Kleurpigmente

Kleurpigmente, also known as color pigments, are substances that impart color to materials by selectively absorbing and reflecting wavelengths of light. They are insoluble in the medium they color and are typically used in powdered form. Unlike dyes, which dissolve in the substrate, pigments remain as solid particles dispersed within the material. This characteristic makes them ideal for applications where durability and opacity are important.

The origin of pigments can be both natural and synthetic. Natural pigments are derived from mineral sources (like ochres and umbers), plant matter (like indigo and madder), or animal byproducts (like cochineal). Synthetic pigments are manufactured chemically and offer a wider range of colors, greater consistency, and often improved properties like lightfastness and chemical resistance.

Pigments are fundamental components in many industries. In the paint and coatings industry, they provide color, opacity, and protection. In plastics manufacturing, pigments are incorporated to color molded or extruded items. The printing industry relies heavily on pigments for inks used in various printing processes. Furthermore, pigments find use in cosmetics, textiles, ceramics, and even construction materials like concrete and mortar. The choice of pigment depends on the specific application, considering factors such as color hue, intensity, transparency, lightfastness, heat stability, and chemical compatibility with the surrounding medium.