Xirallic
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Xirallic is an alumina effect pigment made of aluminum oxide platelets covered with titanium oxide that shows a strong glitter effect with a distinct shimmering behavior.[1][2][3]
It was developed and patented by researchers of the company Merck KGaA in Japan.[4] Because the pigment was produced at a single plant in Onahama,[5] production was severally curtailed following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.[6] The shortage of the pigment caused Ford and Chrysler to restrict the availability of cars and trucks in some red and black paints.[7] The shortage also affected other automobile makes. Hyundai replaced Xirallic with mica in their paints.[8] The plant reopened on 8 May 2011.[9]