Rangin Polymer / What is metallic masterbatch and what are its applications?

What is metallic masterbatch and what are its uses?

Metallic masterbatch is a type of color masterbatch that uses metallic or pearlescent pigments to give plastic products a shiny and radiant appearance. In addition to creating beautiful effects, these types of masterbatches also have features such as excellent light stability, uniform color dispersion, and resistance to environmental conditions.

Metallic masterbatch is used in the production of various industrial and consumer products such as automotive parts, cosmetic containers, electronic devices, and special packaging. Given the importance of visual effects in many industries, the use of metallic masterbatch has become one of the main solutions for creating attractive and high-quality designs.

What is metallic masterbatch?

This masterbatch is a type of color masterbatch that is composed of a combination of fine pearlescent particles or metallic pigments and a solid coloring system. These masterbatches reflect light and give a shiny appearance to plastic products by utilizing these metallic particles. Metallic masterbatches are usually used to create metallic or shiny coatings on finished products and have good light stability and dispersion. These types of masterbatches are especially used in the production of injection molded plastic parts, cosmetic tubes, and other products that require special effects.

Applications of Metallic Masterbatch

This type is used in various industries due to its aesthetic properties and the special shine it gives to products. The main applications of metallic masterbatch include:

Bottles and bottle caps: In the production of energy drink bottles and glasses to create a metallic and attractive appearance.
Automotive aftermarket products: For the production of interior parts of cars that require metallic effects.
Dinnerware: In the production of plastic containers with a metallic and shiny appearance.
Cosmetics: In the production of cosmetics and personal care products to create special and beautiful effects.
Consumer electronics: In the design and production of electronic devices such as phone cases, laptops and other home appliances.
Small appliances and durable products: For any plastic product that requires a metallic or shiny appearance. It has.

Overall, metallic masterbatch is widely used in products where a metallic and shiny appearance is important.

Types of metallic masterbatches

This masterbatch has different types that are divided based on the type of ingredients, color characteristics and applications in different industries. These types allow manufacturers to choose the right masterbatch depending on their needs. Below we mention the main types of metallic masterbatches:

Based on the type of pigment

Aluminum-based metallic masterbatch:

This type of masterbatch is made from aluminum powder and gives products metallic silver or gray colors with high shine.

Brass or copper-based metallic masterbatch:

Contains copper or brass powders that create gold, copper and bronze colors in products.

Combined metallic masterbatch:

A combination of different metal powders and various pigments to create a wide range of colors Special metallic.

Based on appearance and function

Glossy Metallic Masterbatch:

This type of masterbatch has particles that reflect light well and give the product a shiny and brilliant appearance.

Matte Metallic Masterbatch:

In this type, light reflection is less and creates a softer and more matte metallic appearance.

Necklace Metallic Masterbatch:

A combination of metallic colors and shell pigments that creates a more luxurious and eye-catching appearance.

Based on polymer base

Polyethylene (PE)-based metallic masterbatch:

Suitable for the production of plastic films, packaging bags and lightweight products.

Polypropylene (PP)-based metallic masterbatch:

Used for the production of industrial parts, household appliances and medical equipment.

ABS-based metallic masterbatch:

For products that require high impact and heat resistance, such as automotive parts and electronics.

Based on application

For decoration and design:

Masterbatches designed for luxury and decorative products, such as special packaging, cosmetics and decorative items.

For the automotive industry:

Metallic masterbatches used for interior and exterior parts of cars, giving them an attractive and professional look.

For food packaging:

Masterbatches with hygienic and moisture-resistant properties that are packaged in transparent or Metallic are used.

Important points in choosing the right metallic masterbatch

The type of polymer base must be compatible with your raw material.
The color and metallic appearance (glossy or matte) must be consistent with the needs and application of the product.
Paying attention to the heat resistance and color stability of the masterbatch is very important in the production process.
Using a high-quality masterbatch increases the durability, beauty, and color uniformity of the final product.

Given this diversity, choosing the right metallic masterbatch depends on your specific needs and the product you intend to produce.

Metallic masterbatch production steps

The steps in producing a metallic masterbatch involve combining raw materials in specific ways that ultimately result in a masterbatch with the desired shine and aesthetic properties. These steps generally include:

Selection of raw materials:

Base polymer: The main polymer used to produce the masterbatch can be polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, or other plastics, depending on the type of final product.
Metallic pigments: To create a metallic effect, metallic pigments or fine pearlescent particles that reflect light are added to the mixture. These pigments may include precious metals or special mineral powders.
Additives and Compatibilizers: These materials are used to improve the mechanical, optical, final stability and dispersion properties of the pigments in the final product.

Material Preparation:

The base polymer and metallic pigments are carefully weighed and prepared.
Additives and compatibilizers such as antioxidants or UV stabilizers may also need to be added to the formulation.

Mixing Process:

The raw materials are combined in industrial mixers (usually extruders or hot mixers).
In this step, the base polymer and the metallic pigments are mixed well together so that the pigments are evenly dispersed throughout the polymer matrix.
This process can be carried out under high temperatures so that the metallic particles are completely melted into the polymer matrix.

Extrusion Process:

The mixture obtained from the mixer enters the extruder, where the material is formed into masterbatch strands.
In this step, the temperature and pressure are precisely controlled so that the pigments are evenly distributed throughout the product and no lumps or masses of pigments remain.

Cooking and Cooling:

The masterbatch strands are removed from the extruder and cooled rapidly to maintain their shape.
This process may include specific stages of cooking to stabilize the color and properties of the final product.
Cutting and Packaging:
After cooling, the masterbatch strands are cut into smaller pieces (plastic pellets) for easy use in the production process of other plastic products.
These pellets are then packaged and ready to be shipped to various factories and industries.

These steps may vary depending on the type of metallic masterbatch and the specific needs of the final product, but generally the same process is implemented in the production of metallic masterbatch.

Advantages and disadvantages of metallic masterbatch

The advantages of this type are explained below.

Aesthetic effects: Metallic masterbatch gives a shiny and brilliant appearance to products that create a special metallic effect.
Excellent light stability: These types of masterbatches have high stability against light radiation and prevent discoloration or fading of metallic effects.
Uniform color dispersion: Due to the uniform distribution of metallic pigments, the final product looks very harmonious and uniform in appearance.
High resistance: Due to the presence of additives, the final products have greater resistance to environmental conditions (such as UV) and temperature changes.

Disadvantages:

Higher cost: The use of metallic pigments and special materials to produce metallic masterbatches may increase the cost of production.
Limitations in application: For some products or processes, a metallic effect may not be required, and as a result, the use of metallic masterbatches may be unnecessary.
Difficult dispersion in some polymers: In some polymers, the pigments may not be distributed well, leading to spots or unevenness in the final product.

Conclusion

Finally, metallic masterbatch, as one of the types of color masterbatches, with its unique features, gives shiny and brilliant effects to plastic products and is widely used in various industries such as automotive, cosmetics, electronics and consumer containers. By creating a metallic and resistant appearance, these masterbatches add, in addition to beauty, optical stability and high durability to the final products. Rangin Polymer Company, by utilizing advanced technologies and using the best raw materials, produces high-quality metallic masterbatches that meet the specific needs of various industries well and help produce products with an attractive and resistant appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is metallic masterbatch and how does it work?

Metallic masterbatch is a type of color masterbatch that uses metallic or pearlescent pigments to give plastic products a shiny and luminous appearance. These pigments reflect light and give the product’s surface a special metallic effect.

What are the uses for metallic masterbatch?

Metallic masterbatches are used in various industries such as automotive parts, cosmetics, specialty packaging, tableware, electronics, and beauty products. These types of masterbatches are used to create a shiny, metallic appearance in consumer and industrial products.

Can metallic masterbatch be used for all types of plastic?

Metallic masterbatches are typically suitable for plastics that are well-suited to pigment acceptance, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester. However, in some cases, uniform pigment distribution in some polymers may be difficult and require care in the manufacturing process.

Does metallic masterbatch have any effect on the mechanical properties of the final product?

Yes, the use of metallic masterbatches may affect some of the mechanical properties of the final product. These effects usually depend on the exact composition of the additives and the manufacturing process. Metallic masterbatches usually improve UV resistance and light stability properties, but in some cases they may affect flexibility or compressive strength properties.