Inorganic and Organic Pigments/Dyes

Adding color to a product that is for sale can be the difference between selling and not selling. IT is well established in today's market that people do not only care about function, but they also deeply care about fashion as well. People want products that a sleek, look good, and feel good. Company’s or products that don't think about design and color need to reconsider their way of thinking.

Designing a product that is unique and good looking can be difficult, but adding unique and amazing colors doesn't have to be. Color compounding companies have advanced so much that any color can be copied or created. A couple of the new developments are the move too organic compounds (traditionally inorganic was the only compounds used) and a choice of using dyes or pigments as a way to color. The developments in the industry allow for amazing color to be added to plastics, all without reducing the durability or strength of plastic.

Dyes, when used by colorists, can be likened to a cup or hot water with a little sugar in it. This means that the dyes are completely soluble, ands so they disperse in the polymer at a molecular level. Considering the process works on a molecular scale, dyes are able to be brighter, clearer, and they are absolutely the best when attempting to create transparent resins. On the other hand, pigments work best when attempting deep, saturated colors. This is especially the case when you want an opaque finish.

Most companies in the industry now have moves away from inorganic colorants, and they are now using organic dyes and pigments. Inorganic pigments are made when you grind up complex metals very finely. They attach to products easily, but the have a weak color strength as compared to organic pigments. Common metals used are iron, cobalt, and even titanium.

Organic pigments are made up of ground particles that are reactor synthesized organic molecules. They are consistent at different temperatures and light frequencies. These organic compounds give better color and they last longer.  

When coloring a product to sell to the masses, you want to create something that serves a function people need. You also want to make sure that product is something people like looking at and holding. Talk to you color compounder and find out if they are using organic dyes and pigments. Get the best colors you can.