Synthesis and color characteristics of willemite-structured ceramic pigments using microsilica
Abstract
The development of ceramic pigments with a willemite structure through the utilization of industrial by-products, such as microsilica, represents a promising and sustainable research direction. In this study, pigments in the ZnO–CoO–SiO2 system were synthesized using microsilica as a silica source. The influence of raw material composition and firing conditions on phase formation, crystal structure, and color characteristics of the pigments was investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of willemite-based solid solutions. The colorimetric properties were evaluated in the CIE Lab* system, demonstrating that the obtained pigments exhibit stable blue and violet hues with high thermal and chemical resistance. The results highlight the potential of microsilica recycling for the production of cost-effective, environmentally friendly ceramic pigments suitable for glaze and ceramic applications.
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References
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