There is clearly a lot of science and technology behind what we do, as well as sometimes obscure terminology. We’ve compiled a helpful explanation of the key terms that apply to the industry and our products. If you have any further queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us – our team is always available.
Concentrate
Often combined with colour or additive, this is a high level of pigment or additive in a form used to colour a product.
Masterbatch
A generic word used to describe pellet colour concentrates
Dispersion
A liquid colour concentrate and a measure of how well a pigment or additive is dispersed or ground into a product.
Paste
A form of liquid dispersion, usually of a higher viscosity.
Dispersability
A measure of dispersion.
Pellet/ granule
A rod or cylinder approximately 2mm-4mm in length and diameter
Pigment
A colour compound which modifies light waves and imparts colour. Normally a particle and insoluble (unlike a dye which is soluble).
Additive
A compound which is added to impart a certain property e.g a UV or heat stabiliser or a flame retardant.
Monopigment
Rather than a pigment mixture, a single pigment masterbatch or dispersion which allows blending with other monopigments to achieve the desired colour.
Formulation
The recipe for the product.
Mixture
Two or more components mixed together.
Blend
Similar to mixture but implying a less intensive process.
Milling
Size reduction of a particle or pellet and can refer to various techniques or processes.
Extrusion
The melting and passing of a plastic material by a screw through a heated barrel.
Polyolefin
A polymer made from a olefin monomer such as ethylene (polyethylene) or propylene (polypropylene)
Polymer
A long chain molecule made from a small chai monomer such as ethylene or vinyl chloride.
Plasticiser
An oil based liquid component added to soften a polymer