With the development of modern technology, a huge variety of unique products with a decorative effect have appeared. And thermochromic paints can be safely attributed to such goods. They are great for creating souvenirs and unique household items. They also proved to be excellent in the creation of children's dishes, as they are able to report the temperature of food. In general, the sphere of use of thermochromic products is quite large, and every year it is more and more integrated into the everyday life of modern people. The unique properties of the paint allow it to be used anywhere, because it does not harm a person and can perform both decorative and practical functions.
Basic information
The composition of thermochromic paints contains special pigments that react to temperature changes. That is, when in contact with a hot or cold object, the paint completely changes its appearance. Each pigment is a microcapsule, which, in fact, provokes a change in color, affecting the entire object as a whole. The range of temperature influence is quite large. ATdepending on the goals pursued by a person, the paint can change at temperatures from -15 to +70 degrees.
There is a reversible and irreversible thermochromic paint, the composition plays a major role in this classification. In the case of reversible, after the temperature of the object returns to normal, its appearance will be restored. In the second type, a pattern that appears under the influence of heat or cold will remain for a long time. Usually they choose the option where, under the influence of heat or cold, the paint disappears or, on the contrary, appears.
Properties
Such paints do not harm human he alth, they are non-toxic, do not contain radiation or other harmful substances. They have a wide range of applications as they are chemically stable and work well with other chemical media such as printing inks, resins, plastics or rubber.
Influence range
If the reaction of the dye occurs at a temperature below 20 degrees, then basically such a dye is used as an indicator for soft drinks or other foods that should be served cold. In other words, by putting the bottle in the refrigerator, a person can tell when it is cold enough by looking at the label, which shows the color change.
With a temperature response range of 29 to 31 degrees, paint is mainly used for things that the human body comes into contact with. For example, it is perfect for creating modern, unique t-shirts that changeyour color from touch. Also, thermochromic paint is ideal for advertising booklets that encourage a person to touch them, and then additional information appears from the touch.
If the paint reacts to hot temperatures in excess of 43 degrees, then it is ideal for cups and other utensils intended for hot drinks and food. It can play both a decorative role for a souvenir and have a warning character.
Use
Basically, this paint is applied to textiles or ceramics, less often - to plastic and glass things, very rarely - to paper. Recently, it has also become possible to apply thermochromic paint to cars. This allows not only to improve the appearance of the machine, but also to reduce the heating of the metal on hot summer days. In addition, this is an ideal option for those who love the dark color of the car, but do not want the interior to overheat in summer.
The most popular option, where thermochromic paint is used, has become a pattern on ceramic and glass mugs. Almost every man at least once in his life was given such dishes, where, when pouring hot drinks, part of the image disappeared or appeared. Also, this development has found its application in clothing. In addition to interesting decorative and gift options, such things can warn of freezing or an increase in body temperature. Similar patterns are also applied to overalls.
Thermochromic paint has found its application in the production of goods for children. For example, there issignal signs on dishes and bathing toys that tell you what the temperature of food or water is. Many drinks that should be drunk chilled also use markings made with this paint. They can be applied both on the bottles and cans themselves, and on the labels.
Another advantage that thermochromic paint has is the price. It is quite low, taking into account the properties of this material (1500 rubles for a 25-gram jar, which is enough for a long time). Such solutions attract customers and are an excellent advertising move. Fashion magazines and advertising literature also often use paint that changes color at different temperatures. Another area of application of thermochromic dyes is the creation of protective elements on medicines and cosmetics.
Lightfastness
It is worth noting that thermochromic paint is extremely sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, so experts do not recommend storing it in places where there is direct sunlight. Practice shows that from sun exposure the product loses its properties in just a week. In addition, the paint is exposed to external factors, so for outdoor use it is recommended to apply another layer of UV protective varnish on top of it. Thanks to this, the products will last longer.
Method of use
The main thing to consider when mixing paint is what effect you want to get in the end. For example, with regard to oil and water bases, then it is worth adding from 5 to 30% of the maincomponent, but if the paint is applied under pressure, then no more than 5%. In this regard, before starting the production of a series, in any case, it is worth testing the equipment and checking how high-quality the effect is in the end.
Printing with thermochromic inks is extremely simple and inexpensive, while the effect of it is memorable. And if you carry out all the protective manipulations with an additional layer of coating, then the image will be durable and reliable.
