Performance requirements for carbon black pigments are increasingly important in the development of advanced coating, ink and polymer formulations as the need for more eco-friendly products grows. The overall “greening” trend of the global coatings industry has several implications for pigment blacks. Coatings manufacturers are demanding raw materials that are less toxic and more compliant with existing (and future) environmental regulations. At the same time, carbon black pigments, in many cases, must deliver outstanding coloristic performance in both waterborne as well as solventborne systems. New high-performance pigments can help meet these emerging needs through the following new developments.
Improved Waterborne Performance: Thanks to a technical modification of the furnace black reactor, it is possible to manufacture a new class of fine-particle-size carbon black to meet the more demanding dispersion and performance needs in waterborne formulations. These unique properties provide high jetness and a distinct bluish undertone, while maintaining good stability in waterborne applications.