Synthesis and Colour Properties of Blue-Violet Cassiterite Pigments Doped by Terbium Ions

Abstract

This research was focused on the preparation of mixed metal oxide pigments doped with terbium ions with the general formula of Sn0.752Co0.08P0.16Tb0.008O2. These pigments were synthesised by solid-state reactions at high calcination temperatures. The temperature range was chosen from 1350 to 1500 °C. The goal was to develop conditions for the synthesis of this type of pigments and to determine the influence of terbium ions on the colour properties of these compounds. All prepared pigments were applied into the organic matrix and into the ceramic glaze. Thermal behaviours of the reaction mixtures were investigated using differential thermal and thermo-gravimetric analysis. Synthesised Sn0.752Co0.08P0.16Tb0.008O2 pigments were compared with concurrently prepared pigment Sn0.760Co0.08P0.16O2 depending on the calcination temperature with respect to the colour properties in CIE L*a*b* colour space, furthermore from the point of particle size distribution and phase composition. All compounds provided blue-violet hues that are stable in ceramic glazes.