Synthesis of Inorganic Pigments from Glass-Ceramics of System Li2O-ZrO2-SiO2 and Waste from Metallurgical Industry

Abstract

In the ceramic coating industry, color and its stability influence the visual appearance of the product. These features account for the growing interest in obtaining pigments that are stable and may optimize the process. There are different synthesis routes to obtain pigments. Obtaining glass and its subsequent crystallization is an alternative proposed in the literature. This study focuses on the possible use the glass of the Li2O-ZrO2-SiO2 system as base glass and hematite as chromophore source. Different contents of hematite (1%, 2%, 3%), from the beneficiation process of metal sheets were used. The choice of composition aimed at facilitating the devitrification process for the formation of zirconia, which is often used as an encapsulating matrix in inorganic pigments. Results showed that glass synthesis is feasible and the effect of crystallization in the presence of hematite is favored, so an effective pigmenting effect is expected.