Ancient Egyptian Blue (CaCuSi4O10) Pigment by Modern Solution Combustion Synthesis Method

Abstract

<p class="Default"> </p><p class="Default"> The Egyptian blue pigment, CaCuSi<sub>4</sub>O<sub>10</sub>, has been used in ancient Egypt from 3000 BC. This pigment consists of CaCuSi<sub>4</sub>O<sub>10</sub> with variable amounts of wollastonite</p><p>(CaSiO<sub>3</sub>), high amount of Cu oxides, cuprite (Cu<sub>2</sub>O) or tenorite (CuO). It was prepared by melting the high percentage of copper in association with lime and desert sand in the Ancient time. In this work Egyptian blue was produced by solution combustion synthesis (SCS) in homogeneous aqueous solution of composition: cupper and calcium nitrates, sodium silicate and urea. This method permits chemically stable Egyptian blue fast and economic production. The Egyptian blue composition and structure obtained after SCS and calcination were studied by XRD, FTIR and SEM/EDX analysis. Crystallite size and crystal lattice parameters were calculated. An increase in combustion temperature during SHS and calcinations temperature influence Egyptian blue yield and crystallite size, slightly influence parameters of crystal lattice.</p>