Functional materials with high technology – thermochromic pigments

When you touch a coffee mug with a pattern that changes color depending on the temperature, or wear a trendy T-shirt that changes color when heated, you might not realize the technologically advanced functional material behind it: thermochromic pigments. These unique materials, which change color with the ambient temperature, are sparking innovation across multiple industries thanks to their unique visual interactivity and temperature monitoring capabilities.

The color change of thermochromic pigment is driven by temperature-induced changes in their internal molecular or crystal structure. This property makes them widely used in applications requiring temperature feedback or aesthetic enhancements, from freshness indicators on food packaging to safety warnings on children's toys to creative designs in textiles and apparel.

Thermochromic pigments primarily come in microcapsules and pastes/inks. Microcapsules, due to their stability and applicability, are a key driver of market growth. Microencapsulation technology, by encapsulating the color-changing component in tiny capsules, not only improves the pigment's heat resistance and antioxidant properties but also broadens its application on a variety of substrates.

The downstream applications of temperature-sensitive pigments are diverse. The packaging and labeling industry is one of its key application areas. Smart labels made with temperature-sensitive pigments can provide real-time feedback on product storage temperature, ensuring the quality and safety of food, pharmaceuticals, and other products. In the consumer goods sector, temperature-sensitive pigments offer more creative design possibilities for toys, cosmetics, and household items, enhancing product value. In the textile and apparel industry, temperature-sensitive pigments enable dynamic color changes in clothing, satisfying consumers' pursuit of personalization and fashion. Furthermore, in the industrial and medical fields, temperature-sensitive pigments are used for equipment temperature monitoring and safety indicators for medical consumables.

Trust Colors' microencapsulated thermochromic pigments have a controlled particle size between 3-10 μm and can achieve temperature-sensitive color changes at approximately 31°C. They are widely used in coatings, inks, plastics, and other industries. These products have passed EN-71 and ROHS testing, complying with safety standards for toys and food packaging.