The successful coloring of plastic parts, from preparation of the coloring agent through final product manufacturing, is the result of the interaction of chemical, physical, technological, and legal factors. This book offers an overview of these factors, including discussions of processing machine construction; the processing technology; quality assurance of raw materials and finished products; toxicology of raw materials; the legal and regulatory considerations that prevail from formulation to plastic part processing; and safe use of the finished product. This multi-disciplinary approach will aid the reader in coordinating colorant and polymer properties with part design and end-use requirements to create a superior product.

From the Introduction: “...Experience shows that processors of plastics often have limited knowledge regarding the complexity of a color preparation; likewise, the colorist's knowledge of the processing of plastics is limited as well. An intensive interchange of information between both is therefore very important. In this way the understanding of each will improve considerably to make it possible to achieve a higher quality standard for the products of each. In the following chapters all the different aspects of coloring of plastics are described in detail...”

Target Audience: Designers, formulators, engineers, quality specialists, and others in the colorants and plastics industry who must collaborate to produce high quality results in colored plastic products.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Methods Used to Color Plastics

Requirements for Color Preparations

Colorants for Polymers

Additives for Polymers

Processing Errors and Their Elimination

Quality Assurance

Mold Construction

Legislation

Index