Technical reference tables compiled by the Colorex engineering team: polymer compatibility, lightfastness and migration fastness, plus plastic degradation types and solutions. Values are typical industrial references; contact our laboratory for exact project compatibility.

| PE | PP | PS | ABS | PA6 | PC | PET | PMMA | POM | PVC | TPU | PLA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE | ● | 2 | 1 | |||||||||
| PP | 2 | ● | 1 | 1 | ||||||||
| PS | ● | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | |||||||
| ABS | 2 | ● | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | ||||
| PA6 | 1 | ● | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||||||
| PC | 1 | 3 | 1 | ● | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | ||||
| PET | 1 | 1 | 2 | ● | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||||
| PMMA | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | ● | 2 | 1 | 1 | ||||
| POM | 1 | ● | 1 | |||||||||
| PVC | 1 | 2 | 2 | ● | 2 | |||||||
| TPU | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | ● | 1 | |
| PLA | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | ● |
| Polymer | Structure | Tm (°C) | Tg (°C) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE | Semi-crystalline | 110–135 | −110 | 0.92–0.96 |
| PP | Semi-crystalline | 160–170 | −10 | 0.90–0.91 |
| PS | Amorphous | — | 90–100 | 1.04–1.06 |
| ABS | Amorphous | — | 105 | 1.04–1.07 |
| PA6 | Semi-crystalline | 215–225 | 50 | 1.13–1.15 |
| PC | Amorphous | — | 145–150 | 1.20–1.22 |
| PET | Semi-crystalline | 250–260 | 70–80 | 1.38–1.40 |
| PMMA | Amorphous | — | 100–105 | 1.17–1.20 |
| POM | Semi-crystalline | 165–175 | −60 | 1.41–1.42 |
| PVC | Amorphous | — | 80 | 1.30–1.45 |
| TPU | Semi-crystalline | 160–200 | −40 | 1.10–1.25 |
| PLA | Semi-crystalline | 150–160 | 55–60 | 1.24–1.25 |
| Polymer | Melt Temp. (°C) | Mould Temp. (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| PP | 200–280 | 30–80 |
| HDPE | 210–270 | 20–60 |
| LDPE | 180–240 | 20–60 |
| PVC-U | 160–210 | 20–60 |
| ABS | 190–270 | 40–80 |
| PC | 280–320 | 85–120 |
| PET | 260–280 | 20–30 |
| PA6 | 230–290 | 40–90 |
| PA66 | 270–300 | 40–90 |
| PS | 170–280 | 30–60 |
| PMMA | 220–250 | 50–80 |
| POM | 180–210 | 50–120 |
| TPU | 190–230 | 20–40 |
Values are typical injection-process references; always base final settings on your raw material supplier's (Colorex) Technical Data Sheet (TDS).
| Pigment / Class | Colour Index | BWS (1–8) | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Titanium Dioxide (White) | PW6 | 8 | Indoor + Outdoor |
| Carbon Black | PBk7 | 8 | Indoor + Outdoor |
| Iron Oxide (Yellow/Red/Brown) | PY42 / PR101 | 7–8 | Indoor + Outdoor |
| Phthalocyanine Blue/Green | PB15 / PG7 | 7–8 | Indoor + Outdoor |
| Ultramarine Blue | PB29 | 6–7 | Indoor + Outdoor |
| Quinacridone Red/Violet | PR122 / PV19 | 7–8 | Indoor + Outdoor |
| DPP Red/Orange | PR254 / PO73 | 7–8 | Indoor + Outdoor |
| Isoindolinone Yellow | PY110 | 7–8 | Indoor + Outdoor |
| Diarylide Yellow | PY83 | 3–4 | Indoor only |
| Naphthol Red | PR170 | 4–5 | Indoor only |
| Medium / Polymer | Grade | Migration Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid PVC | 4–5 | Low |
| Flexible PVC (plasticised) | 2–3 | High |
| Polyolefins (PE/PP) | 4–5 | Low |
| Styrenics (PS/ABS) | 3–4 | Medium |
| EVA / TPU (flexible) | 2–3 | High |
| Engineering plastics (PA/PC/PET) | 4–5 | Low |
| Color Index (C.I.) | Chemical Structure | Class | Heat Stability (°C) | Typical Color/Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PW6 | Titanium Dioxide | Inorganic | 300+ | White / opacifier |
| PBk7 | Carbon Black | Inorganic | 300+ | Black / UV |
| PB15:1/:3 | Copper Phthalocyanine | Organic | 280–300 | Blue |
| PG7 | Phthalocyanine Green | Organic | 280–300 | Green |
| PR122 | Quinacridone | Organic | 280–290 | Magenta / Violet |
| PV23 | Dioxazine | Organic | 260–280 | Violet |
| PY110 | Isoindolinone | Organic | 280–300 | Yellow |
| PY83 | Diarylide | Organic | 200–230 | Yellow (economical) |
| PR254 | DPP | Organic | 290–300 | Red |
| PO34 | Diarylide Orange | Organic | 200–230 | Orange |
| PR101 | Iron Oxide Red | Inorganic | 300+ | Red-Brown |
| PY42 | Iron Oxide Yellow | Inorganic | 180–200 | Yellow-Earth |
Heat-stability values show typical upper limits for a 5-minute residence time. Colorex provides technical support in selecting heat-resistant pigments suited to your process.
World-standard Color Index (C.I.) name, CAS number, C.I. constitution number and key performance values. Values are typical industrial references; the specific product TDS prevails.
| C.I. Name | C.I. No | CAS No | Chemical Structure | Class | Color | Heat (°C) | Light Fastness (BWS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PW6 | 77891 | 13463-67-7 | Titanium Dioxide (Rutile) | Inorganic | White | 300+ | 7–8 |
| PBk7 | 77266 | 1333-86-4 | Carbon Black | Inorganic | Black | 300+ | 7–8 |
| PY180 | 21290 | 77804-81-0 | Benzimidazolone | Organic | Yellow | 280–300 | 7 |
| PY110 | 56280 | 5590-18-1 | Isoindolinone | Organic | Yellow | 290–300 | 7–8 |
| PY83 | 21108 | 5567-15-7 | Diarylide (HR) | Organic | Yellow | 200–230 | 4–5 |
| PO34 | 21115 | 15793-73-4 | Diarylide Orange | Organic | Orange | 200–230 | 4–5 |
| PO64 | 12760 | 72102-84-6 | Benzimidazolone Orange | Organic | Orange | 280–300 | 7 |
| PR254 | 56110 | 84632-65-5 | DPP (Diketopyrrolopyrrole) | Organic | Red | 290–300 | 7–8 |
| PR122 | 73915 | 980-26-7 | Quinacridone | Organic | Magenta | 280–290 | 7–8 |
| PR101 | 77491 | 1309-37-1 | Iron Oxide Red | Inorganic | Red-Brown | 300+ | 7–8 |
| PR170 | 12475 | 2786-76-7 | Naphthol AS | Organic | Red | 200–230 | 4–6 |
| PBr25 | 12510 | 6992-11-6 | Benzimidazolone Brown | Organic | Brown | 260–280 | 7 |
| PBr6 | 77491 | 52357-70-7 | Iron Oxide Brown | Inorganic | Brown | 300+ | 7–8 |
| PV23 | 51319 | 6358-30-1 | Dioxazine | Organic | Violet | 260–280 | 7 |
| PV19 | 73900 | 1047-16-1 | Quinacridone Violet | Organic | Violet | 280–290 | 7–8 |
| PB15:1 | 74160 | 147-14-8 | Copper Phthalocyanine (α) | Organic | Blue (reddish) | 280–300 | 7–8 |
| PB15:3 | 74160 | 147-14-8 | Copper Phthalocyanine (β) | Organic | Blue (greenish) | 280–300 | 7–8 |
| PB29 | 77007 | 57455-37-5 | Ultramarine | Inorganic | Blue | 230–260 | 7–8 |
| PG7 | 74260 | 1328-53-6 | Phthalocyanine Green | Organic | Green (bluish) | 280–300 | 7–8 |
| PG36 | 74265 | 14302-13-7 | Phthalocyanine Green (Br) | Organic | Green (yellowish) | 280–300 | 7–8 |
Abbreviations: C.I. = Color Index; CAS = Chemical Abstracts Service; BWS = Blue Wool Scale (1–8). Heat resistance and fastness vary with concentration, matrix and shade depth.
Typical addition (let-down) rates for colour masterbatch. Final ratio depends on shade depth, opacity target and formulation.
| Application / Process | Typical Dose (%) | Let-Down Ratio | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thin film / blown film | 1–3 | 1:33 – 1:100 | Low migration, good dispersion required |
| Thick film / sheet | 2–4 | 1:25 – 1:50 | ↑ for opacity |
| Injection (thick part) | 1–4 | 1:25 – 1:100 | Adjusted per colour |
| Injection (thin-wall) | 2–5 | 1:20 – 1:50 | High pigment load |
| Raffia / yarn / tape | 1–3 | 1:33 – 1:100 | Watch filter pressure |
| Pipe / profile (extrusion) | 2–4 | 1:25 – 1:50 | Outdoor → UV additive |
| Blow moulding (bottle/drum) | 2–5 | 1:20 – 1:50 | Opacity + gloss |
| White masterbatch (TiO₂) | 3–8 | 1:12 – 1:33 | Per opacity target |
| Black masterbatch (carbon) | 1–3 | 1:33 – 1:100 | High colour strength |
Values are typical industrial references. For the correct dosage, consult the Colorex laboratory with a colour sample and TDS.
TiO₂ (white) and carbon black are the opacity references; organic pigments offer high colour strength / transparency.
| Pigment / Class | Colour Index | Opacity | Colour Strength | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titanium Dioxide | PW6 | Very High | High | Opaque white — reference |
| Carbon Black | PBk7 | Very High | Very High | Opaque black + UV |
| Iron Oxide | PR101 / PY42 | High | Medium | Opaque, economical |
| Phthalocyanine Blue/Green | PB15 / PG7 | Medium | Very High | Strong, semi-transparent |
| Quinacridone | PR122 / PV19 | Medium | High | Bright, transparent |
| DPP Red | PR254 | Medium | High | Vivid, near-opaque |
| Diarylide Yellow | PY83 | Low | High | Transparent, economical |
| Isoindolinone Yellow | PY110 | Medium | High | Durable, semi-opaque |
Opacity and colour strength vary with concentration, particle size and matrix; exact values require a colour-matching study.
Typical regulatory compliance by pigment class. Exact compliance is confirmed per product via Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and TDS.
| Pigment / Class | C.I. | EU 10/2011 (Food Contact) | FDA 21 CFR | REACH | RoHS | EN 71-3 (Toys) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titanium Dioxide | PW6 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Carbon Black | PBk7 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Phthalocyanine Blue | PB15:3 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Phthalocyanine Green | PG7 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Quinacridone | PR122 / PV19 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| DPP Red | PR254 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Isoindolinone Yellow | PY110 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Iron Oxide | PR101 / PY42 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diarylide Yellow/Orange | PY83 / PO34 | Conditional | Conditional | ✓ | ✓ | Conditional |
| Ultramarine | PB29 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Important: Compliance depends on migration limit, thickness, contact time/temperature and food type. All Colorex products conform to the relevant limits for heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr⁶⁺) and SVHC; a product-specific Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is available on request.
Recommended pigment and additive family by industry and application — a quick selection guide.
| Industry / Application | Recommended Pigment | Additive / Masterbatch | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Packaging | TiO₂, Phthalo, Iron Oxide | Food-safe + antimicrobial | Migration/compliance |
| Automotive (exterior) | DPP, Quinacridone, PBk7 | High UV + heat stabiliser | Lightfastness |
| Agriculture (film/pipe) | PBk7, Iron Oxide, Phthalo | UV + antioxidant | Outdoor life |
| Cable | PBk7, TiO₂, Phthalo | Conductive / flame retardant | Thermal + UV |
| Construction / Building | Iron Oxide, TiO₂, Phthalo | UV + filler masterbatch | Durability |
| Textile / Yarn | DPP, Quinacridone, Phthalo | Fine-dispersion MB | Filter + fastness |
| White Goods | TiO₂, PBk7, Phthalo | High opacity + heat stab. | Surface + aesthetics |
| Toys | TiO₂, Phthalo, DPP, Iron Oxide | EN 71-3 compliant MB | Safety/compliance |
| Raffia / Big-Bag | PBk7, TiO₂, Phthalo | UV + filler | Strength + UV |
| Cosmetic Packaging | Quinacridone, DPP, Phthalo, PW6 | Gloss + pearl/metallic | Aesthetics |
This table is for quick guidance; for formulation, shade and process, the Colorex technical team provides product-based recommendations.
A technical guide of 50 questions compiled from the field experience of the Colorex engineering team.
Contact our team for sample requests, color matching or technical consultancy.