suitable for use in dispersions, artistcolours, clay targets, wax colorantsand water-based paints. The 310 and311 series are improved versions ofthe current IxT series, offering betterthermal and solvent resistanceproperties. Pigments in the 910series, designed for PVC calenderingand EVA coloration, have very fineand uniform particles with narrowparticle size distributions. Pigments inthis series have excellent non-migrating and non-bleedingproperties. They are suitable forparticularly demanding applicationssuch as plastisol inks, aerosol paintsand liquid inks.

Paint and Resin Times, Feb-Mar 2002, 1 (2), 31

Heubach seeks licensees for newsynrutile manufacturing process

The Heubach group has announcedthe development of a new technologyfor making synrutile, described asReptile-96. It is now actively looking tolicense its technology to anypotentially interested party in theworld TiO2 pigment and feedstocksectors. Dr Emmanuel Tesone (basedat Fairless Hills in the US) is theproject leader, while Dr ReinhardMarx will cater for enquiries fromEurope, Asia and other parts of theworld.

The term “reptile” is taken from“replacement rutile” and the synrutileproduct yielded typically contains 96%TiO2. The company states that theprocess is unique and cost-effectivebecause of its optimised chlorinationand dechlorination technologies. Theprocess represents a refinement oftechnology originally pioneered by DrWendell Dunn (formerly with DuPont).It entails fluid-bed drying of ilmenitefeedstock, followed by directchlorination at over 1000˚C in thepresence of calcined petroleum coke.The iron units in the ilmenite areconverted to ferric chloride and thento ferric oxide – following theintroduction of oxygen at the chlorinerecovery stage.

Heubach has built a demonstrationunit at one of its India pigmentcomplexes, which is operated toproduce 100 kilos of synrutile perbatch-cycle. To build a commercial-scale plant, operating in India andproducing 16,000 tonnes/y of

synrutile, the initial capital investmentrequirement would be about $8 M.First estimates for operating costs,based on data derived from thedemonstration unit, are of the order ofless than $0.10/kg of synrutile –including the costs of energy, make-up chlorine, operative labour,maintenance and other direct costs,but excluding the costs of ilmenite andcapital.

Press release from: Heubach GmbH, Heubachstrasse7, D-38685 Langelsheim, Germany. Fax: +49 532652213. E-mail: Sales@HeubachColor.de

Jameson’s colour-glow plastic pigments

Jameson Technologies has introducedDualGlo plastic masterbatches andcompounds. These are said to be 30%more effective than conventionalmaterials. Bright daylight colours canbe achieved with good afterglow outputand longevity. DualGlo is available in arange of forms – compound, powder, oras a universal masterbatch. In additionto standard red, yellow, green, blue andorange colours, it is also available inbrilliant white.

SpecialChem, 18 Feb 2002, 1 (Website:http://www.specialchem.com)

Millennium’s new TiO2 pigment

Millennium has introduced Tiona 696,a TiO2 pigment grade designed foruse in industrial paints and plastics. Itincorporates the high durability ofsilica-encapsulated products and theimproved optical properties ofzirconia-stabilised products. Inindustrial coatings, Tiona 696 will beuseful for coil and powder coatings,automotive refinishes, organisols andplastisols. Applications in the plasticssector include: polyvinyl chloride(PVC) window and door profiles,fencing and decking; agriculturalplastic film; and tanks, pipes andfurniture in both PVC andpolyethylene.

Press release from: Millennium Chemicals, Suite5000, 200 International Circle, Hunt Valley, MD 21030,USA

Milliken’s liquid colorants for PET

Milliken Chemical has launched theClearTint line of liquid colorants andthe ClearShield ultra-violet absorber

for incorporation into polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) compounds. Thecolorants, supplied as non-settlingliquids, are said to be easy to mix andare available in a wide range ofcolours. They will be mainly used forclear PET bottles and other packagingcontainers. Milliken has alreadybegun manufacturing ClearTintcolorants at its Ghent plant inBelgium.

For the polyurethane sector,Milliken offers its Reactint series ofcolorants. These are designed forapplications in rigid and flexiblepolyurethane foam, reaction injectionmoulding (RIM) compounds, castelastomers and adhesives.

Chemical Market Reporter, 18 Feb 2002 (Website:http://www.chemexpo.com/cmronline) & Plastics andRubber Asia, Mar 2002, 17 (109), S12

Nubiola’s new ultramarine & zincferrite pigments

Nubiola (of Barcelona) has launchedtwo new pigments. Nubicoat is anultramarine blue pigment, theproduction of which involves aninnovative coating process designedto enhance resistance against acidsand abrasion. Nubicoat is easilydispersible and generates a tintingstrength equivalent to most non-coated ultramarine pigments.Nubiterm is a zinc ferrite pigment, withgood thermal stability up to at least300°C and good chemical resistance,as well as being lightfast. It isavailable in a variety of shades.Besides ultramarine and zinc ferritepigments, Nubiola’s pigment portfolioalso includes chrome oxide green,lead chromates, molybdates and ironoxide pigments.

European Plastics News, Oct 2001, 29 (9), 104

Schulman’s masterbatches foragricultural film

Schulman has launched two newmasterbatches specially designed forincorporation into agricultural plasticfilm. The new products – PolybatchSilver 70100U and 70400U – offerbetter reflective properties and aresaid to be ideal for combating weedgrowth, promoting plant growth andcontrolling pests.

Modern Plastics International, Dec 2001, 31 (12), 79

APRIL 2002 7

F O C U S O N P I G M E N T S

PIG402 14/5/02 1:57 pm Page 7 (Black plate)