Color matching polymer system

The color formulator must learn as much as possible about the processing conditions the colorant system will encounter. Important conditions to determine are cycle times and process temperatures. Hot runner systems commonly used in today s injection molding processes may add temperature to the polymer melt and add to the time the polymer is under heat. Remember that the heat stability of any colorant and additive system is a function of both time and temperature. An excellent color match may be produced, but if the formulation cannot withstand the stress of processing without breaking down or changing shade, then effort and time have been wasted. 

While these four forms represent the delivery methods for colorants, there are two basic types of colorants incorporated into these forms dyes and pigments. Dyes are organic compounds that provide the most brilliant colors in polymers. They tend to dissolve in the polymer and so are most easily distributed throughout the system. Dyes tend to have limited thermal stability and must be matched to the polymer processing temperature. They have their primary application in the coloring of transparent products. 

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