Synthesis and characterisation of cerium doped bismuth titanate proficient UV shielding and NIR reflective reddish brown pigment by citrate autocombustion synthesis

Abstract

A new series of Bi4-xCexTi3O12 (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25)] reddish brown to dark yellow NIR reflectance pigments with UV shielding properties have been synthesised via citrate auto combustion synthesis. The doping of Ce ions tunes the colour of the bismuth titanate from ivory to reddish brown. The reddish brown Bi3.75Ce0.25Ti3O12 pigment shows NIR reflectance of around 71.79%. All the synthesized pigments shows equally proficient UV absorbance value 1.271 at 274 nm. The increasing Ce ion concentration changes the colour from darker to lighter reddish shades. This reddish brown pigment was used in thermosetting acrylic resin paint and the ability of its heat resistance was analysed. The higher thermal stability and desirable optical properties of the synthesised pigments enables them as cost effective, environmental friendly NIR reflective reddish brown cool pigments and good alternative to the toxic pigments of the same colour.