Pigments are insoluble, particulate substances used for coloring. They produce colors by absorbing and reflecting specific wavelengths of light. The working principle of pigments mainly involves the interaction of optics and chemistry. This article will take a deep look at how pigments work, including their basic structure, color generation mechanism, and application in different media.
Basic Structure of Pigments
Pigments are composed of tiny particles, the size and shape of which affect the performance of the pigment. Pigment particles are usually inorganic or organic compounds, which are dispersed in the medium to form the color we see. The particle size of the pigment can range from nanometers to micrometers, which affects the transparency, gloss and color intensity of the pigment.
Color Generation Mechanism of Pigments
The color generation mechanism of pigments mainly relies on their absorption and scattering of light. When light shines on the pigment particles, the pigment absorbs specific wavelengths of light while reflecting other wavelengths of light. The color we see is the combination of these reflected light.
For example, red pigment absorbs blue and green light and reflects red light. This selective absorption and reflection property is determined by the chemical structure of the pigment. Pigments with different chemical structures absorb and reflect different wavelengths of light, thus showing different colors.
Application of Pigments in Different Media
The application of pigments is very wide, including but not limited to painting, printing, textiles, plastics and building materials. In these applications, pigments need to be combined with different media to achieve the best coloring effect.
Painting and Printing
In painting and printing, pigments are usually mixed with binders and solvents to form paints or inks. The selection and mixing ratio of pigments directly affect the color, gloss and durability of the final work.
Textiles and Plastics
In the textile and plastic industries, pigments are usually added to the materials in the form of masterbatches or pre-dispersions. This ensures uniform distribution of pigments in the materials, thereby achieving uniform coloring effects.
Building Materials
In building materials, pigments are often used in products such as exterior wall coatings, flooring and tiles. These pigments need to have good weather resistance and UV resistance to ensure that the materials maintain bright colors in long-term use.
Conclusion
Pigments are the key materials for achieving coloring, and their working principle involves the absorption and scattering of light. A variety of color effects can be achieved by selecting different types of pigments and adjusting their dispersion state in the medium. Pigments play an indispensable role in both artistic creation and industrial applications.