Special effect masterbatches are solid or liquid pigments and additives which when applied to plastic or resin products impart certain type of color, texture, or properties that make them more attractive, thus increasing their market value. Different types of special effect masterbatches are available in the market which are suited for different plastic products ranging from toys, traffic sign boards, furniture items, electrical components, etc.

Masterbatch is a concentrated mixture of pigments which are processed to form a solid or liquid additive that impart color, texture, and various other properties to the plastic products to which it is applied. Generally, the color and texture-imparting pigments are added to a base polymer which is then processed (usually heated) to form a compound and applied to the plastic material. Masterbatches have a longer shelf life since the base polymer which is generally used isn’t volatile i.e., it doesn’t evaporate easily.

Types of Special Effect Masterbatches

Special effect masterbatches are compounds which offer attractive finishes to the plastic products. There are several types of special effect masterbatches available in the market. Some of them are given below:

1. Fluorescent Effect Masterbatches

These type of special effect masterbatches provide bright fluorescent touch to the applied plastics and also ensure that the plastic products become heat resistant. Another advantage of fluorescent effect masterbatches is that they have a long shelf-life. Many leading companies manufacturing such masterbatches have launched transparent as well as opaque shades of fluorescent masterbatches. The biggest use of fluorescent masterbatches is for making traffic sign boards and stationary items. Along with this, they are also used while manufacturing toys and furniture items.

2. Metallic Effect Masterbatches

Metallic effect masterbatches provide glossy and shiny effect like that of a metal to the products on which they are applied. Metallic effect masterbatches provide the best and a cheap alternative to actual metallization and coating of the product which is rather expensive and time-consuming. Also, there are a variety of colors available in the market which provides customers a choice as to pick the metallic shade of their liking. These masterbatches are used while manufacturing of bottles and cans. Other packaging items like films, shopping bags, etc. also use such masterbatches to impart a shiny look to it.

3. Light Diffuser Masterbatches

Made from polycarbonates and polystyrene, these special effect masterbatches help in effective scattering and diffusion of harsh LED light into softer forms without altering the light transmission. They lower the refractive index and offer high heat stability, thereby offering high energy savings. These masterbatches are typically used in LED panels and windowpanes.

4. Perfume Masterbatches

Perfume masterbatches, as the name suggests, offer an aromatic fragrance to the resin on which they are applied. These masterbatches either use natural ingredients or synthetic chemicals for this purpose. While in some cases the aroma is given to increase the attractiveness of the end product, in other cases the fragrance is given so as to cover up the malodor of the processed resin end product. Either way, perfume masterbatches increases the marketability of the resin products. Today, various types of perfumes are available in the market such as jasmine, vanilla, lavender, etc. which form the base of the masterbatches. They are used while manufacturing of different items like grooming products, incense stick packaging, shopping bags, etc.

5. Pearl Effect Masterbatches

These special effect masterbatches provide pearl luster to the plastic products, thereby making them more attractive and increasing their marketability. In some cases, since these masterbatches offer weather-resistant properties, they are also used in automotive and electronic applications wherein the components are coated with pearl effect masterbatches to make them more durable. However, the cosmetic and personal care product manufacturing industry, along with the fashion industry are the biggest users of pearl effect masterbatches.

The Bottom Line

Special effect masterbatches serve a unique functionality owing to which their demand has surged in the last few years. This has boosted the growth of the global special effect masterbatches market in the recent years.

Along with the ones mentioned above, other forms such as thermochromic masterbatches or night glow masterbatches also exist which also provide different looks and texture to the plastic products. Recently, certain masterbatches have been manufactured which provide UV protection to the plastic products.