Novel environment friendly inorganic red pigments based on Bi4V2O11

Abstract

Novel environment friendly inorganic red pigments, (Bi_1−x−yZr_xAl_y)₄V₂O_11+δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15; 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.10), were successfully synthesized by a conventional solid state reaction method, and their colour properties were characterized. The colour of the obtained pigments was dependent on the calcination condition and the sample composition, and the highest red hue was obtained for the (Bi_0.92Zr_0.07Al_0.01)₄V₂O_11.34 pigment calcined at 800 °C for 10 h in a flow of pure O₂. The a* value corresponding to the red chromaticity of this pigment was +41.9, which was significantly greater than that of the commercial iron oxide pigment (a* = +28.9). Bi₄V₂O₁₁ is considered to be a nontoxic compound, and the other components (Zr and Al) are also safe elements. Therefore, the present pigment could be an attractive candidate as a novel environment friendly inorganic red pigment.