Complex Inorganic Colored Pigments: Comparison of options and relative properties when faced with elemental restrictions

摘要

When creating vivid colors, Nature is unconcerned with costs, regulatory concerns, or safety; a full palette of inorganic pigments is available to the artist and the formulation chemist. However, certain elements move in and out of favor as metal prices vary, as sustainable supplies become available, and as the regulatory environment changes. Whole classes of pigments can become unfavorable. On the other hand, pigments with similar colors, but different chemistries, can sometimes offer unique advantages. The paper reviews known commercial and noncommercial inorganic colorants in a number of color spaces, and describes the effects on the palette as the marketplace balances parameters of pigment color, performance, cost, and regulatory restrictions.