Organic Pigment FAQ: 20 Questions Formulators Ask
Technical answers from HONOR Pigment’s R&D department — covering quality control, sampling, specifications, applications, and global sourcing for industrial formulators.
1. Quality & Batch Consistency
1.1 How do HONOR Pigment ensure batch-to-batch color consistency for organic pigments?
We implement ISO 9001-certified QC protocols including spectrophotometric ΔE*ab ≤ 0.8 (CIELAB D65/10°) and strength testing at 1/1 SD. Each batch is validated against a sealed master standard using X-Rite Ci7800. For example, our Pigment Yellow 139 (CAS: 36888-99-0) maintains color difference below 0.5 ΔE across production lots.
1.2 What is the typical variation in dispersion quality across multiple batches?
Our Hegman gauge readings for high-performance pigments like Pigment Red 254 (CAS: 84632-65-6) are controlled at ≥7.5 µm (fineness of grind) with ≤5% variance. For presscake products, we specify dispersion rating of 4-5 (ASTM D1725) to ensure consistent color development.
1.3 Can HONOR Pigment provide COAs for every production batch?
Yes, each shipment includes a Certificate of Analysis (COA) listing CI number, CAS number, moisture content (≤1.0% for powder), pH value, and lightfastness (typically 7-8 on Blue Wool scale for exterior-grade pigments). Historical batch data is archived for 5 years and accessible via our product documentation portal.
1.4 How do you control heavy metal content in organic pigments?
All production undergoes ICP-MS screening per EN 71-3 limits. For instance, Pigment Yellow 110 (CAS: 5590-18-1) contains Pb < 5 ppm, Cd < 1 ppm, and Hg < 0.5 ppm. We provide full heavy metal declaration per batch upon request, with detection limits at 0.1 ppm.
2. Sampling & MOQ
2.1 What is your standard free sample policy for formulators?
We provide 100g free samples for most organic pigments, including Pigment Blue 15:3 (CAS: 147-14-8) and Pigment Green 7 (CAS: 1328-53-6). For presscake or high-value pigments like DPP Red 254, sample size is 50g. Shipping cost is covered for lab evaluation.
2.2 What is the minimum order quantity for standard organic pigments?
Standard MOQ is 25kg per color for powder form, 100kg for presscake. For our proprietary Pigment Yellow 181 (CAS: 220698-29-5), minimum is 20kg. Custom packaging (e.g., 5kg pails) is negotiable for trial orders after initial evaluation.
2.3 How long does it take to receive pigment samples internationally?
Samples dispatched within 24-48 hours via DHL Express, reaching most destinations in 3-7 working days. For heat-sensitive pigments like Pigment Red 168 (CAS: 4378-61-4), we use insulated packaging with gel packs during summer months to maintain product integrity.
2.4 Can I request a custom shade match before committing to full production?
Absolutely. Send your target color standard (Pantone, RAL, or physical chip) to our lab. We provide a formulation proposal within 5 working days using our existing pigment portfolio. Adjustments are free for the first two revision cycles.
3. Technical Specifications
3.1 What are the typical lightfastness ratings for HONOR Pigment’s organic yellow pigments?
Our Pigment Yellow 138 (CAS: 30125-47-4) offers lightfastness 7-8 (Blue Wool scale, 1/3 SD). Pigment Yellow 110 achieves 8 in full shade. For interior applications, Pigment Yellow 83 (CAS: 5567-15-7) provides 6-7 at 1/3 SD. All values measured per ISO 105-B02.
3.2 What heat resistance can I expect from HONOR Pigment’s organic reds?
Pigment Red 254 (DPP) withstands 260°C for 10 minutes in polyolefins. Pigment Red 177 (CAS: 4051-63-2) offers 240°C stability. For masterbatch applications, we recommend our stabilized Pigment Red 202 (CAS: 3089-17-6) with 280°C short-term tolerance measured by TGA at 10°C/min ramp.
3.3 How do you measure dispersion quality for your pigment presscakes?
We use the ASTM D1725 method with Hegman gauge. Our standard presscake pigments achieve 6.5-7.0 (scale 0-8). For high-performance presscakes like Pigment Blue 15:1 (CAS: 12239-87-1), we guarantee ≥6.0 after 15 minutes in a standard lab disperser at 5000 RPM.
3.4 What is the typical particle size distribution for HONOR Pigment’s organic pigments?
Mean particle size ranges from 0.05 µm to 0.5 µm depending on grade. For example, Pigment Yellow 150 (CAS: 68511-62-6) has D50 of 0.2 µm with D90 < 0.8 µm (laser diffraction). Specific surface area (BET) typically 30-80 m²/g. Particle size distribution is provided on COA for each batch.
4. Applications
4.1 Which HONOR Pigment products are recommended for water-based flexographic inks?
Our Pigment Yellow 74 (CAS: 6358-31-2) and Pigment Red 146 (CAS: 5280-68-2) are optimized for water-based systems. They exhibit dispersion rating 4.5, pH 6.5-7.5, and 3% max water-soluble salts. For blue, Pigment Blue 15:3 treated with anionic dispersant is ideal.
4.2 What organic pigments do you supply for high-temperature powder coatings?
For polyester/TGIC systems cured at 200°C, we recommend Pigment Yellow 151 (CAS: 31837-42-0) with 240°C heat stability and Pigment Red 264 (CAS: 88949-33-1) featuring 280°C tolerance. Both maintain color shift ≤ 1.5 dE after bake cycle. See full range on our products page.
4.3 Are your pigments suitable for masterbatch for PP & PE films?
Yes. Our Pigment Yellow 17 (CAS: 4531-49-1) and Pigment Green 36 (CAS: 14302-13-7) are specifically tailored for polyolefin masterbatch. They feature easy dispersion (rating 4.5-5, Hegman ≥7.0) and heat resistance up to 270°C. Aspect ratio of final film is controlled under 3 µm average.
4.4 Can HONOR Pigment provide pigments for cosmetic-grade colorants?
We supply a cosmetic-grade line meeting FDA 21 CFR 73 and EU 1223/2009 purity criteria. Pigment Red 57:1 (CAS: 5281-04-9) and Pigment Blue 15:0 are available with USP<232> heavy metal compliance. COSMOS-approved options are in development.
5. Sourcing & Compliance
5.1 Where are HONOR Pigment’s manufacturing facilities located?
Our main production base is in Zhejiang, China, with 50,000 m² facility dedicated to organic pigment synthesis. We also operate a blending and QC hub in Rotterdam, Netherlands for European customers. Visit our contact page for factory audit scheduling.
5.2 What quality certifications does HONOR Pigment hold?
We are ISO 9001:2015 certified for quality management and ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management. Our laboratory is accredited per ISO/IEC 17025 for color measurement (spectrophotometry) and heavy metal analysis. Third-party audits are conducted bi-annually.
5.3 How do I confirm a pigment’s suitability for polycarbonate applications?
Submit your resin grade and processing temperature (typically 300°C). We test pigments for thermal stability using TGA/DSC and injection-molded plaques. For polycarbonate, our Pigment Yellow 110 and Pigment Red 254 are validated with ≤5% weight loss at 350°C.
5.4 What documentation is provided with each shipment from HONOR Pigment?
Each pallet includes COA, MSDS (safety data sheet), country of origin certificate, and packing list. For regulated industries, we supply BSE/TSE-free declaration and GMO-free statement upon request. All documents are bilingual (English/Chinese) and available in digital format.
Need formulation support?
Contact our technical team at info@honorpigment.com or use the online inquiry form. We provide free formulation consultation including shade matching, dispersion optimization, and thermal stability testing for your specific resin system.