pigmentend

Pigmentend is a term used in pigment technology to describe a category of encapsulated pigments designed to improve color stability and migration resistance in coatings and plastics. In this concept, pigmentend particles feature a pigment core encased in a protective shell, creating a composite particle whose external properties can be tuned without changing the underlying hue.

Core materials may be inorganic or organic pigments; shells are typically polymeric, such as polyurethane, acrylics, or silica-based matrices. The shell reduces chemical interaction with media, protects against light and moisture, and can modify refractive effects to influence gloss and tint strength. Particle size commonly ranges from tens of nanometers to a few hundred nanometers, which affects dispersion, hiding power, and coloristic properties.

Manufacture of pigmentend particles uses encapsulation techniques including coacervation, interfacial polymerization, or in-situ polymerization. Process parameters control shell thickness, porosity, and adhesion to the pigment core. The resulting particles are designed to be compatible with standard pigment dispersions and can be incorporated into paints, inks, and thermoplastics through conventional grinding or high-shear mixing.

Applications emphasize enhanced lightfastness, reduced pigment migration in flexible films, and improved processing stability. Pigmentends have potential in automotive and architectural coatings, outdoor plastics, and high-end inks where color fidelity over time is critical. Trade-offs include higher material cost, potential changes in color strength or tinting strength, and the need for optimized dispersion to prevent agglomeration.

Origin and usage: The term pigmentend appears mainly in speculative or experimental discussions of pigment technology and is not a standard category in major reference works. The concept illustrates how surface engineering of pigments can alter performance without altering chemistry of the color core. See also: Pigment, Encapsulated pigment, Particle coating.