Flip-Flop/Pearlescent

Color concentrates that change color when turned or viewed from different angles. The concentrates also impart lustrous pearl colors that exhibit intriguing iridescent effects in molded or extruded parts. The products are designed for use with homopolymer polypropylene (PP), clarified PP, polyethylene, transparent polystyrene, and flexible PVC resins processed on conventional extrusion, injection molding, and blow molding equipment.

The “flip flop” phenomenon by which parts change color is caused by the interplay of reflection, refraction, scattering, and transmission of light brought about by the titanium dioxide coating of the fine particles of mica contained in these concentrates. For designers, these new concentrates represent a low-cost means of imparting a rather appealing special effect to durable goods such as toys, house wares, and office accessories as well as disposable products like packaging for personal care products

The concentrates, which contain no heavy metal pigments and meet CONEG regulations, are available in red, gold, blue, green, orange, and violet formulations. They are not recommended for direct food contact. The concentrates run well at letdown ratios of 25: 1 (i.e., 25 parts resin to one part concentrate), yielding highly reproducible special effects.

Although the color change is readily apparent when flat surfaces are viewed at different angles, the most dramatic effect is obtained from components with complex geometries—many curves, recesses, and sharp angles. Besides injection-molded components, products that are extruded, thermoformed, and blow molded could benefit from the novel color changes provided by these pearlescent concentrates without the higher costs of injection tooling.