Cabot today announced the launch of two new carbon black grades designed for use in premium coatings. EMPEROR® 1600 and EMPEROR® 1200 are intended for applications where exceptional color and superior processability are primary objectives. The products are specifically designed for solvent-based coatings applications and, according to the company, feature enhanced dispersability and best-in-class color performance.
EMPEROR 1600 is Cabot’s highest color black pigment for solvent-based applications, delivering deep black color with a blue undertone (i.e., jetness) without sacrificing processability, according to the company. EMPEROR 1200 provides excellent color performance and best-in-class dispersability and hiding power. Both products feature Cabot’s proprietary Softbead™ technology, which enables products to disperse as easily as powder-form carbon blacks while also improving industrial hygiene by reducing dust levels associated with the transport and processing of traditional powder-form carbon black. These new pigments also wet-out more quickly and are easier to convey than standard powders. According to Cabot, in a typical solvent-based coating with 60 percent loading of dispersant on carbon black, the use of EMPEROR 1600 or 1200 products reduces dispersant loading to 30 percent. The products disperse quickly and can be used at higher loadings than other high color carbon blacks.