Pearl Effect PigmentsUnderstanding Applications of Pearl Effect PigmentsA better understanding of how pearl effect pigments works can help the end-user achieve the desired effect and sidestep common problems. Pearl effect pigments are somewhat more complex to use than The most widely used pearl effect pigments consist of mica platelets clad with titanium dioxide or iron oxide to give silver white and coloured effects. Pearl effect pigments are colourless as the colour they develop is from interference of light rays reflecting at specular angles for the top to bottom surfaces of the metal oxide layers. Pearl effect pigments lose colour intensity as viewing angle shifts to non-specular angles. In addition to the reflected colour a complementary second colour is transmitted through the pigment platelet. Interference pearl effect pigments on a white base the weaker transmission colour is reflected back through the coating and supplements the stronger reflection color. Against a dark background, the transmission color is absorbed and only the interference pearlescent pigment's reflection color is seen. Light reflected from pearlescent platelets that are essentially parallel to each other at different levels in the coating creates a sense of depth and luster. The best pearl lustre, brightness, and colour intensity occurs with platelets that are 10 to 40 μm in size while larger platelets of 50 to 150 μm confer sparkle and glitter. If you are interested in our pearlescent pigments or need more information about these products, visit Pritty Pearlescent Pigments for more information. |
other conventional colorants. Understanding how pearl effect pigments function helps avoid problems in their formulations, mixing,
and processing.