Inorganic pigments - Spanish sector EPD

The inorganic pigments are chemical substances manufactured by an industrial process involving a chemical reaction in a solid state. In this process, a mixture of raw materials (oxides and metal salts) undergoes a calcination reaction at high temperatures, forming a specific crystalline matrix.

The chemical composition of inorganic pigments is usually expressed as a combination of metal oxides, although these oxides are only used as raw materials, since they are not present once the inorganic pigment has been manufactured. During the calcination process, the raw materials are completely consumed. The resulting inorganic pigment forms a stable crystalline structure.

The stability of their crystalline structure determines the intrinsic properties and behavior of inorganic pigments. In general, inorganic pigments are not very soluble and have a very low reactivity. These substances are used in high temperature applications due to their extreme durability, which offers light fastness and weather stability.

Pigments are usually in powder form and are marketed with a defined grain size distribution depending on the decorative effects to be achieved.

The uses and applications for which inorganic pigments are intended cover a wide range, from ceramic use (the most common) to more specific uses focused on industrial sectors such as flat and/or hollow glass decoration, tableware, construction, automotive, plastics, galvanizing/glazing of metal surfaces and traditional and artistic ceramics.