International. A variation in the molecules used to produce the blue pigment, considered one of the most efficient in the world, would allow the creation of pigments of other colors with the same characteristics and efficiency, thanks to a discovery published by researchers at Oregon State University.
The scientists managed to create orange pigment and a variety of colors between yellow and green, which opens up new possibilities for the paints and coatings industry.
"The basic structure of the crystal we use for these pigments is already known, but no one had considered using it for commercial purposes including pigments," said Mas Subramanian, professor of materials science at the Departamento de Química de la Universidad Estatal de Oregon.
The chemist explained that the newly developed dyes have extreme stability, hardness, durability and resistance to heat and acids, so they could be used to create high-performance pigments with a wider range of colors.
In the case of orange pigment, Subramanian reported that it is an iron-based compound, and that the use of copper and titanium to create green pigments has been studied. He added that "yellows and dark browns are also possible, and we are ready to create a new red pigment. Many of the red pigments manufactured today are made of cadmium and mercury, so they can be toxic."
The university that led the research reported that it is processing the patent of this technology that today is being tested by private companies, and whose research was sponsored by the National Science Foundation.
