Lithopone

27 Nov.,2024

 

Lithopone

Mixture of inorganic compounds, widely used as a white pigment powder

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Chemical compound

Lithopone, C.I. Pigment White 5, is a mixture of inorganic compounds, widely used as a white pigment powder. It is composed of a mixture of barium sulfate and zinc sulfide. These insoluble compounds blend well with organic compounds and confer opacity. It was made popular by the cheap production costs, greater coverage. Related white pigments include titanium dioxide, zinc oxide ("zinc white"), zinc sulfide, and white lead.[1]

History

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Lithopone was discovered in the s by DuPont. It was manufactured by Krebs Pigments and Chemical Company and other companies.[2] The material came in different "seals", which varied in the content of zinc sulfide. Gold seal and Bronze seals contain 40-50% zinc sulfide, offering more hiding power and strength.[3] Although its popularity peaked around , approximately 223,352 tons were produced in . It is mainly used in paints, putty, and in plastics.[1]

Stability and darkening

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Although barium sulfate is almost completely inert, zinc sulfide degrades upon exposure to UV light, leading to darkening of the pigment. The severity of this UV reaction is dependent on a combination of two factors; how much zinc sulfide makes up the pigments formulation, and its total accumulated UV exposure. Depending on these factors the pigment itself can vary in shade over time, ranging from pure white all the way to grey or even black. To suppress this effect, a dopant may be used, such as a small amount of cobalt salts, which would be added to the formulation. This process creates cobalt-doped zinc sulfide. The cobalt salts help to stabilize zinc sulfide so it will not have as severe a reaction to UV exposure.

Production

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Lithopone is produced by coprecipitation of barium sulfate and zinc sulfide. Most commonly coprecipitation is effected by combining equimolar amounts of zinc sulfate and barium sulfide:

BaS + ZnSO4&#; ZnS · BaSO4

This route affords a product that is 29.4 wt % ZnS and 70.6 wt % BaSO4. Variations exist, for example, more ZnS-rich materials are produced when zinc chloride is added to the mixture of zinc sulfate and barium sulfide.[1]

Barium sulfide is produced by carbothermic reduction of barium sulfate. Zinc sulfate is obtained from a variety of zinc products, often waste, by treatment with sulfuric acid.

Safety

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Lithopone is rather nontoxic, due to the insolubility of its components. It has been used in medicine as a radiocontrast agent. Lithopone is allowed to be in contact with foodstuffs in the US and Europe.[1]

See also

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References

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Historical references

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What is lithopone powder used for? - Pairs Horses Chemical

What is lithopone powder used for?

Lithopone powder, a white pigment with a range of industrial applications, holds a significant place in various sectors due to its unique properties and versatility. From paints and coatings to plastics and ceramics, lithopone powder plays a crucial role in enhancing the appearance and performance of a wide array of products.

Understanding Lithopone Powder:

Lithopone powder, chemically known as zinc sulfide/zinc oxide, is a white pigment produced through a precipitation process involving zinc sulfate and barium sulfate. It is characterized by its high refractive index, excellent hiding power, and resistance to UV radiation, making it an ideal choice for various applications.

Applications of Lithopone Powder:

Paints and Coatings: Lithopone powder is widely used as a white pigment in paints, coatings, and primers for interior and exterior applications. Its high opacity and brightness enhance the color and coverage of paints, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting finishes.

Plastics and Polymers: In the plastics industry, lithopone powder is added to plastic resins and compounds to impart whiteness, opacity, and UV resistance to the final products. It finds applications in the production of PVC pipes, profiles, films, and packaging materials.

Ceramics and Tiles: Lithopone powder is utilized in the ceramics industry to improve the brightness and opacity of ceramic glazes, tiles, and sanitaryware. It helps achieve uniform coloration and surface finish, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of ceramic products.

Link to Pairs Horses Chemical

Rubber Manufacturing: In rubber compounding, lithopone powder serves as a reinforcing filler, improving the mechanical properties and weather resistance of rubber products such as tires, conveyor belts, and seals.

Printing Inks: Lithopone powder is incorporated into printing inks for its high hiding power and brightness, ensuring crisp and vibrant prints in various applications, including packaging, publishing, and textiles.

Benefits of Lithopone Powder:

High Opacity: Lithopone powder offers excellent hiding power, allowing for the creation of opaque and vibrant colors in paints, coatings, and plastics.

UV Resistance: Its resistance to UV radiation makes lithopone powder suitable for outdoor applications, where durability and color stability are paramount.

Chemical Stability: Lithopone powder exhibits good chemical stability, ensuring long-term performance and durability in a variety of harsh environments.

Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to alternative white pigments such as titanium dioxide, lithopone powder offers a cost-effective solution for achieving desired coloration and opacity in many applications.

Conclusion:

Lithopone powder is a versatile and indispensable ingredient in various industries, contributing to the quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal of numerous products. From paints and coatings to plastics and ceramics, its high opacity, UV resistance, and cost-effectiveness make it a preferred choice for manufacturers worldwide. As advancements in manufacturing and formulation techniques continue, lithopone powder is expected to remain a key player in the global pigment market, fulfilling diverse needs and driving innovation across industries.

Lithopone Pigment

Rublev Colours Lithopone is an organically coated white pigment based on a co&#;precipitated zinc sulfide/barium sulfate compound. The zinc sulfide content is 30% by weight, whereas, on a molecular basis, lithopone consists of the two components at a ratio of 1:1. It is a transparent white almost equal to zinc oxide in whiteness. It holds a medium position in density between lead white and zinc white.

Pigment Names

Primary NamesEnglish: lithopone
French: lithopone
German: Lithopon
Italian: litopone
Russian: &#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;
Spanish: lithoponeAlternate NamesEnglish: Barium zinc sulfate sulfide, Enamel White, barium zinc sulfate, barium zinc sulfide, zinc sulfide, barium sulfate mixture, Becton White, Charlton White, Zincolith, surya&#;s salt


History

The inception and evolution of lithopone can be traced back through various industries and diverse applications. Revered for its robust hiding power, this white pigment, also called sulfide of zinc white, has been an invaluable asset to industries requiring a durable and reliable white pigment. Lithopone was an economical and functional solution as an alternative to lead carbonate, which is prone to change, and zinc oxide, known for its brittleness.

Historically, the first mentions of zinc sulfide being utilized as a pigment were approximately sixty years before the everyday use of lithopone. Originally, it was thought to be appropriate for coloring rubber. In England, a patent was granted for this process. Two decades after this, the focus shifted to zinc sulfide as a suitable pigment for paint. The year witnessed the patenting of a manufacturing process for a novel white pigment composed of zinc sulfide and barium sulfate. Dubbed Charlton white or Orr&#;s white enamel, this began a new era for white pigments.

Composition

The composition of lithopone underscores its superiority in specific applications. Ideally, prepared lithopone consists of 30 to 32 percent sulfide of zinc, and a negligible percentage of zinc oxide (1.5%), with the remaining majority being barium sulfate. These attributes render lithopone nearly comparable to the best grades of French process zinc oxide in terms of whiteness. Furthermore, its oil absorption, which sits between lead carbonate and zinc oxide, solidifies its position as a functional and efficient white pigment.

In terms of application, meticulous preparation and attention to detail yield the best results. For paint grinders, maintaining a ratio of 12 pounds of refined linseed oil to 88 pounds of lithopone pigment will provide optimal workability. A salient factor that should be heeded is the state of the lithopone before mixing with oil; the material must be sufficiently dry. Only then will it integrate seamlessly with the oil, ensuring that the resultant mixture possesses the desired consistency and properties.

Lithopone&#;s historical significance is further accentuated by the advancements and modifications that followed its inception. The patent by J.B. Orr, for instance, ushered in a new white pigment&#;Orr&#;s Zinc White. This innovation was attained by co-precipitating zinc sulfate and barium sulfide, followed by a calcination process. Further refinements marked the subsequent decades, the most notable being the enhancement of lightfastness achieved in the s by introducing small amounts of cobalt salts before calcination.

While lithopone and anatase titanium white gained traction between the s and s, by the advent of the First World War, rutile titanium white had started to overshadow them. Their significance in the artist&#;s palette has since dwindled, and their use as an artist&#;s pigment is currently nearly obsolete.

Permanence and Stability

From a stability standpoint, lithopone, a fusion of zinc sulfide and artificially precipitated barite, is non-toxic and exhibits resilience to mild lyes and acids. However, it is incompatible with colors containing copper. Despite its strong covering power in oil, lithopone&#;s drying capabilities are notably limited, posing potential issues for artists. Notably, early experimentation with lithopone-based grounds instead of zinc white resulted in undesirable darkening, although this blackness receded upon drying. This unpredictable behavior has sparked debate among scientific communities, emphasizing the need for further exploration and understanding of this pigment.

With its storied history and distinct properties, lithopone remains a subject of historical significance and contemporary relevance. While its applications and popularity have evolved, its role in the annals of pigment history is indisputable.

 

Lithopone

Pigment:LithoponePigment Classification:Synthetic inorganicColour Index:Pigment White 5 ()Chemical Name:Barium sulfate/zinc sulfideChemical Formula:BaSO4&#;ZnSCAS No.-05-7EINECS No.215-715-5ASTM LightfastnessAcrylic:Not ListedOil:Not ListedWatercolor:Not Listed

Physical Properties

Zinc Sulfide (ZnS): Approx. 30%Barium Sulfate (BaSO4): Approx. 70%Colorimetric Index L*:97Sieve Residue, >45 μm:< 0.004%pH:8Hardness (Mohs):3Density:Approx. 4.36 g/mlMolar Mass:330.80 g/molSpecific Gravity:4.3Bulking Value:35.82 lbs/gal
0. gal/lbRefractive Index:1.84Oil Absorption:21.5 grams oil / 100 grams pigmentSafety Information:Based on a toxicological review, there are no acute or known chronic health hazards with the anticipated use of this product. Always protect yourself against potentially unknown chronic hazards of this and other chemical products by avoiding ingestion, excessive skin contact, and inhaling spraying mists, sanding dust, and concentrated vapors. Contact us for further information or consult the MSDS for more information.


For a detailed explanation of the terms in the table above, please visit Composition and Permanence.

Lithopone

Mixture of inorganic compounds, widely used as a white pigment powder

Chemical compound

Lithopone, C.I. Pigment White 5, is a mixture of inorganic compounds, widely used as a white pigment powder. It is composed of a mixture of barium sulfate and zinc sulfide. These insoluble compounds blend well with organic compounds and confer opacity. It was made popular by the cheap production costs, greater coverage. Related white pigments include titanium dioxide, zinc oxide ("zinc white"), zinc sulfide, and white lead.[1]

 

History

Lithopone was discovered in the s by DuPont. It was manufactured by Krebs Pigments and Chemical Company and other companies.[2] The material came in different "seals", which varied in the content of zinc sulfide. Gold seal and Bronze seals contain 40-50% zinc sulfide, offering more hiding power and strength.[3] Although its popularity peaked around , approximately 223,352 tons were produced in . It is mainly used in paints, putty, and in plastics.[1]

 

Stability and darkening

Although barium sulfate is almost completely inert, zinc sulfide degrades upon exposure to UV light, leading to darkening of the pigment. The severity of this UV reaction is dependent on a combination of two factors; how much zinc sulfide makes up the pigments formulation, and its total accumulated UV exposure. Depending on these factors the pigment itself can vary in shade over time, ranging from pure white all the way to grey or even black. To suppress this effect, a dopant may be used, such as a small amount of cobalt salts, which would be added to the formulation. This process creates cobalt-doped zinc sulfide. The cobalt salts help to stabilize zinc sulfide so it will not have as severe a reaction to UV exposure.

 

Production

Lithopone is produced by coprecipitation of barium sulfate and zinc sulfide. Most commonly coprecipitation is effected by combining equimolar amounts of zinc sulfate and barium sulfide:

BaS + ZnSO4&#; ZnS · BaSO4

This route affords a product that is 29.4 wt % ZnS and 70.6 wt % BaSO4. Variations exist, for example, more ZnS-rich materials are produced when zinc chloride is added to the mixture of zinc sulfate and barium sulfide.[1]

Barium sulfide is produced by carbothermic reduction of barium sulfate. Zinc sulfate is obtained from a variety of zinc products, often waste, by treatment with sulfuric acid.

 

Safety

Lithopone is rather nontoxic, due to the insolubility of its components. It has been used in medicine as a radiocontrast agent. Lithopone is allowed to be in contact with foodstuffs in the US and Europe.[1]

 

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