KT-98525 Red/Green Hypershift Pigments for automotive coatings

What KT-98525 Does and How It Works

The color shift in KT-98525 is a structural interference effect, not dye chemistry. Thin alternating layers of Fe₂O₃ and silica deposited on natural mica flakes create destructive and constructive interference at different angles. The result is a pronounced red appearance at near-normal incidence that transitions to green at oblique angles — what the industry broadly calls a duochrome or color travel effect.

Because there is no TiO₂ in the coating stack, the opacifying contribution common to standard pearl pigments is eliminated. That matters for automotive and coating formulators: you get a deeper, more saturated shift with less interference from hiding-power contributions. The trade-off is that the substrate color plays a more dominant role. In our experience, KT-98525 performs best over dark or black substrates — white substrates visually dampen the shift range significantly.

The broad particle size distribution (30–150 μm, D50 49–65 μm) contributes to a sparkling, high-travel effect rather than a smooth satin finish. Larger platelets extend the color shift arc; the distribution within KT-98525 means both elements are present in the same batch.

Technical Specifications

Physical and Chemical Properties

Chemical Composition

Heavy Metal Limits

KT-9000 Series Context: Where KT-98525 Sits

Within the KT-9000 Magic Chameleon family, KT-98525 occupies a specific position: TiO₂-free coating, coarser particle distribution (30–150 μm), two-color duochrome shift. Other sub-series in the same family cover different particle windows and shift combinations — for reference, the KT-95102 to KT-95706 group runs 5–25 μm to 10–70 μm for smoother, finer effects; the KT-95125 to KT-95625 group reaches 100–250 μm for maximum sparkle; and the KT-90507 covers Orange/Cyan at 20–80 μm.

Choosing between these grades comes down to the finish character required. KT-98525's 30–150 μm range sits in the medium-coarse zone — enough sparkle to register clearly at automotive viewing distances, while still being manageable through standard pneumatic spray equipment. We typically recommend it for custom wrap and specialty OEM work where a bold, readable two-color travel matters more than a smooth silk finish.

Automotive Coating Application: Formulation and Processing

Hypershift Pigment Powder in Basecoat/Clearcoat Systems

KT-98525 is intended for use as a hypershift pigment powder in basecoat/clearcoat systems, not as a single-coat solution. The clearcoat is not optional — it protects the platelet layer, prevents mechanical damage, and significantly deepens the apparent color travel through the additional refractive path. Target dry film thickness for the pigment-bearing basecoat layer is 15–25 μm, with pigment loading in the 1–10% range as a starting point. Exact loading depends on the desired effect intensity and the resin system in use.

Platelet orientation is the variable that controls how clean and directional the shift reads. Flash-off time between the basecoat application and clearcoat application is critical: too short, and solvents from the clearcoat disturb platelets before they've settled; too long, and surface tension effects can cause uneven orientation. The right window depends on your specific resin system, booth temperature, and film build — this is something to dial in on panels before committing to a full job.

Application method: pneumatic spray or electrostatic spray. Avoid high-shear recirculation systems — they mechanically fracture the mica platelets, which shortens the effective particle size and degrades color travel. Over-thinning the basecoat has a similar effect on orientation quality. Reduce viscosity only as far as the spray method demands.

Substrate and Mixing Considerations

As noted above, dark or black substrates are strongly preferred. On a black ground, the full red-to-green angular range reads cleanly. On white or light substrates, the reflected background competes with the interference color and the shift becomes visually subtle — not a defect, but a formulation decision that should be made intentionally.

KT-98525 can be combined with transparent absorption pigments to shift the base tone or adjust the color range visible at face angle. Opaque or hiding pigments are generally incompatible with this approach — they obscure the interference effect rather than modify it. Compatibility with specific solvent-based and water-based systems has not been formally characterized for this grade; compatibility screening with your resin system is recommended before production scale-up.

Beyond automotive, the KT-9000 series is used in luxury packaging, decorative coatings for motorcycle helmets and sporting goods, high-end cosmetics, nail art, and security printing applications where angle-dependent color is part of the anti-counterfeiting strategy.

Compliance and Handling

KT-98525 is not classified as hazardous under CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 or under Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC. The product is subject to REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006. Company-level certifications include ISO 9001:2015 covering production and sales of pigments, and REACH registration — though the supplied REACH registration certificate specifically covers fluorphlogopite (synthetic mica); product-specific confirmation is required for natural mica grades including KT-98525.

For handling: avoid generating or breathing airborne dust. Adequate ventilation is required; dust mask, gloves, and eye protection should be worn if dust is generated during weighing or transfer. Store in a well-ventilated location. There are no listed chemical incompatibilities in the TDS, but standard precautions for fine inorganic powder apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between KT-98525 and standard TiO₂-coated chameleon pigments?

KT-98525 uses an Fe₂O₃ and silica coating on natural mica, with no TiO₂ in the stack. Standard pearl pigments rely on TiO₂ for opacity and base color. Removing TiO₂ eliminates its hiding-power contribution, which allows the interference-based color travel to appear more saturated and angle-dependent. The trade-off is stronger substrate dependence — black or dark grounds are required for the full Red/Green shift to be visually distinct.

What particle size should I specify for automotive color shift pigment applications?

KT-98525 covers 30–150 μm with a D50 of 49–65 μm, which puts it in the medium-coarse range. This range produces visible sparkle and strong angular shift at normal automotive viewing distances. For smoother, satin-like finishes, finer grades in the KT-9000 family (such as the KT-95102 to KT-95706 sub-series at 5–25 μm) are a better fit. For maximum sparkle and travel, coarser sub-series up to 250 μm are available.

Can KT-98525 hypershift pearl paint be used in water-based automotive basecoats?

Solvent-based versus water-based compatibility for KT-98525 has not been formally characterized in our product data for this grade. The pigment is insoluble in water and pH-stable between 6.0 and 9.0, which is consistent with typical water-based basecoat conditions. That said, we recommend a compatibility screening trial before committing to production scale — particularly to assess platelet orientation behavior and inter-coat adhesion in your specific system.

Is KT-98525 suitable for applications beyond automotive coatings?

Yes. While automotive custom finishes and wraps are the primary market for the KT-9000 series, KT-98525 is also used in luxury packaging, decorative coatings for helmets and sporting goods, high-end nail art, cosmetics, and security printing. The INCI name (Mica - Iron oxide - Silica) and inorganic composition make it a candidate for cosmetic formulations, though product-specific regulatory documentation should be confirmed for each application and market.

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