What’s the Difference Between Dyes and Pigments? A Complete Overview

admin Mar 1, 2023

Pigments and dyes are used to add colour and texture to different polymer clays. These are available in a wide variety. Both colourants are majorly used in textiles, cosmetics, plastics, and the painting industry. These are used to make products more attractive. 

One major difference between dyes and pigments is their solubility in water. Both colourants have been used for a long time now. Dyes and pigments can be compared to sugar and sand to understand the basic solubility of the two. Another major difference between the two is the scattering of light; pigments allow the light to scatter and are opaque. At the same time, dyes don’t allow the light to scatter and are transparent.

Pigments require a binder to dissolve in water, while dyes tend to be naturally soluble. The textile and paper industry mainly uses dyes. And cosmetic, paint, ink, and plastic industries rely on pigments.

Dyes are mostly organic and are obtained from flora and fauna. Due to this, dyes are expensive and aren’t suitable for bulk use. On the other hand, pigments are chemically synthesized substances that are comparatively cheap and easy to use for a variety of purposes. Dyes and pigments mainly became popular in the 1860s, and now the properties of these colourants are altered to make them more sustainable and resistant to heat and light.

Differences in how dyes and pigments work on different surfaces.

Dyes and pigments work differently on different surfaces. Here is an easy-to-understand example. Suppose we are working with acrylic paint and a marker on paper. The permanent marker is a dye that will soak into the fibre. The acrylic paint will form a layer on the paper. This is because acrylic paint is a pigment, and they tend to add layers to the material, which is why they also tend to protect the products.

Types of Dyes and Their Uses in Different Industries

Dyes are available in a wide range these days. Different type of dyes is used in different industries. Like food industry tends to use organic dyes to add colour to food and beverages. Synthetic dyes are mainly used in the textile industry to add colour to fabrics.

Dyes are usually long-lasting and have bright colours than pigments. Some different types of dyes are:

• Fabric dyes
• Stamp Pad dyes
• Permanent marker Dyes

Characteristics and Applications of Pigments

Pigments are usually inorganic because they require a water binder. There are both types of pigments available organic pigments and inorganic pigments. But chemically synthesized pigments tend to be more long-lasting, resistant to heat, and provide a wide range of colours.

Pigments are majorly used in the cosmetic, paint, and ink industries. These are more stable than the Dyes. Pigments are also widely used for coating products and walls.

Usage and Selection of Dyes and Pigments in Different Industries.

Both the dyes and the pigments are widely used substances in several industries. With advancements in technology, multiple shades and colours are available in both substances. Choosing the right color depends on various factors like light fastness, durability, type of fabric, base, and color. Hope the above information helps you understand the difference between pigments and dyes.

Also read,

What Are Pigment Dyes? A Comprehensive Guide

Azo Dyes: Properties, Uses, and Synthesis | Comprehensive Guide

Azo Dyes: Properties, Uses, and Synthesis | Comprehensive Guide

admin Feb 27, 2023

What is an Azo Dye?

Azo dyes are organic compounds that belong to the functional group (N=N). These are one of the most critical colourants in the textile industry. Azo dyes are also known as ice or magic colours, as they need a shallow temperature. These are used for several purposes, including colouring foods, candies, cosmetics, and beverages. These are available in different forms. One of the most significant subgroups of synthetic dyes is these azo dyes. Because aromatic rings are present, these dyes are highly coloured dyes.

History of Azo Dyes

Azo Dyes have been used for the past few years. Direct Azo dyes are the easiest to apply. These direct dyes contain the chemical components that make them water soluble and can be easily absorbed by different materials. In 1884, the first Azo dye, Congo red, was used, which is now replaced by other chemically synthesized dyes that are more resistant to light and heat.

Chromium and copper are the most common metals used in these dyes. Different metals are used to alter the properties of these dyes and make them suitable for various purposes. These pocket-friendly, long-lasting, and eco-friendly dyes are the best dyes with a wide variety of choices for several industries.

Synthesis of Azo Dyes

Various reactions of Naphthylamines and Naphthols are combined to produce these dyes. These dyes are made in the following two steps:

• Synthesis of aromatic diazonium ions from an aniline derivative.
• Diazonium salt is coupled with an aromatic compound.

What are Azo Dyes used for?

Azo dyes have a variety of uses and are used by multiple industries.

• These are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for adding colour to medical types of equipment.
• These dyes play a major role in the cosmetic industry.
• The textile industry uses the Azo dyes to create different shades and add colour to different materials and fabrics.
• These can be used as complexometric indicators as these undergo a colour change in the presence of metal ions.
• Azo Dyes are used as medicine to treat insomnia.
• Thermal transfer printers also use the Azo dyes.
• Azo Dyes are great food colourants. Tartrazine is a lemon-yellow colour azo dye used to add colour to food.

Features of the Dye

• They possess a high fastness ability.

• These are used to dye the cellulosic material.
• Coupling these dyes is necessary for producing good colours. And coupling is done in an alkaline solution.
• It has admirable bright shades.
• The final colour of the dye is produced after immersing the material for a few seconds. Therefore, it has a fast application.
• These dyes are suitable for small-scale industries.
• Azo Dyes are effective and less expensive.
• The dye’s environmental impact is low, making it a safe option.
• It has a wide range of colour options.
• These dyes are insoluble in water.

These dyes are often produced by developing countries to cater to the growing demand and add variety to several market products.

What Are Pigment Dyes? A Comprehensive Guide

admin Feb 24, 2023

Understanding Pigments

Pigments are materials that provide different colours and textures to products. One of the simplest ways to understand What are pigments is by looking at the leaves. The green colour of the leaves is due to the presence of the green colour pigment. Pigments are the colourants used to add colour to various products like food, plastic, fabrics, etc.

Difference between Pigments and Dyes

One major difference between pigments and dyes is their solubility in water. Dyes are soluble in water, but pigments don’t aren’t. Also, the pigments require a blinder to help them dilute in water. Pigments absorb certain wavelengths of light and change the way light transmits through different products. The stability of pigments is great and is easily absorbed by different surfaces. 

Pigments have several uses and are majorly used in industries like cosmetics, paints, inks, and plastics. There are two types of pigments based on the formulation organic and inorganic. 

Organic Pigments

These have been used for centuries now and these are naturally occurring pigments. These pigments are made of minerals and metals that add provide colour to them.

 The strength of the colours provided using these pigments is relatively less. Organic pigments are available in limited colours and shades. They tend to become dull and fade away when exposed to heat and light.

Organic pigments are used less than inorganic pigments because these are expensive. Some synthetic organic pigments are created using coal tars and other petrochemicals. These are much safe and more eco-friendly than inorganic ones. 

These pigments are transparent and have a variety of bright colours. 

Inorganic Pigments 

These are widely used in industries due to their light fastness and wide range of shades. These are opposite to organic pigments and are prepared chemically in labs. Inorganic pigments are also known as synthetic pigments.

These are less soluble in water and are opaque. These are less expensive than organic pigments. They are best suited for plastic industries. One of the major drawbacks of using inorganic pigments is their hazardous impact on human health and the environment.

Unlike organic pigments, inorganic colourants have excellent resistance and the colour does not fade when exposed to heat and light. A wide variety of bright and pastel colours is another key aspect of using inorganic pigments. Since these are chemically created pigments, it becomes easy to alter colours and get what the manufacturer wants. 

Organic Vs Inorganic Pigments

Both the inorganic and the organic pigments are different and are used for a variety of purposes. When it comes to choosing the best pigment between the two, do check and compare their properties and consider the material these are to be used on. Here are a few things to consider before choosing the best pigment.

• Colour vibrancy
• Resilience to heat and light
• Opaqueness 

Market Trends

Both types of pigments have a large international market. The inorganic pigment market has slowed down a bit due to its harmful nature and ill impacts on the environment. If you wish to buy an eco-friendly colourant, getting organic pigments is the best choice. 

What is Dyes: Different Types Of Dyes

admin Feb 21, 2023

A dye is used to add colour to different materials. Colours have always been fascinating and a big attraction for humans. Two major types of dyes are natural and synthetic. These are used to impart colour to utensils, textiles, leather-based products, and even food items.

There are separate dyes for colouring different products. Dyes differ from pigments which are finely grounded solids like paint, ink or blended with other products. Dyes are organic compounds, unlike pigments which are inorganic compounds. 

These days, everything is available in multiple colours and textures. And this is possible due to the wide variety of dyes.

Different types of dyes are :

Basic Dyes

These dyes are synthetically produced and are insoluble in water. These are also known as cationic dyes. All the shades of these dyes are extremely bright and have a good retention period. Basic dyes are relatively cheap and are used to add colour to acrylic fibres. These have a good affinity for synthetic materials.

Vat Dyes

Vat dyes are made using different plants and are also known as indigo dyes. Vat dyeing is comparatively an expensive process. Vat dyes aren’t directly used to add colour to the substance instead a process called vatting is used when using these dyes.

These dyes are insoluble in water and are made to dissolve in water by the process of vatting. The wet fastness of the dyes is great but rubbing fastness isn’t good. Vat dyes have a very small particle size. These are available in limited shades and colours as compared to other dyes. Vat dyes are usually used by experts as it has a long dyeing process.

Direct Dyes

These are soluble in water and used to dye cellulose materials like cotton materials. Usually, dyeing is done in alkaline conditions when using these types of dyes. But all the materials dyes using this type of dye require after-treatment and care to improve the shade of the dye. Direct Dyes have great fastness properties. These dyes are extensively used in the textile industry.

Acid Dyes

These are often used for colouring the protein fibres like wool, silk, nylon, etc. These dyes are highly soluble in water. These aren’t suitable for cellulosic material. Acid dyes have a good dye fastness property and are effective for colouring leather, and medical products. These are great for the food industry too. These are also used to create inks like printer inks, ball pens, ink for markers, ink pads, etc.

Synthetic Dyes

These are man-made dyes that are produced chemically. Their colours and shades are available in a wide range. These are used in multiple industries as they are comparatively inexpensive and easy to use. It is harmful to both environment and the human body. But still, the use of these dyes is increasing day by day. These chemical compounds are soluble in water. Etp is a must-required process for using these dyes.

Reactive Dyes

Reactive Dyes are best suited for cellulose, protein, and polyamide fibres. These are easy-to-use dyes as they are available in multiple forms. These are soluble in water and have good light-fastness properties.

All the reactive dyes are available in bright colours which makes them good for the textile industry. These Reactive dyes are comparatively cheap and good for bulk use. These have a great electron arrangement and provide protection against UV rays.

Solvent Dyes

These are modern dyes and are being widely used by the upcoming textile mills. Solvent dyes are non-toxic, non-flammable, and non-corrosive dyes. These dyes are convenient to use and take less time to add colour to the fibres and polymers.

These also possess high wettability. One major drawback with these dyes is their solvents are often expensive, so bulk use is difficult. Solvent dyes are available in a wide range and are great substitutes for harmful traditional dyes.

Food Dyes

These are the artificial colours added to the foodstuff to make it attractive. Food dyes are widely used these days. They are available in various forms like pastes, liquid colours, gels, and coloured powders. These food dyes are used to restore the colour of the edible which is lost due to light, heat, and storage.

Food dyes must be used carefully as excessive food colourants can cause various health problems. Food dyes are of two types natural and artificial. Natural food dyes can increase the nutritional value of food and make it attractive. Be careful and conduct proper research before picking the right food dye.

Fertilizer Dyes

Fertilizers or agriculture; dyes are one of the most commonly used dyes. These are used to add colour to fertilizers and alter their chemical composition. One major use of fertilizer dyes is that they help farmers identify the right fertilizers.

Different colours are added to different fertilizers and differentiate the fertilizers based on their chemical composition and quality. Coloured fertilizers add colour to the soil and help identify different crops.

These dyes also improve the quality and health of seeds and help them grow better and faster. Agricultural dyes protect crops from pesticides and fungi by forming a protective layer over the crops.

Seed Coloring dyes

Seed colouring dye is used to add colour to the seeds which helps the farmers identify and differentiate seeds. Different types of seeds are coloured differently. Seed colouring is a traditional practice that is used to protect the seeds and facilitate plant growth.

Big seed brands have also adopted this method to make their seeds recognizable. Seed colouring is a great way to prevent the seeds from being damaged and differentiate them. Various seed dyes are available these days, try choosing a safe dye as this can impact the growth of the plants and crops.

All the above-listed dyes are some of the different types of dyes used for a variety of purposes. All of them have their pros and cons. One must choose the most suitable dye for them depending on the type of product and use. 

Analysis Of The Dyes And Pigments Market Of India

admin Feb 16, 2023

The dyes and pigments market was valued at approximately USD 33030 million in 2020, and it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of more than 4% during the forecast period (2021-2026).

COVID-19 had critical repercussions on the market. As a result of the pandemic simulation, several countries went into lockdown, causing outages and shutdowns. This had a major implication for a variety of industries, including paints and coatings, textiles, and others. However, conditions are intended to elevate in 2020, reclaiming the market’s growth trajectory studied during the forecast period.

• Rising costs from Asia-Pacific paints and coatings industries, as well as rising demand from the textile industry, are anticipated to propel the market in the medium term.
• On the other hand, the detrimental effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the market, as well as environmental considerations about the use of dyes and pigments, are impeding market growth.
• The Asia-Pacific region is expected to drive the global market, with countries such as China and India consuming the most.

Trends in the Market

• Dncreasing Paints and Coatings Demand. Paints and coatings have the largest market share and are expected to be the largest and fastest-growing end-user industry.
• Decorative and architectural coatings use most pigments in their manufacturing. As a result, rising construction and infrastructure activities in Asia-Pacific are cruising the dye and pigment market.
• Furthermore, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects in the domestic construction sector have been increasing.
• In India, the shrewd urban objective is a major government project that will establish more than 100 smart cities across the country in order to attain urban sprawl. The smart cities mission has been allocated INR 6,450 crore in the 2021-22 budget, up from INR 3,400 crore in the revised estimates for 2020-21.
• In Germany, rising migration has boosted the country’s prevailing demand for new residential construction. Around 3.6 million migrants are set to reach Germany by the end of 2020-2021, necessitating the construction of at least 350,000 new dwellings per year.
• Until 2019, the paints and coatings industry had been constantly developing. Regrettably, due to the pandemic situation, there has been a drop in the manufacturing of paints and coatings in 2020 as a result of the global construction industry stagnation. However, the situation is believed to have improved in 2021, stabilising the market’s pace of growth.

“During the forecast period, all of the pertinent parameters are anticipated to propel the market.”