PIGMENT BLUE 15:1/ HP BLUE 4387

What Is PB15:1 / HP BLUE 4387

PB15:1 / HP BLUE 4387 is an organic pigment classified under CAS 12239-88-2 and CI Pigment Blue 15:1, belonging to the copper phthalocyanine family. It is a high-performance alpha-crystal modification known for its vivid blue shade and excellent fastness properties. As a PB15:1 grade, it offers improved crystal stability and solvent resistance compared to standard PB15, making it a reliable choice for demanding industrial applications where color consistency is critical.

Why Choose HP BLUE 4387

This specific grade, HP BLUE 4387, is specially optimized for use in plastics, providing superior dispersion and thermal stability during high-temperature processing. Its application in plastics ensures uniform coloration without blooming or migration, even in polyolefins and engineering resins. Compared to its siblings like PB15:2 (redder shade) or PB15:3 (greenish shade), HP BLUE 4387 balances a pure neutral blue hue with excellent lightfastness and chemical resistance, making it ideal for masterbatches and injection-molded parts. It outperforms lower-cost alternatives by maintaining color strength and bleed resistance in thick and thin sections, while reducing the need for additional stabilizers or additives.

Key Features

• HP BLUE 4387 exhibits outstanding heat stability up to 300°C, preventing color shift during plastic injection molding or extrusion processes.
• It provides exceptional dispersion in polyolefins, ABS, and PVC without requiring additional wetting agents or surface treatments.
• The pigment demonstrates high lightfastness ratings (7–8 on the Blue Wool scale), ensuring long-term color retention in outdoor plastic applications.
• It offers excellent solvent bleed resistance, preventing color migration into adjacent materials or environments in contact with plastics.
• HP BLUE 4387 maintains consistent color strength and transparency across different polymer bases, reducing batch-to-batch variation.

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C.I.NO.: PB15:1

Advantage:

Main Application Recommended: Plastics

Product Description – PB15:1

HP BLUE 4387 (PIGMENT BLUE 15:1) is a phase-stabilized a-copper phthalocyanine blue. It shows good resistance to organic solvents, excellent lightfastness and weatherfastness, superior migaration fastness. It is mainly used in plastic industries,and paints industries sometimes.

Recommended Application：

Coatings: solvent based coatings, water based coatings, industrial coatings, powder coatings
Plastics: PP, PE, PVC, PS/SAN, ABS, PC, POM, PA, PET, PBT, PMMA, Rubber/TPV, SBC, TPO, TPU

Technical Data:

• Light fastness: Light fastness rating is assessed on 1 to 8 Blue Wool scale where 1 = ‘Poor’ and 8 = ‘Excellent’.
• Heat Stability : Heat stability values given indicate the maximum temperature at which the pigment can be stoved for 10 min. on the full shade and in reductions without undergoing any significant change in shade.
• Oil absorption: The oil absorption is determined on the basis of EN ISO 787-5 and given in g linseed oil per 100 gm. pigment.
• Solvent bleeding: The bleeding in solvents is tested using the powder grades and the visual rating given on 1 to 5 Grey scale
  where 1 = ‘Heavy bleeding’ and 5 = ‘No bleeding”

Technical Note — The data and recommendations provided are based on HONOR Pigment’s internal testing and manufacturing experience. They are offered in good faith to assist customers in evaluating product suitability for their specific applications. As processing conditions, formulations, and end-use requirements vary widely, customers should conduct their own validation under actual use conditions. HONOR Pigment makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy of this information or its fitness for any particular purpose. Nothing herein shall be construed as a license or recommendation to infringe any patent. HONOR Pigment’s standard terms and conditions of sale apply.oduct contains particles < 0.1 μm. Any user of this product is responsible for determining the suitability of Honor Pigments’s products for its particular application & to ensure that any proprietary rights & existing laws & legislation are observed.

Frequently Asked Questions About PB15:1

Why should I choose PB15:1 (HP Blue 4387) over standard copper phthalocyanine blue for my plastic masterbatch?

PB15:1, also known as HP Blue 4387, is the alpha-crystal phase modified for superior heat stability and dispersion in high-temperature engineering plastics like ABS, polycarbonate, and nylon. While standard PB15 (unstabilized) may fade or shift color above 250°C, PB15:1 withstands processing up to 300°C without significant degradation. For polyolefins requiring FDA compliance, this pigment offers low migration and excellent lightfastness (7-8 on blue wool scale). Its high color strength also reduces loading levels, lowering overall compounding cost. If your application demands vibrant, stable blue in injection-molded automotive parts or appliances, HP Blue 4387 is the reliable workhorse.

What are the performance limits of HP Blue 4387 in outdoor applications?

HP Blue 4387 (PB15:1) provides outstanding weather resistance for most indoor and moderate outdoor uses, with 7-8 lightfastness in full shade. However, in direct, intense sunlight (UV exposure exceeding 5000 hours in Florida or Arizona testing), it may show gradual fading or a slight greenish shift, especially in thin sections (under 1mm). Polyolefins like PP require UV stabilizer packages (HALS + benzotriazole) to extend durability. For extreme outdoor applications—roofing, garden furniture, or automotive exterior trim requiring 10-year warranties—consider moving to PB15:3 (beta phase) or a quinacridone hybrid. Always test your specific resin and stabilizer system under actual exposure conditions.

How does HP Blue 4387 compare to PB15:3?

Both are copper phthalocyanine blues, but PB15:1 (HP Blue 4387) has a red-shade (slightly violet) tone versus the greenish-shade of PB15:3. PB15:1 offers superior heat stability (up to 300°C vs. 280°C for PB15:3) and better dispersion in polar resins like PET and PC. However, PB15:3 typically has 10-15% higher tinting strength in non-polar polyolefins and a more intense, cleaner greenish-blue hue. PB15:3 also exhibits slightly better lightfastness in thin films. Choose HP Blue 4387 when your priority is maximum heat resistance and red-shade color match, or when the pigment must withstand repeated processing cycles. For cost-sensitive commodity packaging where greenish-blue is acceptable, PB15:3 is usually the more economical choice.

What processing precautions should I take with PB15:1 in extrusion?

HP Blue 4387 is compatible with most thermoplastic processes (injection molding, blow molding, extrusion). Key considerations: predry the pigment (if in powder form) at 80°C for 2 hours to avoid moisture-related defects. When compounding, maintain melt temperature below 300°C—prolonged exposure above 310°C can trigger crystal-phase transformation to greenish-shade PB15:3 or cause fading. Ensure adequate shear for dispersion; twin-screw extrusion with 200-300 RPM is ideal. For high-load masterbatches (up to 40%), use a polyethylene wax carrier to prevent agglomeration. Avoid contact with acidic or alkaline stabilizers, which can accelerate pigment degradation. For all applications, a 0.1-0.5% loading typically achieves full color strength.

Can I substitute HP Blue 4387 with another pigment in a pinch, and how should I store it?

For emergency substitution, PB15:3 can replace HP Blue 4387 if your color tolerance permits a 2-3 Delta E greenish shift and your processing temperature stays under 280°C. Alternatively, a blend of PB29 (ultramarine) and violet 23 can approximate the red-shade blue at 30-50% higher price. For optimal storage, keep HP Blue 4387 in sealed containers at 15-25°C (59-77°F), below 60% relative humidity. Shelf life exceeds 5 years when stored properly. Avoid direct sunlight and proximity to volatile solvents. If powder cakes (due to moisture), re-dry at 80°C before use—do not exceed this temperature during storage. Always label containers with lot number and date for traceability. **HP Blue 4387 remains the go-to choice when you need a high-performance red-shade blue that withstands demanding plastic processing.**

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