Iron Oxide Powder

Iron oxide powder has extremely wide applications in ceramic products. Iron oxide is a popular choice for coloring ceramics because it has excellent coloring performance. To prepare colored glaze water, people use its coloring properties. Iron oxides contain iron ions with different valence points, which makes them polychromatic. When added to other glazes, iron oxides can make the color tone of the glaze richer and brighter. In the manufacturing experience of ceramics (glazes), different firing atmospheres were used which resulted in different colors of iron oxide. Under the oxidizing flame atmosphere, the color of iron oxide changed from yellow to reddish-brown, and then from grape red to brown. Under the reducing atmosphere, iron oxide exhibits a blue to gray dark color change. This is due to the dynamic equilibrium transformation between Fe2+ and Fe3+ in the glaze layer.

Iron oxide powder can be easily dispersed in oily carriers, resulting in coatings or inks with satisfactory transparency. They are suitable for different primers and topcoats of oily paints, such as epoxy, alkyd, amino, and others. In addition, they can be used in toy paint, decorative paint, and furniture paint.

Iron oxide powders are known for their strong sun and weather resistance. They are high-temperature resistant bright powder pigments that can withstand heat of up to 300 ℃, light resistance of up to 8 levels, and migration resistance of 5 levels. They have good dispersibility and are known for their excellent light and weather resistance.

Iron oxide powder pigments can be mixed with concrete, which enhances the appearance and durability of buildings. Mixing iron oxide powder pigments with concrete can give the building facade richer and more beautiful colors. Moreover, iron oxide powder pigments have the ability to promote the rust and corrosion resistance of concrete, increasing its service life.

Although useful in many applications, the iron oxide series of pigments can be harmful to the human body in some special circumstances. For example, inhaling iron oxide red dust for extended periods can cause pneumoconiosis problems, also known as “siderosis”. Moreover, personnel who work in high-concentration iron oxide red dust environments for a long time should be aware of the resistance of iron oxide to the current. This resistance can cause the current to be blocked, and then it may become a short circuit, which can pose a direct threat to human life. Furthermore, due to its ability to absorb water and conduct electricity, iron oxide can become a dangerous factor when using electrical appliances, so caution should be exercised in this regard.

Iron oxide pigment powder can react with acidic or alkaline substances in the air, making it important to avoid storing it with such materials. To prevent chemical reactions that can alter the pigment’s properties, it is recommended to store it in a dry, sealed environment.

For optimal storage, it is advisable to use kraft paper or polyethylene plastic bags that are chemically inert when packaging the iron oxide pigment powder. However, it’s crucial to note that iron oxide red has a shelf life of three years. Thus, extended storage periods are not advisable.

Classification of iron oxide pigments: Iron oxide pigments can be classified into four categories based on their properties and functions: coloring pigments, metal pigments, functional pigments, and physical pigments. Coloring pigments are divided into two categories: organic and inorganic pigments, which can cover almost all color systems. Metal pigments mainly include floating and non-floating aluminum powder, various shades of copper-gold powder and pearlescent pigment, metal nickel powder, and stainless steel powder. Functional pigments comprise fluorescent pigments, luminous pigments, high-temperature resistant pigments, conductive pigments, and others. Physical pigments encompass titanium pigment, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, talc powder, bentonite, quartz powder, and others.