GROUNDBREAKING NEW ACID RESISTANT PIGMENT FOR PLASTICS LAUNCHING AT CHINAPLAS 2007

HOLLIDAY PIGMENTS is launching its newly developed XAR Acid Resistant Grade for plastics at ChinaPlas 2007 (21-24 May, Guangzhou, China).

The world’s leading Ultramarine pigment manufacturer has taken its existing acid resistant Premier AR grade and improved its performance still further, specifically for plastics applications. Showing on stand 2E171, ChinaPlas will be the first time the full capabilities of this groundbreaking new grade will be demonstrated to buyers, suppliers and manufacturers working within plastics related industries, across the globe.

Ultramarine is rendered acid resistant by means of an inert coating deposited on the surface of the pigment particle. With previous best-in-class grades, the act of dispersing the pigment may cause abrasion of the coating which would in turn reduce its acid resistance. Premier XAR’s improved coating technology not only delivers 50% improved acid resistance but tests also show it has the capacity to cut the effects of abrasion by half.

“The new Premier XAR grade from Holliday Pigments is the result of intensive research at the molecular level, which has developed a more resistant pigment particle than had previously been thought possible,” says Holliday Pigments Sales & Marketing Director, Steve Bell. “The particle size of the new AR grade is almost the same as our standard Ultramarine, which improves its versatility in a variety of different applications.”

“It’s this type of commitment to continuous research and development that demonstrates why Holliday Pigments leads the world in Ultramarine Blue. Customers in plastics and packaging processes are already test marketing the new XAR grade’s superior performance.”

Plastics coloured with Premier XAR show no colour deterioration after several hours’ exposure to concentrated hydrochloric and sulphuric acids. In dilute form these are both common components of acid rain which can cause premature fading of standard Ultramarines.

“The improved acid resistance makes it particularly suitable for a wide range of exterior end uses where exposure to acid rain can be expected,” says Steve. “Premier XAR would therefore be the best choice for a whole host of plastics applications ranging from stadium seating through to use in the automotive industries.”

Holliday Pigments’ Ultramarine Blue is one of the world’s most tried and trusted pigments for premium applications in food packaging, plastics, inks, cosmetics, artist colours and paint. Now that its unique colour, excellent heat and light stability, food contact approval and total compatibility with polyolefins and other polymers has been enhanced by its excellent resistance to acids, the applications for Ultramarine are virtually endless.

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