Types of Pigment Powders for Construction Materials, Usage Tips, and Binder Additive Guide

Common Types of Pigment Powders in Construction Materials

White Pigments:

· Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂): Widely used, non-toxic, and stable. Available in rutile (high refractive index, weather-resistant, ideal for exterior coatings) and anatase (only suitable for interior coatings).

· Zinc Oxide (ZnO): Offers anti-mold properties but may thicken coatings in alkaline environments.

· Lithopone (Zinc Sulfide + Barium Sulfate): Prone to discoloration and powdering under sunlight, limiting its use to interior coatings.

Yellow Pigments:

· Iron Oxide Yellow (Fe₂O₃·H₂O): Excellent lightfastness, alkali resistance, and opacity, but poor acid resistance.

· Lightfast Yellow (Azo Pigment): High light and heat stability.

Blue Pigments:

· Phthalocyanine Blue: Superior heat/light/chemical resistance, vibrant color—ideal for construction coatings.

· Ultramarine Blue: Semi-transparent, alkali-resistant, and lightfast but weak in opacity. Often used to neutralize yellow tones in white paint.

Green Pigments:

· Phthalocyanine Green: Exceptional durability but expensive, making it rare in construction.

· Chromium Oxide Green (Cr₂O₃): High light/alkali/heat resistance but dull color and poor dispersibility.

Red Pigments:

· Iron Oxide Red (Fe₂O₃): Natural/synthetic variants with strong opacity and weather resistance, though less vibrant.

Black Pigments:

· Carbon Black: High tinting strength; used sparingly for shading.

Key Considerations When Using Pigment Powders

1. Test Small Batches First: Conduct small-scale trials to determine the correct pigment ratio before full production.

2. Follow Mixing Rules: Start with the base color (largest volume, weakest tint), then gradually add stronger shades while stirring.

3. Account for Drying Effects: Wet coatings appear lighter; colors darken upon drying. Match samples in their dried state.

4. Use Compatible Materials: Ensure pigments and binders share similar chemical properties to avoid instability.

5. Understand Pigment Behavior: Some pigments may float or react differently in mixtures—research beforehand.

Do You Need to Add Binder Powder?

Whether to include a binder (e.g., polymer powder) depends on the material's purpose:

· Pros: Enhances adhesion, water resistance, and crack prevention (e.g., in dry-mix mortars).

· Cons: Not always necessary; evaluate based on project requirements.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pigment powder for construction requires attention to color mixing, material compatibility, and binder needs. Always test formulations to achieve optimal performance and desired aesthetics. Contact us if you need customized/ specific pigments!