Pigments

Pigments give the paint color and hiding power to cover the underlying surface. Of particular interest are the pigments which prevent or retard corrosion. Bioactive pigments are used to prevent biofouling. By definition, a pigment is defined as a substance that is insoluble in the application medium and is used as a colorant

Extenders

They are substances that are insoluble in the application medium and add to the mechanical strength of the paint film and improve the application properties. Examples include chalk, talk, silica,etc.

Additives

They are added to achieve multipurpose objectives, increase shelf life, reduction of drying time and enhance desired properties.

Inorganic Pigments

Titanium dioxide is the most important pigment with a worldwide consumption of 2 x 10⁶ tons. It has an excellent chemical resistance.

The color range of these pigments includes red (g-Fe₂O₃,hematite), black (Fe₃O₄, magnetite), yellow (a, FeOOH, geothite) and orange (g-FeOOH, idocrocite)

They are composed of chromium oxide (Cr₂O₃), crylstallized in a corrundum lattice. They are known for color fastness, insolubility in solvents, acids and alkalies.

They refer to the metal oxide pigments derived from spinel (MgAl₂O₄), rutile (TiO₂), hematite (g-Fe₂O₃)

These are sodium aluminum silicates of composition Na₈Al₆Si₆O₂₄.S_x . Blue, red, green and violet pigments can be obtained depending on the composition. They have a high heat resistance but a poor hiding power.

They are produced from colored inorganic pigments g-FeOOH (yellow), a-Fe₂O₃ (red) and g-CrOOH (green).

They are flakes of ferrous metals like copper and aluminum. They have a high decorative value. They are used widely in automobile topcoats. They can withstand hot weather and marine environments.