C. I. Pigment Red 254 was introduced to the market in 1986 as the first representative of this new class of pigments. It is a highly saturated medium shade red pigment with good hiding power, excellent fastness to organic solvents, and outstanding light and weather fastness. Because of its interesting properties, it has developed to a widely used high-performance pigment for automotive and industrial paint applications, especially suited also for aqueous systems. A new type with improved gloss and rheological properties has also been introduced to the market. Several other types of P. R. 254 are finding increasing use in general industrial and architectural applications, permitting also lead — and cadmium — free formulations. A transparent type for metallic and effect finishes is available as well, allowing for the formulation of new saturated metallic shades. Two grades of a very small particle sized version have recently been launched for use in photoresist ink systems for LCD color filter applications (see also Section 11.7).
Because of its brilliant shade, high color strength, opacity and saturation, different types of P. R. 254 are also being widely used in plastics applications, especially in polyolefins, PVC, and PS, where they offer excellent all-round properties and outstanding heat resistance. Major uses include transportation crates, caps, blow — molded containers, and films. For injection-molded HDPE, new types have become available enabling warp-free formulations to be produced. Selected grades are available for food packaging and toys and meet national and international regulations including FDA (USA), FPL (France), BgVV (Germany) JHP/JHOSPA (Japan), TOYS, and CONEG, EEG 94/62.
11.6.2