On July 2, 2026, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP unveiled new metallic effect pigments that significantly reduce flow-line visibility on glossy plastic surfaces. This breakthrough was developed in collaboration with scientists from Technische Universität Berlin and aims to enhance the aesthetic quality of injection-molded parts widely used in various industries.
Innovative Pigment Production Method
Traditional metallic effect pigments often suffer from visible flow lines that mar the appearance of injection-molded products. To address this issue, researcher Nils Demski at TU Berlin created tetrahedral particles, which promote a more uniform orientation in the polymer melt. This innovation not only minimizes flow-line formation but also reduces brightness fluctuations, known as brightness flop, which occur at different viewing angles.
The new pigments are produced using soft UV imprint lithography, a method that enhances automation while reducing material waste. Unlike conventional methods that use aluminum, these pigments consist of a metallized, UV-cured thermoset polymer, ensuring they maintain their optical properties during the injection molding process.
Benefits of Tetrahedral Pigments
The tetrahedral pigment particles offer numerous advantages over traditional flake-shaped pigments:
- Reduced flow-line visibility: The new geometry leads to a more homogeneous orientation in the polymer matrix.
- Lower reject rates: The manufacturing process decreases waste, making production more efficient.
- Cost-effective: Production costs are comparable to those of conventional flake pigments, allowing for broader adoption.
Furthermore, these pigments have shown improved adhesion in a joint project with BMW, enhancing their resistance to mechanical stress. This is crucial for applications that demand durability and aesthetic quality.
Environmental Impact and Future Developments
The production of these pigments is not only efficient but also environmentally friendly. By minimizing energy and material consumption compared to traditional aluminum flakes, the new method aligns with sustainability goals in manufacturing.
Looking to the future, researchers aim to refine the production process to achieve a narrow particle size distribution while maintaining the tetrahedral shape. This development will further enhance the reproducibility of optical effects, making these pigments suitable for a wide range of applications, from automotive parts to consumer electronics.
Overall, the advancements in metallic effect pigments represent a significant step forward in the field of polymer research, combining aesthetic appeal with practical manufacturing benefits.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Phys.org. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
