Need help making a high temp pigment

  • Thread starter hygume
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In summary, the engineer is looking for a way to dye a refractory brick black using a new pigment that is unsuitable for current applications, but is looking for advice on how to make the desired pH range with an inert base material.
  • #1
hygume
4
4
I'll spare y'all the details but, in short, instead of previous plans I'd had, I've ended up doing exciting engineering work for a company in Virginia. Our products operate in very high-temperature environments (>1000C) routinely and we like to dye them black for visual appeal. As we look towards higher temp applications, our current dye will be insufficient. I'm looking to utilize graphite as the base of our pigment but, the pH is too acidic (~5, needs to be closer to 8-8.5). I'm an engineer, and not the colloidal chemistry kind. Would a simple alkaline wash be sufficient to maintain the desired pH? If I were to mix with an inert base material so that the average pH were in that 8-8.5 range, would that achieve the sort of results we're looking for? I apologize for the likely amateur questions but, I forgot all of ORGO the moment I finished the final exam.

Thanks in advance for any help y'all can provide!
 
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  • #2
What is the base material ?
What was the previous dye ?
 
  • #3
Baluncore said:
What is the base material ?
What was the previous dye ?
It'll be sprayed on refractory bricks and/or stainless steel. Previous dye was Shepherd 10K927 (pH 8.2) and it works well but, is limited to ~1200C. We've attempted Shepherd Black 444 (pH 6., slightly larger particle size) but, it caused everything to fall out of solution.
 
  • #4
Graphite is an inert material at standard temperatures, but in the presence of oxygen, when the temperature reaches approximately 1000°C, the graphite will rapidly oxidise to CO or CO2.

Black 444 is used in applications where the absence of chromium is needed. Stainless steel contains at least 11% Cr, so you could use a Cr based pigment, or chemically convert the Cr surface of the stainless steel to a stable black compound.
 
  • #5
Iron II Oxide. It is the black coating that you find on steel fasteners. Very stable at high temperatures. Can turn into red rust if you let it get wet. But the high temps will roast it back to black.
 
  • #6
Would like to thank you all for your pointers! I've got a couple of prospectives going into testing on Monday. Fingers crossed but, I'm hopeful.
 
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Likes dlgoff, berkeman and Baluncore

FAQ: Need help making a high temp pigment

What materials are commonly used to create high-temperature pigments?

High-temperature pigments often use materials such as metal oxides, including iron oxide, chromium oxide, and titanium dioxide. These materials are stable at high temperatures and provide a range of colors.

What temperature range is considered high for pigments?

High-temperature pigments are typically designed to withstand temperatures ranging from 500°C to 1200°C. The exact temperature tolerance depends on the specific formulation and application of the pigment.

How do I ensure the pigment maintains its color at high temperatures?

To ensure color stability at high temperatures, it's important to use pigments that have been specifically engineered for thermal stability. These pigments should be tested under the intended operating conditions to confirm they maintain their color and do not degrade.

Can high-temperature pigments be mixed to create custom colors?

Yes, high-temperature pigments can be mixed to create custom colors. However, it is crucial to test the stability of the mixed pigments at the desired temperature to ensure they do not react adversely or lose their color integrity.

Are there any safety concerns when working with high-temperature pigments?

When working with high-temperature pigments, safety concerns include handling the raw materials, which may be hazardous, and ensuring proper ventilation to avoid inhaling any dust or fumes. Always follow safety guidelines and use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

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