Tuesday 13 December 2011

Plastic Dye – Adding Color To The Prosperity Of Plastic Industry

It is well known fact that proper color schemes and right shades play a vital role in enhancing the beauty of any object. That is why manufacturers of industrial as well as consumer products lay a lot of stress on using the right kind of dyes that will make their products attractive and eye catching. Over the years the use of plastic in various manufacturing process has increased tremendously and there is an unending demand of the wide range of plastic products that can be put to numerous uses in everyday life. In such a scenario, plastic product manufactures try to make their merchandise more striking for customers, by using a wide variety of plastic dye.

In the plastic industry, perfect color forms an integral aspect of every product and hence has to be chosen with considerable attention. The choice of color not only depends on the end use of the product but also upon the impact of the color on the product being manufactured. Most often manufacturers are unaware of the negative effects that the wrong choice of color can have on the overall, strength and durability of the plastic product.

Generally, dyes and pigments are the most common types of colorants used in the plastic industry. Even though both these colorants use the technique of visible light absorption and scattering, to impart color to the target object, there is a limited use of dyes in the plastic industry mainly because of the fact that the dyes used in this industry need to be strong, show good heat stability and be transparent. Plastic dye is the most common type of dye that is used for coloring plastics. These solvent based dyes can be used for coloring a wide range of materials including acetates, nylon, polyester, acrylics, PVC, PMMA, PETP, polystyrene and styrene monomers.

The choice of using a dye or a pigment to impart color to a plastic product largely depends on the type of base polymer being used for manufacturing the product. While pigments are a preferred choice for coloring polyolefins, dyes are primarily used for imparting color to polycarbonate, polystyrene, acrylic, and other types of polymers, mainly because they exhibit great color strength and transparency. Another important and decisive factor in choosing the coloring agent is its compatibility with the base resin, which ensures the prevention of a color shift over the time.

Royce is a fully diversified international company which was founded in 1929 to manufacture chemicals for textile industry. Today more than 80 years later, they have a resounding presence across the world and offer solution to diverse needs of chemicals to their customers which also include Plastic dye. For detailed information, logon to http://www.royceintl.com

Monday 14 November 2011

Why Good Specialty Chemicals Manufacturer is Imperative For Your Business

If you have been manufacturing products that require specialty chemicals, you probably understand the importance of sourcing them from good companies. Good quality chemicals enhance the quality of your products, making them safer, cleaner and more effective. In fact, the success of any manufacturer depends, to a very large extent, on the supplier from whom they outsource their raw material. Here are a few things that you need to look out for when searching for reliable manufacturer.

Safety Standards

One thing that you should ensure while choosing a speciality chemicals manufacturer is stringent safety measures. They should not only be committed towards the safety of its employees but also the environment and public at large.


The best way to determine the standard of quality management systems is to interview the manufacturer and ask if they adhere to ISO standards of safety. One way to find it out is to check active programmes for employee safety and healthy work environment. Along with that, look for certification that authenticates that company’s operations and chemical processes do not have a negative impact on the environment.


Check if the company is willing to add safety compliance in contract wherein it ensures that it will stick to governmental regulations. All reputable companies maintain an open book policy that allows clients, employees and local communities to discuss safety protocols and clean up measures. You can also verify REACH compliance (registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals) to ensure the safety repertoire of specialty chemicals manufacturer you intend to work with.

Chemical Applications

You should also look for well-diversified chemical applications and processes before you settle for a chemical manufacturer. Don’t hesitate to ask if they can provide products from a few hundred kilos to a few thousand tonnes. The skill and experience of a manufacturer can be gauged by the fact that they can manufacture viscous products as well as isolate and dry components them if they were in flammable solvents. Only a good manufacturer has the equipment and expertise to handle exothermic reactions of chemical processes.


Make sure that Specialty Chemicals Company you choose has facilities with centrifuges, reactors, and dryers along with enough storage capabilities to meet your chemical manufacturing needs. Having modern lab facility for testing is another important aspect that cannot be ignored.


Royce is a fully diversified international company which was founded in 1929 to manufacture chemicals for textile industry. Today more than 80 years later, they have a resounding presence across the world and offer solution to diverse needs of chemicals to their customers including speciality chemicals. For detailed information, logon to http://www.royceintl.com

Saturday 12 November 2011

Polymer Colorant - Learning Some Basic Facts

Plastic is undoubtedly one of the most important inventions of human history, which has become an integral part of our everyday lives. The term plastic is generally used for a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic products created as a result of polymerization and having the basic property of plasticity. However, most often plastics contain other substances or additives which help in enhancing some of their basic properties such as their stiffness, strength, resistance to heat and flame or even resistance to electricity. Polymer colorant is one of the several additives used and serves the specific purpose of imparting color to plastics.


The colorants used with plastics are primarily of two types, namely organic colorants also known as dyes and inorganic colorants also known as pigments. Generally, the choice of the type of polymer colorant that would be most suitable for the plastic depends on the amount of light that the plastic is exposed to and the service temperature of the plastic. Since pigments show a greater resistance to both temperature and light they are used for dying plastics that are more likely to be used in high temperature areas where they are also constantly exposed to light. Other important factors that need to be considered during the choice of a colorant for plastics are their applications, level of colorfastness and reaction to base plastic material.


Today, through the use of a proper combination of polymer colorant system, it is possible to add special effects to the appearance of plastic. That is why it is now possible to find plastic that have a metallic, pearlescent, stone and fleck and even thermo-chromatic and photo-chromatic appearance. It is also vital to use the right colorant system to ensure greater efficiency of the plastic end product. For example using colorant systems that provide little or no X-ray opacity for plastics intended to be used in medical applications, can render the end products useless for such purposes. As such it is vital to pre-determine the end use of the plastic prior to choosing the most suitable coloring option for it. Similarly, in plastics that are used for manufacturing toys or items for household use, the brightness and safety takes prominence over other factors.

Monday 10 October 2011

All You Need To Know About Solvent Dye

Solvent dye, which is also popularly known by the name of oil dye, is the type of dye that is generally soluble in an organic solvent. While most dyes exhibit the property of ionization, a solvent dye generally does not ionize. These dyes color by getting dissolved in the targeted material, which is generally a lipid or a non-polar solvent. The naming pattern of solvent dyes has the word solvent followed by the name of the base color and a unique number. The classification helps in specifically identifying the dyes through the name of the stated color and its primary mechanism of staining.


A solvent dye is generally introduced in the form of a solution that is dissolved in an organic solvent. A large number of solvent dyes are basically azo dyes, which have been molecularly re-arranged to get rid of their ionizing capability. The molecular re-arrangement also enables these dyes to become soluble in non-polar solutions such as triglycerides. Some other common solvents for solvent dyes include alcohols, ethers, ketones, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, oils, fats, waxes and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Although, being soluble in an organic solvent is a basic physical characteristic of a solvent dye, there are some important applications, where the dyes need to be applied directly instead of first dissolving them in a solvent.


The fact that solvent dyes are soluble in non-polar mediums lends them a versatility that makes them perfect for use in a wide range of applications. They are used in industries on a large scale for foil printing, printing inks, marking pens, ball point pens, candles and other waxes, polishes, leathers, wood stains, acrylic resins, varnishes and shellacs. They are even used to signal smoke and have a diverse usage in the pyrotechnics industry. Additionally, these dyes are also widely used in the automotive industry for coloring lubricants as well as in the industrial cutting sector.


However, the most common and widespread use of solvent dyes is in the plastic industry where they are use to impart color to a wide range of solid materials that include acetates, nylon, polyester, acrylics, PVC, PMMA, PETP, polystyrene and styrene monomers. They are also used as integral components in the manufacturing of biological stains used to distinguish distinct cell structure components that play a vital role in medical diagnosis and scientific research.



Wednesday 21 September 2011

Learning Some Important Facts About Vat Dye

When it comes to choosing a dye for industrial that provides not only high quality color fastness but also great resistance to weathering and light, a Vat dye is an obvious choice. Generally, Vat dyes exhibit qualities of a speedy effect and a good degree of exhaustion besides which they diffusion within the fiber at a very slow pace. These dyes have a fairly equal particle size when produced commercially as a large particle size results in poor stability besides causing a reduced color yield in some dyes.


Vat dyes are divided into four main categories depending on the temperature, and the quantity of caustic soda hydrosulfite and salt used for dyeing. The first category is the IN dyes which require high temperature as well as large quantities of caustic soda and hydrosulfite. The IW dyes form the second category and they require medium temperature and medium quantity of caustic soda and hydrosulfite plus salt. The next category is of IK dyes which require low temperature and a small amount of caustic soda and hydrosulfite plus salt. The fourth category is of IN Special dyes which require a greater amount of caustic soda and higher temperature than IN dyes.


A number of methods for using Vat dyes have been designed and used. Various factors determine the rate of reduction of Vat dyes, including temperature, time and pH as well as the concentration of the reducing agent. The most common type of reducing agent used for coloring with Vat dyes is sodium hydrosulphite, which is also known by the name of hydros. It is important to understand that only a part of hydros is actually used up in the reduction of Vat dyes while, a major percentage of the compound is destroyed by its reaction with atmospheric oxygen.


The coloring of cellulosic fibers using a dye is completed in various stages. In the first stage the insoluble vat pigment is converted into soluble sodium leuco-vat anions, which in turn is diffused into the cellulosic fibers. The next stage involves the remomal of all the alkalis and reducing agents from the fiber by washing them off. In the next stage, the soluble dye contained within the colored fiber is converted back into insoluble pigments through oxidation. The final stage is the soaping of the fiber which helps in re-orientating and associating the isolated vat pigment molecules to create a more crystalline form.



Friday 26 August 2011

Step by Step Epoxy Application for Outstanding Results

Often referred as a magical potion, Epoxy is extensively used in industry and commercial settings for its durability, versatility, superior performance. Fantastic looks and resistance to the chemicals that epoxy coating offers make it a very widely used product.


However, preparation prior to actually using the paint is the secret to a great paint job. You not only have to choose the right product but also prepare the surface where the coating is to be applied in order to get outstanding results. Since epoxy paints are formulated keeping in view the particular task, it’s a good idea to take a stock of expected use of the surface and environmental factors before applying the paint. Selecting the right paint would go a long way in increasing the durability of the finished coating.


Preparing the surface is the next important step once the paint has been selected which is done by blasting. For floors, shot blasting is used and for structures, mostly sand blasting. It not only removes stains or remains of any old paint that may interfere with adhesion of the new application of epoxy but also cause a profile.


The epoxy begins to cure the moment base and curing agent is mixed so paints are mixed in a set proportion right at the job site and then you have a very limited amount of time to apply the mixture on the surface.
Just like other paints, epoxy also has optimum film thickness which can only be achieved when right amount of mixture is applied to the surface. Only an expert can brush, roll or trowel the coating into place so that it is neither too thick nor too thin.


You would need epoxy application with several coats for its finish to be durable. Between coats, epoxy is left to cure for a fixed amount of time and next coat has to be applied at the right time when the previous coat has reached the most favorable condition. If left for too long, the new coat won’t settle into the previous layer. Alternatively, if left for too less a time the new coat would interfere with the previous layer's curing process.

Once epoxy application is complete and final coat is laid, it is left for curing which may take several days. Final curing makes epoxy coating a strong and lasting shield which not only saves the underlying surfaces from any harm but also makes it more attractive.




Wednesday 3 August 2011

All You Need To Know About Basic Dye

When people think about dyes, the image that comes to their minds is generally of colored aromatic compounds having the ability to ionize, making them capable of interacting with tissue components that are oppositely charged. Dyes are generally classified as basic dye and acidic dye depending on the type of charge they possess. Acidic dyes are negatively charged dyes that can interact with positively charged tissue components, while basic dyes are positively charged and can bind themselves with negatively charged tissue constituents.


The naming scheme of basic dyes follows a specific pattern in which the word “Basic” is followed by the name of the base color and a unique number. For example, Basic Red 9 and Basic Green 4 are the names of some basic dyes. The names of the basic dyes just provide the functional and color information about the dye and do not convey any information related to the chemical properties of the dye. It is also important to understand that dyes having unique names but similar numbers are not related in any manner. For example, it is wrong to assume that basic Brown 4 and basic Violet 4 are related in any manner.


The colored part of a basic dye exhibits a positive charge, when the dye is dissolved in water. They are generally very bright and washfast hence are largely used to dye acrylic fibers. However, they are not sufficiently washfast to prove as good dying agents for protein fibers such as wool. Moreover, in order to make them bind with cotton fiber, the fiber first needs to be mordanted as otherwise the dye tends to fade quickly when exposed to sunlight. The natural tannin content of reeds, raffia, grasses and barks acts as a mordant making it possible to use basic dyes efficiently with these materials.


Like most other dyes, basic dyes are also toxic in nature and need to be handled with extreme care. It is vital to follow all the safety precautions and obtain the MSDS information before purchasing any type of basic dye. Although most companies supplying basic dyes readily provide the MSDS information, it is advisable not to purchase these dyes from those few companies that are not willing to give this information as it can prove extremely hazardous to the health and safety of the buyers. It is also advisable to buy these dyes in liquid or paste form, whenever possible.


Royce is a fully diversified international company which was founded in 1929 to manufacture chemicals for textile industry. Today more than 80 years later, they have a resounding presence across the world and offer solution to diverse needs of chemicals to their customers which also include basic dye. For detailed information, logon to http://www.royceintl.com



Monday 11 July 2011

Learning About The Various Uses of Sodium Nitrite

For decades sodium nitrite has been put to use in various industries such as food processing and textile, glass and even pharmaceutical. This chemical, which is white or slightly yellowish crystalline powder in its pure form, is water soluble and gets oxidized into sodium nitrate with the help of atmospheric oxygen. The immense popularity of sodium nitrite as an industrial compound is mainly due to its great oxidizing properties as well as its ability to release nitrous acid in acidic solutions. Given below are some of the common industrial uses of this compound.


As a Food Additive
Over the years, sodium Nitrite has been invariably used by the processed food industry for preserving a variety of foods, especially fish and meat. The chemical not only helps in changing the color of the preserved fish and meat but also prevents the growth of many harmful bacteria. However, in the recent years, questions have been raised about the safety of this chemical as a food additive, mainly because of the toxic nature of the compound and if consumed in large amounts, it can prove fatal not only for animals, but humans as well.


In The Manufacture Of Dyes and Rubber Chemicals
Sodium nitrite is one of the most vital ingredients used for manufacturing rubber processing chemicals such as accelerators, retarders, anti-oxidants, and anti-ozonants. The chemical is also an integral part of the manufacturing process of azo dyes, mainly due to the fact that it is a convenient source of nitrous acid. Nitrous acid plays an important role in the nitrosation and diatozation of aromatic amines, which results in the production of the intermediate diamine salts. These salts then combine with amines, phenols, naphthols, and other compounds to form the azo dyes.


As A Corrosion Inhibitor
Sodium nitrite helps in preventing the corrosion of ferrous metals as it forms a firmly held layer of oxide over these metals. This prevents the dissolution of metal at the anodic areas. While it can prevent the corrosion of steel on its own, the compound may be used in combination with some other synergistic additives to ensure total protection against corrosion in case of mixed metal systems containing some percentage of various metals such as copper, brass, or aluminum. In the recent years the reduction in the use of carcinogenic hexavalent chromium-based corrosion inhibitors has also lead to an increased interest in the use of sodium nitrite as a corrosion inhibitor.



Thursday 16 June 2011

Are Epoxy Resins Flooring Really As Expensive As They Are Made Out To Be

Most people stick to conventional material and designs as suggested by their architect when constructing a house. They tend to appreciate contemporary building material like epoxy resins flooring but, assuming that it is way too expensive, doesn’t get it for their homes. You can partly blame the dazzling looks and durability of such flooring for this misconception. But I suspect the bigger culprit is the ignorance about this relatively new flooring option and those individuals or companies who stand to profit from perpetuating this fallacy.

Epoxy flooring is not just resistant to mechanical shocks and scratching but also to all kind of household chemicals as well. Strong and durable, these floors are easy to clean and maintain. Since the characteristics of epoxy resin systems can be changed to suit the specific needs of the user, their advantages are not redistricted to their attractive looks. In fact, a good manufacturer can easily provide epoxy flooring for domestic areas as easily as commercial or industrial usage which would last for years despite high traffic and dogged cleaning routine.


Epoxy Terrazzo flooring can match the best marble and granite flooring in looks and yet comes at a fraction of its price. If you need flooring for a large area, Terrazzo flooring can get you the same fabulous looking floor at much less. If done correctly with high quality epoxy resins, these floors can last for more than 50 years.


Even those places where looks are not the prime issue such as garages, basements, laundry rooms, store rooms etc. epoxy flooring offers the best options. People usually ignore those spaces as they remain hidden from visitors. These are not the places where they want to spend much money also but what they don’t realise is the fact that these places are not only high traffic areas but also their floors take maximum battering. The flooring of these areas especially garage and footpath around pool get damaged before any other area of the house because people usually choose cheapest flooring options that “doesn’t look too bad” for these spaces. However, getting new floor covering for these areas after a few years only may be an expensive option.


Epoxy floor covering not only offers some great designs but also strong and durable flooring option for all such places. What’s more, this floor covering can be laid on existing old floors which save both time and money. Now, do you still think that epoxy resins floor covering is expensive?


Royce is a fully diversified international company which was founded in 1929 to manufacture chemicals for textile industry. Today more than 80 years later, they have a resounding presence across the world and offer solution to diverse needs of chemicals to their customers which also include epoxy resin.




Wednesday 25 May 2011

Get Hooked To The Idea Of Epoxy Resin Bar Tops And Table Tops

During a recent visit to a nightclub, I was mesmerized by the sight of the shiny, clear and yet extremely strong bar top and table tops, which gave a fresh look to the interior of the place. Most nightclubs are furnished with the regular wooden of Formica bar tops and table tops making their interiors seemingly just a copy of each. However, with the increasing popularity of epoxy resin to create a wide range of innovative bar tops and table tops, most nightclub owners are considering the idea of renovating their interiors to provide a unique look to their places.


Among the various advantages the offered by epoxy resin bar tops and table tops the most appealing is perhaps the fact that they can be custom designed according to individual preferences. People can design a clear top or place items such as coins, cards, beads, or even small souvenirs inside them. Additionally they can add a trace of color or shade matching with the overall theme of their interiors to create a compatible look.


The resin tops are also quite poplar because of their perfect finish and are extremely durable. A properly designed resin table top or bar top can last as long as 10 years even while withstanding extensive use. A simple wipe with a good cleansing liquid is sufficient to remove any and all types of marks completely. And since they are well known for their strength, they are almost damage resistant and also virtually maintenance free. The fact that these tops are much easy to clean and are practically stain and scratch resistant also make them a preferred choice for use as table tops and bar tops.


The resin tops are created by mixing the epoxy resin and the hardener in the ratio of 1:1. Since the process is complicated, it requires the skill and experience of a professional to be completed in a perfect manner. Depending on the end use of the resin top, different types of epoxy can be utilized in their creation. Given their versatility and advantages, it is really not surprising that the resin tops are fast replacing the traditional wooden or marble bar tops and table tops in most high class night clubs, restaurants and even hotels.


Royce is a fully diversified international company which was founded in 1929 to manufacture chemicals for textile industry. Today more than 80 years later, they have a resounding presence across the world and offer solution to diverse needs of chemicals to their customers which also include epoxy resin.



Tuesday 12 April 2011

Epoxy Resin – The Perfect Choice For Industrial Flooring

Providing a safe and hygienic working environment to its employees is the primary concern of any good organization. That is why they opt for flooring solutions that are not only durable but also reduce the risks of accidents and are also easy to clean and maintain. For many such organizations, epoxy resin floor coating provides a great solution to all their flooring worries. Made from specially combined chemicals, which are blended with each other prior to being applied on the floor surface, epoxy floor coating provides a durable and lasting finish to industrial floors.

Epoxy floor coatings not only help in elongating the life of the floor but also help to maintain their finish shine and strength. Irrespective of the type of flooring when the resin coating is used on the floor of businesses houses, garages, workshops or any other location, it is sure to provide the great results besides enhancing the looks of the location.

Floors that are treated with epoxy resin coating tend to maintain their good looks irrespective of the large amount of traffic that they might have to bear. Since these floors can be cleaned quite easily, maintaining the overall hygiene of the location is not that difficult. Moreover, such floors are generally stain and corrosion resistant and can withstand chemical wear for a long time without losing their attractiveness.

The best thing about epoxy coated floors is that they can be customized according to customer preferences. They are available in a wide variety of styles, colors and designs and it is possible to add glitter and stone into the mix to provide an entirely new range of options. The even and smooth surfaces that can be achieved by high quality materials used in epoxy coating have proven to be safest and most hygienic industrial floors.

Tuesday 5 April 2011

Epoxy Resin – Learning About Its Diverse Uses

The exceptional properties of Epoxy resin make it ideal component to be used in diverse industrial products. Apart from having excellent electrical insulation and adhesive properties, its flexibility in various thermosetting plastics has enabled it to be widely used in the production of a wide range of products. Given below are some common products, in which epoxy resin is a primary ingredient.

1. Paints
Epoxy resins are largely used in coatings that are required to provide good resistance against chemicals, heat and electricity. In addition, such coatings offer a firm adhesion with metal besides having great paint quality such as the ability to retain color for long.

2. Adhesive
Epoxy resin proves extremely effective in binding a variety of materials including aluminum, steel, iron, copper, glass, wood, concrete and almost all types of plastics.

3. Electrical and Electronic Products
The unique advantages offered by epoxy resins, including high insulation level, good structural strength and great performance make it perfect for use in both high and low voltage electrical appliances. It is also preferred in the manufacturing of a wide range of electrical and electronic components as well as insulation packaging.

4. Engineering Plastics And Composites
The molding flexibility provided by epoxy laminated plastic and epoxy foam plastic make them perfect for use in the manufacture of high- performance engineering and composite materials.

5. Civil Engineering Materials
Epoxy resin is a common constituent of preservative floors, epoxy mortar and concrete products, which are widely used in the construction of roads, airport runways and instant repairing materials etc.

6. Crafts
The wide range of diverse qualities that epoxy resins offer enable them to be used widely in products such as gift items, toys, jewelry, photo frames and various other items of everyday use.

Monday 21 February 2011

Using Epoxy Resins Adhesive Effectively

If you are looking for a versatile adhesive that is as effective on metals as it is on wood then adhesives made from epoxy resins offer the best option. They are known for providing a strong bond if mixed correctly irrespective of the material they are being used. These adhesives come in two parts where the first part is a powder and the second is a liquid hardener which forms an extremely hard, clear plastic when combined in an accurate proportion. Epoxy resins are used in the construction of many different products because their bonding is exceptionally strong. Below are the steps to use these adhesives.

1. Make sure the surface where adhesive is to be applied is clean and dry. The ideal temperature for effective bonding should neither be too hot nor too cold.

2. Only after preparing the surface should you mix the epoxy. Mostly, you are required to mix 1 part hardener and 5 parts resin. Mixing the two in exact prescribed proportion is vital for getting the best results.

3. Only mix the amount that will be used within a few minutes. Remember that it will begin to harden after a while and if mixed in large quantity, it will become useless before you can use it all. To avoid the wastage, mixing smaller amounts in several batches is a better idea.

4. It’s important to stir the mixture of hardener and powder well with a wooden stick until it is blended well. But make sure that mixing should not take so long that the mixture starts to harden up.

5. Once mixed, the Epoxy remains usable for just about 15 minutes. As soon as the consistency becomes gel like, it has to be discarded. Temperature has the direct influence on the duration of its usability. Low temperatures allows it longer time to harden whereas high temperatures speeds up the hardening process.

6. Epoxy Resins harden into plastic within a few hours but it will continue to harden for nearly one week after the application.