Pigmenttiaineet

Pigmenttiaineet, commonly translated as pigments, are substances that impart color to materials. They are typically insoluble in the medium in which they are dispersed, distinguishing them from dyes which are soluble. Pigments work by selectively absorbing and reflecting certain wavelengths of light. The color we perceive is the light that is reflected. Pigments can be organic or inorganic in origin. Inorganic pigments are derived from minerals and metal compounds, such as titanium dioxide (white), iron oxides (reds, yellows, browns), and cadmium compounds (bright yellows, reds, oranges). Organic pigments are carbon-based compounds, often derived from coal tar or petroleum. Examples include phthalocyanine blues and greens, and azo pigments (yellows, reds, oranges). The properties of pigments, including their color, opacity, lightfastness (resistance to fading), weatherfastness, and chemical stability, are crucial for their application. They are used extensively in paints, inks, plastics, cosmetics, textiles, and ceramics. The choice of pigment depends on the desired color, durability, cost, and the intended use of the final product.