TECHNICAL INFORMATION

ADDITIVES FOR PIGMENT CONCENTRATES

L-TI 1
02 Additives for pigment concentrates

Contents

03 Pigment concentrates

04 Definition of terms

07 Advantages and challenges of pigment concentrates

08 Selection of raw materials

18 Formulating guideline

21 Preparation of pigment concentrates in lab scale

22 Testing of pigment concentrates

03

Pigment concentrates

Pigment concentrates are widely used as intermediates to tint paints or

plastics. When producing and utilizing pigment concentrates, multiple
requirements must be fulfilled to achieve optimum performance:

• P roducability/controllability during production

• Reproducibility/stability of quality
• Storage stability of the pigment concentrates
• Compatibility in different systems
• Optimum performance in final application
• No negative impact on other parameters and properties

This brochure provides to give an overview of the raw materials for pigment
concentrates, including how to formulate and test them, and how additives
by BYK can help you to get the best performance in the designated
applications.

Note

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04 Additives for pigment concentrates

Definition of terms

Tinting pastes are pigment Universal colorants are A full mixing system is based on
concentrates used to adjust the mainly used in architectural pigment concentrates suitable for
color/shade of an already coatings to tint solvent- and producing complete paints by mixing with
completed paint formulation. As water-based systems by either clear or pigmented (mostly white or
usually small amounts are being using a single colorant series. yellow) base paint. Higher amounts of
used, the possible impact on the pigment concentrates need to be added
quality of the final paint is relatively to the base paint, e.g. compared to
minor. tinting pastes. Therefore, the impact of
those pigment concentrates on the final
paint properties can be fairly significant.
05 Additives for pigment concentrates / Definition of terms

Overview of pigment concentrates used in architectural coatings

Architectural coatings

Tinting system/in-plant tinting POS (point of sale)

Solvent-borne Water-based Universal Solvent-borne Water-based Universal

systems systems colorants systems systems colorants

Resin-containing Resin-free Resin-free Resin-containing Resin-free Resin-free

G.01
06 Additives for pigment concentrates / Definition of terms

Overview of pigment concentrates used in industrial coatings

Industrial coatings

Tinting system/in-plant tinting Full mixing systems

Solvent-borne systems Water-based systems Solvent-borne systems Water-based systems

Resin-containing Resin-containing Resin-containing Resin-containing

Resin-free Resin-free Resin-free Resin-free

G.02
07 Additives for pigment concentrates

Advantages and challenges of

pigment concentrates

Highly reliable and versatile coatings can be formulated by

using pigment concentrates, and a variety of differently Achieving optimal
colored paints can be produced quickly, flexibly and efficiently pigment concentration of
in short amounts of time and in small batch sizes. (high-quality) pigments

However, to ensure the optimum performance, meaning

the perfect balance between color variation and durability,
it is vital that the pigment particles in the concentrate are
deflocculated and well stabilized.
Long lasting
stability
(storage stability)

Reproducible color in hue

and color strength

The use of wetting and dispersing

additives, rheology additives and
defoamers by BYK ensures:

S uitable rheological flow

behavior (pourable and
free flow without settling
and syneresis
08 Additives for pigment concentrates

Selection of raw materials

All raw materials used in the production of pigment
concentrates have to:

Meet the requirement of the highest quality Be compatible with all let-down systems Meet regulatory requirements
paint system
What is important is the compatibility between:
Negative influence on durability in highly durable paint -W  etting and dispersing additives and grinding resin;
systems will not be accepted; therefore, the selection of the -W  etting and dispersing additives and let-down systems
raw materials needs special attention. For example, if the (all let-down systems);
cross linking in a 2-pack PU system is reduced, the hardness -G  rinding resin and let-down systems (all let-down
and durability is influenced. systems);
- Solvents and grinding resin;
- S olvents and let-down systems (all let-down systems)

Compatibility

Grinding resins

Let-down systems Solvents

Wetting and dispersing additives

Pigments
(check recommended usage)

G.03
09 Additives for pigment concentrates / Selection of raw materials

Solvent (or water) Grinding resin

The optimal solvent or solvent composition is related to For solvent-borne pigment concentrates, grinding resins
the systems used and the solubility of the grinding resin. based on acrylates, aldehydes, ketones, polyesters and
It should balance the compatibility with all systems and alkyds are commonly used. Special attention is required in
viscosity reduction in the pigment concentrate. terms of the possible negative impact of the grinding resin
on film properties of the final coating.
Example:
In a solvent-borne 2-pack PU system, alcohols will have Grinding resins in water-based systems show a stronger
an influence on the crosslinking, while white spirit is not limitation if compared to solvent-borne systems. One note
compatible. The use of esters, ketones and aromatic for the water-based grinding resins: It is of the utmost
solvents would be possible. importance that only shear stable resins are used.

Influence of grinding resin amount in solvent-borne pigment concentrates

Grinding resin amount

Pigment load Low High

Viscosity Increased Decreased

Paint properties (durability, etc.) High impact Low impact

Thixotropic effect with organic pigments Reduced thixotropic flow behavior Increased thixotropic flow behavior

Correct balance will lead to a good flow behavior and stabilization of the pigment in the concentrates

G.04
10 Additives for pigment concentrates / Selection of raw materials

Optimum grinding resin level: Pre-test 1: Grinding resin and let-down systems
The optimum resin amount is a balance between In order to evaluate the compatibility, 10 % of the grinding
pigmentation, rheology and influence on the final paint resin as delivered should be added to the various non-
properties. Generally, the amount of resin in solvent-borne pigmented let-down systems. There should be no turbidity,
pigment concentrates has an effect on viscosity, assuming gelation (strong increase in viscosity) or precipitation visible
that pigments are deflocculated and stabilized by wetting right after incorporation as well as after 24-hours storage
and dispersing additives. time at room temperature.

Also of importance is the compatibility of resins with the

deflocculating wetting and dispersing resin, therefore a
compatibility test should also be performed.

Examples for incompatibility

Precipitation Separation Viscosity increase

G.05
11 Additives for pigment concentrates / Selection of raw materials

Pigment

The pigments have to cover the complete color range of Pre-test 2a: Solvent fastness of two organic yellow pigments
the product portfolio to allow the mixing of all colors in two different solvents
needed. They have to meet the requirements of the highest
quality system in the range of let-down systems being used. Test procedure:
Also of importance is the stability of the pigment in the media Mineral spirit Xylene • Mix 5 g of pigment and
used (e.g. solvents, let-down systems, etc). If the pigment 75 g of solvent (blend)
• Store for at least two weeks
shows limited solvent stability (solvent fastness) the usage
at room temperature
should be checked. Only if the pigment is stable in the
solvents used in the pigment concentrates and let-down
systems is it safe to use. Otherwise there could be
problems regarding color stability or viscosity. Besides
solvent stability (solvent fastness), the pH stability is also
important, especially for water-based systems.

Information such as solvent fastness, light fastness and

area of usage normally can be found in the technical data
sheets of the pigment. If solvent fastness is not mentioned,
a simple test can help.

Pre-test 2a: Solvent fastness

The pigment PY 74 can be used in systems which contain
Mineral Spirit (White Spirit) as solvent, but cannot be used
in systems where aromatic solvents are used (for example:
2-pack PU or baking systems). The pigment PY 155 would
be stable in both solvents. As such, it is the better choice PY 74 PY 155 PY 74 PY 155
for pigment concentrates.

 No or slight coloration of liquid shows bleeding stability: pigment is stable and safe to use G. 06
 Strong coloration of liquid shows bleeding: pigment is unstable and inappropriate to use
12 Additives for pigment concentrates / Selection of raw materials

Pre-test 2b: Solvent fastness of different pigments in one solvent

Strong coloration of the

No coloration (or slight liquid above shows bleeding:
coloration due to small do not use this pigment in
particles) of the liquid above that solvent.
means no bleeding: it is safe
suitable    not suitable to use this pigment. G. 07
13 Additives for pigment concentrates / Selection of raw materials

Wetting and dispersing additives

BYK’s portfolio includes controlled flocculating and

deflocculating wetting and dispersing additives. What are
the differences and where is the area of usage?

Best optical properties for top coats including pigment

concentrates will be achieved by deflocculating wetting
and dispersing additives.

Comparison of stabilization mechanisms

Controlled flocculation Deflocculation

Focus on protection of substrates Focus on optical appearance

Mainly for high Mainly for top coats and

film-build systems: pigment concentrates:
• Gloss reduction possible • High gloss, low haze
• Pseudoplasticity, thixotropy • Low viscosity, Newtonian flow behavior
• Anti-settling, anti-sagging • Enhances flow/leveling

G.08
14 Additives for pigment concentrates / Selection of raw materials

Comparison of different stabilization mechanisms with regard to viscosity, settling and syneresis

Viscosity Settling tendency

at different shear rates without anti-settling additive

Shear rate

Flocculation    Controlled flocculation    Deflocculation G.09

15 Additives for pigment concentrates / Selection of raw materials

Importance of Deflocculation

Primary particles (deflocculation) will show the original The selection of a deflocculating wetting and dispersing Pre-test 3: Wetting and dispersing additives with
nature of the pigments: additive for pigment concentrates depends on: grinding resin and let-down systems
• Selected color/hue • The polarity of the grinding resin In order to evaluate the compatibility, 5 % active substance
• Hiding power in case of opaque pigments • The polarity of the let-down systems of deflocculating wetting and dispersing additive should
or - Solvent-borne be added to the grinding resin and also to the various
• Transparency, if nature of pigment is transparent - Water-based non-pigmented let-down systems. There should be no
• Increased gloss and reduced haze - Universal usage turbidity, gelation (strong viscosity increase) or precipitation
• Reduced viscosity • Chemical nature of the pigment visible immediately after incorporation as well as after
• Prevention of seeding 24-hours storage time at room temperature.

Example: Deflocculated pigment red 101 (red iron oxide)

Opaque Transparent

G.10
16 Additives for pigment concentrates / Selection of raw materials

Rheology additives

One requirement of a pigment concentrate is long-term Rheology additives for pigment concentrates
storage stability. This is where rheology additives have a
significant impact. They can be used as an anti-settling Solvent Water Universal
agent or to adjust the final viscosity. Especially deflocculated GARAMITE
high-density (inorganic) pigments or fillers will create a Organophillic phyllosilicates
strong tendency to settle. Rheology additives to prevent RHEOBYK-D 4xx and RHEOBYK-74xx
settling need to be formulated. Polyurea

LAPONITE
Note:
Synthetic phyllosilicates
Resin-free water-based pigment concentrates, even with
a high pigmentation, often show low viscosity. Where OPTIGEL
Modified phyllosilicates
tinting systems are concerned, this will be problematic if
light colors have to be tinted. If lower pigmentation is T.01
required, a rheology additive will help to adjust the viscosity.

Rheology additives, e.g. based on polyurea (product codes:

RHEOBYK-D 4xx or RHEOBYK-74xx) or on phyllosilicates, Influence of rheology additive on colorant acceptance
help to adjust the viscosity in various systems.

Particularly for universal colorants including thickeners, it is Negative influence No influence

of upmost importance to evaluate the interdependency on
water-based as well as on solvent-borne systems.

G.11
17 Additives for pigment concentrates / Selection of raw materials

Defoamer

Foam formation during the grinding process influences the

grinding efficiency. Therefore, especially water-based
pigment concentrates need a defoamer with a good balance
between efficiency and compatibility. During the complete
grinding process, the additive should de-aerate and defoam
If the defoamer, which is used in the pigment concentrate. During the final application, the
the pigment concentrate, is too defoamer should not influence the paint performance and
incompatible, it might affect the paint quality. If the defoamer, which is used in the pigment
gloss, haze, or disturb the leveling concentrate, is too incompatible, it might affect the gloss,
(e.g. tendency to crater). haze, or disturb the leveling (e.g. tendency to crater).

Defoamers are rarely used in solvent-borne pigment

concentrates, but if they are needed, the use of silicone
defoamers is recommended.

Water-based pigment concentrates (either only for water-

based systems or as universal colorants) need a defoamer
during the grinding phase. In the coating industry, the trend
towards environmentally-friendly systems pushes the
formulator to use mineral-oil-free defoamers such as silicone
or polymeric defoamers.

For some formulations with a special purpose, the addition

of a defoamer after the milling process is required. It is not
necessarily important to use the same defoamer as used
during milling.
18 Additives for pigment concentrates

Formulating guideline
The correct combination of pigment binder ratio and The following pages show some examples with different
additive dosage will provide a good balance between grinding resins and different usage areas.
pigmentation, viscosity, stabilization and storage stability.

Architectural coatings (1/2)

Example: Solvent-borne pigment concentrates based on high solid alkyd resin Example: Solvent-borne pigment concentrates based on alkyd resin

Pigment : binder ratio Additive dosage in % Pigment : binder ratio Additive dosage in %
(solids : solids) (solids on pigment) (solids : solids) (solids on pigment)

Titanium dioxide 2.0 – 2.5 : 1 2–3 Titanium dioxide 4.0 – 5.0 : 1 2–3

Organic yellow 0.4 – 0.5 : 1 15 – 25 Organic yellow 3.0 – 3.5 : 1 15 – 25

Inorganic yellow 0.8 – 1.0 : 1 7–9 Inorganic yellow 4.0 – 5.0 : 1 7–9

Organic orange 1.0 – 1.2 : 1 18 – 25 Organic orange 1.0 – 1.5 : 1 18 – 25

Organic red 0.4 – 1.0 : 1 18 – 23 Organic red 1.5 – 2.0 : 1 18 – 23

Inorganic red 2.5 – 2.8 : 1 8 – 12 Inorganic red 4.5 – 5.0 : 1 8 – 12

Organic red violet (magenta) 0.2 – 0.4 : 1 25 – 35 Organic red violet (magenta) 1.0 – 1.5 : 1 25 – 35

Organic violet 0.2 – 0.4 : 1 30 – 40 Organic violet 1.0 – 1.5 : 1 30 – 40

Phthalo blue 0.2 – 0.3 : 1 20 – 30 Phthalo blue 0.9 – 1.3 : 1 20 – 30

Phthalo green 0.2 – 0.3 : 1 25 – 35 Phthalo green 0.9 – 1.3 : 1 25 – 35

Coarser carbon black (e.g. Lamp black 101) 0.3 – 0.4 : 1 25 – 40 Coarser carbon black (e.g. Lamp black 101) 0.7 – 1.0 : 1 25 – 40

Carbon black (e.g. Special black 4) 0.3 – 0.4 : 1 30 – 50 Carbon black (e.g. Special black 4) 0.7 – 1.0 : 1 30 – 50

T.02 T.03
19 Additives for pigment concentrates / Formulating guideline

Architectural coatings (2/2)

Example: Water-based, resin-free pigment concentrates Example: Water-based, resin-free universal colorants
(solvent- and water-based applications)

Additive dosage in % Additive dosage in %

(solids on pigment) (solids on pigment)

Titanium dioxide 1–3 Titanium dioxide 2–5

Organic yellow 15 – 25 Organic yellow 10 – 15

Inorganic yellow 7–9 Inorganic yellow 6–7

Inorganic yellow transparent 20 – 25 Organic orange 15 – 20

Organic orange 15 – 20 Organic red 15 – 20

Organic red 17 – 20 Inorganic red 5–7

Inorganic red 5–7 Organic red violet (magenta) 25 – 30

Inorganic red transparent 25 – 28 Organic violet 35 – 40

Organic red violet (magenta) 30 – 35 Phthalo blue 25 – 35

Organic violet 30 – 35 Phthalo green 15 – 25

Phthalo blue 20 – 30 Coarse carbon black (e.g. Lamp black 101) 35 – 40

Phthalo green 25 – 30 Medium carbon black (e.g. Special black 4) 30 – 40

Coarse carbon black (e.g. Lamp black 101) 35 – 45 T.05

Medium carbon black (e.g. Special black 4) 40 – 50

T.04
20 Additives for pigment concentrates / Formulating guideline

Industrial coatings

Example: Solvent-borne pigment concentrates based on aldehyde resin Example: Water-based pigment concentrates (resin-free or resin-containing)

Pigment : binder ratio Additive dosage in % Additive dosage in %

(solids : solids) (solids on pigment) (solids on pigment)

Titanium dioxide 4.5 – 5.0 : 1 2–4 Titanium dioxide 3–5

Titanium dioxide, transparent 1.0 – 2.0 : 1 15 – 20 Titanium dioxide, transparent 20 – 25

Organic yellow 3.0 – 3.5 : 1 15 – 20 Organic yellow 15 – 20

Inorganic yellow 4.0 – 5.0 : 1 7 – 10 Inorganic yellow 7 – 10

Inorganic yellow, transparent 1.0 – 2.0 : 1 15 – 20 Inorganic yellow, transparent 20 – 25

Organic orange 1.0 – 2.5 : 1 15 – 35 Organic orange 15 – 30

Organic red 1.0 – 2.5 : 1 20 – 30 Organic red 15 – 30

Inorganic red 4.0 – 5.0 : 1 8 – 12 Inorganic red 7 – 12

Inorganic red, transparent 1.0 – 2.0 : 1 15 – 20 Inorganic red, transparent 20 – 25

Organic red violet (magenta) 1.0 – 1.2 : 1 15 – 45 Organic red violet (magenta) 25 – 35

Organic violet 1.0 – 1.2 : 1 25 – 40 Organic violet 25 – 35

Phthalo blue 0.9 – 1.3 : 1 20 – 40 Phthalo blue 20 – 40

Phthalo green 0.9 – 1.3 : 1 20 – 35 Phthalo green 25 – 35

Coarser carbon black (e.g. Lamp black 101) 0.5 – 1.0 : 1 15 – 30 Coarse carbon black (e.g. Lamp black 101) 30 – 40

Carbon black (e.g. Special black 4) 0.5 – 1.0 : 1 30 – 50 Medium carbon black (e.g. Special black 4) 50 – 70

Fine carbon black (e.g. FW 200, Raven 5000 Ultra) 0.3 – 0.5 : 1 50  –  90 Fine carbon black (e.g. FW 200, Raven 5000 Ultra) 60 – 90

T.06 Note: Resin-containing water-based concentrates include around 5–15 % solid resin T.07
21 Additives for pigment concentrates

Preparation of pigment
concentrates in lab scale

1. Premix grinding resin (solution), solvent/water and

wetting and dispersing additive
2. Add rheological modifier/anti-settling additive, if needed Vortex effect
3. Add pigment, pre disperse for 10–15 minutes (doughnut effect)
4. Perform grinding
a. Inorganic pigments: high-speed mixer, bead,
pearl or sand mill
b. Organic pigments: bead, pearl or sand mill

It is important for grinding that the mill base shows

the so-called Vortex effect (doughnut effect) during the
complete grinding process.

BYK starting formulations are tested on our lab scale

grinding equipment. Various grinding equipment is available
on the market for lab scale or production. Therefore, the
formulations must be adapted to the specific grinding
equipment.

An animation of
the vortex effect
can be found online.

Important
A uniform flow of the millbase
which will be ground should
be ensured during the entire
dispersing process.
22 Additives for pigment concentrates

Testing of pigment
concentrates
The success of a sufficient dispersion can be checked via
Grinding/Hegman gauges, as this test indicates the presence
or absence of oversized agglomerates and thus improper
dispersion. However, this test method does not indicate
whether the pigments are properly deflocculated and
stabilized against re-agglomeration, as the primary particles
of organic pigments or inorganic pigments such as iron
oxide red are way below 1 µm and cannot be seen in a test
with a grinding gauge. There are several test methods that
indicate sufficient dispersion and stabilization of a pigment
concentrate by testing them within a coating system and
measuring various properties.

Possible tests are:

• Viscosity measurement
• Color/hue evaluation
- Color strength
- Rub-out test for color stability
(flooding and floating), page 23
- Determination of color shift/visual assessment, page 26
- Colorant acceptance, page 27

Physical properties:
• Gloss
• Haze
• Seeding
• Durability test
• Weather resistance
• Substrate adhesion or intercoat adhesion
• etc.

• Particle size, page 28

• Long-term stability/storage stability, page 29
 23 Additives for pigment concentrates / Testing of pigment concentrates

Full shade of opaque PR 101 with rub-out test

Flocculated Deflocculated
ΔE of rub-out = 6.90 ΔE of rub-out = 0.18
unrubbed area

Rub-out simulates the

dispersion process –
pigments are re-dispersed
rubbed area

Remark ΔE measurement: G.12

Due to the uneven surface at the rubbed area, it is recommended to use color measurement equipment with sphere geometry (d8°).

Rub-out test

The basic principle behind the rub-out test is to check pigments agglomerate, which leads to a change in hue. The correct time to perform the test is when the paint is
whether or not the pigment is properly stabilized. The Before the paint dries completely, the surface is rubbed with almost dry but still tacky. If your finger leaves marks on the
pigment concentrate is not tested directly, but incorporated a finger, either from side to side or in a circle, which paint surface, it is an indication that this is the right
into a let-down system to obtain either a full-shade system redisperses the pigments with the shear force of the rubbing moment to conduct the rub-out test.
(one single pigment) or a color blend system (containing (see G.12). This can lead to a significant change in color
the pigment concentrate to be tested and a stable second compared to the unrubbed area, and indicates the
pigment, such as titanium dioxide). The paint is applied reagglomeration of the pigment.
and allowed to dry. During drying, the improperly stabilized
24 Additives for pigment concentrates / Testing of pigment concentrates

Rub-out test in color blends

If all full shades in every let-down system show good Example: For all these mixtures (white reduction or white mixtures),
performance, a color blend should be tested. As a first • Let-down system 1 • Let-down system 1 + ... a rub-out test after the application should be performed.
step, one color blend with white is recommended for + T itanium dioxide • Let-down system 2 Only if there is no color difference (∆E depends on
each system. concentrate + Titanium dioxide requirements) should an additional test, such as a storage
+ Iron oxide red concentrate test, be performed. If one or more system/concentrate shows
concentrate + Iron oxide red a strong color difference, an improvement in results is needed
• Let-down system 1 concentrate and a cross-check in every system/color must be carried out.
+ T itanium dioxide • Let-down system 2
concentrate + Titanium dioxide Therefore, it is recommended to start only with titanium
+ Phthalo green concentrate dioxide concentrate and an additional three colored pigment
concentrate + Phthalo green concentrates (e.g. iron oxide red, organic pigment and
• Let-down system 1 concentrate carbon black).
+ Titanium dioxide • Let-down system 2 + ...
concentrate • Let-down system 3 + ...
+ Carbon black
concentrate and so on.

Full shade
PR 101 pigment concentrate in one let-down system

Insufficiently stabilized Stabilized

No or minor color differences (flooding and floating) will appear when one or more colors are mixed, only if all pigments are stabilized well. G.13
25 Additives for pigment concentrates / Testing of pigment concentrates

White reduction
PR 101 pigment concentrate in one let-down system

PW 6: Insufficiently stabilized PW 6: Insufficiently stabilized

PR 101: Insufficiently stabilized PR 101: Stabilized

PW 6: Stabilized PW 6: Stabilized

PR 101: Insufficiently stabilized PR 101: Stabilized

 26 Additives for pigment concentrates / Testing of pigment concentrates

Determination of color shift/visual assessment

In full shades, where a pigment concentrate is incorporated Additionally, the color shift visible in the comparison of It is read in the following way: green pigments appear more
into a clear coat formulation, a visual assessment can be two samples can indicate whether or not the pigments bluish when they are deflocculated and more yellowish if
performed to indicate if the pigments are properly dispersed are stabilized. If pigments are flocculated, the light is they are flocculated, red pigments appear more blueish
and stabilized. reflected with a slightly different wavelength compared to when flocculated and more yellowish when deflocculated.
deflocculated pigments. This leads to a color shift/ shift in
For transparent pigments, their state of deflocculation is hue between the samples. To determine the stabilization,
indicated by the transparency of the coating). When the a color diagram can be used.
pigments are flocculated, they scatter the transmitted light
which results in a visible turbidity.

Opaque Transparent Deflocculation Flocculation

Flocculated
Deflocculated

Deflocculation shows a color shift in the direction of yellow. In transparency, deflocculation shows a color shift toward blue, in addition to an improvement in transparency.
27 Additives for pigment concentrates / Testing of pigment concentrates

Colorant acceptance

The stabilization of pigments and the compatibility of Both paints are applied onto a suitable substrate, and a
the colorant in the base paint can be determined by the rub-out test is carried out. If the colorant is sufficiently
colorant acceptance test. stabilized and compatible, the rub-out test should show
a good result in both samples. If a difference can be seen
In this test, two samples are compared with each other. between the high shear force and the low shear force
For the first sample, the colorant is incorporated into the sample, the colorant should be checked for stability or
base paint at low shear forces (e.g. stirring by hand), for compatibility with the base paint.
the second sample, it is incorporated at significantly greater
shear forces, e.g. using high-speed dispersion equipment
or a paint shaker.

Incorporation of pigment concentrates

into the base coat with different shear forces

Low shear force High shear force

or or

Stirring Paint shaker High-speed dispersing

28 Additives for pigment concentrates / Testing of pigment concentrates

Particle size

The state of flocculation/deflocculation and the resulting

particle size can be directly observed using a microscope.
However, this observation cannot be carried out directly
with the pigment concentrate. It needs to be incorporated
into the base paint first, and the base paint then diluted
with two to four parts of the solvent that is used in the
paint system. Depending on the size of the agglomerates,
it can be checked whether the pigment particles are
flocculated or deflocculated.
You can find
the particle size
video online.

Flocculated Deflocculated
29 Additives for pigment concentrates / Testing of pigment concentrates

Storage stability

Pigment concentrate will not be used up completely after Results of lab scale
production, therefore it is important that the concentrates
show good results both before and after storage. It is Before storage After storage Action
recommended to test stored pigment concentrates in the • Adjust the pigment concentrate formulation
same way as conducted during the evaluation (full shades:
color drift, gloss haze, seeding and white reductions/white • Start pilot plant production
• Evaluate mixing ratios for required mixing colors
mixtures: rub-out, color strength, gloss, haze and colorant
acceptance). Recommendation   T.08
02/2023
L-TI 1

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