KT-98535 Violet/Green Optically Variable Pigments

What Makes KT-98535 an Optically Variable Pigment

The visual behavior of KT-98535 comes from thin-film optical interference across its multi-layer mica structure. As the angle of illumination or observation shifts, the dominant reflected wavelength moves — in this case, cycling between violet and green. That's the defining characteristic of optically variable pigments: the color you see depends entirely on geometry, not on dye chemistry or absorption.

The mica substrate provides the flat, reflective platform needed for coherent interference. The iron oxide and silica coating layers are where the optical path difference is built in. No TiO₂ appears in the KT-98535 composition — the iron oxide and silica combination is what drives this particular violet/green travel. Formulators who've worked with TiO₂-based interference pigments before will notice a slightly different character to the shift: richer, more saturated at the violet end.

One practical point we always flag: this effect is substrate-dependent. On a white or light-colored base, the color travel becomes muted and the interference signal competes with background scattering. On a black or deep-toned substrate, the contrast is sharp and the shift reads cleanly. If you're developing a formulation where the substrate tone is variable, build in a dark interlayer or tinted basecoat.

Technical Specifications

Chemical Composition

Heavy Metal Limits

Specific temperature resistance and lightfastness ratings for KT-98535 are not available in our current published data. At the KT-9000 series level, the inorganic iron oxide and metal oxide coatings are heat-stable and light-fast in general use — but the actual limits depend on the coating system and cure conditions. Contact us if you need application-specific stability data for your formulation.

Application Guide — Where the Chameleon Effect Pigment Powder Performs Best

The KT-9000 series was designed primarily around automotive custom finishes and wraps — the application where angle-dependent color travel generates the most commercial value. KT-98535's violet/green travel reads particularly well on vehicle body panels and curved surfaces, where shifting viewing angles are constant and the effect has room to play out across the geometry. We regularly see it specified in custom motorcycle helmet coatings and sporting goods finishes for the same reason.

In cosmetics, duochrome color shifts like violet/green map closely to eyeshadow and nail polish applications. The 30–150 μm particle size range provides strong optical impact at cosmetic film thicknesses, and the inorganic composition (mica, iron oxide, silica) is consistent with cosmetic-grade ingredient requirements. Cosmetic-grade options are available — but specific grade suitability under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 depends on the selected grade and the intended use; product-specific documentation should be requested before finalizing a formulation.

Beyond automotive and cosmetics, the KT-9000 series is used in luxury packaging and printing, security and anti-counterfeiting applications, synthetic leather coatings, and high-end decorative finishes. The pigment is compatible with most resin systems. For powder coatings, leather coatings, and dispersion paint systems, series-level data confirms suitability — though we recommend running your own compatibility screen in any new binder system before committing to a production run.

Formulation Tips

• Apply over a black or deep-toned substrate for maximum color travel visibility. On light substrates, the interference signal weakens significantly.
• A clear topcoat is recommended in automotive and industrial coating applications to protect the platelet orientation and surface gloss.
• Higher pigment loading increases the perceived intensity of the color shift, but can affect film smoothness at the surface — test at multiple loadings in your specific system.
• KT-98535 can be combined with transparent absorption pigments to shift the base tone and modify the apparent color travel range.
• Avoid high-shear dispersion steps that could fracture the mica platelets. Gentle incorporation — post-addition or low-shear let-down — preserves particle integrity and optical performance.

Quality, Compliance, and the flip flop pigment Standard We Hold

Kolortek's quality management system is certified to ISO 9001:2015, covering production and sales of pigments and glitters. REACH compliance documentation is available — note that the supplied REACH registration certificate specifically covers fluorphlogopite (synthetic mica); for natural mica-based grades like KT-98535, product-specific REACH confirmation should be requested. MSDS classification under Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 (CLP): not classified.

For cosmetic applications in the EU market, supporting composition documents for grades formulated under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 are available on request. Final suitability confirmation depends on both the selected grade and the specific cosmetic use category. For US-market cosmetic applications, grades formulated to meet applicable US color-additive requirements are available — establishment registration does not constitute FDA approval, and formulators remain responsible for final compliance assessment.

KT-98535 is an inorganic pigment with no hazard classification under applicable EU chemical regulations. Standard industrial handling precautions apply: provide adequate ventilation, avoid dust generation, and use appropriate PPE (dust mask, gloves, eye protection) where airborne dust is a risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the particle size of KT-98535, and how does it affect the color shift?

KT-98535 has a particle size range of 30–150 μm with a D50 of 49–65 μm. Larger platelets in this range tend to produce a more vivid, sparkle-forward color travel because individual flakes reflect more light. Finer fractions give a smoother, more satin appearance. In practice, the full 30–150 μm distribution works well for automotive and coating applications where visual impact at distance matters.

Is KT-98535 suitable for cosmetic formulations?

The composition — mica (CI 77019), iron oxide (CI 77491), and silica — is consistent with ingredients commonly used in cosmetic-grade effect pigments. Cosmetic-grade options within the KT-9000 series are available with supporting documentation for EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. Suitability depends on the specific grade and intended use, so we'd recommend requesting product documentation before finalizing any cosmetic formulation.

Why does the violet/green color travel disappear on light-colored substrates?

Optically variable pigments rely on contrast between the reflected interference color and the substrate. On white or light bases, scattered background light competes with and washes out the interference signal, making the shift appear weak or absent. KT-98535, like all KT-9000 series chameleon pigments, performs most effectively over black or dark substrates. If a light base is required, applying a dark interlayer before the pigment-containing coat is the standard solution.

Does KT-98535 contain TiO₂?

No. The KT-98535 TDS composition lists only mica, iron oxide, and silica — no TiO₂. This distinguishes it from TiO₂-based interference pigments and places it in a category where the color travel is driven by the iron oxide and silica coating stack. For formulators working in markets where TiO₂ use is restricted or under review, this is a relevant point to note. Kolortek also offers a dedicated TiO₂-Free Chameleon sub-series within KT-9000 for applications where that distinction matters formally.

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