A broad collection of pigment, powder coatings, and ink products exist as particulate form in both the raw material and finished product. The particle size distribution determines their appearance, quality, functionality and processability, thus measuring the pigment particle size is as an excellent predictor of final product performance. Moreover, particle size of pigment particles in paint is a critical parameter that affects surface finish. As for example, cosmetic industry is always looking for the best mix between creativity and innovation and color pigments cover a fundamental role in this. To create metallic effects, white, interference, reflections, particles with adequate characteristics have to be selected. Classizer™ ONE is an enabling device supporting product formulation, thanks to its performances in charactering particle size distribution, composition, shape, best surfactant and the stability of pigments, inks, and cosmetics powders.
The mix of a pigment and an emulsion
A lot of ink, watercolour, and oil pigment formulations includes particles of different size distribution and different material composition. Formulations of pigments in cosmetics, paints, inks, coating, and other multiple sectors require the dispersion of different materials such as oil emulsions and ground pigments in a liquid. The analysis of the pigment particle populations and the identification of oil droplets individually suspended in the liquid require the ability to identify populations according to e.g., their respective optical properties. The SPES patented technology and Classizer™ ONE provides the adequate information as needed and suitable for the purpose to distinguish the different types and relative concentrations of the suspended materials.
(in figure) An uncalibrated mixture of blue ultramarine and oil emulsion. Two populations are detected and may be analysed indipendently.
(in figure) Experimental estimation of the relative number of particles attributable to the individual components of the mixture of ultramarine pigment and the oil emulsions.
The case of two inks mixed
Inks are a liquid dispersion of pigments for writing or printing made by pigment particles in some liquid carrier. A number of additives are usually included to modify viscosity, drying, stability, or color characteristics. Particle size of the particles can affect the color strength, surface finish, and durability of the product. The particle size must be small enough that they do not block the nozzles of the printing mechanism. Through the study of the properties of the individual particles, the SPES technique classifies the presence of particles having different characteristics in a same sample. Via EOS CLOUDS representation it is possible to select and analyze the individual particle populations in a mixture evaluating and monitoring the ratios between the numerical concentrations of the components of a mixture in a formulation.
(in figure) A 50:50 mixture of white and black calligraphic inks. Two populations are detected and may be analysed indipendently.
(in figure) Experimental estimation of the relative number of particles attributable to the individual components of the mixture of white and black calligraphic inks.
(in figure) Numerical PSD of a set of watercolours.
(in figure) Cumulative PSD of a set of watercolours .
(in figure) Experimental oversize study of a set of watercolours.