KT-95606 Yellow/yellow-green/green/blue Multichrome Pigment

What Makes KT-95606 a True Color Shifting Pigment

The colour shift in KT-95606 is not a blend of two discrete hues — it is a smooth, continuous travel across four perceptual stages driven by thin-film optical interference. As light strikes the Fe₂O₃ + silica multilayer coating on the mica platelet at progressively shallower angles, the constructive interference wavelength shifts from the blue end of the visible spectrum toward yellow. The result is a pigment that reads differently depending on whether you are looking at a surface head-on or obliquely, and that change is consistent and reproducible batch to batch.

We classify KT-95606 within the TiO₂-free sub-range of the KT-9000 series (codes KT-95102 through KT-95706). Omitting TiO₂ from the coating stack is deliberate: it allows the iron oxide and silica layers to express their full interference chroma without the opacity penalty that TiO₂ introduces. In our experience, formulators who need a cleaner, more saturated colour travel — particularly in the green-to-blue register — find TiO₂-free grades easier to work with than standard chameleon pigments at comparable loading levels.

One thing to note about the KT-9000 series more broadly: four-colour shift variants like KT-95606 are primarily designed for paint, coatings, plastics, and leather applications. Two-colour shift variants in the same series tend to serve cosmetic end uses. That distinction matters when you are selecting a grade for a new formulation — the optical geometry of a four-stage shift requires adequate film build and a dark substrate to read correctly.

Technical Specifications

Chemical Composition

Heavy Metal Limits

The TDS for KT-95606 specifies the following maximum heavy metal concentrations, consistent with the limits we maintain across the TiO₂-free chameleon range:

Application Guide for Multichrome Mica Powder in Coatings, Plastics, and Cosmetics

KT-95606 is a four-colour shift grade, and within the KT-9000 series that puts it squarely in paint, coatings, plastics, and leather territory rather than the two-colour cosmetic variants. That said, it appears across a wide application range — below are the end uses we see it perform well in, drawn directly from our application and series data.

Automotive and Protective Coatings

Automotive custom finishes and wraps are a primary use case. The 10–60 μm particle distribution provides enough face area for the interference layers to express the full four-stage shift under directional lighting, which is exactly what you want on a body panel or helmet. We consistently recommend applying a clear topcoat in automotive contexts — it protects the coating-mica interface from mechanical abrasion and moisture while adding optical depth that makes the colour travel appear more saturated. The series is also listed for motorcycle helmets, sporting goods, and weatherproof architectural coatings.

Cosmetics and Nail Art

High-end cosmetics and nail art are listed application areas for the KT-9000 series. The inorganic composition — mica, iron oxide, silica — is consistent with cosmetic-grade formulations, and the INCI designation is straightforward for label compliance purposes. Cosmetic formulators working in the EU or US market should confirm grade suitability against EC No 1223/2009 cosmetic regulation requirements and applicable US colour-additive frameworks before finalising sourcing; we can provide supporting composition documentation on request.

Plastics, Inks, and Leather

In plastic compounding and injection moulding, the pigment's water insolubility and inorganic composition make it compatible with most thermoplastic processing environments. Security and decorative printing — including high-security applications such as banknotes and negotiable securities — are listed end uses, where the angle-dependent colour shift functions as a straightforward visual authentication feature. Synthetic leather and powder coatings round out the application profile.

Formulation and Processing Notes

Substrate colour is the single most important formulation variable. On black or very dark substrates, the yellow-to-blue colour travel reads clearly across all four stages. On white substrates, the shift is perceptually muted — the interference colours wash out against the high-reflectance background. If your formulation requires a light-coloured base, we generally recommend incorporating a dark interlayer or tinting the base resin.

KT-95606 can be combined with transparent absorption pigments to shift the perceived base colour or to narrow and modulate the colour travel range. This is a useful technique when you need the shift to register within a specific colour gamut defined by a brand or design brief. Avoid opaque pigments that will block the interference effect.

The series is described as compatible with most resin systems. For dusty handling conditions — during weighing, blending, or transfer — use adequate ventilation, a dust mask rated for particulate, and appropriate eye protection. Skin contact warrants washing with water; prolonged or repeated exposure without PPE is not recommended.

Specific recommended loading rates and dispersion protocols for KT-95606 are not published in our current data sheet. Contact our technical team for application-specific guidance — loading optimisation is something we work through with customers on a case-by-case basis depending on the resin, substrate, and film build target.

Quality and Compliance

At Kolortek, our quality management system operates under ISO 9001:2015 certification, covering production and sales of pigments, glitters, and fillers. The MSDS for KT-95606 classifies it as not hazardous under both CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 and the earlier Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC. REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 is referenced in the product documentation.

For cosmetic applications in regulated markets, supporting composition documents are available. Product-specific certification against EU Cosmetics Regulation EC No 1223/2009 or US FDA colour-additive requirements depends on the selected grade and intended use — we do not make blanket approval claims for the entire series. Buyers with specific regulatory requirements should request documentation at the point of inquiry so we can confirm suitability for the intended application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the colour shift sequence of KT-95606, and over what angle range does it occur?

KT-95606 shifts through four stages — yellow, yellow-green, green, and blue — as the angle of illumination or observation changes. This is a goniochromatic, angle-dependent effect produced by multilayer optical interference in the Fe₂O₃ + silica coating on the mica platelet. The shift is continuous rather than stepped. Specific numerical angle data is not published in the current TDS; our application team can provide goniospectrophotometric characterisation data on request.

Does KT-95606 contain TiO₂, and why does that matter for formulation?

No — KT-95606 is a TiO₂-free grade within the KT-9000 Magic Chameleon Series, coated solely with Fe₂O₃ and silica. The absence of TiO₂ preserves the translucency of the coating stack, allowing the interference chroma to express more fully. For formulators, this means you get a more saturated colour travel at comparable loading compared to TiO₂-containing chameleon grades — but you also need a darker substrate to see the effect clearly, since there is less scattering to compensate for light-coloured bases.

What substrate colour is required to see the full multishift chameleon pigment effect?

A black or very dark substrate is required to see the full four-stage colour travel. On white or light-coloured substrates, the interference colours are substantially muted and the shift appears weak. If the intended application requires a light base, the most practical solution is incorporating a dark interlayer between the substrate and the pigment-containing topcoat, or tinting the binder resin to a mid-to-dark tone before adding KT-95606.

Is KT-95606 suitable for cosmetic applications, and what compliance documentation is available?

The KT-9000 series lists high-end cosmetics and nail art as application areas. The INCI composition — Mica, Iron Oxide, Silica — is consistent with cosmetic-grade inorganic pigment use. At Kolortek, supporting composition documents are available for customers working within EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 or US FDA colour-additive frameworks. Product-specific suitability should be confirmed with our technical team before specification, as approval depends on the intended cosmetic use and final formulation.

Contact our technical team to discuss formulation requirements, loading optimisation, or regulatory documentation for your specific application.