Yellow opaque pigments are commonly used in paints, plastics, ceramics, inks, and artist colors. They offer bright yellow hues and excellent hiding power due to their opacity. Here's a breakdown of the key types and characteristics of yellow opaque pigments:
🎨 Types of Yellow Opaque Pigments
1. Cadmium Yellow (Pigment Yellow 37 or PY37)
Chemical Name: Cadmium Sulfoselenide
Opacity: Very opaque
Color Hue: Rich, deep yellow to orange-yellow
Lightfastness: Excellent
Toxicity: Toxic due to cadmium content; regulated or banned in some countries
Usage: Fine art paints, industrial coatings
2. Benzimidazolone Yellow (Pigment Yellow 154, PY154)
Chemical Type: Organic
Opacity: Semi-opaque to opaque (varies by formulation)
Color Hue: Medium yellow
Lightfastness: Excellent
Toxicity: Low
Usage: Automotive paints, plastics, inks, artist paints
3. Arylide Yellow (Hansa Yellow, e.g., PY65, PY74)
Chemical Type: Azo pigment
Opacity: Varies; some grades are semi-opaque
Color Hue: Bright, lemon to medium yellow
Lightfastness: Moderate to good
Toxicity: Low
Usage: Inks, plastics, paints (but often replaced due to inferior lightfastness)
4. Bismuth Vanadate Yellow (Pigment Yellow 184, PY184)
Chemical Name: Bismuth Vanadium Oxide
Opacity: Very opaque
Color Hue: Bright, lemon to greenish yellow
Lightfastness: Excellent
Toxicity: Low
Usage: Automotive, industrial coatings, artist paints, plastics
Advantages: Cadmium replacement, high weather resistance
🧪 Key Properties of Opaque Yellow Pigments
Property Description
Opacity High – covers underlying colors effectively
Tinting Strength Often high, especially for cadmium and bismuth vanadate
Chemical Stability Generally good in stable pigment systems
UV Resistance Bismuth and cadmium types are excellent; azo types vary
Compatibility Compatible with oil, acrylic, alkyd, and other mediums