The global industry-standard process cyan. A thermodynamically stable, greenish-tone beta-phase phthalocyanine blue delivering exceptional tinting strength, transparency, and flocculation resistance across water-based inks, paints, plastics, and textile systems. The most widely used blue pigment in the world.
The beta crystal modification of copper phthalocyanine is thermodynamically the most stable form. Unlike the alpha phase, it does not undergo crystal transformation in solvents or under heat, making PB 15:3 suitable for a far broader range of application systems. Its greenish-blue masstone and superior transparency also make it the de facto standard for process cyan in CMYK printing worldwide.
| Property | Standard / Note | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Lightfastness | ISO 105-B02 | |
| Heat stability | Up to 200 °C | |
| Transparency | — | |
| Colour strength | Tinting method | |
| Flocculation resistance | Shade stability | |
| Thermodynamic crystal stability | β phase — no transformation | |
| Gloss retention | Coatings | |
| Acid resistance | — | |
| Alkali resistance | — |
In CMYK process colour printing, PB 15:3 is universally used as the cyan component. Its clean greenish-blue hue, high transparency, and exceptional tinting strength allow accurate reproduction of the full colour gamut when combined with process magenta and yellow inks.
The primary grade for water-based process cyan inks. Excellent transparency and flocculation resistance ensure consistent colour reproduction across long print runs. Aqueous dispersion form allows direct incorporation without milling.
High gloss, vivid blue shades in waterborne and solventborne decorative paints. The beta phase delivers superior colour stability versus alpha grades in medium-polarity solvent systems, and outstanding exterior lightfastness.
Widely used in polyolefin, PET, and engineering polymer colouration. Exceptional heat stability (200 °C) and migration resistance in polyolefins. No crystal transformation issues during high-temperature processing.
Used in pigment printing pastes for cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics. Compatible with acrylic, polyurethane, and other binder systems. Excellent wash fastness with appropriate binder and fixation chemistry.
Surface coating, tinting, and colouration of paper and board. The aqueous dispersion form provides excellent compatibility with paper coating formulations. High tinting strength reduces usage levels and cost.
Suitable for high-bake industrial coatings and powder coating systems. Beta phase stability ensures no colour shift during extended curing cycles. Meets automotive OEM colour standards in trichromatic mixing systems.
Aqueous dispersions are available at various solids concentrations for direct use in water-based ink and coating formulations. Custom particle-size distributions and surface treatments available on request for specific applications.
Registered under EU REACH regulation. Full SDS available on request for compliance and procurement documentation.
Contains no lead, cadmium, mercury, or chromium VI. Meets international packaging and environmental directives.
All four grades share the same copper phthalocyanine core (CI 74160) but differ critically in crystal phase and surface treatment. Choosing the right grade for your system matters.