Pigment
What is Pigments ?
"Pigments" in English refers to colored substances that are used for coloring or tinting various materials. These materials can include paints, inks, plastics, fabrics, and other products. Pigments are finely ground particles that are dispersed in a medium to create the desired color. Unlike dyes, which dissolve in a liquid, pigments are insoluble and need a binder or carrier to adhere to surfaces.
In the context of art and color theory, pigments play a crucial role in creating a wide range of colors and hues. Artists use pigments to mix and create different shades, and the choice of pigments can impact the final appearance of a painting or artwork.
In the field of chemistry, pigments can also refer to compounds or substances that impart color to other materials through selective absorption of light. Pigments are commonly classified based on their chemical composition and properties.
Brief Introduction to Pigments
Pigment, any of a group of compounds that are intensely coloured and are used to colour other materials.
Pigments are insoluble and are applied not as solutions but as finely ground solid particles mixed with a liquid. In general, the same pigments are employed in oil- and water-based paints, printing inks, and plastics.
Pigments may be organic (i.e., contain carbon) or inorganic. The majority of inorganic pigments are brighter and last longer than organic ones.
Organic pigments made from natural sources have been used for centuries, but most pigments used today are either inorganic or synthetic organic ones.
Synthetic organic pigments are derived from coal tars and other petrochemicals. Inorganic pigments are made by relatively simple chemical reactions - notably oxidation - or are found naturally as earths.
Properties of Pigments
● Pigment should have minimum particle sizes (0.2-0.4).
●Pigment should have maximum covering power.
●Pigment should have freely mixing power.
●Pigment should be chemically inert.
●Pigment should have good resistance to chemicals.
●Pigment should be resistance to solvent.
●Pigment should have acceptable brilliance, hardness and stability on dyed and printed goods.
●Pigment should have good wet, light, and abrasion resistance.
Advantages of Pigments
Excellent Durability
Pigments are highly resistant to corrosive substances and sunlight, making them ideal for use in all kinds of environments and weather conditions. They are known for their ability to maintain color vibrancy and durability over time. They have superior abrasion resistance compared to organic pigments, which tend to wear out and fade quicker.
Omit Unwanted Chemicals
All of our pigments are non-toxic. If you are worried about what chemicals may be in your commercially made paints, making your own art materials will allow you to take control. You can determine what ingredients go into your paints, protecting your health and the environment.
Save Money
Buying the materials to make your own paints is cheaper than buying them ready made. And the time you spend making the paints will allow you to become more knowledgeable about the materials you are using. Despite their numerous benefits and widespread use, pigments are still priced reasonably due to the fact that the minerals used to produce them most come from natural sources.
Long Shelf life
Unlike ready made paints that will eventually dry out, powdered pigments will last indefinitely if stored correctly. This will allow you to make enough paints for your requirements and ensure that your paints are always fresh and easy to use.
Create Bespoke Colours
By pre-mixing pigments together you can create your own custom colours, unique to you. Just be sure to make a note of the quantities of each pigment you use in the paint so you can mix it again.
Be Versatile
The same pigments can be used to make different types of paint, so if you like to work with different media, you can be consistent with your colours. As well as paints, powdered pigments can be used for making inks, pastels and crayons, they can also be used to tint handmade paper, plasters and clays.
Pigments Specification
|
Product Name |
Pigment Blue 60 |
|
Other Names |
6,15-dihydroanthrazine-5,9,14,18-tetrone |
|
CAS No. |
81-77-6 |
|
Molecular Formula |
C28H14N 2O4 |
|
EINECS No. |
201-375-5 |
|
Appearance |
Blue powder |
|
Application |
Mainly used for automotive primary finish paint |
|
Package |
25kgs/carton |
|
Export zones |
America, Europe, Asia and so on |
Common Types of Pigments
This type of pigments occurs naturally and they’ve been used for centuries. They’re quite simple in their chemical structure. They’re named organic as they contain minerals and metals that give them their colour. Organic pigment manufacturers produce them through a simple process that’s made of washing, drying, powdering and combining into a formulation.Compared to inorganic pigments, these usage of these pigments is less frequent and that’s why there are limited number of organic pigment suppliers. These pigments are used when the required colour strength isn’t too much.
This type of pigments is exactly the opposite type of organic pigments. These pigments are also known as synthetic pigments. They’re formulized in labs and offer great scope of control to inorganic pigment manufacturers.Inorganic pigments are manufactured by relatively simple chemical processes such as oxidation. Inorganic pigment suppliers supply this type of pigments mainly to paints, plastics, synthetic fibres and ink industry. Inorganic pigments include white opaque pigments which are commonly used to lighten other colours and also to provide opacity. They may use iron, lead, and other metals in their formulations. These pigments don’t contain carbon links or chains.The particle size of synthetic pigments is bigger than that of organic compounds, so they reflect more light. As a result, inorganic pigments are more opaque and insoluble than their organic counterparts. Synthetic pigments include titanium dioxide, chromium, and cadmium pigments.
Natural or organic pigments contain carbon chains. Manufacturers derive them from plants, animals, and minerals. Manufacturing organic pigments involves washing, drying, crushing, and mixing. Although they have less color intensity, natural pigments are less toxic than inorganic pigments. Some manufacturers combine them with chemicals to make synthetic organic pigments. These include azo-pigments, diazo-pigments, acid-dye pigments, alizarin, phthalocyanine, and quinacridone.
Metallic pigments are naturally occurring and tend to be dry. They consist of metals and mineral ores like aluminum, zinc, and copper. Manufacturers process them through pulverization and mixing. Metallic pigments are common in automotive coatings and some cosmetic products.
Industrial pigments are organic or inorganic pigments in powder form. They’re mixed with resins or paints to provide color, durability, and corrosion resistance. Industrial pigments are also available in other forms, including liquids, granules, waxes, pellets, and chips. Industrial pigments are colorants for beverages, food, paper, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.
Applications of Pigments
Fine Art
Paints consist of pigment and binders. The pigments differ in color fastness, drying time, and color intensity. Binders hold pigments together and form a film on the applied surface. Artists use pigments in monochromatic colors for abstract painting. It creates harmony and balance. Artists also blend pigments to create different hues. For instance, mixing yellow and blue pigments yields the color green.
Industrial Applications
In the textile industry, pigments dye synthetic and natural fibers. They’re spun into yarn in pellet form, known as solution dyeing. Solution dying is more sustainable than traditional dyeing, which uses energy, chemicals, and water. Other industrial applications include the coloration of soap, plastics, paper, wood, metal, and more.
Cosmetic Products
The cosmetic industry uses pigments to make personal care products like soaps and body creams. Organic pigments containing azo colorants, lakes, and botanicals are common in cosmetic formulations. While some azo pigments and lakes are harmful to the skin, botanicals are safe and non-toxic.
Printing Ink
Pigments are commonly used in printing inks, where they come in different shapes and sizes to produce vibrant colors. Customers can purchase pigments from dealers or from Solvent Dyes Exporters in India.
Paint and Coatings
Pigments are widely used in all kinds of paints, from decorative coatings to protective coatings, in various industries. They are used in emulsion paints, oil-based paints, aqueous-based paints, automobile finishes, and more.
Leather and Textiles
Pigments are used in the textile industry to print on clothing and leather. They are often used in polyesters and nylons, as they can absorb colors well and maintain their vibrancy over time.
Opacity
Pigments with higher color strength are more opaque. Inorganic pigments have high opacity, unlike organic pigments. Materials with organic pigments allow light to pass through. Organic pigments are suitable for glasses, while inorganics are effective for paints and coatings.
Thermal Stability
Organic and inorganic pigments resist fading and damage when exposed to high temperatures. But, inorganic pigments have better thermal stability in extreme sunlight and heat.
Chemical Resistance
Pigments need chemical inertness to resist degradation with exposure to chemicals. You can find inert pigments in paints, coatings, cable insulation, and ink. While organic pigments have high chemical resistance, the resistance level varies in inorganic pigments.
Tinting Strength
Organic pigments have a higher tinting strength than their inorganic counterparts. With such pigments, you need small amounts for coloring materials. This quality makes organic pigments the standard colorant for plastics and resins.
Dispersion
Since pigments come in solid forms, they need wetting to make them applicable on surfaces. Dispersing them in liquid mediums ensures stability and prevents re-agglomeration.
Toxicity
Inorganic pigments containing lead, cadmium, cobalt, and manganese are toxic. Such pigments are unsafe for inhalation and cause allergic reactions on the skin. Some metal pigments are also carcinogenic and not approved for use. Check for FDA-certified pigments in food, cosmetics, and drugs.
Lightfastness
Inorganic pigments have a high resistance to fading with exposure to light. High-performance organic pigments are also lightfast, which varies with every type.
Color
Pigments are available in a wide variety of hues. While organic pigments are brighter, they’re less durable than inorganic types. Inorganic pigments are known for their excellent hiding power and durability.
Solubility
Since pigments are insoluble, a liquid medium (vehicle) is used to make them disperse. Examples of pigment vehicles include linseed oil, alcohol, glycol ethers, and more. For water-based or latex paints, water serves as the vehicle.
Colorants: Dyes vs Pigments
A colourant is a substance that is used to impart colour to matter. Dyes and pigments are the main forms of colourant. The main difference between them is that dyes are soluble and pigments are insoluble and are suspended in a medium or binder. This is due to the difference in particle size of dyes and pigments which affects the way they behave.
Particle Size
Dye particles are much smaller than pigment particles – imagine the difference between a pinhead (dye) to a football (pigment). As dyes are soluble and pigments insoluble, you might then imagine dye particles dissolving in water, while pigment particles must be suspended in a binder – imagine the comparison of salt in water (dye) or rocks in water (pigment). The salt will dissolve in the water, creating a solution, while the rocks will sink to the bottom creating a suspension.
Bonding Properties
Another difference is bonding properties, so where a dye might chemically attach itself to a substrate on a molecular level, becoming part of the material, pigments require the binder or carrier to act as a glue of sorts that is painted on to the substrate and surrounds the pigment and keeping it in place. So dyes become part of the material and pigments sit on top in a layer. These rules are general, so sometimes, depending on the material or dye, a dye will need a mordant to help it bind.
Lightfastness
One of the behavioural differences is their lightfastness properties (the level at which they fade when exposed to light). Pigments have the ability to resist this fading process, whereas dyes are more vulnerable to fading or bleaching caused by ultraviolet light from the sun. Sunlight (UV rays) can break electronic bonding of a dye molecule and destroy its colour, which is why dyes fade; imagine a pair of denim jeans fading or a patch of wallpaper where there had been a hanging picture. Some people will choose dyes purposely for this reason and enjoy the natural fading process, while others will require a more permanent colour. While most pigments are lightfast, there are also a few pigments called “fugitive pigments”, such as Rose Madder, that will fade over time. Again, depending on your intent for the colourant, you may prefer one that fades naturally.
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FAQ
Q: What is the difference between dyes and pigments?
Q: Can pigments be mixed with each other?
Q: Are pigments suitable for candles?
Q: What is the difference between cosmetic pigments and industrial pigments?
Q: How does particle size affect a pigment's dispersibility?
Q: What are the lightfast properties of the pigments?
Q: Which chemical and physical factors affecting the light fastness of pigments and dyes?
Q: What are the prescribed directions while using dry pigments?
Q: Will the organic color pigments stain the clothes or sheets?
Q: Do pigments have a shelf life?
Q: Is there a limit to how much pigment I can use in limewash/lime plaster?
Q: What are natural pigments?
Q: What are synthetic pigments?
Q: What is pigment printing suitable for?
Q: How long does cosmetic pigment last?
Q: How long does pigment take to dry?
Q: Do pigments dissolve in water?
Q: How do pigments degrade?
Q: Does temperature affect pigment?
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