KT-90226 Red/Indigo Color Shift Pigment

What KT-90226 Does — The Color Shift Mechanism

The visual effect in KT-90226 is structural, not dye-based. Light interacts with the multiple thin-film layers deposited on the natural mica platelet — TiO₂, Fe₂O₃, and silica — producing constructive and destructive interference that changes with the angle of incidence. At near-normal viewing angles, the pigment reads as a saturated red. As the angle shifts, the perceived color travels toward indigo. The transition is continuous and smooth, not a binary flip between two colors.

Because all the colorant components are inorganic — iron oxides and metal oxides — the pigment carries inherent lightfastness and good resistance to heat. There are no dyes to fade under UV exposure or bleed under elevated processing temperatures. That said, specific temperature resistance data for KT-90226 is not published in our current technical data sheet; formulators working in high-temperature systems such as powder coatings or engineering plastics should request application-specific testing guidance from our team.

Technical Specifications

Chemical Composition

Heavy Metal Limits

Application Guide for Color Shifting Pigment KT-90226

KT-90226 performs across a range of industrial and decorative end uses. The KT-9000 series is designed specifically for applications where a dramatic angular color response matters — the red-to-indigo travel is most legible in systems where the pigment can lay flat and orient parallel to the substrate surface.

Automotive and Decorative Coatings

In automotive custom finishes and wraps, a solvent-borne or waterborne basecoat with a black or very dark undercoat gives the maximum color travel depth. We consistently see stronger color shift performance when the dark ground layer is in place before the effect coat — a white or light substrate dilutes the contrast that makes the angular shift visible. A clear topcoat over the effect layer is recommended both to protect the pigment platelet orientation and to increase perceived depth.

Cosmetics and Nail Art

KT-90226 carries INCI nomenclature (Mica / Titanium Dioxide / Silica) and the composition meets the structural requirements for cosmetic-grade effect pigments. In eyeshadow pans, pressed powders, and nail lacquers applied over a dark base, the red/indigo shift reads as a strong, saturated angular movement. For nail art specifically, a black gel base underneath the effect layer is a straightforward way to demonstrate the full color travel to end consumers.

Cosmetic suitability ultimately depends on the selected grade and the finished product's intended use under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 or applicable US FDA color-additive requirements. We can supply supporting composition documentation; contact us for grade-specific confirmation.

Luxury Packaging, Printing, and Security Applications

The KT-9000 series is used in high-security printing — banknotes, negotiable securities, and authentication labels — where goniochromatic pigments serve as an overt anti-counterfeiting feature. In luxury packaging and decorative printing, the red/indigo shift adds a visual cue that is difficult to reproduce with conventional four-color process inks. The pigment is also used in leather coatings, synthetic leather, and plastic components where the angular shift adds premium visual appeal.

Formulation and Processing Notes

KT-90226 is compatible with most resin systems. The 20–80 μm particle range means the platelet size is relatively substantial — avoid high-shear dispersion equipment (such as ball mills or aggressive bead mills) that can fracture the platelets and reduce both color travel intensity and sparkle. Low-shear mixing or gentle dispersion under mild conditions is the standard approach for this particle size class.

One thing to note: increasing pigment loading generally intensifies the perceived color shift up to a point, but at very high loadings, the film surface can become rough, which scatters light diffusely and competes with the specular effect. Finding the right balance is application-dependent. We don't publish a fixed loading rate for KT-90226 in the current TDS; our applications team can advise based on your specific resin system and target film thickness.

Combining KT-90226 with a transparent absorption pigment (a violet or deep blue, for example) can deepen the base color and subtly shift the perceived color travel range. This is a common technique in nail lacquers and cosmetic formulations to customize the starting color without sacrificing the goniochromatic character.

Quality, Compliance, and Certifications

Kolortek operates under ISO 9001:2015 for production and sales of glitters, pigments, and fillers, which covers batch-to-batch consistency in composition and particle size. KT-90226 is not classified as hazardous under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) or under Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC.

For REACH compliance, our registration certificate specifically covers fluorphlogopite (synthetic mica) grades. If your regulatory workflow requires REACH documentation for natural mica-based grades such as KT-90226, confirm with us on a product-specific basis. Cosmetic-grade supporting documents aligned with EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 are available for applicable grades, as are grades formulated to meet US FDA color-additive requirements where relevant.

An SGS test report exists for Chromashift Pigments as a sample reference; this is not a blanket certification of the entire KT-9000 product range. Product-specific certification documentation is available on request.

Handling and Storage

As with all fine mineral powders, avoid generating dust during handling. Adequate ventilation is required, and operators should wear gloves, eye protection, and an approved dust mask when working with the powder in open conditions. In the event of skin contact, wash with plenty of water. For eye contact, flush with clean flowing water; if irritation persists, seek medical attention.

Store in the original sealed container in a well-ventilated location, away from moisture. KT-90226 is insoluble in water, which means accidental moisture exposure will not dissolve the pigment, but humidity can cause agglomeration in the powder that complicates dispersion. A dry storage environment is good practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the color shift range of KT-90226, and what substrates show it best?

KT-90226 shifts from red to indigo as the viewing angle changes. The effect is angle-dependent (goniochromatic) — it is a result of thin-film optical interference across the multi-layer TiO₂/Fe₂O₃/silica coating on natural mica. Dark or black substrates produce the most visible color travel; on white or light substrates, the contrast drops significantly and the shift becomes subtle. This is a fundamental characteristic of all KT-9000 Magic Chameleon Series pigments, not a defect.

What are the particle size and key physical parameters of KT-90226?

KT-90226 has a particle size range of 20–80 μm with a D50 of 25–35 μm. Density is 2.7–3.1 kg/L; bulk density is 23–29 g/100 g. The pigment is odourless, insoluble in water, and has a pH of 6.0–9.0 measured in a 4% aqueous suspension. The composition is mica (45–50%), TiO₂ (10–20%), and silica (35–40%).

Is KT-90226 suitable for cosmetic formulations?

KT-90226 has an INCI name (Mica / Titanium Dioxide / Silica) and its composition is aligned with cosmetic-grade effect pigments used in eyeshadow, nail lacquer, and pressed powder formats. Cosmetic suitability is governed by the applicable regulatory framework — EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 or US FDA requirements — and depends on the finished formulation and intended use. We can provide supporting composition documentation; confirm the specific grade and application with our technical team before finalizing your compliance dossier.

Where can I source colour shift pigment wholesale, and what quantities does Kolortek support?

Kolortek supplies colour shift pigment wholesale directly from our manufacturing facility. We support both small development batches and larger production volumes, with flexible order sizes — a deliberate part of how we support formulators from R&D through scale-up. KT-90226 is part of the KT-9000 Magic Chameleon Series. For current pricing, minimum order quantities, and lead times, contact our sales team with your application details.

Contact our technical team to discuss formulation requirements or request a sample of KT-90226 for your specific application.