KT-92330 Color Shifting Pigment Powder indigo-purple-red-orange yellow

What KT-92330 Does and How the Color Shift Works

The KT-92330 belongs to the KT-9000 Magic Chameleon Series — Kolortek's dedicated line for angle-dependent color travel. Its optical behavior is driven by thin-film interference across multiple inorganic oxide layers deposited on a natural mica platelet. When light strikes the pigment at different angles, the destructive and constructive interference conditions shift, rotating the perceived color continuously from indigo through purple, red, orange, and into yellow. There is no dye involved; the effect is purely structural and inorganic, which is why it holds up under heat and UV exposure.

The 25–130 μm particle range puts KT-92330 in what we classify as the high visual impact tier. Larger platelets mean more mirror-like reflectance per particle, more dramatic angular flash, and a sparkle component that smaller grades cannot match. In our application lab, we typically recommend this size grade when the goal is a bold, unmistakable color play — automotive wraps, motorcycle helmet shells, and luxury decorative coatings where the viewer is in motion relative to the surface.

Technical Specifications

Chemical Composition

Heavy Metal Limits

All values represent maximum limits per batch testing:

KT-923** Series: Choosing the Right Particle Size Grade

KT-92330 sits within the broader KT-923** size variant family. All grades share the same indigo-purple-red-orange-yellow color travel and inorganic oxide chemistry. The particle size suffix determines the visual character of the effect — finer grades cover more smoothly; coarser grades produce more pronounced sparkle and angular flash. The table below shows the full range:

When a customer specifies KT-92330 specifically for nail art or cosmetic applications, we typically suggest also evaluating KT-92302 or KT-92306. The 25–130 μm range can create texture in thinner film builds. That said, for chunky glitter-style nail effects or direct decorative use, the 30-grade is a deliberate choice.

Application Guide for Chameleon Effect Pigment Powder

Substrate Selection

Substrate color is the single biggest variable in how KT-92330 reads in a finished application. The goniochromatic effect is most legible on black or very dark substrates — the dark background absorbs transmitted light and allows the interference colors to dominate. On white or pale substrates, the shift is present but considerably muted. For automotive basecoat-clearcoat systems, we always specify a black or dark grey undercoat when a customer wants the full indigo-to-yellow angular travel to be visible.

Supported Application Fields

• Automotive coatings: Custom paint finishes, wraps, and specialty topcoats — the primary use case for KT-9000 series pigments. A weatherproof clear overcoat enhances the color play and depth.
• Decorative and industrial coatings: Motorcycle helmets, sporting goods, architectural accent panels, powder coatings, and leather coatings.
• Plastics: Industrial and decorative injection-moulded parts; the pigment disperses in most standard thermoplastic carrier systems.
• Printing inks: Luxury packaging, security printing (bank notes and negotiable securities), and decorative print applications.
• Cosmetics and nail art: High-end formulations where angular color shift is a key design feature; grade selection (particle size) should match the film thickness of the intended application.
• Synthetic leather: Surface coatings and finishes where the colour shift provides a high-fashion visual effect.

Formulation Notes

KT-92330 is compatible with most resin systems. One thing to note: because the interference effect depends on the orientation of mica platelets parallel to the substrate surface, excessive shear during mixing or dispersion can fracture particles and reduce the mirror-like reflectance. Use gentle, low-shear incorporation — stirring rather than high-speed dispersing, particularly with the 25–130 μm grade where particle integrity matters most.

The color travel range can be modified by combining KT-92330 with transparent absorption pigments. Adding a transparent blue or violet tint, for instance, can deepen the indigo anchor and shift the perceived color travel. We support customers in trialling these combinations, though specific loading rates and compatibility data for individual resin systems should be confirmed through lab trials — we don't publish a universal dosage figure because the optimum varies significantly with film thickness, resin optical properties, and substrate.

For automotive and protective coating applications, always apply a clear topcoat over KT-92330. The clear coat protects the platelet orientation layer, increases the perception of color depth, and provides the weathering resistance the exposed pigment layer alone cannot guarantee.

Quality, Compliance, and Handling

Kolortek operates under an ISO 9001:2015 quality management system covering production and sales of pigments and fillers. KT-92330 is classified as non-hazardous under both EC Regulation 1272/2008 (CLP) and the earlier Directive 67/548/EEC / 1999/45/EC. An MSDS/SDS is supplied with all shipments, referencing REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006.

For applications targeting cosmetic formulations under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 or US color-additive frameworks, cosmetic-grade options with supporting composition documentation are available — but final grade suitability depends on the specific intended use and should be confirmed before specification. We don't make a blanket cosmetic compliance claim for KT-92330 without knowing the target application details.

During handling, standard precautions apply: avoid breathing dust, use a dust mask where dust is generated, and provide adequate ventilation. Eye protection and gloves are recommended as a routine measure when handling any fine mineral powder at this particle size range.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full color shift sequence of KT-92330, and what viewing conditions are needed to see it?

KT-92330 shifts continuously from indigo through purple, red, orange, and yellow as the viewing angle changes relative to the surface. The sequence is an interference-based goniochromatic effect and is most visible on black or very dark substrates. On white backgrounds the shift is present but noticeably reduced. Film thickness and the presence of a clear overcoat also influence perceived color saturation and travel range.

What particle size is KT-92330, and how does it compare to other grades in the KT-923** series?

KT-92330 has a particle size of 25–130 μm, placing it in the high visual impact tier of the KT-923** series. Finer grades like KT-92302 (5–25 μm) and KT-92306 (10–60 μm) produce smoother coverage suitable for inks and standard coatings. The 30-grade delivers more pronounced angular flash and sparkle, making it the preferred choice for automotive custom finishes, decorative coatings, and applications where a bold colour shift pigment powder effect is the primary design objective.

Is KT-92330 suitable for use in cosmetic formulations?

The KT-9000 series includes grades used in high-end cosmetics and nail art. KT-92330 is composed of natural mica, TiO₂, silica, and tin oxide — all components with established use in cosmetic contexts. That said, confirming suitability under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 or US FDA color-additive requirements depends on the specific grade, intended use, and formulation details. We provide supporting composition documentation and can advise on grade selection for cosmetic applications — contact our technical team with the application specifics.

What resin systems are compatible with chameleon pigment powders like KT-92330?

KT-92330 is compatible with most resin systems, including those used in automotive coatings, industrial coatings, decorative plastics, and printing inks. Specific solvent-based versus water-based compatibility data is not published for this grade — compatibility in a specific system should be confirmed by lab trial. The key handling consideration is to use low-shear dispersion to preserve the 25–130 μm platelets; high-speed dispersing equipment can fracture particles and reduce the mirror reflectance that drives the colour shift effect.

Contact our technical team to discuss formulation requirements or grade selection for your specific application.