Abstract: The invention provides a method for applying a new form of protective coating to substrates such as pigments, and also the coated substrates obtainable by this method. The coating are characterized by the fact that they impart good chemical resistivity to the substrate whilst also preserving its optical properties.

Abstract: Process for producing a low volatility metal flake pigment composition, which comprises milling metal powder in a non-aqueous, non-hydrocarbon, low volatility milling fluid.

Abstract: There is provided a process for preparing a low- or non-dusting substantially non-volatile (preferably highly light reflective) metal flake pigment composition, which comprises ball milling atomized metal powder in a milling fluid substantially comprised of water, in the presence of one or more corrosion inhibitors and a substance which acts as a lubricant for the milling process. Optionally, the paste may be formed into granules for easy storage. Preferred metal pigments are aluminum or gold bronze and in one embodiment the metal pigment is aluminum, the lubricant is oleic acid and the corrosion inhibitor is a phosphate ester having a polyethylene oxide side chain. Agent(s) having both lubricating and corrosion inhibiting properties are preferred as additives.

Abstract: There is provided a process of packaging metal pigment in a substantially non-dusting manner. The process includes the step of dampening the metal pigment with a liquid which may be water or an organic solvent compatible with that pigment type. The dampened pigment is then placed into a porous container which is sealed prior to removal of the liquid. The porosity of the container is chosen to permit removal of the liquid (for example by evaporation and/or centrifugation) whilst retaining substantially all of the pigment. Suitable containers include paper bags (such as autoclave bags), woven fiber materials (optionally calendered or coated) and polymer materials. The substantially dry metal pigment can be conveniently stored or transported within the container and is in a convenient form to use in a powder coating process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal pigment, comprising a particle, preferably a flake, of iron or an alloy thereof, having on its surface a colored coating, formed by exposing the said particle to an elevated temperature in an oxygen-containing atmosphere. The product finds use in surface coatings and in the mass coloration of plastics, especially where a colored "glitter" effect is required.

Abstract: The invention provides a metal powder pigment. In one aspect it comprises polished atomized pigment particles of aluminum or an aluminum alloy which are facetted and have a median particle size of from 1 to 300 .mu.m and an aspect ratio of from 5/1 to 1.1/1. The polished atomized metal powder particles have an increased reflectivity with respect to unpolished atomized metal powder particles of at least 10%. The pigment of the invention can be used to provide novel visual effects in single and multilayer coating systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing low- or non-dusting substantially completely non-volatile metal pigment compositions by forming a coherent paste comprising an organic binder medium, an organic liquid vehicle and metal pigment, in powder or flake form, the paste being formed by mixing a first component comprising the organic binder medium and a second component comprising metal pigment with either or both of the first and second components comprising organic liquid vehicle and the paste containing from 1 to 70 percent, preferably from 3 to 45 percent, of the organic binder medium based on the weight of the metal pigment, and removing substantially all of the organic liquid vehicle(s) from the coherent paste, optionally after sub-dividing the coherent paste into particles, such as pellets, tablets or granules. The resulting solid metal pigment composition comprises metal pigment particles dispersed in a matrix of the organic binder material.