Synthesis and study of mixed oxide inorganic pigment from Bi2O3-ZnO-CeO2 system

Novel environment-friendly yellow mixed oxide inorganic pigment from Bi2O3-ZnO-CeO2 system with the composition 23 mol% Bi2O3, 15 mol% ZnO and 62 mol% CeO2 was successfully synthesized by a conventional solid-state reaction method. Comprehensive analyses were carried out to characterize the develop pigment powder including simultaneous TG-DTA thermal analysis, colour properties and particle size distribution. The results demonstrated that the optimum calcination for pigment synthesis was located at a range 800-950 degrees C. The colour of the studied mixed oxide pigment is connected with the calcination condition. The substitution of Zn2+ changes the colour from orange to yellow. The colour of the obtained samples was dependent on the calcination condition and the particle size distribution. The most saturated yellow hue was obtained at the calcination temperature of 950 degrees C for 2 h in a furnace of pure air and after its application into organic binder in mass tone. The value C of this sample was approx. 65. The mixed oxide pigments were also evaluated from the standpoint of their particle size distribution. Bi2Ce2O7 is considered to be a non-toxic compound, and the other component (Zn2+ ions) is also the safe element. Therefore, the present mixed oxide could be an attractive candidate as a novel environment-friendly inorganic yellow pigment.