What is a color masterbatch? Application + benefits
If we look carefully, we see that we use many colored plastics in our daily life. It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the production of colored plastics and its steps are not as simple as it seems to us. Plastics can be colored in two ways:
Pigments or raw pigments are dry powders that are mixed with water to create a color consistency depending on the need, but masterbatches are more advanced.
One of the most common uses of masterbatch is painting plastic materials. In fact, masterbatch is an effective method for coloring plastic.
There are things that affect the final color of the product, which we discuss below. Also, remember Hamon Bespar as a masterbatch producer in Iran.
What is a color masterbatch?
Plastic granules with high concentration, which are used for coloring plastic products, are called colored masterbatch. Color masterbatch is an essential raw material for the attractiveness of plastic products. Plastic products alone have no color. One of the ways to produce colored plastic products is to use a colored masterbatch. In addition to changing the final color of the product, color masterbatch also has the ability to change, optimize and modify properties. And the color masterbatch consists of pigments, compatibilizer and carrier polymer. In order to have different color spectrums, these materials should be used in different concentrations and amounts. An important point that should be taken into account when choosing masterbatch is the compatibility of its ingredients with plastic.
The property of coloring and improving properties by using colored masterbatches has made colored masterbatches very popular. The use of this material in different companies will increase the quality of the company's products, as well as bring colored products to the market with special appeal. Masterbatch coloring of various products will attract customers and increase sales. Manufacturers in various industries use these materials.
Reasons for using color masterbatch
The beautiful and attractive colors of plastic products delight all consumers. In plastic products, it is useful and necessary to use colored masterbatch. In addition to the standard quality of the products and attention to maintaining their health through the consumption of plastic products, consumers also care a lot about the beauty of these products. Therefore, in the production of plastic products and household appliances, the use of colored masterbatch and white masterbatch has become a necessity.
In the early days of the plastic industry, products were made of virgin plastic, which were made directly from oil and had no other ingredients. In recent years, the amount of oil in nature has decreased, because this substance has been exploited too much, so the price of crude oil has also increased. In this situation, the use of colored masterbatch is highly recommended.
Study proposal: The endless benefits of white masterbatches for the plastics industry
How to achieve the desired color
To produce pure color, it is necessary to pay attention to all the details. Things that affect the color of the final masterbatch include:
- Ratio of pigments when using
- Type of polymer used, such as: PVC, PP, LLDP, HIPS, ABS, SAN, polyester, polycarbonate or nylon
- The base color of the polymer used (different polymers have different base colors, transparent, cream or yellow).
- Type of extrusion machine used (single screw or double screw extrusion)
- Dispersing agent used for uniform distribution of pigment in carrier resin.
- Optimum temperature of pigment polymer compounds based on thermal stability of pigments as well as polymers
To produce a product, each of the items causes different levels of masterbatch to be used, which should be considered in the masterbatch formula of these items.
Another important factor that should be considered is that internal and external lubricants should be used to reduce the friction forces between polymer and pigment molecules. This makes the flow of the melt smooth, and also helps in proper dispersion and distribution.
The mentioned issues guarantee the production of high quality masterbatch. The goal of every manufacturer is to produce the best product and to have the highest quality plastic that is the main need of the user.
Steps to use color masterbatch
Determine the percentage that should be added to the color masterbatch
Mixing of materials and masterbatch in the mixer according to the determined ratio
Continue the process normally and use the masterbatch in the product
There are factors that affect the properties and dosage of masterbatch, such as processing conditions, weather conditions, light stability, heat stability, required thickness and turbidity or transparency.
Application of color masterbatch
There are two types of masterbatch: color masterbatch and additive masterbatch.
The additive method is used to change the properties of plastic. In fact, masterbatch adds properties to plastic; For example: static electricity, flexibility, flame retardant and...
Color masterbatch has a high concentration and is used to add color to plastic.
When we combine colored masterbatch and additives with plastic, the final output product is either colored plastic or plastic that has acquired the necessary properties.
Although this issue is rarely at the top of the list of considerations in project planning, it should be addressed at the material selection stage. This process requires several important steps. The choice of color depends on factors including the actual plastic involved and the end application, which may impose durability, environmental factors and cost.
Advantages of using masterbatch in plastic painting
As mentioned before, two different methods can be used to paint plastic. But considering that choosing the type of coloring is very important in obtaining the final product, it is better to choose a method that results in the best product. In general, the method that is preferred by manufacturers for some reasons is the masterbatch method.
Easy to use masterbatch
As mentioned, raw pigments are available in powder form, but masterbatch is supplied in pellet form. For this reason, the production process of masterbatch, which is in the form of pellets, is easier.
Also, because pigments are powders, they cause environmental pollution, but Masterbatch is not like this.
In addition, it is much easier to store masterbatches that have a ball shape than pigments.
Masterbatches are more consistent and controlled.
Masterbatches are more compatible than raw pigments due to their special shape and design. Due to the concentration of the masterbatch compared to the pigment, a smaller amount of it is needed to produce the final product. By using the masterbatch, a clearer product can be obtained because it has a more precise concentration and is also distributed uniformly.
Optimal masterbatch distribution
The most important difference between masterbatch and raw pigments is their distribution and dispersion. The raw pigment does not spread well and usually the final product is obtained using the pigment in pieces, but the design of the masterbatches is such that uniform coloring is possible.
Pigments do not dissolve in plastic, while masterbatches go into solution in plastic and mix easily.
And finally
We must say that due to the better storage of masterbatch, its easier handling and economical use without wasting it to produce a more consistent product, manufacturers prefer masterbatch to raw pigment pods. So, according to what has been said, it is clear that the best and most practical method for coloring plastics is to use masterbatch.
Bright colors help your products grab the attention of consumers, with 93% of consumers saying the first thing they notice about a product is its appearance. Make sure they like what they see when they look at your products.
From commercial machinery and home appliances to textiles, auto parts and packaging, designers, brand managers and plastics processors rely on Hamon Bespar's advanced color technology and deep technical support. We work with you to formulate the colors you have in mind for your products and have the plastic processing expertise to help you paint and manufacture your products efficiently.
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