I. Brief Introduction

Color changes of thermochromic pigments are induced by temperature change.

The pigments are composed by microcapsules that change colors reversibly.
When temperature rises to a specified temperature, the color starts fading and back to the original  color as the pigments is cooled down.

II. Products Feature

A) A. Nine Standard Colors

Example: YT – 31 (Yellow Thermochromic pigment with color change at 31ºC)

 B) Temperature of color changes

 When the temperature is increased to a specify temperature, the color start fading to colorless. The specific temperature of the color changes can be assigned at a temperature between –15ºC to 65ºC. The sensitivity of color changes is within 2ºC to 10ºC. The temperature of color change set under 33ºC are duller.

Example 1. BT-22 indicates the blue thermochromic pigment starts to change its color when it is heated to about 18ºC and becomes completely colorless att 22ºC. Conversely, the color starts to reveal when the temperature is decreased. It’s recommended to applying this for cold drinks.

Example 2. Example 2. OT-31 indicates the orange thermochromic pigment starts to change its color when it is heated to about 29ºC and becomes completely coloeless at 31ºC. Conversely, the color starts to reveal when the temperature is decreased. This product is most suitable for products, which change colors at body temperature.

Example 3. RT-43 indicates the red thermocromic pigment start to change its color when it is heated to about 40ºC and becomes completely coloress around at 43ºC. Conversely, the color starts to reveal when the temperature is decreased. It could be used as a caution for hot drinks.

3. Reference Colors for Application

A) By using three primary colors, you can match any color as your expect. You may mix different colors of thermochromic pigments with the same temperature to create more colors.

B) They can be also mixed with regular pigments so that the color can be changed from one to be another. At Lower temperature, the color reveals matched shade. When the temperature is increased, the thermochromic pigments start fading to colorless. It only shows color of the regular pigments.

C) By mixing the thermochromic pigments with different temperature ranges, the color can be varied for more than two colors.

Temperature Ranges for 3-colors variation

IV. Product's Feature

A) Thermochromics Pigments:
- composed by microcapsules.
- Distribution of particle size is between 1 e 10 µm.
- Heat resistance is 230ºC.
- Moisture is about 0,3%.
- The shelf life of thermochromic pigments is 2 years.

B) Thermochromic Emulsion (W-series)
- Water-based pigment slurry.
- Solid concentration is 45%.
- The dosage in aqueous inks and paintings is around 0.5%-15%.
- The shelf life of thermochromic emulsion is 6 months.

C) Thermochromic Universal Masterbatch (M-Series)
- Applicable to PE, PP
- Standard temperature for cold drink is 22ºC, for body temperature is 31ºC and for hot drink is 43ºC.
- The concentration of masterbatch is 12% depending on colors.
- The shelf life of thermochromic masterbatch is 2 years.

V. Application & Formulation

A) The thermochromic pigments have generally been applied in coloring of plastic, paints, inks, dyes and dyes fabrics. The thermocrhomic pigments have also been used in toys, sticks, the trademark and ordinary jewelry etc.

B) Some of  the products are FDA approved.

C) Dosage of application

Materials	Inks/ Paint Solvent Type		Inks/ Paint Water Soluble		Plastic Injection - Extrusion
	Application	Dosage	Application	Dosage	Application	Dosage
Thermochromic Pigments		5 – 30%		3 – 15%		0,5 – 3%
Thermochromic Emulsion		-		0,5 – 15%	X	-
Thermochromic Masterbatch		-	X	-		1 – 4%

D) The products must be stored at room temperature, in dry area and not exposed to sun.

E) For printing inks, it is recommended to adjust the pH value of resin between 5~8.

F) Toluene will affect the prosperities of the microcapsules. Avoid using toluene as single solvent. If the solvent is a mixture, less toluene is recommended.