Clariant Corporation

Axel Schoenfeld

Andreas Stohr

Hans Joachim Metz

Bernd Dewald

The invention relates to a process for generating a marking on an effect coating or molding compound comprising cholesteric liquid-crystalline main-chain or side-group polymers or comprising a combination of main-chain and side-group polymers, which comprises inducing a color change at the irradiated sites of the effect coating or molding compound by laser irradiation.

Laser marking of effect coatings

Colorant composition consisting essentially of one or more cholesteric liquid-crystalline polymers having a pitch of the helical superstructure of between 760 nm and 500 &mgr;m, and of at least one colorant which absorbs light in the visible wavelength range. Suitable colorants are organic or inorganic pigments or dyes. Coatings featuring such colorant compositions are notable for heat insulation properties.

Infrared-reflecting colorants

The invention relates to a cholesteric liquid-crystalline polymer which in the molecule comprises at least one stabilizer comonomer from the group consisting of UV absorbers and antioxidants.

Cholesteric liquid-crystal polymers with increased weather stability

A polymer laminate essentially consisting of at least two cholesteric, liquid-crystalline polymer layers and a light-absorbent layer in between is suitable as starting material for effect pigments having a color impression which is dependent on the viewing angle.

Growing community of inventors

Wiesbaden, Germany

Axel Schoenfeld