Rutile Coated Silver White Mica Pigment, 10–60μm – KT-103

KT-103 is a rutile TiO₂-coated natural mica pearlescent pigment in the 10–60μm particle size range — the most widely used size band in the KT-100 Silver White Series. At this distribution, the pigment produces a balanced silver-white pearl effect with visible shimmer and good coverage uniformity, covering the broadest range of industrial and cosmetic applications within the series. Formulators working across paints, nail lacquer, soap, cosmetics, and epoxy systems who need a reliable, mid-range silver pearl grade with consistent D50 and batch-to-batch color uniformity will find KT-103 the most practical starting specification.

Product Positioning

Within the KT-100 Silver White Series, particle size determines visual character and application fit more than any other variable. KT-103 at 10–60μm sits at the centre of the series range — above the fine printing-ink grades (5–25μm) and below the coarse flash-pearl grades (40–200μm+). It is the general-purpose silver white grade: fine enough for smooth film formation in coatings and cosmetics, coarse enough to deliver a perceptible, bright pearl shimmer rather than a satin or muted finish.

Buyers who need higher purity, fewer black spots, or thermal stability above approximately 500°C should specify the KT-7100 synthetic mica series (Fluorphlogopite substrate) rather than KT-103. For standard industrial coatings, decorative applications, general cosmetics, and nail products, the natural mica substrate of KT-103 delivers adequate performance at a lower cost basis than synthetic mica equivalents.

Technical Specifications

KT-100 Series: Where KT-103 Sits

Key Technical Characteristics

Rutile TiO₂ coating — opacity and UV stability: The rutile phase titanium dioxide coating on KT-103 provides a higher refractive index (~2.70) and better UV resistance than anatase-coated equivalents. Rutile also has significantly lower photocatalytic activity, which reduces degradation of organic co-ingredients in the formulation under light exposure — relevant for coatings with exterior exposure and cosmetic formulations containing organic oils or dyes.

10–60μm range — smooth film with perceptible shimmer: At this particle size distribution, KT-103 is fine enough to form smooth, consistent films in brush-applied and spray-applied coatings, nail lacquer, and pressed cosmetic powders. The upper end of the distribution contributes visible pearl shimmer that distinguishes it from purely satin-finish fine grades. This balance makes it the most versatile grade in the series for buyers who need a single specification across multiple product lines.

Blending behavior: Mixed with transparent pigments or dyestuffs, KT-103 delivers both the colorant hue and the silver-white pearl luster simultaneously — the combined effect reads as a colored pearl. Adding small amounts of carbon black shifts the visual result toward a silver-grey metallic effect with enhanced luster contrast. Combination with aluminum paste produces a brighter, higher-chroma silver finish than either ingredient achieves alone.

Platelet orientation and dispersion handling: Pearlescent effect intensity depends on mica platelets aligning parallel to the substrate surface during film formation. Adding KT-103 after all high-shear mixing steps are complete and using low-shear stirring for incorporation preserves the platelet aspect ratio and protects the D50 distribution. Shear-damaged platelets produce a flatter, lower-intensity luster regardless of loading level — this is the most common formulation error with mica pearl pigments.

Application Range

Printing ink note: The 10–60μm range is above the threshold for most gravure and flexo printing applications, which typically require grades below 25μm. Confirm nozzle and screen specifications before specifying KT-103 for printing use — the KT-100 fine-grade variants are the appropriate choice for ink applications.

Formulation Notes

Mixing protocol: Add KT-103 during the letdown stage, after high-shear dispersion is complete. Use a low-shear paddle or anchor agitator to wet out and distribute the pigment. Typical incorporation time at low shear is 10–20 minutes depending on viscosity and batch size. Do not recirculate through a pump with tight clearances after KT-103 has been added — pump shear can fracture platelets and reduce the D50.

Typical loading levels: In coatings, 2–8% by weight covers most standard applications; decorative effects at the high end. Cosmetic pressed powder formulations typically use 5–20% depending on coverage requirements. Epoxy flooring and countertop applications tolerate higher loadings for denser pearl coverage. Bench trials in your specific base are necessary to optimize — these ranges are starting references only.

Kolortek has produced the KT-100 Silver White Series for over 20 years with consistent rutile TiO₂ coating thickness and D50 particle size distribution across production batches. TDS and SDS are available for KT-103; INCI documentation is available for cosmetic specifications. Custom particle size ranges within the silver white series are available for volume buyers with specific application requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is 10–60μm the most commonly specified particle size range for silver white pearlescent pigments?
A: The 10–60μm range balances two competing requirements: fine enough for smooth film formation in coatings and cosmetics, and coarse enough to produce a perceptible silver-white pearl shimmer rather than a flat satin finish. Grades below 10μm produce a silky, low-sparkle satin character — appropriate for fine cosmetic powder and printing ink, but too subtle for most coating and nail applications. Grades above 60μm produce visible individual flake sparkle — appropriate for epoxy floors and countertops but too coarse for smooth nail lacquer films or pressed cosmetic compacts.

Q: Can KT-103 be used in printing inks?
A: The 10–60μm particle size range is generally above the printability threshold for gravure, flexo, and digital ink applications, which typically require grades with D90 below 25μm. Using KT-103 in printing inks risks blocked screens, nozzle wear, and uneven ink film. For printing applications, specify the fine-grade variants within the KT-100 series with confirmed sub-25μm D90. Contact Kolortek to identify the appropriate printing-grade specification.

Q: What is the difference between KT-103 and the KT-7100 synthetic mica equivalent?
A: KT-103 uses natural mica (muscovite) as the substrate — the cost-effective standard for the majority of industrial and cosmetic applications. The KT-7100 series uses synthetic Fluorphlogopite mica, which offers higher substrate purity (fewer dark mineral inclusion spots visible in the finished product), better luster and chroma, improved weatherfastness, and thermal stability to significantly higher temperatures. For standard decorative coatings, general cosmetics, nail, and craft applications, the natural mica grade delivers adequate performance. Specify KT-7100 where visible black spots in the finished product are unacceptable, heat processing exceeds approximately 500°C, or outdoor weatherfastness is a primary specification requirement.

Q: Why does the pearl effect appear weaker than expected after mixing?
A: Mechanical platelet fracture during mixing is the most common cause. High-shear dispersers, ball mills, and tight-clearance pumps break the mica platelet structure and reduce the effective D50 — shifting the visual effect from bright pearl toward a flat, low-intensity satin. Always add KT-103 after all high-shear steps are complete and use low-shear paddle mixing for incorporation. A secondary cause is poor platelet orientation during film formation — platelets must align parallel to the substrate surface to generate the interference-based pearl effect. Application method, film thickness, and formulation viscosity all affect final orientation.

Q: How does combining KT-103 with carbon black affect the finished effect?
A: Adding a small amount of carbon black (typically 0.1–1% depending on the desired depth) to a KT-103-containing formulation shifts the background tone from white to grey. Against a darker background, the reflective contrast of the mica platelets increases — the pearl effect appears more intense and takes on a silver-grey metallic character. This technique is widely used in automotive and architectural coatings to achieve metallic silver effects without aluminum pigments.

Request Samples or Download the TDS

KT-103 is the standard mid-range silver white grade in the KT-100 series — but confirming the D50 distribution against your specific application requirements is the practical first step before production specification. Contact Kolortek to request a sample, download the TDS with full particle size distribution data, or discuss grade selection across the KT-100 range for your formulation.

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