Chromatic Glitter Pigment Composition for Dark and Light Backgrounds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glitter materials, particularly plastic-based ones, pose environmental and health concerns due to non-biodegradability and toxic byproducts, and lack versatility in providing high chroma sparkle over various backgrounds, while alternatives like natural mica and perlite effect pigments are limited in color variety and performance.

Innovation Solution

A high chroma glitter pigment is developed using ultra large flaky substrates combined with absorption and interference pigments, which are ethically sourced and free of plastic, achieving a high-intensity sparkle effect over both dark and light backgrounds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If plastic-based glitter is used to achieve sparkle effect, then the glitter provides intense specular reflection and eye-catching properties, but it causes environmental accumulation and releases toxic byproducts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesparkle effectVSAvoidenvironmental harm
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful plastic substrate from the glitter structure and replaces it with biodegradable alternatives such as cellulose, starch, or natural fibers. This extraction eliminates the environmental accumulation problem while preserving the sparkle effect through proper coating and structural design of the biodegradable particles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameters of the glitter substrate from synthetic plastic to biodegradable materials with different chemical compositions. This parameter change maintains the optical reflection properties necessary for sparkle while introducing environmental compatibility through natural degradation pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If natural mica or glass flakes are used as alternative to plastic glitter, then the materials are more environmentally friendly, but they only display appreciable coloration over dark backgrounds and appear white over white backgrounds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental friendlinessVSAvoidbackground versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates composite glitter structures by combining biodegradable substrates with multiple coating layers including pigments, dyes, and reflective coatings. This composite approach enables the glitter to display vibrant colors over both dark and light backgrounds while maintaining environmental compatibility through the use of natural base materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different coating compositions and thicknesses to different regions or aspects of the glitter particle surface. This local quality variation allows optimization of color display for different background conditions, with specific coating formulations designed to enhance visibility over both dark and light surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Illumination intensity

If traditional plastic glitter is used, then the glitter provides sparkle effect, but it gives a rough, sandy texture when applied to skin and is difficult to incorporate into formulations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesparkle effectVSAvoidformulation compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the surface parameters of the glitter particles by applying smooth coatings such as polymers, resins, or waxes to the biodegradable substrate. This surface modification maintains the internal sparkle effect while creating an externally smooth texture that is compatible with cosmetic formulations and easy to incorporate into various product types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The combination of large particle size and specific pigments results in a unique, ethically sourced glitter that provides high chroma sparkle and color travel effects, addressing environmental concerns and enhancing aesthetic appeal in cosmetic and decorative applications.

Implementation Method 1

The sparkle or glitter effect is one where individual pigments display an intense specular reflection of light from individual flakes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpecular reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

A high chroma glitter pigment is developed using ultra large flaky substrates combined with absorption and interference pigments

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS12441891B2Chromatic glitter
Publication Date: 2025.10.14 SUN CHEMICAL CORP

AI summary

High chroma glitter pigments combine large particle interference pigments and absorption colorants to bring about a unique look. Unlike traditional glitter pigments, the high chroma glitter pigment does not exploit metallic coatings to achieve the sparkle effect. These high chroma glitter pigments produce optical effects and coloration without the need for incorporating additional pigments which, in turn, is a benefit from both a formulation and cost standpoint. In addition to a sparkle effect, the present invention provides high chroma over both dark and light backgrounds, which has been thus far unrealized in prior art. Materials used in the present invention are ethically sourced, environmentally friendly, free of plastic, free of heavy metals, and regulated for cosmetic applications.