HOLLIDAY PIGMENTS newly developed Premier XAR Acid Resistant Grade for plastics is making its European debut at K2007 (24-31 October 2007, Dusseldorf, Germany).
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 71B21, K2007 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 Europe.
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’ Global Sales & Marketing Director, Dominique Boulenger. “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.”
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 Dominique. “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.”
Already, a leading plastics compounder has specified the new Premier XAR for seating at the Beijing stadium, which is currently undergoing extensive renovation ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games.
“The Beijing stadium is a prestigious first win for us,” says Dominique. “To prevent high energy radiation from the sun and other factors fading the colour, it was essential that the acid resistant blue used was strong enough to stand the test of time; the effects of which are accelerated further by environmental problems, such as acid rain.
“After much focus on development we are pleased to present this important step change in pigment technology and it’s this type of commitment to continuous research and innovation that demonstrates why Holliday Pigments leads the world in Ultramarine Blue.”
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.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editor: About Holliday Pigments
Holliday Pigments is the world's leading supplier of ultramarine pigments which are used in a variety of applications including plastics, coatings, cosmetics, artists colours and printing inks. Exporting to over 80 countries, Holliday Pigments has dedicated customer and technical service teams at its factory in France and its commercial offices in Malaysia, China, the UK and the USA.
Holliday Pigments has a proud 120-year history in the manufacture of technical quality ultramarine and is the only ultramarine manufacturer in the world to have invested in Flue Gas Desulphurisation plants, reducing sulphur dioxide emissions inherent in the manufacturing process by more than 99.5%. |