Zircoblack™ is a high-performance black pigment engineered for UV-curable systems where conventional black pigments compromise curing depth. By combining strong visible-light absorption with controlled ultraviolet transmission, Zircoblack™ enables reliable polymerization even at elevated pigment loadings.
Its nano-scale structure supports uniform dispersion and optical consistency, making it suitable for precision coatings, inks, and optical adhesive systems that demand both deep black appearance and process stability.
Zircoblack™ is designed for formulators seeking to balance blackness, curing speed, and product consistency without redesigning existing UV curing chemistry.
| Parameter | Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Zircoblack™ | |
| Material Type | UV-transmissive black pigment | |
| Primary Particle Size | 30–60 nm | |
| BET Surface Area | 10–60 m²/g | |
| Color | deep black | |
| UV Transmission | Higher than conventional black pigments at equal blackness | |
| Recommended Loading | 0.5–5.5 wt% | |
| Physical Form | Powder | |
| Curing System | UV-curable systems | |
| Compatible Resins | Acrylates; urethane acrylates; UV epoxies | |
| Electrical Conductivity | Non-conductive | |
| Primary Function | Black pigmentation with improved UV cure depth |
In UV-curable black systems, the usual failure mode is simple: the pigment absorbs/scatters UV so strongly that radicals are generated near the surface but not through the full thickness. This creates cure gradients (surface vs. bulk), incomplete conversion, reduced adhesion, and longer exposure times that still do not fix deep photon starvation.
| Parameter | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary particle size | 20–50 nm | Guides dispersion strategy and viscosity impact |
| BET surface area | 20–50 m²/g | Higher SA may raise viscosity; optimize wetting & dispersant |
| Recommended loading | 0.5–5.0 wt% | Depends on target blackness and required cure depth |
| Target systems | UV-curable coatings / inks / adhesives | Acrylates, urethane acrylates, epoxy UV systems |
For meaningful comparison, benchmark Zircoblack™ against standard carbon black or conventional black pigments at the same optical density target, then measure cure depth and conversion consistency. Do not rely on surface cure alone.
| Test | What It Reveals | Typical Pass Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Cure-through-thickness (hardness / conversion profile) | Cure gradient and photon starvation | Minimal gradient across film |
| Solvent rub / MEK double rubs | Conversion adequacy | Stable resistance after standard exposure |
| Adhesion (crosshatch / pull-off) | Under-cure at interface | No loss after conditioning |
| Optical uniformity (haze / speckle) | Dispersion quality | Low speckle and stable appearance |
Is Zircoblack™ a photoinitiator?
No. Zircoblack™ is a pigment. Photoinitiator choice and loading remain formulation-dependent.
Will it eliminate all under-cure risk in thick black films?
It improves the usable window, but thick or highly scattering films still require correct exposure, initiator strategy, and dispersion control.
Does it provide conductivity like conductive carbon blacks?
No. If conductivity is required, use a conductive additive and validate the cure depth separately.
What is the most common reason black UV systems fail even after longer exposure?
Deep regions never receive sufficient UV due to absorption/scattering near the surface. Longer exposure can over-cure the surface without fixing the bulk.
How should I evaluate it quickly during screening?
Match optical density, then compare cure-through-thickness and adhesion after conditioning. Surface tack alone is not enough.
Does dispersion method matter?
Yes. Poor dispersion creates local high-absorption zones that block UV and cause cure non-uniformity.