Pigment Red 48 (HP RED 2688) – Monoazo Red Pigment | Honor Pigments

Pigment Red 48 (HP RED 2688) — Monoazo Red Pigment for Printing Ink, Plastic Coloring, and Water-Based Systems

A monoazo red pigment (C.I. 15865) delivering bright red shade, high tinting strength, and good heat and lightfastness for bulk printing ink and plastic coloring.

Product Overview

HP RED 2688 is a Pigment Red 48 monoazo pigment (C.I. 15865) produced by diazotizing 2B acid (2-amino-4-chloro-5-methylbenzenesulfonic acid) and coupling onto 2,3-acid (2-hydroxy-3-naphthoic acid). The parent PR48 molecule is the base structure behind the widely used PR48 metal-salt lakes (PR48:1 barium, PR48:2 calcium, PR48:3 strontium).

The pigment delivers a bright red shade with strong tinting strength and good lightfastness and heat resistance (World Dyestuffs Compendium, 2000 ed., C.I. Pigment Red 48). It is insoluble in water and ethanol and shows very good fastness in nitrocellulose solvent, linseed oil, oleic acid, and plasticizers. Alkali resistance is limited, so it is best suited to ink, plastic, rubber, and coating applications rather than strongly alkaline environments. HP RED 2688 serves as a cost-effective general-purpose red for bulk printing ink and plastic coloring where mid-range fastness properties are acceptable.

Key Benefits

High Tinting Strength

Strong color development at standard loading reduces formulation cost per unit of ink or plastic compound (World Dyestuffs Compendium, 2000 ed.: high tinting strength).

Bright Red Shade

A clean bright red tone suited to process and spot color printing, general plastic coloring, and decorative coatings.

Good Lightfastness and Heat Resistance

World Dyestuffs Compendium (2000 ed.): adequate for most indoor and packaging applications where mid-range fastness is acceptable.

Water-Based System Compatibility

Insoluble in water with very good fastness to nitrocellulose solvent and plasticizers, supporting use in water-based ink and coating formulations.

Cost-Effective Bulk Red

A general-purpose PR48 grade for high-volume printing ink, plastic, rubber, and coating coloring where economy and consistent supply matter.

Technical Specifications

Applications Matrix

Competitive Comparison

Positioning

HP RED 2688 is a general-purpose Pigment Red 48 base grade for formulators seeking high tinting strength and good all-around fastness at a domestic China price point for bulk ink and plastic coloring.

vs. DIC Corporation

DIC’s SYMULER series covers the PR48 range with global regulatory compliance. HP RED 2688 provides comparable base PR48 color performance for Asia-Pacific supply chains at lower cost.

vs. Sudarshan

Sudarshan’s Sudaperm Red series includes PR48 grades with strong Africa and Asia distribution. HP RED 2688 matches color targets with competitive China domestic pricing.

vs. Vipul Organics

Vipul Organics offers integrated azo pigment/dye solutions including PR48. HP RED 2688 provides comparable monoazo red performance with established supply-chain availability.

vs. PR48:2 (calcium lake)

PR48:2 (calcium lake) is the bluer ruby-shade variant of the same base structure, adopted as the GTA standard process red for gravure packaging inks. HP RED 2688 (base PR48) offers a brighter, more economical general-purpose red where the bluer calcium-lake tone is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main applications of Pigment Red 48 (HP RED 2688)?

HP RED 2688 is used in offset printing inks, water-based flexographic and gravure inks, polyolefin masterbatch and general plastic coloring, water-based coatings, rubber compounds, and stationery goods. Its high tinting strength and good all-around fastness make it a cost-effective bulk red for ink and plastic applications.

Is HP RED 2688 suitable for printing inks?

Yes. HP RED 2688 delivers high tinting strength and very good fastness in nitrocellulose solvent and linseed oil, both common ink vehicles. It performs well in offset and water-based flexographic and gravure inks. For gravure packaging work requiring the bluer ruby process red, the calcium-lake variant PR48:2 is the GTA-standard choice.

What is the lightfastness of Pigment Red 48?

Pigment Red 48 (HP RED 2688) has good lightfastness (World Dyestuffs Compendium, 2000 ed.). It is adequate for indoor, packaging, and general decorative applications. For exterior or long-term light-exposure requirements, a higher-lightfastness red such as PR48:2 calcium lake or a condensed azo pigment (PR254) is recommended.

Can PR48 pigment be used in water-based systems?

Yes. HP RED 2688 is insoluble in water and shows very good fastness to plasticizers and nitrocellulose solvent, supporting use in water-based flexographic and gravure inks and water-based decorative coatings. Its limited alkali resistance means strongly alkaline aqueous formulations should be avoided.

What is the difference between Pigment Red 48 and Pigment Red 48:2?

Pigment Red 48 (HP RED 2688) is the base monoazo structure (C.I. 15865), a bright red. Pigment Red 48:2 (C.I. 15865:2) is the calcium-salt lake of the same molecule, which shifts the shade bluer toward ruby and improves lightfastness — it is the GTA standard process red for gravure packaging inks. The base PR48 offers a more economical bright red; PR48:2 is preferred where the bluer tone and higher lightfastness are needed.

Handling & Storage

Store HP RED 2688 in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Keep containers sealed to prevent moisture absorption. Under proper storage conditions (below 35°C, relative humidity < 70%), shelf life is minimum 3 years from manufacture date. Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents and strongly alkaline media.

Packaging

Available in 25 kg multi-ply paper bags with polyethylene liner, or 500 kg bulk bags upon request.

Related Products

• Pigment Red 48:2 HP RED 26265 (calcium-lake PR48:2 ruby red pigment)
• Pigment Red 48:3 HP RED 2348 (strontium-lake PR48:3 red, 220°C heat resistance)
• Pigment Red 48 HP RED 24298 (general-purpose PR48 lake red pigment)
• Pigment Red family overview