Pigments are primarily of two types: organic pigments and inorganic pigments. Pigments absorb and reflect a certain wavelength of light which gives them their color.
Inorganic pigments are made up of minerals and salts and are based on oxide, sulfate, sulfide, carbonate, and other such combinations.
They are highly insoluble and opaque. Their demand is very high in the industrial sector owing to their low cost.
First, very simple experiments are conducted to produce inorganic pigments, which increase its cost-effectiveness.
Secondly, they do not fade quickly on exposure to light, making them a very good coloring agent for industrial purposes.
Titanium Oxide: This pigment is opaque white which is excellent in its quality. It is popular for its non-toxic property and cost-effectiveness. It is also available with the name Titanium White and Pigment White.
Iron Blue: This inorganic pigment is called Iron Blue as it contains Iron. Initially, it was used in cloth dyes. It gives a dark blue color.
White Extender Pigments: China clay is the leading example of White extender clays.
Metallic Pigments: The metallic ink from the metallic pigment is created using the metals such as Bronze and Aluminium.
Black Pigments: Blank pigment is responsible for the black color of the ink. The carbon particles in it impart it the black color.
Cadmium Pigments: Cadmium pigment derives many colors, including yellow, orange, and red. This wide range of colors is used for different color materials such as plastics and glass.
Chromium Pigments: Chromium Oxide is widely used as a pigment in paintings and for several other purposes. Green, yellow, and orange are the different colors derived by utilizing the Chromium Pigments.
The organic molecules that form organic pigment absorb and reflect some wavelengths of light, allowing them to change the color of the transmitted light.
Organic dyes are organic and are insoluble in polymers. Their strength and glossiness are more than the inorganic pigments.
However, their covering power is lower. In terms of cost, they are more expensive, primarily synthetic organic pigments.
Monoazo Pigments: The entire range of the reddish-yellow spectrum is exhibited by these pigments. Its high heat stability and durability make it an ideal coloring pigment for plastics.
Phthalocyanine Blues: The copper Phthalocyanine Blue gives the shades between greenish-blue and reddish blue. It is known to have good stability in heat and organic solvents.
Indanthrone Blues: The color is reddish-shaded blue with very good transparency. It displays good fastness in weather as well as organic solvents.
Main Differences Between Organic and Inorganic Pigments
While both organic and inorganic pigments are ardently used in cosmetic manufacturing, they differ in physical and chemical properties.
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Organic Pigments VS Inorganic Pigments |
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| Particular | Inorganic Pigment | Organic Pigment |
| Color | Dull | Bright |
| Color Strength | Low | High |
| Opacity | Opaque | Transparent |
| Light Fastness | Good | Vary from Poor to Good |
| Heat Fastness | Good | Vary from Poor to Good |
| Chemical Fastness | Poor | Very Good |
| Solubility | Insoluble in Solvents | Have little Degree of Solubility |
| Safety | May be Unsafe | Usually Safe |
Size: The particle size of organic pigments is smaller than those of the inorganic pigments.
Brightness: Organic pigments exhibit more brightness. However, inorganic pigments are known for long-lasting effects as their stay in sunlight and chemicals is more than organic pigments.
Colors: Inorganic pigments have a more comprehensive range of colors as compared to organic pigments.
Cost: Inorganic pigments are cheaper and cost-effective.
Dispersion: The inorganic pigments exhibit better dispersion, for which they are used in several applications.
This decision needs to be taken with several considerations. First, the differences need to be considered before the conclusion.
For instance, if the product to be colored is to stay longer in sunlight, then inorganic pigments can be used. On the other hand, organic pigments can be used for getting bright colors.
Second, the cost of the pigment is a very important determinant. Some factors such as cost, opaqueness, and durability of the colored product in the surrounding weather are the primary things that you need to consider before making the final decision.
Organic And Inorganic Pigments In The Market
Both the pigments have a large market owing to their excellent properties.
The organic pigments market is expected to be worth USD 6.7 billion by the end of the year 2026. The inorganic pigments are expected to amount to USD 2.8 billion by the end of 2024, growing at a 5.1% CAGR. – Source
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Q. Are pigments organic or inorganic?
A. Pigments may be organic or inorganic. The majority of inorganic pigments are brighter and last longer than organic ones. Organic pigments made from natural sources have been used for centuries, but most pigments used today are either inorganic or synthetic organic ones.
Q. Is carbon black pigment organic or inorganic?
A. Carbon black (Color Index International, PBK-7) is the name of a common black pigment, traditionally produced from charring organic materials such as wood or bone. It appears black because it reflects very little light in the visible part of the spectrum, with an albedo near zero.
Q. What are the two types of pigments?
A. Based on the method of their formulation, pigments can be categorized into two types: inorganic pigments and organic pigments.
Q. What are the 4 plant pigments?
A. Plant pigments are classified into four main categories: chlorophylls, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and betalains.