Thermochromic Pigment | Heat Sensitive Color Changing Dye Powder for Paint

iSuoChem® thermochromic pigment powder is a reversible, heat-sensitive color changing pigment supplied as thermochromic microcapsules for temperature-responsive applications. Available in multiple colors, these temperature-sensitive pigments can be incorporated into suitable paint and coating systems, printing inks, and plastics to create visible color changes as temperature varies. With strong color density, stable dispersion and quick response, the series provides flexible options for B2B customers developing thermochromic paint, color-changing inks and temperature-responsive plastic products.

Thermochromic Pigment Powder Product Information

Product Name: Thermochromic Pigment

Classification: Thermochromic Microcapsule

Appearance: Powder

Color Change Mode: Reversible

Available Activation Temperature: 0–70°C

Available Colors: Black, Blue Violet, Dark Blue, Fast Blue, Sky Blue, Turquoise Blue, Green, Natural Green, Magenta, Orange Red, Rose Red, Vermilion, Yellow, Real Violet, Brown

Package: 10 kg/carton, polybag for inner pack and carton for outer pack

Thermochromic Pigment ColorCard(Color to Colorless Series)

Thermochromic Microcapsule Structure and Classification

Representative Technical Specifications – 31°C Blue to Colorless Grade

Features of Thermochromic Pigment Powder

• Reversible Temperature-Sensitive Color Change
• Thermochromic Microcapsule Structure
• Strong Color Density
• Stable Dispersion
• Quick Response Time
• Multiple Color Options
• Activation Temperatures Available from 0–70°C
• BPA-Free Eco Type Available

Recommended Applications for Thermochromic Pigment Powder

Paint & Coatings	iSuoChem® thermochromic pigment powder can be used in paint and coating applications. As a temperature-sensitive color changing pigment, it changes color according to temperature and can be used in thermochromic paint systems with an appropriate binder.
Printing Ink	Thermochromic pigment is suitable for silkscreen, gravure and flexographic printing. The TDS states that an appropriate binder is required to make thermochromic ink and that viscosity should be adjusted before use.
Plastic Injection & Extrusion	This thermochromic pigment is recommended for PE, PP, PS, PVC and PU plastic injection applications. The TDS lists a thermochromic powder concentration of 20–30% in masterbatch and 2–3% in final products.

How to use thermochromic pigment powder

Thermochromic pigment powder should be incorporated into a compatible medium using an appropriate binder and processing method. For printing ink and paint formulations, adjust the viscosity as required before application and ensure the pigment is dispersed evenly in the system.

For plastic processing, a typical thermochromic powder concentration is 20–30% in masterbatch and 2–3% in the final product. Processing conditions should be controlled carefully because thermochromic microcapsules are sensitive to prolonged high temperatures, UV exposure and certain solvents.

Before commercial production, test the thermochromic pigment in the actual formulation to confirm compatibility, color-changing performance and the required activation-temperature response.

What Affects the Performance of Thermochromic Pigments?

Thermochromic pigment performance depends on the complete formulation and application environment, not on the pigment alone. UV exposure and prolonged high-temperature exposure can reduce color stability and weaken the dynamic color-changing response over time.[1]

The surrounding formulation also matters. Research on thermochromic coatings and prints shows that the binder, chemical environment, substrate and dispersion of the microcapsules can influence color stability, coating quality and the uniformity or speed of the thermochromic response.[2]

Pigment loading should therefore be optimized rather than simply maximized. Studies of thermochromic coatings show that changes in concentration can affect color difference, gloss and overall coating performance, while the coating process and the position of the thermochromic layer can also influence the visible discoloration effect.

For industrial applications, thermochromic pigment should be evaluated in the actual binder, substrate and processing system before full-scale production, since formulation and application variables can produce different results even when the same type of thermochromic material is used.

FAQ

1. Is this product suitable for all types of paints and resins?

2. Will thermochromic pigments affect the performance of the mixed medium?

3. How to store thermochromic pigments?

Please store it in a cool and dry place, avoid high temperature and humidity environment to ensure its long-term stability.

Related Reading

Learn more about how temperature changing powder, also known as thermochromic pigment powder, responds to temperature changes and creates visible color-changing effects. This guide explains the basic working principle of thermochromic pigments, the difference between reversible and irreversible types, and how these temperature-sensitive pigments are used in printing inks, thermochromic paints, coatings, plastics and other color-changing applications. Read more.

Reference

[1] Friškovec, M., Kulčar, R. & Klanjšek Gunde, M. Light Fastness and High-Temperature Stability of Thermochromic Printing Inks. Coloration Technology, 2013, 129, 214–222.

[2] Rossi, S., Simeoni, M. & Quaranta, A. Behavior of Chromogenic Pigments and Influence of Binder in Organic Smart Coatings. Dyes and Pigments, 2021, 184, 108879.