How chlorinated phthalocyanine green (PG7) compares to brominated/chlorinated phthalocyanine green (PG36) for paints, plastics, and inks.
PG7 and PG36 are both phthalocyanine greens but with different halogen substitution patterns. PG7 (chlorinated) is the cost-effective workhorse green; PG36 (brominated/chlorinated) is the premium yellower-shade green for applications where chroma matters.
Choose PG7 for the vast majority of green applications — architectural paints, plastic masterbatch, printing inks, powder coatings, textile printing, construction. Industry-standard, cost-effective, well-understood. The default green for 90%+ of applications.
Choose PG36 specifically for premium applications where the brighter, yellower-shade green visibly improves the product: automotive metallics with green effect, premium architectural paint where the bluish PG7 reads too dull, high-end packaging design, premium powder coatings. Worth the price premium only when the visible shade difference matters to the end customer.
PG36 contains bromine in addition to chlorine. Bromine is significantly more expensive than chlorine, and the synthesis route for the brominated phthalocyanine is more complex. The result is a 50-100% price premium versus PG7. The brighter shade is real and worth paying for in premium applications, but unnecessary for mass-market green.
Yes — and many formulators do this exactly to balance cost and shade. Start with PG7 as the base for cost reasons, then add 10-30% PG36 to brighten the shade toward yellower tones. This costs less than pure PG36 and still reads as a clean green to most observers.
Yes. All phthalocyanine pigments are inherently alkali-stable up to pH 13+ and work directly in cement matrices without pre-treatment. Both PG7 and PG36 are used in colored concrete, paving blocks, and roof tiles. PG7 is the cost-effective choice; PG36 is reserved for premium applications.
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