Precision Color Solutions for Plastics
Explore our extensive range of plastic dyes designed for brilliance, stability, and performance.
Plastic dyes serve as essential components in production because they provide vibrant colors to numerous plastic goods. Alfa Chemistry's plastic dyes deliver superior vibrancy and quality across multiple plastic applications, while dyes improve both aesthetics and functionality for products from household essentials to industrial parts. Contact us now to speed up your market launch while achieving vibrant, deep, rich colors on your plastic parts.
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How Are Plastic Dyes Categorized?
Plastic dyes are a class of organic compounds that are soluble in solvents or plastic substrates and achieve coloration through dissolution, penetration, and adsorption. Unlike pigments, they have a smaller molecular structure and high transparency.
According to chemical structure
- Azo Dyes
These are organic compounds with functional groups R-N=N-R′, where R and R′ are usually aryl and substituted aryl groups. Azo dyes are synthetic dyes and are not naturally occurring. They are predominantly oil-soluble and brightly colored, but have average light stability and heat resistance and are often used in low-cost applications.
- Anthraquinone Dyes
These are dyes with anthraquinone structure in the molecule. Anthracene compounds with carbonyl groups in the C9 and C10 positions of the structural formula belong to thick-ring organic compounds, also known as 9,10-anthracenone and 9,10-anthraquinone. It has excellent light and heat resistance, not easy to change color, and is suitable for high-performance plastics (e.g., PC, PMMA).
- Metal Complex Dye
This is a kind of organic dye compounded by metal ions and dye molecules. The presence of metal ions can increase the spatial structure of dye molecules, making it easier to combine with other materials, enhance the light stability, and prolong the service life. It is inexpensive, but has poor heat resistance and light stability, and is mostly used in scenarios that do not require high stability.
- Solvent Dyes
This is a collective term for a class of dyes that are soluble in organic solvents. Yellow and red solvent dyes are usually azo dyes, while green and blue ones are usually anthraquinones. They are completely soluble in organic solvents and are suitable for bright coloring of transparent resins (e.g., PS, ABS).
According to applications
- Transparent Dyes
Such as transparent yellow, red, and blue series, suitable for transparent or semi-transparent plastic products (e.g., PS, PC), the dosage is usually 0.02%-0.05%.
- Fluorescent Dyes
Such as fluorescent yellow, with high brightness, used to enhance the visual effect (such as toys, signs).
- Heat-resistant Dyes
Some of the dyes are heat resistant up to 240–300 °C and are suitable for high-temperature processing (e.g., injection molding, extrusion).
How Do I Choose Plastic Dyes?
Heat resistance
Choose dyes according to processing temperature (e.g., injection molding needs ≥200 °C heat resistance).
Migration
Non-polar plastic materials like PE use pigments or dyes with high molecular weights to achieve optimal results.
Environmental friendliness
Materials that come in contact with food should meet the requirements of FDA regulations or EU 10/2011 standards.
Cost-effectiveness
For budget-friendly applications, metallic composite dyes work well, whereas anthraquinone dyes provide excellent durability for outdoor environments.
Customers Often Look For
Alfa Chemistry stands out as the top provider of high-quality dyes across multiple plastic applications.
Professionals rely on our top fluorine dye products for their superior performance across multiple applications, including plastic coloring and optical materials, as well as 3D printing consumables and polymer modification. The dyes deliver superb lightfastness and heat resistance along with excellent dispersibility and strong tinting power that provides durable, vibrant colors for engineering plastics as well as general-purpose and specialized functional plastics.
Recommended for PVC dyeing
Recommended for PP dyeing
Recommended for PS/ABS dyeing
Recommended for EVA/Rubber dyeing
Recommended for PVC dyeing
Recommended for PP dyeing
Recommended for PS/ABS dyeing
Recommended for EVA/Rubber dyeing
*Please use the links above to find a product that meets your requirements.
*If the product you need is not listed here, we can provide it for you through custom synthesis.
Unlimited Color, Superior Tinting
Compatible with A Wide Range of Plastic Systems
Customized color solutions to meet your individual needs!
Understand the Plastic Dyeing Process
Plastic coloring methods can be categorized into direct coloring, pre-dispersion techniques, and innovative processes, each offering specific advantages in terms of cost, dispersion, and environmental impact.
- Direct Coloring Methods
- Dry Blending: This method involves mixing dye with resin powder, making it cost-effective for small-scale production. However, dust pollution is a concern.
- Paste Coloring: Dyes are ground into a paste with liquid additives, improving dispersion and making it suitable for thin film applications.
- Pre-Dispersion Techniques
- Masterbatch Method: Dyes are incorporated into a carrier resin and pelletized, ensuring good dispersion while minimizing dust issues. Typical usage ranges from 1% to 5%.
- Liquid Colorants: Dyes dissolved in solvents allow for precise automated dosing but require measures to prevent volatilization.
- Innovative Coloring Processes
- Supercritical CO2 Dyeing: This technique replaces water with CO2, achieving over 70% energy savings. It is particularly effective for synthetic fibers and plastics.
- Digital Inkjet Printing: A high-precision technique used for custom patterns, such as personalized designs on electronic device casings.
Services That Fit Your Needs
In order to meet the diverse needs of our clients for dyes for plastics, we offer to provide efficient and cost-effective dyestuff services. Our specialized technical team, experienced experts, and well-equipped laboratories make us stand out among many dye companies.
Applications of Plastic Dyes
Transparent Plastic Products
Cosmetic containers and beverage bottles as transparent plastic products need dyes that preserve their transparency. Manufacturers use violet cyclone-based red dyes and anthraquinone-based blue dyes to produce transparent materials with vibrant colors that preserve material transparency.
Toys and Stationery
Toys and stationery products look more attractive when designers use fluorescent dyes together with pearlescent pigments. Under UV light, fluorescent dyes display striking high-contrast colors, and pearlescent pigments create an eye-catching shimmer that elevates consumer interest.
Film and Packaging
Solvent-based dyes find extensive application in polyethylene (PE) films and food packaging materials because they deliver outstanding color fastness and prevent dye migration. Migration resistance ratings between 4 and 5 in dyes serve as safeguards to prevent product contamination.
Automotive Parts
Automotive components like dashboards and interiors depend on the use of high-temperature resistant dyes with anthraquinones to maintain color integrity. The dyes maintain their stability when exposed to temperatures above 240°C, which allows them to endure tough operating conditions over time.
Electronic Devices
Electronic equipment plastic housings need antistatic dyes to reduce static interference. The specialized dyes protect against dust accumulation and electrostatic discharge, which leads to better equipment reliability and longevity.
Curious About Our Success Stories?
The following case studies demonstrate how our products have led to significant technological breakthroughs and economic benefits in real-world applications.
Case Study 1: Benzidine Yellow G for High-Performance Polypropylene Packaging
Client: The client was an industry-leading plastic packaging company operating within the Southeast Asian market.
Presentation:
The customer requested a yellow pigment with exceptional durability and heat resistance specifically for polypropylene (PP) food packaging films. The dye had to demonstrate superior dispersibility along with strong color properties and resistance to migration to fulfill strict food safety guidelines.
Alfa Chemistry supplied Benzidine Yellow G (CI Pigment Yellow 12), which delivers bright, clean yellow coloration and exceptional lightfastness and thermal stability for polyolefin use. The dye maintained its color integrity without degradation after testing at the processing temperature of 230 °C.
The result:
- Achieved uniform dispersion in polypropylene, ensuring consistent coloration.
- Strong resistance to solvents and acids prevents color bleed.
- Suitable for food-grade applications.
- Production efficiency improved since the process does not need extra stabilizers.
Case Study 2: Permanent Yellow HR-04 for High-Performance Automotive Plastics
Customer: A global manufacturer of automotive interior components
Presentation:
For automotive interior and exterior plastic parts such as instrument panels and trim the customer needed an extremely weather resistant yellow pigment. The pigment was required to endure UV radiation and high temperatures while maintaining chemical resistance and long-term durability.
Alfa Chemistry offers Permanent Yellow HR-04, which is a CI Pigment Yellow 83 designed to deliver exceptional heat resistance up to 300°C and remarkable lightfastness rated between Blue Wool Grades 7-8. To achieve high performance results, the pigment is blended into polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polyurethane (PU)-based plastics.
The result:
- Color stability for more than 5 years under long-term UV exposure.
- Enhanced mechanical properties to ensure that pigment-related material degradation does not occur.
- Improved chemical resistance to detergents and automotive fluids.
- Allows custom color matching for consistency with brand-specific automotive color palettes.
Case Study 3: Fast Red BBN pigment provides superior high-gloss finishes for consumer electronic device enclosures.
Client: The company produces smartphone cases and accessories for consumer electronics.
Presentation:
The customer required a bright red pigment with high gloss properties for embedding in polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic housings. To meet performance standards, the pigment required excellent opacity and dispersibility while maintaining robust thermal stability without affecting material integrity.
Alfa Chemistry recommended and supplied Fast Red BBN (CI Pigment Red 48:1), a bright red azo pigment with excellent solvent resistance, good thermal stability, and high tinting strength. The pigment was tested in a high shear extrusion process to ensure optimum dispersion and a smooth surface finish.
The result:
- Provides a consistent, vibrant red color that enhances the aesthetics of the product.
- Provides a high gloss and smooth finish to meet the demands of high-end consumers.
- Ensures UV and scratch resistance for longer product life.
- Achieves compatibility with injection molding and extrusion processes.
Customer Reviews
What Our Customers Ask
Q1: What plastic dyes do you offer?
We offer a wide range of plastic dyes for a variety of plastic applications, including PVC, EVA, rubber, PE, PP, ABS, and more.
Q2: Are your plastic dyes heat and light resistant?
Yes, our dyes have excellent heat stability and light resistance. The exact resistance depends on the dye type and application. If you require specific performance data, please contact us with your requirements.
Q3: How do I select the right dye for my plastic material?
Choosing the right dye depends on factors such as the type of plastic, the processing temperature, and the desired color intensity. Our technical team can recommend the best option for your production needs.
Q4: Do your dyes affect the mechanical properties of the plastic?
No, our dyes are carefully formulated to provide excellent coloration without significantly affecting the mechanical properties of the plastic. However, for critical applications, we always recommend compatibility testing.
Q5: Can I get custom colors?
Yes, we offer a color matching service to create custom shades according to your requirements. Our lab can develop customized solutions to meet your exact specifications.
Q6: Do you provide samples for testing?
Yes, we provide samples for evaluation. Please contact us with the details of your request, and we will arrange for samples to be tested.
Q7: What is the recommended dosage for plastic dyes?
The recommended dosage depends on the type of dye and the desired color intensity. Typically, it ranges from 0.01% to 0.5% by weight. Our experts can help you determine the best concentration for your application.
Q8: How should I store my plastic dyes?
Plastic dyes should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Proper storage ensures long-term stability and performance.
Q9: Do you offer technical support for processing and application?
Absolutely! Our technical team is available to assist with formulations, provide processing guidelines, and troubleshoot to ensure that our plastic dyes achieve optimal results.
*You can get professional answers by reaching out to our technical team if you have additional questions.
