Phthalocyanine Alpha Modified NC — Non-Crystallizing

Pigment Blue 15:1

Phthalocyanine Blue — Alpha (NC) Form

A solvent-stable, non-crystallizing alpha-form phthalocyanine blue delivering high tinting strength, a clean reddish-blue shade, and outstanding weather resistance. The preferred grade for solvent-based coatings, automotive paints, and high-performance rubber applications where crystal stability in solvent environments is critical.

pigment photo
CI Name
Pigment Blue 15:1
CI Number
74160
Shade
Reddish Blue (NC)
Forms
Powder · Presscake
Heat Stability
Up to 200 °C
Product overview

Specifications

What makes PB 15:1 unique — the NC modification

Unlike standard alpha-phase PB 15:0, Pigment Blue 15:1 is surface-treated to be non-crystallizing (NC) in aromatic and ketone solvents. This prevents the unwanted crystal phase transition from alpha to beta form that can occur in solvent-based systems — maintaining the characteristic reddish-blue shade and preventing flooding, floating, and gloss reduction in high-solvent coatings.

Chemical class
Phthalocyanine Blue (Alpha Modified, NC)
Colour Index name
Pigment Blue 15:1
Colour Index number
CI 74160
CAS number
147-14-8
Molecular formula
C₃₂H₁₆CuN₈
Molecular weight
576.07 g/mol
Shade tone
Reddish blue (alpha phase, NC treatment)
Crystal stability
Non-crystallizing in aromatic / ketone solvents
Specific gravity
~1.6 g/cm³
pH (10% slurry)
6.5 – 8.0
Available forms
Powder · Presscake
Heat stability
Stable up to 200 °C
Technical performance

Performance Properties

PropertyStandard / NoteRating
LightfastnessISO 105-B02
Excellent (5/5)
Heat stabilityUp to 200 °C
Very good (4/5)
Solvent resistanceDIN 55983
Excellent (5/5)
Crystal stability (solvents)NC treatment
Excellent (5/5)
Colour strengthTinting method
Excellent (5/5)
Weather resistanceExterior exposure
Excellent (5/5)
Acid resistance
Excellent (5/5)
Alkali resistance
Excellent (5/5)
Migration resistance
Very good (4/5)
End-use markets

Applications

Automotive & Industrial Paints

The NC modification makes PB 15:1 the preferred grade for OEM automotive coatings and industrial maintenance paints where solvent-based formulations are standard. Prevents crystal growth that causes flooding and gloss loss in high-solid systems.

Solvent-Based Inks

Gravure and flexographic inks formulated with aromatic or ketone solvents require a non-crystallizing blue to prevent phase change during production and on-press. PB 15:1 delivers a stable, reproducible reddish-blue throughout the print run.

Plastic Masterbatches — PVC & Polyolefins

Used in PVC and polyolefin masterbatch systems where processing involves plasticisers or solvents. The NC treatment prevents crystal transformation under elevated processing temperatures in plasticised systems.

Rubber & Elastomers

Strong, fade-resistant colouration for natural and synthetic rubber compounds including industrial seals, hoses, and moulded goods. Excellent UV and ozone stability for outdoor rubber applications.

Product forms

Available Forms

Dry Powder
Presscake
Custom Grade

Solvent-flushed paste and custom surface-treatment grades available for specific solvent systems. Specify your solvent type and application conditions when requesting a quotation.

Compliance

Regulatory Status

REACH Registered

Registered under EU REACH regulation. Full SDS available on request for compliance documentation.

Heavy Metal Free

Contains no lead, cadmium, mercury, or chromium VI. Meets international packaging and automotive directives.

Grade comparison

PB 15:0 vs PB 15:1 — Choosing the Right Alpha

Both grades share the same alpha crystal modification and reddish-blue shade, but PB 15:1 is specifically engineered for solvent-based systems where crystal stability is critical.

PB 15:0 — Standard Alpha

Unmodified alpha phase. Excellent for water-based systems and applications where solvent exposure is limited. More economical.

Solvent stabilityLimited (can crystallize)
Best forWaterborne, inks, paper
DispersibilityExcellent in water
View PB 15:0 →

PB 15:1 — NC Modified Alpha

Surface-treated to prevent crystal phase transition in aromatic and ketone solvents. The correct choice for solvent-based coatings and automotive systems.

Solvent stabilityExcellent (NC-treated)
Best forSolventborne coatings, auto
Crystal formAlpha (non-crystallizing)