Perlite Interference Pigments for Stronger Color and Sparkle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pearlescent pigments based on natural mica suffer from yellow color development due to iron oxide impurities and weak interference effects due to large thickness distribution and surface unevenness, leading to suboptimal color strength and sparkle.
Innovation Solution
Development of interference pigments with a perlite substrate coated with a dielectric material and/or a thin semi-transparent metal layer, where the perlite substrate has a specific size distribution and minimal 3D twin structure particles to enhance optical effects and color homogeneity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If natural mica is used as substrate for pearlescent pigments, then good application properties and environmental compatibility are achieved, but yellow color development occurs due to iron oxide impurities and interference effect is weak due to large thickness distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful iron oxide impurities from the natural mica substrate through selective extraction processes, obtaining purified mica platelets that maintain environmental compatibility while eliminating the yellow coloration caused by iron oxide contaminants
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls and optimizes the thickness parameter of the mica substrate platelets, achieving a narrow thickness distribution (D10-D90 ratio of 0.5 to 2.0) that enhances interference effects while maintaining the natural mica's environmental benefits
2Ease of manufacture
If natural mica with large thickness distribution is used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but interference effect is weak and color strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the thickness distribution of mica platelets through specific production methods, achieving a optimized D10-D90 ratio of 0.5 to 2.0 that enhances optical properties while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring uniform thickness distribution across the mica platelet population, creating consistent optical interference effects throughout the pigment formulation while maintaining ease of manufacture through controlled production processes
3Ease of operation
If conventional mica substrates are used, then good application properties are achieved, but surface unevenness causes weak interference effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls surface uniformity parameters of the mica substrate, achieving reduced surface unevenness that enhances interference effects while preserving the material's excellent application properties through optimized surface characteristics
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 resulting pigments exhibit high color strength, intense sparkle, and improved color purity with better handling and environmental compatibility, achieving superior optical effects while maintaining the advantages of mica pigments.
Implementation Method 1
interference pigments having a core of perlite, comprising a layer of a dielectric material and/or a (thin semi-transparent) metal layer
Implementation Method 2
intense sparkle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to pigments, comprising a plate-like substrate of perlite which does not contain 3D twin structure particles contained in milled expanded perlite in an amount of greater than 5% by weight, and (a) a dielectric material, especially a metal oxide, having a high index of refraction; and/or (a) a metal layer, especially a thin semi-transparent metal layer; a process for their production and their use in paints, ink-jet printing, for dyeing textiles, for pigmenting coatings (paints), printing inks, plastics, cosmetics, glazes for ceramics and glass.