Multilayer Encapsulated Pigment for Angular Color Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pearlescent pigments based on multiply coated platelet-shaped substrates face limitations in achieving deep color effects and transparency, which restricts their application in combination with other pigments due to total reflection at the metal layer and lack of transparency in the substrate.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer encapsulated pigment system is developed, featuring a laminar substrate coated with layers of varying refractive indices, including a high refractive index layer, a low refractive index layer, and an optional external layer, which enhances optical effects and mechanical properties, allowing for precise control of layer thickness to achieve intense interference colors and angular-dependent color changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a metal layer is used as the substrate core to achieve metallic luster, then the reflective effect is improved, but total reflection occurs preventing light transmission to deeper layers and restricting transparency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metal layer entirely from the pigment structure, replacing it with a transparent substrate (glass or mica). This extraction eliminates the total reflection problem while preserving optical effects through dielectric coatings alone, allowing light to transmit through the pigment particle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameters of the substrate material from metallic (high reflection) to dielectric (transparent). By selecting substrates with specific refractive indices and coating them with dielectric layers of varying refractive indices, the system achieves interference effects without total reflection, enabling both metallic luster appearance and light transmission.
2Strength
If the substrate lacks transparency to maintain structural integrity, then mechanical strength is improved, but compatibility with other pigments in formulations is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the metal layer that caused opacity, replacing it with transparent dielectric materials. This allows the pigment to be combined with other pigments in formulations while maintaining structural integrity through the strengthened glass or mica substrate and optimized coating layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining transparent substrate (glass or mica) with multiple dielectric coating layers of different refractive indices. This composite material achieves both mechanical strength and optical transparency, enabling versatility in pigment formulations and combinations.
3Illumination intensity
If the metal oxide layer thickness is increased to enhance interference color effects, then color intensity is improved, but opacity increases reducing transparency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using multiple coating layers with different refractive indices rather than a single thick layer. Each layer is optimized for specific optical functions, creating strong interference colors through constructive interference while maintaining overall transparency through the transparent substrate and controlled layer thicknesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite dielectric coating structures with layers of varying refractive indices (e.g., TiO2, SiO2, ZrO2 combinations). This composite approach enhances interference color intensity through multiple interfaces while maintaining transparency because all materials are dielectric and non-absorbing, unlike metallic coatings.
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 system achieves strong interference colors and angular dependence, enabling wide variation in color, gloss, and opacity, making it suitable for various applications such as automotive finishes, decorative coatings, and security documents, while being compatible with multiple color systems and providing enhanced mechanical and weather stability.
Implementation Method 1
multilayer encapsulated particulates capable of managing white light through optical interference resulting in unique angular dependent color effects
Implementation Method 2
As a result of reflection and refraction of light, these pigments exhibit pearl-like luster and depending on the thickness of the metal oxide layer, they can also exhibit interference color effects
Implementation Method 3
As a result of reflection and refraction of light, these pigments exhibit pearl-like luster
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a complex inorganic color effect pigment material based on multiply coated platelet-shaped substrates wherein one of the layers is a complex inorganic colored pigment. The present color effect pigment may be used in automotive applications, security inks, and decorative coatings.