Color Masterbatch

Definition

Color masterbatch is an aggregate created by uniformly attaching an exceptional amount of pigment to resin.And it typically consists of pigment, carrier, and dispersant, with additional additives as needed to achieve desired properties.

Organic pigments include sunlight-resistant red, macromolecule red, macromolecule yellow, permanent yellow, permanent violet, azo red, Phthalocyanine red, phthalocyanine green, phthalocyanine blue, and more. 
Inorganic pigments encompass cadmium red, cadmium yellow, titanium dioxide, carbon black, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, among others.

The carrier, the matrix of the masterbatch, is usually the same resin as the product resin for optimal compatibility. Consideration is also given to the fluidity of the carrier.

Dispersants, such as polyethylene low molecular weight wax and stearate, promote even dispersion of pigments, preventing aggregation.

Additional additives like flame retardants, brighteners, antibacterial agents, antistatic agents, antioxidant, etc., may be included as required by customers.

Commonly classification methods of color masterbatches included:

Examples include PE masterbatch, PP masterbatch, ABS masterbatch, PVC masterbatch, EVA masterbatch, etc.

Categories such as injection masterbatch, blow molding masterbatch, spinning masterbatch, each with different grades:

• Advanced injection masterbatch for high-end products like cosmetic packaging boxes, toys, and electrical appliance casings.
• Ordinary injection masterbatch for general daily plastic products and industrial containers.
• Advanced blown film masterbatch for coloring ultra-thin products.
• Ordinary blown film masterbatch for coloring general packaging and woven bags.
• Spinning masterbatch for coloring textile fibers with fine pigment particles.
• Low-grade masterbatch for manufacturing products with less stringent color quality requirements.

Pigment must be refined during the production of color masterbatch to enhance the dispersion and coloring power of pigment. The carrier of the special color masterbatch is the same as the plastics of the products and has good matching, so the pigment particles can be well dispersed in the plastics after heating and melting.

If the pigment is used directly, it will absorb water, oxidize, and other phenomena due to direct contact with the air during storage and use. After making the color masterbatch, the resin carrier will separate the pigment from the air and moisture. Isolation can keep the quality of the paint unchanged for a long time.

The masterbatch particles are similar to the resin particles, which are more convenient and accurate in measurement. They will not stick to the container when mixing, and the mixing with the resin is more homogeneous, so it can ensure the stability of the added amount, thereby ensuring the product's Color stability.

Safeguarding operator health is crucial as pigments, typically in powder form, can easily become airborne during addition and mixing. Inhalation of these particles can negatively impact the health of operators. Simultaneously, the use of masterbatch mitigates environmental pollution issues by minimizing the dispersion of toner, contributing to environmental protection.

With color masterbatch, a small percentage (1% to 4%) can be added to the resin to be colored to achieve the purpose of coloring the resin.

Since the color masterbatch manufacturing factory has reasonably selected pigments (dyes), auxiliaries, processing equipment, and processing techniques for the performance of the applicable resin during the manufacturing process, it can ensure that the same brand of masterbatch, the colors of the two batches before and after remain relatively stable.

Compared with dry dyeing and granulating batches of resin and then making plastic parts, the use of color masterbatch can reduce the aging of resin properties caused by secondary processing of plastic products, which is conducive to the improvement of the service life of plastic products.

In conclusion, color masterbatches have become indispensable in various industries due to their numerous advantages, contributing to enhanced performance, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.