Complex Inorganic Colored Pigments and IR Reflective Pigments for Waterborne Coatings

Abstract As we continue to move towards a solvent free society and further into waterborne there are 2 classes of pigments that are more important than ever. Complex inorganic pigments and IR reflective pigments offer outstanding properties. The IR reflective pigments reduce the thermo binder degradation therefore giving the waterborne resins longer durability. Complex Inorganic Colored Pigments are all the rage these days. They offer the hiding power of inorganic pigments but with a much higher Chroma. They also offer 2 year Florida exposure and a less than 1 delta E fade resistance. So combining the hiding power of inorganics with the fade resistance of high performance organics gives the formulator a great deal of flexibility. By rigid control of particle size distribution and smaller particle sizes a higher strength, better dispersibility and less abrasive CICP can be created. The higher strength can also be accomplished by incorporating more coloring ions into the structure of the CICP. IR Reflective pigments are becoming popular in many applications to reduce the effect of solar heat. TSR, total solar reflectance is becoming a popular vernacular in the coatings industry. These IR Reflective pigments are being incorporated into Universal Colorants to be used in Point of Sale (POS). The ecological contribution of NIR Reflecting pigments are interior Heat management by reduced heat flux (Reduced energy consumption for cooling), increased lifetime by reduced thermal binder degradation, (Arrhenius-Equation k = A * exp (-Ea/RT)) (Exponential increase of degradation rate in relation to temperature), Increased lifetime by reduced thermo mechanical stress. IR Reflective colorants can lower surface temperatures in coatings. The potential for energy savings depends on climate conditions, isolation, color (TSR before/ after), cooling/heating sources, Etc. It has been reported in literature that savings can be from 2- 40% with an average savings of 20%.