Abstract

Inorganic pigments, black, white, or colored, are an integral part of many decorative and protective coatings. These materials are produced and marketed as fine powders that are then dispersed in the desired media. Inorganic pigments are used for the mass coloration of plastics, fibers, paper, rubber, glass, cement, glazes, and porcelain enamels, as well as for colorants in printing inks, cosmetics, and markers, such as crayons. Pigment properties including particle size, tinting power, and hiding strength are discussed.

Inorganic pigments of largest commercial interest are the white titanium dioxide; the colorful natural and synthetic iron oxides; various zinc compounds; and carbon black. Many transition-metal and some rare-earth compounds are used as chromophores in host oxides such as spinel to produce stable and affordable pigments. Environmentally benign, colorfast replacements are being sought for the historically popular, highly colored lead and cadmium compounds which have proven toxic.