Thermoplastic Compounds Change Color When Exposed To Heat

New specialty thermoplastic color compounds have been developed that respond to heat by changing color. Created by adding thermochromic pigments to low-temperature resins, such as polypropylene or thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), the novel compounds allow users to specify over a wide pallete the color displayed by the plastic before and after exposure to heat. Presently, Colorcomp thermochromic compounds can be used at temperatures ranging from about 40°F to 150°F, with the color change for a specific compound occurring over a span of about 10 Fahrenheit degrees. The color change process is reversible. The thermochromic compounds are especially well-suited for use where heat-induced color change can serve as a safety feature, such as medical devices, small appliances, electrical plugs, and even such products as infant feeding spoons.