Color-changing mugs are among the most popular products in use today, especially among the youth, due to the unique features they offer. But are color-changing mugs harmful? What is the principle behind color-changing mugs? Let’s explore these questions in the article below.
What is a Color-Changing Mug?
Color-changing mugs are known by various names, such as: magic mugs, thermal mugs, miraculous mugs, mystical mugs, color-changing cups.
When warm water is poured into the mug, the images change color according to the temperature.
These mugs change color based on temperature changes. Under normal conditions, a color-changing mug appears black. However, when warm water is poured into it, images hidden beneath a thermochromic coating gradually reveal themselves, providing a delightful surprise for users.
Why Can the Mug Change Color?
The reason color-changing ceramic mugs can alter their appearance is that they are coated with a thermochromic layer on the outside. To print images on these ceramic mugs, a special type of heat-sensitive ink is required. When the temperature inside the mug reaches 70 degrees Celsius or higher, this causes the exterior of the mug to change color, revealing the printed images.
This type of color-changing mug is not only a trend among young people but is also considered a meaningful and unique gift for family and friends.
Additionally, these thermochromic mugs are highly favored as gifts for offices or special occasions. This is because they can convey heartfelt messages through warm images, making them a memorable gift.
Color-changing mugs are often printed with images based on users’ preferences. Depending on the manufacturer’s design, the mug can change from one color to another or from one image to another when hot water is poured inside.
The Principle of Color-Changing Mugs
Under normal conditions, these are just ceramic mugs cloaked in a shiny black exterior. So why are they called color-changing? The answer lies in the thermochromic layer that is wrapped around the outside of the mug. As mentioned earlier, to create a color-changing printed mug, the manufacturer must use a special type of ink known as “Sumalition”, also referred to as heat-sensitive ink. When the temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius, the “color change effect” of “Sumalition” becomes visible.
The thermochromic layer wrapped around the mug allows it to change color with temperature.
Are Color-Changing Mugs Safe for Health?
Color-Changing Mugs are Strictly Controlled by the FDA
According to FDA testing, at temperatures ranging from 70 to 100 degrees Celsius, the thermochromic inks and coatings do not pose any health risks. Therefore, using these color-changing mugs for coffee or milk is completely safe.
Most of us use color-changing mugs for warm drinks such as water, coffee, or tea, where the water temperature does not exceed 100 degrees Celsius. This temperature is not high enough to decompose the thermochromic layer or the heat-sensitive ink into harmful substances.
