Industrial Grade Pearlescent Pigment Manfuacturer

What are the effects of industrial-grade pearlescent pigments in humidity and moisture environments?
Industrial-grade pearlescent pigments may be affected by a variety of factors in humidity and moisture environments, which can directly or indirectly affect the performance, stability and application effects of the pigments. The following is a detailed analysis: Water absorption and swelling and structural changes. Some pearlescent pigments, especially those based on natural mica or other water-absorbing materials, may absorb water and swell. This expansion can cause the close arrangement between pigment particles to be destroyed, affecting their optical properties and structural stability. Gloss reduction, color change, coating uniformity is affected, and even pigment peeling or detachment from the substrate may occur.
Chemical degradation. In a high humidity environment, moisture may react chemically with certain components in the pigment, causing degradation or change. For example, metal oxide pigments that have not been well coated may be eroded by moisture. Color fades, pigment performance deteriorates, and coatings fail.
Reduced adhesion. Moisture may affect the adhesion between the pigment and the substrate. Especially in coatings and plastic applications, excessive humidity may cause the coating to weaken the bonding between the substrate. The coating bubbles and falls off, and the pigment peels off during use, affecting the appearance and durability of the product.
Particle agglomeration. High humidity may cause agglomeration and flocculation of pearlescent pigment particles, especially in pigment suspensions or dispersions. Moisture increases the interaction forces between particles, making them more likely to aggregate. Poor dispersion, uneven coating, poor gloss and color performance.
Microbial growth. In a humid environment, the surface of the pigment may become a breeding ground for microorganisms. These microorganisms (such as mold and algae) not only consume the organic components in the pigment, but also secrete acidic substances, further destroying the structure of the pigment. Color changes, loss of gloss, stains or discoloration on the product surface.

How to deal with and prevent the reduced adhesion of industrial-grade pearlescent pigments?
Reduced adhesion of industrial-grade pearlescent pigments may cause blistering, shedding or peeling of the coating, which will affect the appearance and durability of the product. To deal with and prevent this problem, the following measures can be taken:
Cleaning and degreasing: Before applying the pigment, make sure the substrate surface is clean and oil-free. Use a suitable solvent or detergent to remove oil and impurities on the surface.
Roughening: Roughen the substrate surface by mechanical or chemical methods, such as sandpaper grinding, sandblasting or acid etching, to increase the surface roughness and thus improve the mechanical adhesion of the coating.
Surface modification: Surface modification of pearlescent pigments, such as silanization, aluminum oxide or titanium dioxide coating, to enhance the chemical activity and affinity of the pigment particle surface and improve its bonding with the substrate and adhesive.
Choose the right adhesive: Choose an adhesive that is highly compatible with the pearlescent pigment and substrate according to the specific application. Different types of adhesives (such as epoxy resin, polyurethane, acrylic resin, etc.) have different adhesion and durability.
Adding coupling agent: Adding an appropriate amount of coupling agent (such as silane coupling agent) to the formula can form a strong chemical bond between the pigment, adhesive and substrate, thereby enhancing adhesion.
Using thickener: Thickener can adjust the viscosity of the coating and improve the uniformity and adhesion of the coating.
Coating method: Choose an appropriate coating method (such as spraying, brushing, dipping, etc.) to ensure uniform coating and moderate thickness. Avoid coating too thick or too thin at one time, which may result in poor adhesion of the coating.
Interlayer treatment: When coating multiple layers, ensure good bonding between each layer. The previous layer can be lightly polished before coating the next layer to increase interlayer adhesion.
Curing conditions: Strictly follow the product instructions for curing treatment to ensure appropriate temperature, humidity and time conditions. Avoid contamination or external interference during the curing process.
Control humidity: Control the ambient humidity during coating and curing to avoid high humidity causing moisture adsorption on the coating surface, thereby affecting adhesion.
Maintain a clean environment: During coating and curing, keep the working environment clean to avoid dust, particles and other impurities adhering to the coating surface.
Adhesion test: Regularly conduct adhesion tests, such as cross-cut test and pull-off test, to detect the adhesion of the coating.
Analysis and improvement: Through the test results, analyze the reasons for the reduction of adhesion, adjust the formula and process in time to ensure stable product quality.