Pigment pastes
Pigment pastes are responsible for providing the final colour to the solid surface piece. It should be remembered that we defined solid surface as a homogeneous pigmented mass. That is the reason why, the use of non-solid pigment pastes is essential when we want to produce a high quality solid surface. Pigment pastes are dispersions of high concentrations of solid pigment in resins compatible with the final product to be manufactured. In comparison with the solid pigments, the pigment pastes get a much higher integration of pigments in the mass. They increase their performance considerably. Although it is a purely aesthetic component in the solid surface formulation, it can also affect other aspects of the production process such as catalysis, reactivity or viscosity of the mixture.
Choice of pigment pastes suitable for our project
When choosing the most appropriate pigment paste for our project, we will have to consider the following:
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- pigment concentration of them. they should have at least a 70 of pigment.
- performance and coloring strength
- vehicle used for pigment dispersion
- presence of additives that could damage the reaction or have harmful effects in the catalysis
- possible presence of substances to economize and potential harmful causes that may have on our mixture. Basically, we should look for pigment pastes styrene-free.
Due to the increase of the prices of titanium there is a clear tendency to replace this mineral from the pigment pastes. It is necessary to check this point because some pigment pastes producers are substituting titanium for other cheaper minerals that have effects on the reactivity of the mixture.
AITANA CHEMICALS - solid surface manufacture
AITANA CHEMICALS is a company specialised in the technical assistance and supply of raw materials for the manufacture of solid surface products. Building on our close collaboration with our strategic partners over recent years, we offer a business model combining ‘supply, support and R&D’. We supply and assist companies all over the world that are developing or want to start a solid surface manufacturing project or other similar polymeric root composite materials.
Conclusion
In comparison with solid pigments, pigment pastes achieve a much higher integration of the pigments in the mass. They increase their performance considerably. In order to meet the requirements of a quality solid surface, it is necessary to use pigment pastes. Their easy integration into the mass guarantees a homogeneous pigmented mass. It is necessary to analyse the composition of the pigment pastes in a thorough way. They can incorporate components that could have harmful effects on our mixture.
If you want to know everything related to the solid surface manufacturing, we recommend you to read our extensive article dedicated to this topic. Together with our technological partners have developed a pigment paste with high concentrations of pigments specially designed for the production of solid surface products. Availability of pigments based on RAL chart. By individual laboratory tests, we will advise you on the most suitable pigment to your product. If you have any specific needs in this field, do not hesitate to contact us.