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Iron oxide pigment is a synthetic pigment commonly made from hematite, magnetite, and synthetic goethite. The iron oxide pigment is found in different forms in the market, as outlined below:
Red iron oxide pigment
Red iron oxide is a naturally occurring, fine powder obtained from the crushing of natural red iron stones. It is bright red, with most of its particles measuring less than 20 microns. About 90% of the particles in this type of pigment have birefringence. This means they have a refractive index exhibiting different values when viewed on a polarized light.
Red iron oxide is often used in concrete as a stain to change the color. It is also used in Thermoplastics, which are plastics that soften upon heating.
Yellow iron oxide pigment
Yellow iron oxide pigment is a synthetic pigment made from yellow iron stone. It is composed of limonite with a deep yellow or brown-yellow color. While it occurs naturally, yellow iron oxide pigment is more commonly manufactured through alkali deposition, acid leaching, crystallization, and calcination of iron salts.
Yellow iron oxide pigment is mainly used for its aesthetic properties in paints, coatings, plasters, and concrete.
Brown iron oxide pigment
Brown iron oxide is a synthetic pigment manufactured by calcining and reducing mill scale. The milling process of mill scale involves pressing and rolling to obtain an even thinner layer that is often ignored during collection. This process can involve as many as 20 passes with thin layers being passed through rolls
Brown iron oxide exists as a fine powder with notable stability, heat resistance, and opacity. This makes it a popular choice in industries requiring such qualities, including coating, concrete, and even porcelain.
Black iron oxide pigment
Black iron oxide pigment is a fine powder made from the milling of magnetite stocks. Magnetite is known for its blackish brown color and metallic luster. The pigment is predominantly used due to its stability, UV resistance, and heat.
Magnetite also occurs naturally, but the stock used for black iron oxide pigment manufacturing is typically sourced from the United States. In some instances, the stock may be sourced from Mineral Mountain, which deposits have not been altered metamorphically.
Synthetic iron oxide pigments
Synthetic iron oxide pigments are manufactured through chemical processes such as precipitation, calcination, and oxidation of iron compounds. Chemicals used in the manufacturing process include iron salts, which are often subjected to alkali deposition for oxidation.
The production and application of synthetic iron oxide pigments have a minimal impact on the environment, as they can be generated from industrial waste like iron sludges.
Iron oxide is widely used as a pigment because of its high stability, UV and heat resistance, and regulatory allowance for use in food and cosmetics. Below are the common applications:
Concrete coloring
Red and yellow iron oxide pigments are widely used as concrete retarders. This practice improves the appearance of concrete used in buildings and pavements. The pigments provide the concrete with a range of reddish and yellowish hues for aesthetic purposes.
While naturally occurring iron compounds are used for concrete coloring, the industry has been manufacturing iron oxide pigments to meet the rising demand.
Paints and coating
Iron oxide pigments are commonly used in paint formulation, especially for red lead paint. Its stability and UV resistance make it suitable for exterior coatings that are exposed to sunlight and harsh outdoor conditions.
The paints often used in industrial coatings, rust-inhibiting paints, and military colors now have iron oxide pigments.
Cosmetics and personal care
Yellow and red iron oxide pigments are used in the cosmetic industry, particularly in skin products. Its natural properties and stability make it suitable for foundation, blush, and eye shadows.
Other than just coloration, Iron oxide pigments in cosmetics offer skin protection from harmful environmental elements.
Due to the stability of iron oxide pigments, cosmetics companies are able to prolong the shelf life of their products without incorporating chemical preservatives.
Environmental remediation
Apart from its usage in various consumer and industrial products, iron oxide pigments are also favored due to their availability as an eco-friendly waste product.
Synthetic iron oxide pigments can be manufactured from industrial waste like iron sludges. This not only minimizes waste generation but also reduces the operational cost of industries such as mines and steel manufacturing companies.
Iron oxide is preferred as a pigment in different industries for several reasons, as outlined below:
Non-toxic and safe
Iron oxide pigments are made from natural iron ores. It has a high safety profile, which is one of the reasons why cosmetics and food industries use it as a coloring agent.
Unlike synthetic coloring used in other applications, iron oxide pigments don't have heavy metals or harmful substances. This makes them ideal in industries like food and cosmetics, which require non-toxic coloring agents.
Heat and UV stability
Iron oxide pigments exhibit notable heat and UV stability. This means that even when exposed to extreme temperatures and direct sunlight, they don't degrade or lose their color.
This property makes them suitable for outdoor applications like architectural paints, coatings, and concrete where longevity is key.
Wide range of hues
Apart from the commonly found red, yellow, brown, and black iron oxide pigments, manufacturers are able to produce various hues by blending different types of iron oxide pigments together.
This allows the manufacturers and users to have a diverse color palette that can be utilized in different applications.
Regulatory allowance in food and cosmetics
Iron oxide pigments are stated as E172 in European food regulations. It is also allowed in FDA regulations for cosmetic application.
The EP172 and FDA allowances are attributed to the non-toxic nature and high stability of these pigments.
Eco-friendly
Iron oxide pigments are made from natural iron ores. This makes them eco-friendly and safe to use.
Even the synthetic iron oxide pigment is manufactured using an alkali deposition that is less likely to generate iron sludge wastes.
While iron oxide pigments are often chosen based on personal preferences and desired results, they are key industry responsibilities. Below are some of the ways different industries can select the ideal iron oxide pigments:
Cosmetics industry
Cosmetic manufacturers normally don't have specific requirements for iron oxide pigments, meaning they can choose based on personal preferences. Key factors to consider include:
- Pigment particle size: Smaller particle sizes provide smoother applications suitable for foundations and blush.
- Pigment purity: There are no heavy metals or impurities in the iron oxide pigments to avoid color variation and potential irritation.
Concrete industry
The concrete industry normally relies on the custom made iron oxide pigments supplied by manufacturers. Key quality parameters considered are:
- Lightfastness: Iron oxide pigments in concretes are exposed to the sun. Manufacturers should ensure they have lightfast pigments that don't fade or change colors over time.
- pH resistance: Iron oxide pigments have to be resistant to alkaline conditions to avoid degradation once mixed with cement.
Paint and pigments
Similar to the concrete, paint, and pigments manufacturers choose iron oxide pigments based on desired paint properties. Key parameters considered include:
- Tint strength: Paint manufacturers should choose pigments with higher tint strength. This provides deeper colors with less pigment concentration.
- Chemical compatibility: Iron oxide pigments should not react with other paint formulation chemicals or cause precipitation.
Yes, iron oxide pigments are highly resistant to UV rays, making them ideal for outdoor applications. They are commonly used in exterior paints, coatings, and landscaping materials.
Like red iron oxide
Iron oxide pigments have high safety profiles making them suitable for use even in food and cosmetic products. They are allowed by the FDA and European Food Regulations as E172. Yes. Iron oxide pigments are made from natural iron ores. The synthetic pigments may be made from industrial iron sludges, which are often recycled instead of discarded.Are there any regulatory standards for using iron oxide pigments in food and cosmetics?
Are iron oxide pigments eco-friendly?
