Phthalocyanine
Definition
Highly stable organic pigment providing intense blue (PB15, copper phthalocyanine) and green (PG7) colours; identified by Raman bands at 680 and 748 cm-1.
- Colours produced
- Intense blue (PB15) and green (PG7)
- Blue variant
- Copper phthalocyanine
- Raman bands
- 680 and 748 cm-1
- Stability
- Highly stable organic pigment
Common questions
Why is phthalocyanine useful for matching automotive or forensic paint samples?+
Its high chemical stability means the pigment resists fading or degradation over time, so its Raman signature stays consistent between a questioned paint chip and a reference sample even after years of environmental exposure.
Why is Raman spectroscopy preferred over visual colour comparison for identifying this pigment?+
Different pigments and pigment blends can look visually identical under normal light, but phthalocyanine's characteristic Raman bands at 680 and 748 cm-1 give a specific, non-destructive chemical fingerprint that distinguishes it from other blue or green colourants that may look the same to the eye.
Related terms
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- Binder
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- Clearcoat
- The transparent outermost layer of automotive OEM paint; thermoset acrylic-melamine, 40-60 µm, provides UV resistance and gloss.
- Effect Pigment
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- Electrocoat (E-Coat)
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- PDQ
- Paint Data Query database (RCMP-maintained). Cross-referenced from glass work when a vehicle is identified through paired glass and paint evidence.
- Refinish Paint
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- SWGMAT
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