Merck KGaA introduces Iriotec® 7300 conductive pigments

Iriotec® 7300 pigments are light-colored, electrically conductive pigments for coating formulations exhibiting a surface resistance between 104–109 ohm. The Iriotec® 7300 series features a surface coating of Sn/Sb oxide that enables controlled discharge of electrical charges. This prevents electrical buildup on the surface, providing an antistatic finish.

Conductivity range achieved by applying IRIOTEC 7300 pigment to coating

Carbon black possesses known conductive properties; however, Iriotec® conductive pigments are especially suited for light-colored surfaces and applications where carbon black is undesirable due to its aesthetic impact. Primary applications are antistatic coatings and conductive primers, widely used in manufacturing facilities, warehouses, hospitals, explosion-protected production areas, and laboratories.

Iriotec® 7300 Series

Iriotec® 7300 Series Properties

• Provides light-colored and conductive varnishes and coatings • Permanent antistatic properties independent of moisture levels • High thermal stability up to 800°C • High chemical stability • Resistance to acids, alkalis, organic solvents, and surfaces

Iriotec® 7300 Structure

Iriotec® 7300 pigments are structurally conductive particles. The basic principle involves building a conductive layer on a dielectric surface. Iriotec® 7300 pigments consist of a platelet-shaped mica substrate specially coated with a conductive metal oxide layer. The carrier, coated with inorganic conductive metal oxide, is covered with tin oxide. The tin oxide crystal lattice derives its specific conductivity from antimony doping. It is suitable for use in transparent coatings or applications where the surface must be transparent and smooth. Conductivity is achieved with mica as well as talc and quartz. Different geometric structures provide good contact between particles, enabling the conductivity threshold to be reached at low concentrations. This substrate group is especially suitable for bright conductive primer applications and ground coatings.

Particle Concentration and Distribution

The minimum particle concentration required to create a conductive path is the percolation threshold. This threshold is mostly affected by the binder system, additives, and fillers used. As pigment concentration increases and pigments form a conductive network in the coating, surface resistance decreases significantly. In addition to particle concentration, homogeneous distribution of Iriotec® 7300 pigments in the coating is also critical for the final result. Applications

Light-Colored Plastic Coatings

The automotive industry uses primers providing electrostatic application (ESTA) for coating plastic parts such as bumpers, rearview mirrors, and door handles. Plastic parts coated with primers containing Iriotec® 7310, 7320, 7330, and the newly developed 7340—the series' most neutral, lightest-colored product—achieve excellent compatibility with metal parts on vehicle bodies.

Your Advantages;

• Electrically conductive primers enable electrostatic application (ESTA) of plastic components, • Provide excellent coatings with light colors and smooth surfaces, • Reduce the required quantity of costly base coat material.

Stay Protected With Light-Colored Conductive Floors

Conductive pigments are also used in warehouses, rooms, hospitals, explosion-resistant production areas, and laboratories. Iriotec® 7310, 7320, 7325, and 7340 are used in floor coatings to protect people and electronic equipment from destructive electrostatic discharge, prevent explosions and dust settling. Iriotec® 7300 pigments are compatible with different binder systems.

Your Advantages;

• Suitable for use in different color tones, • Provides permanent antistatic properties, • Mixes easily into colored systems, • Offers high wear resistance.

Make Details in Your Decor Visible

Iriotec® 7310 and 7315 are used in transparent coating applications with permanent antistatic properties. When pigments are used with transparent varnish, they do not significantly affect the appearance of the underlying decor, allowing color nuances as well as fine details to show their full effect. Iriotec® 7315 protects decorative surfaces against electrostatic charge formation.

Your Advantages;

• Transparent, antistatic varnishes, • Great flexibility in color and design, • Decorative applications with permanent antistatic properties.

Güliz Merttürk Technical Sales Specialist Üçgen Pigmentler ve Polimer Katkıları Tic. ve San. A.Ş.