Pearlescent pigments are a new type of pigment that can reproduce the elegant luster and color found in nature, such as pearls, shells, butterflies, fish, and metals. They consist of natural mica flakes coated with titanium dioxide and ferric oxide, creating a sandwich-like crystal structure. They create hue and luster through the refraction, reflection, and transmission of light. They can impart a rich, layered texture and a unique gloss to surface coatings and plastics. They are harmless, heat-resistant, light-resistant, acid- and alkali-resistant, color-resistant, non-migrating, and non-conductive. These numerous advantages make them a unique and promising new type of pigment.

Pearlescent pigments are mica flakes coated with metal oxides to produce a pearlescent luster. They appear as transparent, flat powders with a larger diameter, smoother surface, and higher refractive index than typical pigments. Pearlescent pigments are resistant to acids, alkalis, and heat up to 800°C. They are non-pyrophoric, non-combustible, non-conductive, and arc-resistant. They are also very stable to light, and some are UV-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor use. They are also insoluble in water and harmless to humans, making them suitable for use in food packaging (subject to national regulations).

 Pearlescent pigments come in a variety of different varieties, depending on hue and particle size. Particle size influences pearlescent luster. Larger particles produce a stronger pearlescent luster but weaker hiding power, while smaller particles produce a softer, satin-like luster and better hiding power.

Pearlescent luster is produced by multiple reflections of light. Therefore, the more transparent the material the pearlescent pigment is mixed with, the more beautiful the pearlescent luster it produces. Pearlescent pigments can also be mixed with transparent pigments or dyes to achieve the desired color. Avoid using them with opaque ingredients or pigments with strong hiding power, such as titanium dioxide and iron oxide, to prevent them from affecting the pearlescent effect. Colored pearlescent pigments can produce a variety of unique pearlescent effects based on the principle of color mixing.

Adding an appropriate amount of carbon black to pearlescent pigments can create a stunning metallic luster. Adding 0.01% carbon black to white pearlescent pigments creates an antique silver effect, while adding 0.01% carbon black to gold pearlescent pigments creates an antique bronze effect. Adjusting the carbon black content can create different effects.

Pearlescent pigments inherently disperse well and can be evenly dispersed with simple mixing. Avoid prolonged use of high-shear mixers, as this can damage the particles and affect the subsequent pearlescent effect. - Arc Resistance: Pearlescent pigments are non-conductive and arc-resistant. Conventional powdered metallic pigments have many safety restrictions during storage and use, and are therefore often formulated into liquids for processing. However, pearlescent pigments can be processed directly from powder form, without the need for liquid formulation. This characteristic is particularly beneficial when replacing conventional metal powders.

- High Temperature Resistance: Pearlescent pigments are particularly suitable for high-temperature applications due to their resistance to temperatures up to 800°C.

- Acid/Alkali Resistance: Pearlescent pigments exhibit excellent chemical resistance, making them suitable for use as colorants in materials containing acids and alkalis.