Preparation and practical application of spinel pigment Co0.46Zn0.55(Ti0.064Cr0.91)2O4

Synthesis of the green spinel pigment Co_0.46Zn_0.55(Ti_0.064Cr_0.91)₂O₄ by a novel two-step method of preparation have been investigated. Inorganic pigments are almost always prepared by a solid state reaction. It is classical ceramic method which used oxides, hydroxides or carbonates as precursors. The reaction is performed at temperature higher than 1300°C and an agent of mineralization is usually present. The presented novel method of preparation decreases the calcining temperature necessary for reaching of bright and clear hue of the pigments prepared. Main attention was focused on the influence of two types of titanium raw materials on the temperature region of the spinel structure formation and on the colour properties of the pigments. The mixture of precursors with TiO₂ gives a one-phase system when calcining at 1100°C but the colour properties are more interesting at 1150°C. Thermal stability of this pigment is limited by temperature 1300°C. This temperature is connected with partial oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI). Thermal analysis provided the first information about the temperature region of the pigment formation and determined the thermal stability of pigment.