Pigmentpõhised

Pigmentpõhised refers to a category of colorants, typically in Estonian usage, that are characterized by their particulate nature. Unlike dyes, which are soluble in the medium they color, pigments are insoluble. This insolubility is a key defining characteristic that influences their application and properties. Pigments are generally dispersed in a liquid or solid medium, forming a suspension rather than a true solution. This dispersion allows them to impart color by scattering and absorbing light.

The origin of pigments can be natural, derived from minerals, plants, or animals, or synthetic, created through chemical processes. Natural pigments have been used for millennia in art, cosmetics, and textiles. Synthetic pigments offer a wider range of colors and often improved properties such as lightfastness and chemical stability. The physical form of pigments is typically fine powders. Their color is a result of selective absorption and reflection of wavelengths of visible light.

Pigmentpõhised materials find application in a vast array of industries. They are fundamental to paints, inks, plastics, cosmetics, and construction materials. The choice of pigmentpõhised colorant depends on the desired color, opacity, durability, compatibility with the medium, and cost. Their insolubility contributes to their opacity and permanence in many applications, preventing them from bleeding or fading as readily as some dyes. The science behind pigmentpõhised technology involves understanding particle size, shape, and surface chemistry, which all influence how the pigment interacts with light and the surrounding matrix.