Arcveil TC 110 Thermochromic Threshold Coating
A water-based coating that changes colour at a threshold temperature nominated by the customer, supplied in a reversible form or an irreversible form. Neither form integrates time against temperature, and neither is a validated cold-chain monitoring device.
Grade Arcveil TC 110 | Range Scratch-Off, Security and Coding Coatings | Technology Water-based coating carrying a leuco thermochromic pigment system
Technical Data Sheet
Arcveil TC 110
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A coating that changes colour at a threshold temperature nominated by the customer, supplied in a reversible form or an irreversible form. The reversible form indicates the temperature at the coating when it is read and returns to its original colour, so it does not show that a cold chain was maintained. The irreversible form changes once and stays changed, so it records that the threshold was crossed at that point on the pack and for long enough to switch the pigment, and that is the distinction on which the form is selected. Neither form integrates time against temperature and neither is a validated cold-chain monitoring device. The cleared state of a leuco system retains a residual tint, and light fastness is low, so both are agreed at the design stage.
2. Features
- Activation threshold nominated between minus 10 and 45 degrees C, with a tolerance of 2 to 3 K
- Reversible form indicates the temperature at the coating when it is read
- Irreversible form records that the threshold was crossed at that point on the pack
- Residual tint in the cleared state and low light fastness, both agreed at the design stage
- Water-based only and not run under ultraviolet lamps
3. Recommended uses
Temperature indication and promotional reveal on labels, cartons and filmic facestock with the reversible form, and threshold-crossed indication on packs with the irreversible form. Where a qualified cold-chain monitor is required for the end use, the customer specifies it separately.
Substrates. Coated paper and board, label papers, and corona-treated PE and PP filmic facestock. The coating is applied over a light or white ground so that the colour change is legible against the residual tint of the cleared state.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Water-based coating carrying a leuco thermochromic pigment system | Formulation |
| Appearance | Coloured liquid; the dried film switches between its coloured and cleared states at the threshold, with a residual tint in the cleared state | Visual |
| Supply viscosity, flexo grade | 30 to 40 s, 4 mm flow cup at 23 degrees C | ISO 2431 |
| Supply viscosity, rotary screen grade | 300 to 2,500 mPa.s at 25 degrees C, cone and plate | ISO 2884-1 |
| pH | 7.5 to 9.5 | ASTM E70 |
| Activation temperature | Nominated between minus 10 and 45 degrees C | Colour measured against temperature on a controlled heating stage, in-house; melting transition of the pigment system by DSC to ISO 11357-3 |
| Activation tolerance | 2 to 3 K on the nominated threshold | Controlled heating stage, in-house |
| Reversibility | Reversible or irreversible, as ordered | Heating and cooling cycle on trial sheets, in-house |
| Light fastness | Blue wool 2 to 4, according to grade | ISO 12040, filtered xenon arc |
| Adhesion | Cross-cut classification 0 to 1 on filmic facestock held flat on a rigid backing; no pick on tape removal on paper and board | ISO 2409 on filmic facestock; tape pick and rub, in-house, on paper and board |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Method | Flexo or rotary screen, water-based only; not run under ultraviolet lamps, because lamp radiant heat and ultraviolet exposure both act on the pigment system |
| Surface preparation | Applied over a light or white ground so the colour change is legible against the residual tint; PE and PP facestock corona treated |
| Dilution | Supplied ready for use; if needed, adjust with water only to the press viscosity set on the trial |
| Applied coat weight | 3.0 to 4.0 g/m2 dry, equivalent to a dry film thickness of about 2.5 to 3.5 micrometres (ISO 2808) |
| Drying | Hot-air drying with the web temperature, not only the dryer air temperature, held below the activation threshold of the grade; where the nominated threshold is below the web temperature the dryer can hold, as with chilled-chain thresholds, the drying route is agreed before the trial; oven temperature and dryer dwell agreed before the trial |
| Downstream heat | Lamination, shrink tunnels, hot-melt application and any other downstream heat agreed before the trial, or the coating is delivered already switched or, in the irreversible form, already spent |
| Checks | Switching confirmed on the trial sheets against the nominated threshold; residual tint and light exposure in distribution agreed at the design stage |
Process. Flexo or rotary screen, water-based only, with drying held below the activation threshold of the grade. The grade is not run under ultraviolet lamps, because lamp radiant heat and ultraviolet exposure both act on the pigment system. Oven temperature, dryer dwell and any downstream heat, including shrink tunnels and hot-melt application, are agreed before the trial.
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original closed container out of direct light, protected from frost and below the activation threshold of the grade; where the nominated threshold is near or below 0 degrees C, the storage temperature stated on the label for the grade supplied applies. Shelf life is stated on the label and Certificate of Analysis. Handling guidance is given in the Safety Data Sheet, issued on request. Handle and use the product in line with its Safety Data Sheet.
7. Safety and regulatory information
Read the Safety Data Sheet before use. Safety Data Sheets and regulatory declarations are issued by our technical centre against the product and batch supplied, so they are sent on request rather than published. Request a Safety Data Sheet or declaration.
This Technical Data Sheet is published for on-screen reference. The information is given in good faith from laboratory and application experience and describes typical values; it is not a specification and does not replace a trial on your own substrate and line. Arctic Materials may revise this sheet without notice. Issue 2026.09.
Technical Data Sheets on this site are for on-screen viewing. For a controlled copy, write to tech@arcticmaterials.com.
Other grades in this range
Need a Safety Data Sheet, a regulatory declaration or a grade specified to your line? Contact our technical centre.