Termokrom pigment –The Science of Change:
Thermochromic Pigment are “smart” colorants that change their appearance in response to temperature fluctuations. Unlike traditional static dyes, these pigments act as a visual thermometer, transitioning between colors or moving from a solid hue to a transparent state once a specific thermal threshold—known as the Activation Point—is reached.
Termokrom pigment er termokrome mikrokapsler i pulverform. They have been specially designed for use in non aqueous based ink systems although their use is not limited.
De kan brukes til å formulere ikke-vandig basert flexografisk, UV, Skjerm, Oppveie, Gravure og Epoxy Ink formuleringer (for vandige applikasjoner vil vi anbefale å bruke termokromiske oppslemminger).
Termokromiske pulver er farget under en bestemt temperatur, og bytt til fargeløs eller til en annen, lysere farge når de varmes opp gjennom temperaturområdet. Disse pigmentene er tilgjengelige i forskjellige farger og aktiveringstemperaturer.
How It Works: The Microencapsulation Secret
Modern thermochromic pigments (primarily Leuco Dyes) are engineered through advanced microencapsulation. Inside each microscopic droplet is a complex mixture of a color-former, a color-developer, and a solvent.
- Below Threshold: The internal components are in a solid state, allowing the molecules to interact and reflect a vibrant color.
- At Activation Point: As heat is applied, the internal solvent melts. This physically separates the color-former from the developer.
- The Result: The pigment becomes colorless (translucent), revealing whatever is underneath—whether it’s a hidden message, a secondary base color, or a printed graphic.
- Reversibility: Once the heat source is removed and the material cools, the process reverses, and the original color “magically” reappears.
Key Features & Performance
- Precision Temperature Windows: Pigments can be calibrated to react at specific points, ranging from -15°C (5°F) for cold-chain packaging to 70°C (158°F) for industrial safety warnings.
- Body-Heat Sensitivity: The most popular grade activates at 31°C (88°F). This makes the pigment change color instantly upon human touch, perfect for interactive marketing and textiles.
- High Contrast: Provides a sharp, visual “On/Off” signal that is much faster for the human brain to process than reading a digital display.
- Versatile Mediums: Available as a fine powder or a water-based slurry, it can be mixed into epoxy resins, screen-printing inks, plastics (injection molding), and industrial coatings.
Industrial vs. Creative Applications
| Søknad | Usage Scenario | Purpose |
| Smart Packaging | Beer cans or wine labels. | “Perfect Chill” indicator for the consumer. |
| Industrial Safety | Steam pipes or electrical cables. | Visual warning of overheating or “hot to touch” surfaces. |
| Smart Textiles | Fitness apparel or high-fashion. | Changes color based on body heat or environmental temp. |
| Security & Logic | Anti-counterfeit labels. | Authenticate products by simply rubbing the label with a finger. |
| Creative Arts | Coffee mugs and “magic” art. | Reveals a hidden image when a hot beverage is added. |
Standard farger: Svart, Blå, Magenta, Grønn, Appelsin & Rød.
Standard aktiveringstemperaturer: 15°C, 31°C ,37°C ,47°C. (customize -15°C – 80°C)
Tekniske spesifikasjoner
Tørrstoff: 98% +/- 2%
Partikkelstørrelse: <6 Mikron (97%)
Lett fasthet (Blå ullskala): 1 – 2
Holdbarhet: 12 Måneder
Alle råvarer som brukes til produksjon av termokrome pigmenter er oppført i EINECS, TSCA og DSL/NDSL.
Oppbevaring og håndtering
Termokrom pulver er mer følsomme for påvirkning av løsningsmidler, UV-lys, Ph, Skjær og temperatur enn mange andre typer pigment. Det skal bemerkes at det er forskjeller i ytelsen til de forskjellige fargene, slik at hver skal testes grundig før kommersiell anvendelse.
Termokrom pulver har utmerket stabilitet når de oppbevares borte fra varme. Oppbevares ved høyst 25 °C. Ikke la fryse, da dette vil skade de termokromiske kapslene. En holdbarhet på 12 måneder er garantert forutsatt at materialet lagres i et kjølig og mørkt miljø. Langvarig eksponering for UV-lys eller forhøyet temperatur kan føre til tap av termokrom funksjon. Lagring lenger enn tolv måneder anbefales ikke.
