Replacing nano-clay for kaolin in ultramarine pigments

Abstract

Purpose

Replacing nano-clay for kaolin in ultramarine pigments was investigated. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Ultramarine pigments with both kaolin and nano-clay were synthesized by traditional method. For this purpose, mixing of the raw materials consisted of calcined clay, sulfur, sodium hydroxide and Arabic gum was milled and then calcined at 800°C for 9 h under controlled atmosphere. The characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-vis spectroscopy, colorimetery (CIELab method) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques.

Findings

The investigations show that using nano-clay results in richer pigments. XRD results reveal that the ultramarine phase formation is enhanced by using nano-clay. SEM and DLS results also confirm that the ultramarine pigment synthesized by using nano-clay has smaller particles than that prepared by kaolin.

Originality/value

In this research, for the first time, nano-clay was substituted for kaolin to synthesized ultramarine pigment.

Citation

Tajer Kajinebaf, V., Rezaeian, F., Rajabi, M. and Baghshahi, S. (2014), "Replacing nano-clay for kaolin in ultramarine pigments", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 43 No. 1, pp. 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1108/PRT-03-2013-0020