Photochromic dye (CAS:Trade Secrets)

Photochromic dyes -Reversible Sunlight (UV) Reactive Materials

Photochromic Dyes  reversible raw dyes in crystalline powder form. Photochromic dyes reversibly change color upon exposure to ultraviolet light in the range of 300 to 360 nanometers. Full color change occurs in just seconds when using a flash gun to 20-60 seconds in the sunlight. The dyes change back to colorless when removed from the UV light source. Some colors may take longer to fade back to completely clear than others. Photochromic dyes are compatible with one another and can be mixed together to produce a wider range of colors.

Photochromic Dyes can be extruded, injection molded, cast, or dissolved into an ink. Photochromic dyes can be used in various paints, inks and plastics (PVC, PVB, PP, CAB, EVA, urethanes, and acrylics). The dyes are soluble in most organic solvents. Due to the wide variations in substrates, product development is solely the responsibility of the customer.

Colors include Blue , Magenta , Orange, Green, Purple , Red , Yellow and Gray.

Storage and Handling

Photochromic Dyes have excellent stability when stored away from heat and light. A shelf life of excess of 12 months provided that the material is stored in a cool and dark environment.

Sensitivity 

The dyes are EXTREMELY affected by the matrix in which they are incorporated. Matrix effects may drastically change the performance of the dyes or even destroy the dye. Because of these effects the same dye in multiple ink systems may result in slightly different colors upon activation by UV light. 

Mixing 

Photochromic dyes can withstand most standard mixing procedures. 

Light

Photochromic dyes are sensitive to UV degradation over time. The life expectancy of the dyes depends greatly on the matrix into which they are dissolved, the additives used to stabilize them, and the intensity and duration of UV exposure.

Heat

Photochromic dyes can be subjected to processing temperatures of 180℃  to 240℃  without degradation, for a short period of time. Thermal degradation is a function of the combination of time and temperature. The shorter the time and the lower the temperature, the less thermal degradation will occur.

Color shows in solvent and UV light as below