Red opaque pigments are used extensively in art, coatings, plastics, ceramics, and industrial applications due to their vibrant color and hiding power. Here's a detailed overview:
1. Common Red Opaque Pigments
There are both organic and inorganic red pigments, but inorganic ones are generally more opaque.
Inorganic Red Pigments (Highly Opaque):
Pigment Name Color Index Composition Features
Red Iron Oxide PR101 Fe₂O₃ Very opaque, excellent lightfastness, weather-resistant
Cadmium Red PR108 CdS·CdSe Highly opaque, vivid color, toxic (cadmium-based)
Mars Red PR101 Synthetic Fe₂O₃ Stable, opaque, less toxic than cadmium
Lead Red (Minium) PB29 (historical) Pb₃O₄ Very opaque, now largely discontinued due to toxicity
Organic Red Pigments (Usually Less Opaque, but Some Are Treated for Opacity):
Pigment Name Color Index Composition Features
Naphthol Red PR170, PR112 Azo compounds Bright color, moderate opacity, good tinting
Quinacridone Red PR122, PR206 Quinacridone compound Excellent lightfastness, semi-opaque
Perylene Red PR149, PR179 Perylene compound Rich color, semi-opaque, high durability
2. Key Properties of Red Opaque Pigments
Property Description
Opacity (Hiding Power) The ability to cover a surface without allowing the underlying color to show through. Inorganic pigments, especially oxides and cadmium-based, are more opaque.
Lightfastness Resistance to fading when exposed to light. Most inorganic reds are highly lightfast.
Chemical Stability Resistance to chemicals, weathering, and UV. Iron oxides and cadmiums are very stable.
Toxicity Some red pigments like cadmium and lead reds are toxic. Alternatives are used in food-safe and environmentally safe applications.
Heat Resistance Important in plastics and ceramics. Iron oxides are highly heat-resistant.
3. Applications
Art paints: Oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints (cadmium red, iron oxide red)
Coatings: Industrial, automotive, architectural paints
Plastics and Polymers: Pigments must be heat and light stable
Ceramics and Glass: Need pigments that withstand firing temperatures