What Is Phthalocyanine Blue (PB15)? A Buyer's Primer

What Is Phthalocyanine Blue (PB15)?

Phthalocyanine Blue is C.I. Pigment Blue 15 (PB15), an organic blue pigment. It is used across many industrial systems, from inks to plastics. Shanghai Baiyan Industrial Co., Ltd., founded in 2010, is a phthalocyanine blue/green specialist and manufactures a range of PB15 grades. These grades differ by C.I. number, crystal form and application fit. For B2B buyers, that means “phthalocyanine blue” is not a single specification. You need to state the exact C.I. number, grade and intended application.

Also note: search traffic for “phthalocyanine blue” includes artists and tattoo ink. Industrial buyers should specify industrial grade, C.I. number and application.

Crystal Forms: Alpha, Beta, and Why Buyers Care

PB15 pigments are not interchangeable. Crystal form affects stability, shade behavior and suitability for a given system. In Baiyan’s range, PB15:0 is the non-stable alpha form per the manufacturer’s chart. PB15:1 is the stable alpha form. PB15:3 and PB15:4 are stable beta forms. Buyers care because a non-stable alpha form may behave differently from a stable alpha or stable beta grade during processing, storage or end use. The correct form helps you avoid surprises when matching an existing formulation or developing a new one.

For a stable beta form example, Phthalocyanine Blue BGS is one of Baiyan’s flagship grades. If your formulation calls for a stable beta blue, start by confirming the exact C.I. number and grade rather than using a generic “PB15” request.

Typical Performance Figures to Verify

Typical measured values from the manufacturer’s application testing system include:

• Migration resistance: 6–9
• Oil absorption: 40±5
• Density: 1.3–1.8
• Heat resistance: 200–280°C depending on grade
• Light fastness: 7–8 (8 best)
• Alkali/acid resistance: 4–5
• Weather fastness: 5 (best)

Treat these as starting points, not as a guarantee for every system. Actual performance depends on your formulation, processing conditions and end-use requirements. Verify the grade in your own system before commercial approval. These ranges vary by grade. A PB15:0 grade will not automatically match a PB15:3 or PB15:4 grade. When comparing suppliers, ask for data for the exact grade and ask how it was measured. If a required value is not listed, confirm with the supplier.

Main Industrial Applications

PB15 grades are used in many industrial applications, including:

• Printing ink
• Paint
• Coating
• Plastic
• Rubber
• Stationery
• Textile printing

The right grade depends on the application and the system. For example, the grade selected for a printing ink may not be the same grade selected for a plastic or coating system. The C.I. number and crystal form should be matched to the application. If you are unsure, describe your application and system to the supplier so they can recommend a grade from the range. Do not assume that any PB15 will perform the same across all media.

How to Specify PB15 for a Quote

To get a useful quote, give the supplier a clear specification. Include:

1. C.I. number — for example, PB15:0, PB15:1, PB15:2, PB15:3 or PB15:4.
2. Grade — for example, 1530 Blue BGS or 1540 Blue BGNCF.
3. Application — printing ink, paint, coating, plastic, rubber, stationery or textile printing.
4. System — the specific system into which the pigment will be incorporated, plus any processing conditions you need the grade to meet.

If you only ask for “phthalocyanine blue,” you may receive a grade that does not match your formulation. As a phthalocyanine pigment manufacturer, Shanghai Baiyan Industrial Co., Ltd. can help match the C.I. number, grade and application. You can contact Anne at +86 150 5830 7390 or Anne410139946@outlook.com. Share your target C.I. number, grade, application and system, and confirm the final grade in your own application testing before production.