ARTICLE

Edwin B. Faulkner
Director - Communications & Regulatory Affairs
Sun Chemical Corp
ed.faulkner@na.sunchem.com

Organic Reds for Plastics - Quinacridone

High Performance Organic Reds - Introduction

Cincinnati -- As was done in the last issue, we are going to poke Henry Ford in the eye with a stick with respect to color selection. Last time, we looked at the large variety of Azo Reds that are used in plastics. In this issue, we will start the process of examining the High Performance Reds, of which there are almost as many types as there are in the Azo area.

Before embarking on the journey through these colorants, it is necessary to define what High Performance Pigments (aka HPP's) are. There are several definitions to be found in the marketplace, but most people would agree that the following elements capture the essence of an HPP.

•Excellence in Performance
•Persistence in Application
•High Value Economics for all Parties in the Supply Chain

So, what separates the High Performance Reds from the classical Azo Reds is their ability to provide excellent color performance and excellent stability to the conditions of heat, light, weather, etc. to which they will be exposed during the master batching process, the manufacture of the final plastic article and the conditions to which that article will be exposed during its life cycle. The cost of the HPP's are generally higher than the classical pigments, but their performance characteristics make them a very good money value.