What Is Pigment
Dispersion?
Pigment dispersions are basically fine dispersions of pigment in
aqueous, solvent or universal paint systems. Pigments are made up of tiny
pieces that are soluble and dispersed within materials like paint to give you
paint colours. All quality paints require dispersion during manufacture so that
the paint maintains its quality, holds onto its vital colours and coats the
product or material effectively.
The pigment dispersion process is made up of changing dry pigments
into pigment dispersion that is stable and small enough to achieve its intended
color and balance. This is a challenging thing to achieve however as it is a
complicated process involving different pigment types, solvents, dispersing
agents and resin.
The dispersion steps of a pigment in liquid can be separated into
three:
- Pigment wetting
is where the air
and moisture is interchanged with resin
- Grinding
is where the
pigment mixtures are broken into finer parts by force applied to it
- Stabilisation
is where the
pigment dispersion is stabilised by dispersal agents.
What
Are The Essential Properties Of Pigment Dispersions Needed For Good Paint
Quality:
There are a few different properties that are needed for quality
pigment dispersal:
Auto Dispersion:
Pigments that are high quality are auto soluble. Being able to
dissolve in any solution is always a plus. This is very useful for businesses
as it can vastly increase the speed of production which allows a business to
finish its product sooner rather than later. This is useful for a range of manufacturing
industry companies such as factories reliant on volume over quality. Pigments
that are fast drying are also needed by similar industries as the manufacturing
process needs paint that paints and drys fast.
Viscosity
This is an important factor in the creation of top quality paint and
coatings, as it ensures that the pigment is dispersed properly. A lower
viscosity allows a greater distribution of pigment and ensures a finish you are
happy with.
Stability
Certain pigments like Phthalocyanine are very stable and are ideal for
materials such as fabric. They are also very fine which allows the application
of stunning colour to materials. On such materials pigments have to be
resistant to fading by ensuring an enduring colour mixing quality.
Ideal Size Of
Pigment
Another advantage of using pigment dispersion is how you can decide to
change the size of the particle. If you are looking for a style of pigment
dispersion that boasts a transparent finish then you can choose a smaller
particle size. If instead you are looking for an opaque finish with inorganic
pigments, you can instead employ larger particles. The paint can also be
customised so that it suits the product it is being used on perfectly, as well
as choosing the required strength and shade.
Environmental
Considerations
The paint and coatings industry have been identified as a major source
of pollution and as such has been subject to stringent regulation in recent
years to ensure that this risk is minimised. All pigment dispersions now have
to be non-toxic, and a number of substances have now been banned.
Industries
Pigment Colours
In Textile Industries
The textile industry relies hugely on colour for their products, and
as such could benefit hugely from pigment dispersal. The usual method of
putting colour or designs onto their products is the use of dyes, However,
anyone who has put a new coloured t-shirt in with whites in a washing machine
knows, dyes can be problematic. Dyes also have very poor resistance to their
colours fading due to their reaction to sunlight. Pigments are increasingly
seen as better value and quality in the textile industry. The main reason for
this is the thermal stability that pigment dispersion offers. The pigments that
are offered by pigment dispersal are characterised by being water based and are
known for being opaque.
Companies That
Require Industrial Coating E.G Construction Equipment, Aircraft Production
Pigment dispersion has a number of advantages to industries that
require industrial coating. One of the key benefits is being able to change the formula of pigment
dispersal to adapt to the particular circumstances. Industrial coating has to
deal with a wide range of different environments and materials depending on the
industry and the particular materials used. By modifying or changing the
pigments used, the ideal industrial coating can be found that suits the
material and your business. By assuming
that all coating is the same can be catastrophic for manufacturing processes
and cause huge financial repercussions. The way to obtain a stable coating with
the best performance and value are by picking the ideal pigment selection,
ideal additive selection and the best means with which to achieve total
dispersion.
A highly qualified and experienced pigment dispersal company with
years of accumulated skills across a range of industries will be able to
ascertain the particular issues involved with your business’s case and create
the correct industrial coating that is required. They will be able to make you
aware of all the best options while consulting with you to end up with the
industrial coating that your company deserves.
Environmentally
Aware
Suppliers have made huge progress in trying to develop environmentally
sound products due to environmental regulation. Not only are businesses trying
become more green in order to avoid the financial or legal consequences
associated with not complying with regulation; they are also trying to become
more environmentally aware from a moral standpoint. As pigment suppliers
receive more demands for greener products, they have risen to the challenge in
turn. By going with pigment dispersion suppliers you can be certain that you
are helping the planet, avoid and legal or financial repercussions and get
advice on how to make your business as green as possible.
New environmentally friendly developments include:
● The reduction of
energy consumption during manufacture
● The reduction of
water consumption during manufacture
● New methods of
using less heavy metals like lead
● The support of
heat management in buildings
● The collection of
nitrate waste for use as fertiliser
● A general switch
to renewable raw materials
● The integration
of comprehensive waste gas treatment to remove nitrogen oxide from manufacture
● New processes
that don’t put any demand on local drinking water supplies
● The conversion of
biogas to energy.
Centre Colours
If you are keen on making pigment dispersion benefit your business,
you should get in contact with Centre Colours. Whatever industry your company
is a part of, we at Centre Colours can help with our hard earned reputation for
both quality and experience. Our pigment dispersions are renowned throughout
the industry and we provide for our customer’s bespoke needs in ink, coating,
paint as well as any other sector that needs our skills. Every member of the
Centre Colour’s team boasts years of ink industry knowledge and understands the
importance of pigmentation dispersal. We have been based in Leeds for all of
our history and are pleased to provide top quality pigment dispersion to the
Yorkshire area and beyond for a range of varied customers. From performance and
barrier inks to graphene inks we are proud to cater for a range of companies of
all different sizes and sectors. You can read more about our services on our website
and get in touch with us on
01977 685 458 or contact us via email on info@centrecolours.co.uk.
