO2 or ZnO or combinations or mixtures thereof.

7. Effect pigment preparation according to any of proceeding claims, wherein theflaky metal effect pigments of the first component have a d50,M in a range of 4.0 to 50 µm.

8. Effect pigment preparation according to any of proceeding claims, wherein theflaky metal effect pigments of the first component have an average particlethickness hM in a range of 100 to 1.500 nm, preferably in a range of 150 nm to 800 nm.

9. Effect pigment preparation according to any of proceeding claims, wherein thesilvery absorbing effect pigment of type i) of the second component is taken from the group consisting of: a) pearlescent pigment comprising a transparent substrate which is coated with a high-refractive index layer with n > 1.8, which comprises or consists of an iron- oxide with Fe(ll)-ions, b) pearlescent pigment comprising a transparent substrate which is coated with a high-refractive index layer with n > 1.8, which comprises or consists of titanium suboxide or a pearlescent pigment comprising a substrate with a high-refractive index with n > 1.8 layer, which comprises or consists of a titanium suboxide that is optionally coated with a high-refractive index layer with n > 1.8, c) pearlescent pigment comprising a transparent substrate which is coated with a high-refractive index layer with n > 1.8, which comprises or consists of titanium oxynitride, d) pearlescent pigment comprising a transparent substrate which is coated with a layer comprising carbon, wherein the carbon is enclosed in a particulate form in another metal oxide layer or is formed as a separate, individual layer, e) a transparent substrate coated with a first layer comprising or consisting of a mixture of the oxides of titanium, iron and at least one of cobalt and chromium and a second layer on the first layer, wherein the second layer comprises an oxide of titanium, and mixtures or combinations of the silvery, absorbing pearlescent pigments a) to e) or silvery, absorbing pearlescent pigments with mixtures or combinations of thevarious coating layers mentioned in the silvery, absorbing pearlescent pigments a) to e).

10. Effect pigment preparation according to any of proceeding claims, whereinthe coating of the transparent metal oxide with a refractive index of > 2.0 of thesilvery transparent pearlescent pigments of type ii) comprises at least one coating of TiO2, ZrO2, SnO2,and ZnO and combinations thereof.

11. Effect pigment preparation according to any claims 1 to 10, wherein thesilvery, absorbing pearlescent pigments of type i) or of silvery transparent pearlescent pigments of type ii) have a transparent substrate which is taken from the group consisting of natural mica, synthetic mica, glass and mixtures thereof.

12. Effect pigment preparation according to any of proceeding claims 1 to 10,wherein the uncoated transparent platelet of type iii) of the second component is taken from the group consisting of natural mica, synthetic mica, glass, kaolin,kaolinite, talc, perlite, sericite and mixtures thereof.

13. Effect pigment preparation according to any of proceeding claims, whereinthe pigments of the second component have an organofunctional surface modification coating made from a leafing-agent, preferably from a phosphate- based additive, a phosphonate-based additive, a phosphite-based additive, an alkyl silane or a polysiloxane or mixtures thereof.

14. Effect pigment preparation according to claim 13, wherein thepolysiloxane of the organofunctional surface modification of the silvery, absorbingpearlescent pigments has a polysiloxane according to formula (IV):wherein R1is a saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and / or an aryl, alkylaryl or arylalkyl radical having 6 to 30 carbon atoms; R2, R3, R4and R5independently represent saturated or unsaturated, straight-chainor branched alkyl radicals having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and / or aryl radicals, alkylaryl radicals and / or arylalkyl radicals having 6 to 12 carbon atoms; x = 1 to 200; y = 2 to 30; A is (CH2)n, O, S, (OCH2CH2)m or C6R64, wherein n = 0 or 1 and m = 0 to 30 and R6is H and / or alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; B is (CH2)z or (OCH2CH2)w, where z = 0 to 30 and w = 0 to 30; and R7and R8independently each represent O, OH or a saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and / or an aryl, alkylaryl or arylalkyl radical having 6 to 9 carbon atoms and wherein X represents O or OH and R7, R8and / or X are bonded to the surface of the pearlescent pigments.

15. Effect pigment preparation according to any of proceeding claims, whereinthe d50,M of the flaky metal effect pigments and the d50,P of the silvery, absorbing pearlescent pigments do not differ more than ±10.0 µm.

16. Use of the Effect pigment preparation of any of claims 1 to 15 in a powdercoating.

17. Powder coating formulation comprising the Effect pigment preparation ofany of claims 1 to 15 and a binder.

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