A single pigment masterbatch (SPMB) is a type of pigment masterbatch that contains only one type of pigment dispersed in a carrier resin. It is widely used in the plastics industry to provide consistent, uniform coloration and allow precise control over color intensity and shade.
1. Composition
- Pigment: Only one colorant, which can be organic or inorganic.
- Carrier resin: A compatible plastic resin, such as PE, PP, or PS, which helps disperse the pigment evenly in the plastic matrix.
- Additives (optional): Stabilizers, UV absorbers, or flow agents may be added to improve performance.
2. Purpose / Usage
- Enables flexible color formulation – multiple single pigment masterbatches can be blended to create custom colors.
- Provides consistent color strength and reduces batch-to-batch variations.
- Commonly used in injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, and film production.
- Example: To achieve a specific shade of green, a yellow SPMB can be mixed with a blue SPMB in precise proportions rather than using a pre-mixed green masterbatch.
How it Works
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Concentrated Pigment:
It contains a very high percentage of a single pigment (e.g., red, blue, yellow).
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Carrier Resin:
The pigment is perfectly dispersed into a compatible carrier resin, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polystyrene (PS).
-
Combination:
Producers or manufacturers can blend two or more single pigment masterbatches to create customized, tailor-made shades without using raw, difficult-to-disperse pigments.
3. Advantages of Single Pigment Masterbatch
- Better control over the final color.
- Easier troubleshooting – only one pigment to examine if issues arise.
- Less risk of pigment incompatibility.
- High flexibility for custom color creation.
4. Comparison: Single Pigment vs. Mixed Pigment Masterbatch
| Feature | Single Pigment Masterbatch (SPMB) | Mixed Pigment Masterbatch (MPMB) |
|---|---|---|
| Pigment Content | Only one type of pigment | Two or more pigments pre-mixed |
| Color Flexibility | High – can mix to create custom colors | Low – color is fixed, limited customization |
| Color Consistency | Excellent | Good, but slight variation possible |
| Troubleshooting | Easy – only one pigment to check | Hard – multiple pigments complicate issue identification |
| Cost | Usually lower per pigment; blending may add labor | Higher if multiple pigments are included; ready-to-use color |
| Use Case | Ideal for precise color formulation and experimentation | Ideal for producing a specific color in large quantities |