Colorants in plastic applications

Abstract This review article is a summary of the current knowledge in the field of plastic coloring. Plastics belong as well as paints, coatings, printing inks, and cosmetic formulations to the most important application systems for colorants, both for pigments and dyes. Colorants have to meet increasing demands in plastic applications due to the growing number of polymers with specific properties. Crucial factors besides the plastic type are the processing method and the required fastness level. Among the most important polymers for coloring with pigments and dyes are polyolefins, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester, and elastomers. Different processing methods are used for coloring of the individual plastics. The coloring processes need to be coordinated in accordance with the steps of the plastics processing leading to the final product.