Differences between Inorganic and Organic Pigments

There are several distinct differences between inorganic and organic pigments.

Inorganic pigments refer to pigments composed of inorganic compounds (such as metal oxides, metal salts, etc.), which have the characteristics of good light resistance, high heat resistance, and strong chemical resistance. They are widely used in plastics, coatings, inks, ceramics, building materials and other fields.

Inorganic pigments generally have excellent coverage and opacity, making them suitable for applications that require pure and uniform colors. However, their color range is relatively limited, usually consisting of earth tones and primary colors.

The following are common inorganic pigment classifications and representative pigments:

1. Metal oxide pigments

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂): white pigment, widely used in coatings, plastics, inks, etc.

Iron oxide (Fe₂O₃, Fe₃O₄): red (iron oxide red), yellow (iron oxide yellow), black (iron oxide black), etc., commonly used in construction, ceramics, paints.

Chromium oxide green (Cr₂O₃): light-resistant, heat-resistant, acid-resistant, and alkali-resistant, widely used in coatings, plastics, ceramic glazes, etc.

2. Metal salt pigments

Ultramarine (Na₇Al₆Si₆O₂₄S₃): blue, non-toxic, commonly used in plastics, inks, rubber, etc.

Cobalt blue (CoAl₂O₄): dark blue, high temperature resistant, suitable for ceramics, glass, and coatings.

Cadmium red/cadmium yellow (CdS, CdSe): yellow to red, bright color, mostly used in high-temperature coatings and ceramics.

3. Composite inorganic pigments (CICP)

Zirconium silicate pigments: such as zirconium yellow (Pr-ZrSiO₄) and zirconium red (Fe-ZrSiO₄), used in ceramic glazes.

Chrome tin pink (Cr-Sn-Si series pigments): high heat resistance, commonly used in ceramics and glass.

4. Carbon Pigments

Carbon black (C): black, widely used in rubber, plastics, coatings, inks, etc.

Organic pigments refer to organic compounds containing carbon elements, which are characterized by bright colors, rich color spectrum, and strong tinting power. They are widely used in plastics, coatings, inks, textile printing and dyeing, etc.

Organic pigments refer to organic compounds containing carbon elements, which are characterized by bright colors, rich color spectrum, and strong tinting power. They are widely used in plastics, coatings, inks, textile printing and dyeing, etc.

Based on the chemical structure, organic pigments can be divided into the following categories:

1. Azo Pigments

Features: bright colors, low cost, and wide application.

Monoazo Pigments:

Pigment Yellow 1 (PY1)

Pigment Yellow 12 (PY12): commonly used in inks and coatings.

Pigment Red 3 (PR3): commonly used in plastics and paints.

Disazo Pigments:

Fast Yellow 83 (PY83): High transparency, widely used in inks and plastics.

Fast Orange 36 (PO36): High heat resistance, suitable for automotive coatings.

Fast Red 166 (PR166): Excellent light resistance and solvent resistance.

2. Phthalocyanine Pigments

Features: Excellent light resistance and chemical resistance, widely used.

Phthalocyanine Blue BGS (Pigment Blue 15:3, PB15:3): High transparency, suitable for inks and plastics.

Phthalocyanine Green G (Pigment Green 7, PG7): Copper chloride phthalocyanine, widely used in coatings, inks, and rubber.

Phthalocyanine Blue α (PB15:0) and Phthalocyanine Blue β (PB15:1): Stable structure, widely used.

3. Dibenzimidazolone (DPP, Diketopyrrolopyrrole Pigments)

Features: High light resistance and heat resistance, suitable for high-end coatings and plastics.

Fast Red 254 (PR254): Bright colors, widely used in automotive coatings and plastics.

Fast Red 255 (PR255): Yellower tone, used in high-performance coatings.

4. Quinacridone Pigments

Features: Bright colors, extremely high light resistance, commonly used in high-end paints and plastics.

Fast Violet 19 (PV19): Commonly used in automotive coatings and printing inks.

Fast Red 122 (PR122): High transparency, used in water-based inks and coatings.

5. Isoindoline Pigments

Features: Bright colors, high light resistance and heat resistance.

Fast Yellow 139 (PY139): High heat resistance, suitable for high-end coatings and plastics.

Fast Yellow 110 (PY110): Orange-yellow, commonly used in industrial coatings.

Organic Pigments vs. Inorganic Pigments