The rapid development of the ceramic industry has set higher standards for the quality and performance of pigments. Body pigments, as a key category of ceramic pigments, play a critical role in determining the appearance, quality, and competitiveness of ceramic products. This article provides a technical analysis of body pigments, focusing on their classification, properties, preparation processes, and applications.

I.Definition and Characteristics of Body Pigments

Body pigments are inorganic materials used for coloring ceramic bodies during high-temperature firing. Their primary function is to provide stable and uniform coloration to the ceramic body. These pigments exhibit the following characteristics:

1. High-Temperature Stability
   They can withstand firing temperatures (usually 1000°C to 1300°C) without decomposing or undergoing significant color changes.
2. Chemical Inertness
   They interact minimally with other chemical components in the ceramic body, ensuring color purity.
3. Excellent Dispersion
   They disperse evenly in the ceramic body, avoiding inconsistencies or defects in color.
4. Eco-Friendliness
   They meet green manufacturing standards and are free of harmful substances such as lead or cadmium.

II. Classification of Body Pigments

1. Oxide-Based Pigments:
   Common examples include cobalt oxide (blue), iron oxide (red, yellow), and chromium oxide (green), valued for their robustness in high-temperature environments.
2. Composite Inorganic Pigments:
   These pigments are synthesized through solid-state reactions of multiple oxides, such as zirconium silicate blue or zirconium silicate yellow, offering a broader palette of stable colors.
3. Glaze-Compatible Pigments:
   Suitable for glaze-body integrated processes, these pigments enhance both the aesthetic and functional properties of ceramic surfaces.

III. Preparation Process of Body Pigments

1. Raw Material Selection and Blending:
   High-purity raw materials such as oxides or intermediate compounds are selected and blended based on the target color and performance requirements.
2. Grinding and Milling:
   Advanced milling techniques are employed to achieve uniform particle size at the micron or nanometer scale, optimizing pigment dispersion and reactivity.
3. High-Temperature Sintering:
   The blend is subjected to high-temperature sintering, typically between 800°C and 1200°C, to induce solid-state reactions and form stable crystalline structures.
4. Grinding and Sieving:
   After sintering, the pigments are ground again to achieve the desired particle size and then sieved for uniformity.

IV. Applications of Body Pigments

1. Architectural Ceramics:
   Body pigments are widely used in tiles and wall ceramics, offering a rich variety of colors such as earth tones, grays, and blues while ensuring high-temperature color stability.
2. Tableware and Decorative Ceramics:
   These pigments are applied in tableware and artistic ceramics, ensuring vibrant aesthetics while adhering to food-contact safety standards.
3. Technical Ceramics:
   In advanced applications such as wear-resistant or insulating ceramics, body pigments add aesthetic appeal without compromising mechanical or functional properties.

V.Development Trends in Body Pigments

1. Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness:
   With stringent environmental regulations, body pigments are evolving towards non-toxic, low-heavy-metal formulations and the use of renewable materials.
2. Functional and Smart Pigments:
   The development of photochromic, thermochromic, or other functional pigments broadens the scope for innovative ceramic designs.
3. Customization and High-End Applications:
   The growing demand for unique, customized colors is driving advancements in pigment technology, with premium ceramic products requiring pigments of superior quality and performance.

VI.Conclusion

Body pigments are indispensable in ceramic manufacturing, significantly influencing the final product’s appearance and quality. With continuous optimization in raw materials, preparation methods, and application techniques, the future of body pigments is poised for advancements in both eco-friendliness and functionality, driving innovation in the ceramic industry.