Thermochromic Pigment Uses - Examples of Thermochromic Pigments in 2024

17 Years of Experience in thermochromic pigment examples - Original Photochromic Pigment Manufacturer - KingChroma

What is thermochromic pigment used for?

I. Temperature sensing
Due to temperature-based color changes, thermochromic pigments are widely used in temperature sensing. Taking novel temperature tags for example, thermochromic pigments show the temperature beyond the desired range in order to identify faults in time. In liquid crystal thermometers, thermochromic pigments are visual indicators of temperature variations.
II. Product safety
Thermochromic pigments are widely used for product safety. For example, thermochromic pigments are used in beverage bottle caps to indicate whether beverage is too hot. If thermochromic pigments in beverage bottle caps change, consumers will know that beverage is too hot. They can take appropriate measures to avoid burns.
III. Smart fibers
Thermochromic pigments are used in smart fibers. Smart fibers are able to sense and respond to environmental changes. If thermochromic pigments are used, smart fibers will change colors in response to environmental change. For example, fibers may change from blue to red, indicating the body temperature rise.
IV. Decoration
Thermochromic pigments are also used in fabrics and artworks. If thermochromic pigments are used, fabrics will show different colors in a heat-sensitive environment, thus improving the dressing and creativity. In artworks, thermochromic pigments are used in painting for unique tones and effects.
In short, thermochromic pigments are interesting and practical. They have brought innovative and practical solutions in various fields.

Color Pigment Powders

Mica Powder

Titanium dioxide Pigment

Thermochromic Pigment

Pearl Powder

Thermochromic Pigment Uses FAQs

In addition to temperature indication, thermochromic pigments are widely applied in printing, textile, clothing, toys and other daily necessities.

Thermochromic microcapsule powder are resistant to maximum 280℃, with a particle size of 1-10μm. They also have good solvent resistance and dispersibility. Thermochromic water emulsion is a kind of water-based dispersing agent containing microcapsules. It has a particle size of 1-6μm and solid content of about 48%. It can be applied in water-based screen printing, coating, ink, dyeing, etc.

Thermochromic powder can be used as an additive and paint to make thermochromic plastic and ceramic toys and daily necessities. Taking smart tableware such as spoons and bottles for babies for example, thermochromic powder (pigment) is used in spoon handles or bottle mouths. If food is very hot, the tableware will change color, indicating that the food is not edible. Thermochromic ink is applied on the outside of ceramic cup. If water in the cup exceeds the normal temperature, the cup will change its color as a warning. Color-changing toys, switches, plastic cups and other products are novel plastic products with thermochromic powder. Thermochromic paints are applied in clothing, stickers, packages, footwear, leather, glass, hardware, etc.

1.1 Thermochromic cups

Thermochromic cups are heat-sensitive cups containing thermochromic pigments. They change their colors based on the temperature of hot beverage inside. They show a color if beverage is not hot. If the beverage temperature rises, cups will rapidly change their colors. They are not only funny cups, but also can be used in teaching, advertising, etc.

1.2 Thermochromic color paints

Thermochromic pigments are applied in color paints. They are used in some artworks and paintings. Artists can adjust the colors and patterns of artworks based on temperature changes to create unique effects.

1.3 Cosmetics

Thermochromic pigments are applied cosmetics, such as lipsticks and nail polishes. They can change their colors based on the body temperature to achieve personalized effects.

1.4 Thermochromic stickers

Thermochromic stickers contain thermochromic pigments. They change their colors based on temperature changes. They can be applied in packages, toys, office supplies and so on, with good playability and decorative effects.

1.5 Thermochromic clothes

Thermochromic pigments are used in clothes. Some clothing manufacturers use thermochromic pigments to product clothes, which can change their colors based on changes in the body temperature. Such clothes are popular with young people. They show different patterns or colors according to body temperature changes, with better funny and personalized effects.

  1. Advantages

Thermochromic pigments show different colors based on temperature changes, with some sense of technology and innovation.

Thermochromic pigments have broad prospects in many fields, such as drinkware, cosmetics, clothing, etc.

Thermochromic pigments can be easily produced, so they are suitable for mass production.

  1. Shortcomings

Colors of thermochromic pigments are restricted by their properties, so some colors may not be achieved.

The properties of thermochromic pigments may decay over time or based on operating conditions. Therefore, regular replacement or maintenance is required.

The production cost is high, so thermochromic pigments are relatively expensive.

Thermochromic powder is made of electron transfer type organic compounds. Electron transfer type organic compounds are organic color compounds with special chemical structures. They molecular structures change due to electron transfer at certain temperatures, leading to color changes. Thermochromic products not only have bright colors, but also change from a color to colorless status and vice versa. Heavy metal complex and liquid crystal reversible temperature-sensitive compounds do not have these properties.

Raw materials of thermochromic powder do not contain chromium, lead and other toxic heavy metals. The new-generation thermochromic powder of Lijin do not contain BPA. They are not toxic or irritating to the human skin, but are fully compliant with food safety certification requirements. As long as plastic is safe, thermochromic plastic products will be safe and non-toxic.

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