Preparation and evaluation of nanosized mixed calcium iron oxide (CaFe2O4) as high heat resistant pigment in paints

Abstract

Purpose– The purpose of this paper was to prepare and evaluate a nanosized mixed calcium iron oxide as a high heat-resistant pigment. Heat-resistant pigments can be defined as chemical substances that impart color to a substrate or binder and retain their color and finish at elevated temperatures. Mixed metal oxides have been widely used as pigments in coating formulations.Design/methodology/approach– This work presents synthesis of nanosized calcium iron oxide as an inorganic pigment by using simple synthesis technique, namely, solid-state calcination method, to study its heat and corrosion resistance. The prepared pigment was characterized by using X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and inductive coupling plasma. It was incorporated into paint formulations, and the heat, corrosion and mechanical resistance of dry paint film was evaluated.Findings– In this work, the prepared calcium iron oxide pigment showed excellent heat and corrosion resistance.Research limitations/implications– Heat-resistant coatings are required for industrial applications, mainly for reactors, exhaust pipes, space craft, stacks and similar equipments that are permanently and occasionally exposed to elevated temperatures. It was previously quite difficult to formulate heat-resistant organic coatings because of binder deficiencies; new vehicles for such applications are now available. Thus, the development of silicon resins has markedly advanced the utility of heat-resistant paints. High-temperature pigments are inorganic chemical compounds that impart and retain their color and finish to a substrate or binder at elevated temperatures.Practical implications– The nanosized mixed calcium iron oxide could be used as a pigment in paint formulations. It was found that it significantly enhances the heat, corrosion and mechanical resistance. It can also find numerous applications in other paint formulations for surface coating.Originality/value– The paper shows how the pigment consisting nanosized mixed calcium iron oxide could be used in heat-resistant paint formulations for coating metal surfaces.