CLCs
For enabling a good special effect pigment, that is to be derived from a CLC (cholesteric liquid crystal technology), some sort of modification needs to be done to several properties of CLCs.
| Cholesteric Liquid Crystals | Requirements for Pigment application |
| Periodic structure (facilitates color travel) | Temperature Insensitive (Color Fixed) |
| Thermochromic (change of color with temperature) | Fairly Durable Properties wrt temperature, chemical resistance needed |
| Alignment is needed | Good processing i.e. ease in manufacture is needed |
| Highly aromatic nature |
Optical Properties of CLC Pigments
A diagram can betterly describe the optical properties of CLC pigments.
It is to be understood here, that quite unlike the metal interference systems, CLCs can develop their color reflection through a single layer only.
Color travelling properties of CLC Pigments
CLC pigments show very good blue-shifting color travel as illustrated in this graphical representation.