Currently, coatings are used everywhere, whether it is automotive parts, building materials, household appliances, or daily necessities, they are all decorated with colors. In fact, coatings not only bring us different color effects, but also give objects the function of decoration and protection. In the field of specific needs, they also provide some special functions, such as electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, heat insulation, etc.

As an important component of coating film-forming materials, pigments play an irreplaceable role in ensuring the above functions of coatings. Therefore, more and more people are beginning to pay attention to the research and development of functional pigments. The research of functional pearlescent pigments is a development direction. The coloring principle of pearlescent pigments comes from the combined effect of the reflection, refraction and interference of light by the material. Therefore, the material, structure, shape and particle size of the pearlescent pigment itself largely affect the color, chroma, transparency, scintillation and other effects of the pearlescent pigment.

Functional pearlescent pigments not only have pearl-like color effects, but also have unique functional properties. Among these pigments, the fastest growing ones are conductive pearlescent pigments, infrared absorbing pigments, and infrared reflecting pigments. These functional pigments are used in conductive flooring, car bumpers, auto parts, electronic plastic products, awnings, green roofs, and other fields.

According to the type of material, conductive pigments can be divided into the following 4 categories: carbon series conductive pigments; metal conductive pigments; metal oxide conductive pigments; conductive pearlescent pigments.

Carbon series conductive pigments have excellent conductivity and are widely used, but have poor adhesion and oil resistance, and are dark, monotonous, and unsightly in color. They can only be used in black or gray paints, and cannot be used in white or transparent paints, so their applications are greatly limited.

Metallic conductive pigments have excellent conductivity, but have high density and poor stability in paints. In addition, due to the high activity of the metal itself, the product has poor chemical resistance, is easy to change color, and is expensive, so it is rarely used now.

Metal oxide conductive pigments are still in the laboratory research stage and have not yet been used in the market.

In contrast, conductive pearlescent pigments not only have high conductivity, low density, and light color, but also have stable products, good corrosion resistance, and low cost. They are a more suitable type of conductive pigment.