Irradiant White Pearlescent Mica Pigment – KT-101

KT-101 is a natural mica pearlescent pigment in the KT-100 Silver White Series — a rutile TiO₂-coated mica grade that produces a bright, irradiant white pearl effect with pronounced light reflectivity. Within the KT-100 range, KT-101 occupies the higher-brightness end of the silver white sub-grades, positioned for applications where a strong luminous shimmer is the visual target rather than a softer satin or muted pearl finish. It disperses across aqueous, solvent-based, and resin systems and covers the full breadth of industrial and decorative applications served by the Silver White Series — from paints and printing inks to cosmetics, nail products, and epoxy flooring.

KT-100 Series: Grade Selection by Particle Size and Effect

KT-101 is one sub-grade within the broader KT-100 Silver White Series. Particle size is the primary variable controlling visual character and application suitability across the range. The table below shows where KT-101 fits relative to adjacent grades.

Note: Specific D50 particle size data for KT-101 is available on the TDS. Contact Kolortek to confirm the exact grade specification before production specification.

Technical Specifications

Optical Mechanism and Formulation Characteristics

How the irradiant pearl effect is generated: The rutile TiO₂ coating on the mica platelet creates a thin-film interference layer. Light entering the coating reflects partially at the coating surface and partially at the mica interface — the two reflected beams interfere constructively at specific wavelengths, producing the characteristic pearlescent luster. The "irradiant" character of KT-101 specifically comes from the combination of coating thickness, rutile TiO₂'s high refractive index (~2.70), and the platelet geometry.

Blending behavior with transparent pigments: When combined with transparent colorants or dyestuffs, KT-101 contributes its silver-white pearl luster to the resulting color — both the hue and the pearlescent shimmer are visible simultaneously. Small additions of carbon black shift the effect toward a silver-grey metallic appearance with higher luster contrast. Combined with aluminum paste, the result is a brighter, whiter silver finish than aluminum paste produces alone.

Platelet orientation and effect intensity: The irradiant pearl effect depends on mica platelets aligning parallel to the substrate surface during film formation. Spray application, controlled film thickness, and appropriate formulation viscosity all affect final orientation and therefore effect intensity in the cured film. Poor orientation — from overly thick application or turbulent spray patterns — reduces luster output regardless of pigment loading.

Common selection error — using KT-101 in printing ink without confirming particle size: Fine-particle grades (typically below 25μm) are required for gravure, flexo, and most digital ink applications. If KT-101's D50 exceeds the printability threshold for your press configuration, it will cause nozzle wear or blocked screens. Confirm the TDS particle size specification before specifying for any printing application — or request the fine-grade equivalent within the KT-100 series.

Application Range

Grade Selection Decision Guide

If your application requires maximum purity, fewer black spots, or processing temperatures above ~500°C → specify KT-7100 series (synthetic mica / Fluorphlogopite substrate) rather than KT-101. Natural mica contains trace mineral inclusions that appear as dark specks in finished applications — visible at high magnification in cosmetics or fine coatings where surface quality is critical.

If you need a softer, more muted satin effect rather than a bright irradiant shimmer → select the Satin Fine or standard silver white sub-grade within KT-100 rather than KT-101. The irradiant designation indicates higher brightness and more pronounced light reflection — not appropriate for formulations targeting understated pearl.

If you are developing a printing ink → confirm KT-101's D50 particle size against your press nozzle specification before ordering. If KT-101 exceeds the printability threshold, request the fine-grade KT-100 equivalent with confirmed sub-25μm D90.

Kolortek has manufactured natural mica pearlescent pigments for over 20 years, with consistent TiO₂ coating thickness and batch-to-batch particle size distribution across the KT-100 series. TDS and SDS are available for each grade; INCI documentation is available for cosmetic applications. Custom particle size distributions within the silver white series are available for volume buyers with specific application requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes KT-101 "irradiant" compared to other silver white grades in the KT-100 series?
A: The "irradiant" designation within the KT-100 series refers to a higher brightness and more pronounced reflectivity character compared to satin or standard pearl sub-grades. The visual difference comes from a combination of coating parameters and particle size distribution — irradiant grades reflect light more intensely across a wider viewing angle. For applications where a strong, luminous shimmer is the formulation target rather than a soft or understated pearl, KT-101 is the appropriate selection within the natural mica range.

Q: Can KT-101 be used in cosmetic formulations?
A: Yes. KT-100 series natural mica pearlescent pigments are used in cosmetic applications including eye shadow, highlighter, body lotion, and nail products. Cosmetic applications typically require INCI declaration and may require additional documentation depending on the target market's regulations. Contact Kolortek to confirm which documentation is available for KT-101 for your specific cosmetic application and market.

Q: When should I choose KT-7100 synthetic mica over KT-101 natural mica?
A: Synthetic mica (Fluorphlogopite, KT-7100 series) offers higher purity, fewer visible black spots (caused by mineral inclusions in natural mica), better weatherfastness, and higher thermal stability — relevant for plastics processing above approximately 500°C and for cosmetic applications where surface purity is critical. KT-101 natural mica is appropriate for the majority of industrial coatings, decorative, and general cosmetic applications where these differences are not significant formulation requirements.

Q: Why does my pearlescent effect look weaker after mixing than expected?
A: The most frequent cause is mechanical platelet fracture during mixing. High-shear dispersers and ball mills break the mica platelet structure, reducing the D50 particle size and shifting the visual effect from bright pearl toward a flat, satin-like shimmer with less intensity. Add KT-101 to your formulation after all high-shear dispersion steps are complete and mix using low-shear stirring only. A secondary cause is poor platelet orientation — if the mica platelets do not align parallel to the substrate surface during film formation, the interference-based luster effect is diminished regardless of the pigment loading.

Request a Sample or Get the TDS for KT-101

Particle size specification and D50 data are the key variables to confirm before committing KT-101 to a production formulation — particularly for printing ink and fine cosmetic applications. Contact Kolortek to request a grade sample for your specific application, download the TDS with particle size distribution data, or discuss custom grade requirements for volume orders.