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The Shepherd Color Company
4539 Dues Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45246
Phone: 513-874-0714
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The Shepherd Color Company is a privately held manufacturer of inorganic pigments, specifically, Complex Inorganic Colored Pigments. They are headquartered in Cincinnati, OH with international offices.
Inorganic pigments are typically metal oxide crystals that are extremely stable, unlike organic pigments composed of carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen. Shepherd produces mixed metal oxides with multiple metal atoms.
An inorganic pigment containing more than one metal ion type in its oxide crystal structure, distinguishing it from simple iron oxides.
CICP stands for “Complex Inorganic Colored Pigment,” often used interchangeably with MMO but specifically designates colored pigments.
Equipment varies by application: paint systems use high-speed blade dispersors and media mills; plastics use kneaders, extruders, or rotational molding equipment; ceramics use high-speed mixers or ball-mills.
The FDA approves pigments by color index number. Shepherd produces six types approved for food contact, enabling a wide color range.
NSF does not specifically approve pigments, but whole parts for water systems. Shepherd provides documentation for parts to meet NSF requirements.
Pigments are produced through high-temperature calcination of metal oxides in kilns, followed by milling to reduce particle size.
Shepherd Color pigments are some of the most heat resistant colorants known, stable to their calcination temperature exceeding 1400°F/800°C.
As mixed metal oxides, they are technically semi-conductors with high electrical resistance, higher than most other pigments.
Despite containing metal elements, the LD50 (a measure of non-toxicity) is higher than table salt due to low bioavailability.
A wide range of additives work depending on resin system, solvent, and processing techniques; trial and error is often needed.
They can be used but require care since their abrasive nature may break fibers during processing.
Most are stable in acidic or basic solutions. Violet 11 is unstable in alkali; Violet 92 is unstable in acids; Violet 102 is unstable in aqueous solutions.
Most Shepherd Color pigments reflect the portion of the sun’s energy called the near infrared (700–2500nm), which comprises 45% of solar radiation reaching Earth’s surface, reducing heat absorption.
Applications include coil coatings, engineering plastics, and glass enamels where temperature, chemical, and weathering resistance are critical.
They are among the most durable materials known to man, used in products warranted to maintain color outdoors for 25+ years.
Arctic® is the brand name of our line of infrared reflecting pigments.
Dynamix® is the brand name of our line of stir-in pigments.
StarLight® is the brand name of our silver-coated glass flake special effect pigment.
Contact Shepherd Color through their website for products not listed online or in different languages.
Pigments have been preregistered and are on the proper timeline for REACH registration compliance.
