The difference between organic and inorganic pigment masterbatches primarily lies in the chemical composition, color properties, stability, and application characteristics of the pigments they contain.
Organic Pigment Masterbatches
-
Contain pigments made up of carbon rings and carbon chains, derived mainly from plants or complex molecular structures with carbon-hydrogen bonds.
-
Offer brighter, more vivid, and transparent colors with higher color intensity.
-
Have smaller particle size and larger surface area, resulting in strong, bright colors but they are more susceptible to fading under light, heat, and weather exposure.
-
Are less chemically stable and dissolve more easily in organic solvents and heat.
-
Typically more costly due to extensive chemical processing.
-
Often dosed in smaller quantities due to high color strength.
-
Examples include phthalocyanine reds, blues, and greens, azo reds, and other bright color pigments.
Inorganic Pigment Masterbatches
-
Contain pigments that are compounds of metal ions and non-metallic elements like chromates, metallic oxides, and sulfates.
-
Provide more opaque, stable, and long-lasting colors with better resistance to light, heat, and chemicals.
-
Have larger particle sizes, which scatter light effectively, leading to opacity.
-
Are easier to disperse, making them suitable for large-scale production.
-
Are generally more economical due to simpler manufacturing processes.
-
Colors are usually earth tones and less varied but more stable (e.g., titanium dioxide, cadmium red/yellow, carbon black, iron oxide).
-
Show lower color migration and better resistance to high temperatures compared to organic pigments.
In summary, organic pigment masterbatches are chosen for bright, vivid color effects but with less durability, while inorganic pigment masterbatches are preferred for high stability, opacity, and cost-effectiveness in long-lasting applications.