United States. The only blue discovered in the last 200 years will soon be introduced to the market. In 2009, Mas Subramanian and his team at Oregon State University discovered YInMn-Blue accidentally, while experimenting with new materials that could be used in electronic applications.
The scientists mixed black manganese oxide with different chemicals before heating them to more than 1000°C. One of the results was a vibrant blue. As a reference to the elements yttrium, indium and manganese, the new pigment was named YInMn-Blue. For commercial use, recently, a licensing agreement was made with the American pigment manufacturer Shepherd Color Company, the first quantities of the pigment are expected to be released later this year.
The new pigment is reported to have low toxicity and good resistance in oil and water without fading. In addition, due to its crystalline structure, it is expected to help keep buildings cool by reflecting infrared light. On another note, the new blue pigment will also become a crayon.
Source: www.businessinsider.com
