Advanced NIR Transparent Black Pigments for Thermal Management & LiDAR
The Nichwell IRT Series (comprising IRT822 and IRT833) represents an advanced generation of near-infrared (NIR) transparent functional black additives. Unlike conventional carbon black that absorbs solar radiation and blinds optical sensors, the IRT Series selectively absorbs visible light (400–700 nm) while allowing high transmission across the NIR spectrum (780–2500 nm).
It enables superior Total Solar Reflectance (TSR) when paired with reflective basecoats and ensures maximum signal return for 905 nm & 1550 nm automotive LiDAR systems.
Choose Your Grade: IRT822 vs. IRT833
While both grades offer exceptional NIR transparency and consistent deep black tones, they are formulated to meet different processing and application requirements:
IRT833: High-Temperature & Engineering Grade
Engineered for demanding processing conditions and severe environments.
- Superior Heat Resistance: Maintains stable performance at processing temperatures up to 280∘C.
- Outstanding Lightfastness: Features excellent color retention for harsh exterior applications without significant fading (Grade 8 lightfastness).
- Recommended For: Automotive LiDAR-compatible plastics, high-bake OEM coatings, and high-temperature engineering plastics extrusion (PC, PA, PET).
IRT822: High-Durability & Versatile Grade
A highly adaptable organic black additive offering a rich, neutral black shade with robust physical matrix properties.
- Excellent Dispersion: Highly compatible with a broad range of resin systems and solvent/water-based formulas.
- Strong Chemical Resistance: Demonstrates robust stability against common industrial acids and alkalis.
- Recommended For: Architectural cool roof coatings, energy-saving window films, specialty IR-transmitting printing inks, and optical sensor covers.
| Technical Properties | IRT822 (General & Coatings) | IRT833 (Engineering Plastics & LiDAR) | Test Method / Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Nature | High-performance Organic Black | Polycyclic Organic Functional Pigment | — |
| Appearance | Fine Black Powder | Fine Black Powder | Visual |
| Particle Size (D50) | ~0.5 – 1.5 μm | ~1.0 – 2.5 μm | Laser Particle Analyzer |
| Heat Resistance | Up to 200°C | Up to 280°C (Short-term) | 5 min in PP / PA6 Matrix |
| NIR Transmittance | >82% (at 850–1050 nm) | >88% (at 905 nm & 1550 nm) | 0.2 mm Film / Spectrophotometer |
| Lightfastness (Blue Wool) | Step 7–8 | Step 8 (Maximum exterior grade) | ISO 105-B02 |
| Recommended Dosage | 0.5% – 2.0% (Coatings/Inks) | 0.1% – 1.0% (Plastic Injection) | Substrate dependent |
| Carrier Compatibility | Acrylic, PU, Water/Solvent Inks | PC, PA6/PA66, PMMA, PP, ABS | Lab compounding trials |
Core Applications of the IRT Series
1. Energy-Saving Thermal Management Coatings (Cool Roofs)
Highly suitable for architectural facades, metal roofs, and industrial insulation coatings. By increasing the Total Solar Reflectance (TSR) in dark-colored systems, our IRT series significantly lowers surface heat build-up and helps reduce HVAC energy consumption.
2. LiDAR & Autonomous Vehicle Plastics
Addresses the critical issue of conventional black vehicles absorbing LiDAR pulses. By integrating the IRT series, black plastic bumpers and trims achieve exceptional NIR transmittance. This maximizes the signal return to autonomous vehicle sensors, significantly enhancing vehicle detectability and driving safety.
3. Advanced Optical Plastics & Films
An effective additive for manufacturing dark-tinted plastic sheets, sun protection window films, and remote-control sensor windows that require visual opacity coupled with targeted IR transparency.
4. High-Performance Functional Inks
Applied in security printing, functional marking materials, and electronic component tracking where reliable IR-readable transparency is required.
Why Choose Nichwell’s IRT Series?
- Precision Optical Performance: Formulated to achieve >85% NIR transmittance at critical sensor wavelengths (e.g., 850nm−1550nm) depending on substrate and dosage.
- High Durability: Exceptional long-term stability against high-heat processing, prolonged UV radiation, and demanding chemical environments.
- Consistent Quality: Manufactured under ISO 9001 certification with rigorous QC processes to ensure batch-to-batch optical consistency.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Does IRT833 affect the mechanical properties of engineering plastics like PC or PA?
A1: No. Due to its fine organic particle distribution and low recommended dosage (typically 0.2%–0.8%), IRT833 blends homogeneously in twin-screw extruders without inducing notch brittleness or altering the tensile strength of the base polymer.
Q2: What basecoat is required to achieve the “Cool Black” thermal management effect?
A2: For architectural or automotive thermal management, the IRT topcoat should be applied over a titanium dioxide (TiO2) white primer or an inorganic IR-reflective substrate. This configuration reflects up to 60–75% of total solar heat compared to <5% with carbon black.
Q3: How quickly can we receive lab samples for optical sensor calibration?
A3: Standard 50g–100g evaluation samples for both IRT822 and IRT833 are dispatched via international express (DHL/FedEx) within 48 hours.