This invention relates to non-bleeding, non-staining colored speckles for use in granular or powdered detergents such as laundry detergents and automatic dishwashing detergents. The colored speckles are comprised of a salt or salt-containing carrier and a coloring agent and are characterized as being substantially uniformly colored throughout the cross-sectional volume of the speckle.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide: composite phthalocyanine microparticles of a nano-order level, preferably on the order of 100 nm, that are optimal as a coloring material; and a method for producing the same. Provided is a method for producing composite phthalocyanine microparticles, the method being characterized by including a step (1) for preparing a dissolved solution by dissolving at least copper phthalocyanine and titanyl phthalocyanine and/or cobalt phthalocyanine as raw materials in a first solvent, a step (2) for precipitating composite phthalocyanine by mixing the dissolved solution obtained in step (1) with a second solvent that serves as a poor solvent of the abovementioned raw materials, and a step (3) for causing an organic solvent to act on the composite phthalocyanine obtained in step (2). Also provided are composite phthalocyanine microparticles containing at least copper phthalocyanine and titanyl phthalocyanine and/or cobalt phthalocyanine, the composite phthalocyanine microparticles having an aspect ratio of 1.1-2.5 and a particle size of 5-100 nm.

The invention herein provides for an improved dye material composed of a dry particulate mixture of azo and phthalocyanine dyes for concrete surface applications.

This fine particle production method involves a dissolving step in which a stirrer having a rotating stirring blade is used to dissolve at least one type of fine particle raw material in a solvent to obtain a fine particle raw material solution, and a precipitation step in which the fine particle raw material solution and at least one type of precipitation solvent for precipitating the fine particle raw material from the fine particle raw material solution are introduced between at least two treatment surfaces which are arranged oppositely one another, can move closer to and farther apart from one another, and at least one of which can rotate relative to the other, and the fine particle raw material solution and the at least one type of precipitation solvent are mixed in a thin film fluid formed between the at least two treatment surfaces, and the fine particles are precipitated. The stirring energy is determined by the stirring time conditions of the stirrer, the circumferential velocity conditions of the stirring blade, and the temperature conditions of the fine particle raw material solution, and in the dissolving step, the stirring energy is varied by changing at least one of the aforementioned conditions, and by changing the stirring energy, the degree of crystallization and the crystal form of the fine particles obtained in the precipitation step are controlled.

The present disclosure relates to a solid pigment preparation, including at least one pigment in an aqueous solution including an amine-functional acrylic block copolymer and an amine-functional polymeric dispersant including a polyoxyalkylene moiety, as well as a process for producing the solid pigment preparations and their use in various coloring applications. The solid pigment preparations are particularly universally dispersible in both water- and solvent-based systems. Corresponding dispersions are accordingly also within the scope of the present disclosure.

Disclosed are compositions containing a UV-inhibitor, optionally a carrier, and optionally anions; wherein the UV-inhibitor is at least one compound of formula (I)

##STR00001##

wherein R1 is an aryl derivative, N-acyl, guanidine or aminoguanidine group, and R2 and R3 are independently an aryl group substituted with a straight or branched chain alkyl or an electron donating or withdrawing group. Also disclosed are methods for protecting a product from UV light, involving applying to said product, in an amount sufficient to protect said product from UV light, the composition. Furthermore, there is disclosed methods for providing a reversible dye to a product, involving applying to said product, in an amount sufficient to provide a visible color to said product, the composition.

Provided are an irreversibly discoloring pigment for preventing overheating, a thermochromic molded article including the same, and a method of preparing the same, and more particularly, a discoloring pigment which becomes discolored when overheated, and then maintains the discoloration even after being cooled to room temperature, a thermochromic molded article including the discoloring pigment, and methods of preparing the discoloring pigment and the thermochromic molded article.

The present invention relates to dry particulate encapsulation compositions comprising a water-insoluble matrix comprising at least 70% by weight of proteins, based on the total weight of the matrix and a moisture content of about 5 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the matrix and an encapsulate encapsulated in the matrix, wherein the matrix once wetted in a clear colorless aqueous solution or in mineral oil has a lightness value (L*) greater than about 40, a color vividness or Chroma (C*) lower than about 33 and a hue angle between about 70 and 90. The encapsulation compositions of the present invention are useful in encapsulating dyes, medications and vitamins. Fine particulate encapsulation compositions comprising natural dyes can be used in lieu of artificial lakes in confectionery, cosmetics and caplets color coatings.

A process for applying a fluorescent leak detection dye to a component of an air conditioning system. The process involves the steps of (i) providing a fluorescent dye that is solid at room temperature, (ii) exposing the dye to an elevated temperature to melt the dye into a liquid or flowable state, (iii) injecting, channeling, spraying or placing the flowable dye into or on a component or an HVAC or A/C system, (iv) allowing the dye to resolidify in or on the component, (v) attaching the component to the HVAC or A/C system, and (iv) dissolving the resolidified dye in a liquid/gas.

This invention relates to non-bleeding, non-staining occult particles for use in granular or powdered laundry care compositions such as laundry detergents, laundry aids, and fabric care compositions. The occult particles are comprised of a clay carrier and a coloring agent and are characterized as being substantially indiscernible when contained in the laundry care composition.