Research and development

Turning colour and dispersion science into products that run better on your line.

Research and development

Every Flychem family starts in the laboratory as a reference formulation, designed around the polymer, vehicle or substrate it will meet. Our development work focuses on how pigments are dispersed, stabilised and carried, because that decides colour strength, consistency and how a product behaves in our customers' processes.

Focus areas

Fine and nano dispersion

Milling and stabilising pigments to around 100 nm with narrow distributions for inkjet and high-transparency applications (FLYJET, FLYWOOD transparent oxides).

Functional colour

IR-reflective cool colours (FLYCOOL), thermochromic and photochromic pigments (FLYSMART), fluorescent and phosphorescent systems (FLYGLOW), and covert security features (FLYSECURE).

Safer formulations

Styrene-free composite pastes, halogen-free additives, platinum-safe silicone pastes, and replacing substances as classifications change.

Carrier and compatibility

Matching carriers and dispersants to polymers, ink vehicles, cement, glazes, soaps and seed-coating binders so colour goes in cleanly and stays stable.

Colour measurement and control

Shade standards in CIELAB with instrumental tolerances, so every batch matches the approved standard.

Printed electronics

Screen-printable carbon, graphite and PTC heater inks for heaters, sensors and electrodes (FLYCOND).

From idea to production

  1. BriefWe agree the application, process, shade or function, regulatory needs and cost target.
  2. Lab designA reference formulation is designed and tested in the laboratory against the brief.
  3. Customer trialSamples run on your equipment; we review results with your team and adjust.
  4. Scale-upThe approved formula moves to production with release limits written on the certificate of analysis.
  5. SupportDocuments are issued and our team stays involved through the first commercial batches.

Test methods we work to

PropertyMethodUsed for
Colour and shade differenceCIELAB, D65/10°, ΔE against standardAll coloured products
Light fastnessISO 105-B02 (blue wool scale)Fluorescent pigments, textiles, plastics
Melt flow rateISO 1133Masterbatches
Pigments for concreteEN 12878, ASTM C979FLYCRETE
Photoluminescent performanceDIN 67510-1FLYGLOW phosphorescent grades
Bleed fastness on food-contact paperEN 646FLYPULP
Seed safetyGermination tests to ISTA methodsFLYSEED

Latest from our laboratory

PlasticsChoosing the right masterbatch carrierWhy the carrier matters as much as the pigment, and how to match it to your polymer and process.Read more
CompositesWhy styrene-free colour pastes for compositesHow a non-reactive carrier changes the mixing station, storage stability and cure of polyester and vinyl ester systems.Read more
Digital printingInkjet dispersions: why particle size and filtration decide print-head lifeWhat ink makers should look for in a pigment dispersion for aqueous, textile, UV and solvent inkjet inks.Read more

Have a development project?

Bring us the problem. We will propose a formulation and a trial plan.

Start a project