Description:
HiPrint Thermochromic Coating micro capsules are in fine dispersed form. They have been specially designed for use in used by multipurpose printing ink system .They can be used by gravure, Flexo Narrow web UV, UV Screen .It can also be used by aqueous system. Thermochromic HiPrint coatings are colored below a specific temperature, and change to colorless or to an- other, lighter color as they are heated through the temperature range. These pigments are available in various colors and activation temperatures.
| Standard activation temperatures | 15°C, 31°c and 47°C. |
|---|---|
| Special activation temperatures | -10° C to 69°C. |
The activation temperature is defined as the temperature above which the ink has almost achieved its final clear or light color end point. The color starts to fade at approximately 4° C below the activation temperature and will be in between colors within the activation temperature range. The color change is “reversible,” i.e., the original color will be restored upon cooling.
| Standard colors | Black, Blue, Magenta, Green, Orange and Red. |
|---|---|
| Special custom color | Purple, Brown and Turquoise. |
HiPrint Thermochromic Coating,are more sensitive to the influences of solvents, UV light, pH, Shear and tem- premature than many other types of pigment. It should be noted that there are differences in performance of the various colors so that each should be thoroughly tested before commercial application.
HiPrint Thermochromic Coating, have excellent stability when stored away from heat. Store below 25°c. Do not allow to freeze as this will damage the thermochromic capsules. A shelf life of 12 months is guaranteed provided that the material is stored in a cool and dark environment. Long term exposure to UV light or elevated temperature can cause loss of thermochromic function. Storage longer than twelve months is not recommended. Consult product MSDS prior to use.
| Particle Size | 97% <6um |
|---|---|
| Light Fastness (blue wool scale) | 1 – 2 |
| Shelf Life | 12 months |
All raw materials used for production of THERMOCHROMIC pigments are listed in: EINECS, TSCA and DSL/NDSL
SENSITIVITY:THERMOCHROMIC microcapsules are sensitive to adverse environmental conditions. These are listed below, along with a description of the nature of the sensitivity, and recommendations with regards to them.
MIXING:HiPrint Thermochromic Coating should be mixed thoroughly before use as contents may settle on transit. They can withstand most standard mixing procedures. No intense shear is necessary as the capsules are in primary particle form. If too much shear energy is used (e.g. bead mills) then the micro capsules can be crushed and the thermochromic function destroyed.
LIGHT:Long term exposure to UV and some fluorescent lights can degrade color intensity. Extreme exposure of more than several days of direct sunlight may degrade the color of the microcapsules, though it will probably still change color. More than 600 hours of a strong fluorescent light may also cause a loss of color in the thermochromic.
HEAT:Extended exposure to high temperatures of 50°c or higher can degrade the pigment. With heat the exposure only has an effect if a given temperature is constantly maintained for a given amount of time. Thermochromic microcapsules can survive temperatures >200°c however they can only be exposed to these temperatures for a very short periods of time (<10 seconds).
CHEMICALS:HiPrint Thermochromic can be incorporated into many types of aqueous and UV curing formulations however thermochromic materials are sensitive to chemical exposure. Care must be taken to avoid the use of polar solvents such as alcohols, acetates etc. as there can damage the micro capsule walls.
ALL APPLICATIONS USING COLOR-CHANGING PIGMENTS AND INK OF ANY KIND SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY TESTED PRIOR TO APPROVAL FOR PRODUCTION