KT-90572 Cyan/Red Color Changing Pigment

How the Cyan/Red Color Shift Works

The optical engine behind KT-90572 is thin-film interference. The natural mica platelet carries successive layers of iron oxide and silica at precisely controlled thicknesses. As the viewing angle changes, the path length of reflected light shifts, and the destructive/constructive interference balance moves — producing the cyan-to-red travel visible on the cured surface. The effect is purely physical and structural, not dye-based, which is why the shift is repeatable batch to batch and resistant to fading under typical service conditions.

Substrate lightness is the single biggest variable a formulator controls. On a deep black ground, the cyan face-on color and the red flop read with full chromatic separation. On a white or pale substrate, both reflected colors are diluted by the substrate's own reflectance, and the perceived shift compresses considerably. In our application work we consistently recommend a black or very dark basecoat when maximising the visual impact of any KT-9000 grade.

Technical Specifications

Chemical Composition

The silica layer in the coating stack serves two roles: it fine-tunes the optical path length that sets the interference color, and it acts as a protective overcoat that contributes to the grade's general durability. The fully inorganic composition means there is no organic chromophore to bleach, which supports the KT-9000 series' reputation for good light and heat stability — though application-specific lightfastness data for KT-90572 should be confirmed through testing in your system.

Heavy Metal Limits

The TDS for KT-90572 specifies the following maximum trace-element levels, which are relevant for cosmetic and regulated-market qualification:

Application Guide for colour changing pigment powder

KT-90572 sits in the mid-range of the KT-9000 particle size spectrum (20–80 μm), which balances sparkle and surface smoothness — a practical window for both coating films and cosmetic textures. The series is used across a broad range of end markets:

• Automotive custom finishes and wraps — the dominant market for chameleon pigments, where the cyan/red shift reads clearly as a panel or wrap moves through different viewing angles. A clear protective topcoat is standard practice in this application.
• High-end cosmetics and nail art — eyeshadow, nail polish, and lacquer cosmetics where duochrome interference effects are a defined aesthetic category. The INCI declaration (Mica / Iron Oxide / Silica) is clean for cosmetic formulations; grade-specific regulatory suitability should be confirmed for your target market.
• Decorative coatings — motorcycle helmets, sporting goods, and consumer electronics where a two-tone angle-shift adds perceived value without complicating the coating process.
• Luxury packaging and security printing — including applications in banknote and negotiable-security printing where angle-dependent color is an authentication feature.
• Plastics and synthetic leather — compatible with the KT-9000 series' general resin compatibility profile; specific processing parameters should be validated for the target resin system.

Formulation and Processing Notes

Substrate selection

Dark or black substrates are non-negotiable for optimal shift legibility. A transparent or semi-transparent tinted binder over a black basecoat is the most common vehicle in automotive and coating applications. Pale or white substrates significantly reduce perceived color travel.

Combining with absorption pigments

KT-90572 can be blended with transparent absorption pigments to modify the face-on base color and adjust the apparent shift range. This is a standard technique in the KT-9000 family — the interference pigment provides the angle-dependent travel while the transparent colorant anchors the face color. Keep absorption pigments transparent; opaque colorants mask the interference layers and kill the shift.

Topcoat protection

In automotive and industrial coating systems, always apply a clear topcoat over the effect layer. This protects the platelet orientation, enhances optical depth, and shields the coating from mechanical and environmental exposure. Skipping this step is the most common cause of premature visual degradation in chameleon finishes.

Handling and safe use

KT-90572 is not classified as hazardous under EU CLP (Regulation EC 1272/2008) or the prior Directives (67/548/EEC, 1999/45/EC). Standard good-practice measures apply during handling: avoid generating dust, use adequate ventilation, and wear gloves, eye protection, and a dust mask when dust is likely. Store in a sealed container in a well-ventilated area.

Quality and Compliance

Kolortek operates under ISO 9001:2015 certification covering production and sales of pigments and glitters. At the company level, we maintain REACH registration documentation (specifically covering fluorphlogopite/synthetic mica grades), and cosmetic-grade options with supporting composition documents are available for applicable products under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. Product-specific certification status for KT-90572 — including FDA color-additive compliance, Halal/Kosher scope, and formal REACH registration for this grade — should be confirmed directly with our technical team before regulatory submission.

The heavy metal limits listed in the TDS (As < 2 ppm, Hg < 1 ppm, Pb < 10 ppm — see table above) are test-based specification limits, not self-declared estimates. These figures are relevant for cosmetic and regulated coating applications where heavy metal caps are mandated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the color shift sequence for KT-90572, and does the order depend on viewing angle?

KT-90572 shifts between cyan (face-on, direct light) and red (flop angle, oblique viewing). The transition is continuous — not a binary flip — as the angle changes. The exact shift sequence is governed by the multi-layer interference stack (iron oxide and silica on mica). This is a two-color duochrome effect, typical of KT-9000 grades used in cosmetics and decorative coatings. Best results require a black or dark substrate; the shift compresses significantly on light backgrounds.

Is this colour changing pigment powder suitable for cosmetic use?

The composition — Mica (C.I. 77019), Iron Oxide (C.I. 77891), Silica — uses INCI-listed inorganic ingredients common in cosmetic formulations. The TDS specifies heavy metal limits (e.g., As < 2 ppm, Pb < 10 ppm) relevant for cosmetic compliance. That said, final suitability depends on the target market and intended use. Product-specific confirmation against EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 or US FDA color-additive requirements should be obtained from Kolortek before commercial cosmetic use.

What particle size should I choose for automotive paint vs. nail polish?

KT-90572 has a particle range of 20–80 μm with a D50 of 25–35 μm. For automotive spray applications, this range works well — larger platelets (toward 80 μm) increase sparkle intensity but can affect surface texture in thin films. For nail polish and cosmetic lacquers, the lower end of the distribution (20–40 μm) typically gives a smoother, more uniform effect. If you need a tighter cut for a specific application, contact our team to discuss available particle size variants within the KT-9000 chameleon effect pigment series.

Can KT-90572 be combined with other effect pigments in the same formulation?

Yes. KT-9000 grades are compatible with most resin systems and can be blended with transparent absorption pigments to modify the base color or tighten the apparent shift range. Combining with other interference pigments — such as grades from the KT-9000 series with different shift sequences — is possible but should be tested, as layered interference effects can interact unpredictably. Avoid opaque pigments in the same layer, as these block the platelet alignment and extinguish the color shift.

Contact our technical team to discuss formulation requirements or to request a sample of KT-90572 for your specific application.