Chameleon Colors As a Part of Modern Society
Since their commercial introduction in the early 1990s chameleon paint has emerged as an accepted\established part of our society with a myriad of uses ranging from flashy automotive colors to security inks on many paper currencies. These unique colors are a good example of the application of synthetic engineering to reproduce effects first noted in nature. Butterfly wings, bubbles, and the chitin polymer shell of certain bugs all display a beautiful color changing effect that many wanted to reproduce. After closely studying these effects, scientists eventually learned to reproduce an effect like those seen in nature using man made means making the technology commercially viable for a wide range of applications. Companies like Flex Products Company, inventors of the original “ChromaFlair” pearl pigments, realized early commercial success in the coatings and inks business for many uses. Scientist from Flex Products Company uncovered that closely controlled layeringof specific synthetic ingredients with a very unique thickness of metal oxide chemicals created a special compound that when exposed to light at different perspective angles shows an often dramatically different color. It is not unusual for multiple people looking at the same vehicle painted with a color changing paint to each see a very different color. As a result of the the transparent aspect of chameleon pearl colors the effect is exacerbated using a dark base layer, usually black, to create additional “interference colors” through the viewing angle spectrum. This technique was commercialized as “ChromaFlair” pearl pigments in the mid 1990s and is often used today to create chameleon paints and inks under a myriad of industry brand names.
The novelty of these chameleon like pigments quickly made them sought after by car and motorcycle custom enthusiasts as well as attractive for consumer product packaging to make a brand stand out on the store shelves. Another noteworthy application of the technology was the use as a security marker in a lot of currencies. The controlled access to the pigment and quick identification by eye made it perfect for such applications. The few downsides of these pigments were the very high cost and the flexibility for use in more color types to include lighter colors. Because of the darker color of some of the coatings within this technology, it was not useful for use over lighter or medium shades of base color as it would often make color shades with less chroma (muddy appearance). However, now there are products available where the layering is constructed on a much lighter base layer or even a polymer base making medium to lighter color shades possible.
While the lighter shades are new and interesting, they change color as dramatically as they are when applied over a dark base. When it comes to price, as with nearly all new technology, prices come down as patents expire, new technology or competition emerges, and improved manufacturing processes result in more product for less money. More recently introduced color changing pigment technology is far less expensivecostly than the previous pigments making these paints more affordable to consumers that could not previously afford these materials. While chameleon colors have not have not seen significant use by the auto makers, there has been some examples of their use on vehicles like the Ford Mustang for instance. The lack of interest from the auto makers is thought to be a result of the high cost of the technology and the bulk of car owners opting for less flashy colors. While it was once thought this color effect was just a passing fad, it has proven to have staying power in the specialty coatings and ink market. With newer colors and lower cost products we can expect to enjoy these unique colors for a long time.
For more information visit our website where you can learn more about exciting products like chameleon paint
Processing your request, Please wait....
