Pigment Particles Research Articles

(Keynote) Leaching of Inhibitor Particles Followed By 4D X-Ray Tomography

Coil-coated zinc-alloy steel is a widely used commodity from white-goods manufacture to architectural claddings. Corrosion protection is generally provided to the substrate, and to any exposed cut edges, by a primer coating using an inhibitive pigme that, conventionally, consists of strontium chromate. However, chromate-free formulations containing phosphate-type pigments are now preferred. A common primer formulation contains strontium aluminium polyphosphate (SAPP) and, in previous work, it has been determined that the solubility of such inhibitors has two conflicting effects. On the one hand, free ions released from the inhibitor migrate to the metal substrate and reduce/inhibit corrosion by formation of a thin precipitated salt film containing zinc, phosphorous and oxygen. On the other hand, the dissolution of the inhibitor results in an increased porosity in the coatings, consequently creating more obvious pathways for aggressive species to reach the metal surface and for the transport of corrosion products. Further, insoluble corrosion products, or precipitated inhibitive salt films, in some cases appear to fill the cavities left by the dissolution of the SAPP inhibitor and, consequently, provide potentially improved barrier protection to the metal substrate. In the present study the leaching behaviour of nano- to micron scale corrosion inhibitor pigment, of strontium aluminium polyphosphate from a polymer coating was followed over 14 days by 4D x-ray nano tomography. It is apparent that SAPP is not a homogeneous material and contains both strontium-rich components, which leach extensively, and aluminium-rich components, which are more resistant to dissolution. Through the investigation of individual pigment particles and their 3D spatial connections in the polymer matrix, the transport routes of the leaching particles in the polymer matrix may be explored. The figure shows the evolution of an organic coating pigmented with SAPP corrosion inhibitor over the course of immersion in sodium chloride solution: (a) before immersion; (b) after immersion for 1 day; (c) after immersion for 7 days; (d) after immersion for 14 days. The oval regions highlight the dissolution of strontium-rich particles while the square region highlight the aluminium-rich components of the SAP. Figure 1

Influence of surface modified ilmenite/melamine formaldehyde composite on the anti-corrosion and mechanical properties of conventional polyamine cured epoxy for internal coating of gas and oil transmission pipelines

Abstract To support the corrosion protection behavior and mechanical performance properties of conventional epoxy utilized for internal coating of gas and oil transmission pipelines, the present approach was performed to prepare different high build epoxy coating formulations modified using various amounts of processed ilmenite/melamine formaldehyde composite (IMFC) cured by poly amine hardener. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was implemented to assure the phase identification of the crystalline ilmenite particles. Dynamic light scattering measurements were accomplished to measure the particle size distribution of micro-sized ilmenite particles. The lamellar shape of the prepared ilmenite pigment particles (FeTiO 3 ) was illustrated by transmission electron microscope (TEM) investigation. Flaky-like nature and the arrangement in overlapping plates of ilmenite particles were confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) technique. Energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDX) was performed to ensure the elemental composition of ilmenite pigment particles. FTIR characteristic spectra for melamine formaldehyde resin, ilmenite/melamine formaldehyde composite (IMFC), conventional polyamine cured epoxy and polyamine cured ilmenite/melamine formaldehyde epoxy composite were done. The anti-corrosion performance properties of the considered IMFC epoxy coating formulations against unmodified blank conventional epoxy were studied by accelerated corrosion experiment (salt spray chamber) after 500 h exposure in 5% NaCl solution. The obtained results revealed a significant improvement in the rust grade, blistering size, color tolerance and adhesion strength of IMFC modified epoxy coated steel films with increasing the loading level (%) by weight of the nanocomposite modifier in the coating film. To confirm the previous concept, mass loss method was performed. The mechanical performance properties of these films were investigated by adhesion pull-off, bend, impact and abrasion coating tests to confirm their application efficiency. From the recorded results, the adhesion properties, elongation character, resistance to rapid deformation and film stiffness of these coatings increased significantly with increasing the amount of IMFC modifier.

Microplastics in eviscerated flesh and excised organs of dried fish

There is a paucity of information about the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in edible fish tissues. Here, we investigated the potential presence of MPs in the excised organs (viscera and gills) and eviscerated flesh (whole fish excluding the viscera and gills) of four commonly consumed dried fish species (n = 30 per species). The MP chemical composition was then determined using micro-Raman spectroscopy and elemental analysis with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Out of 61 isolated particles, 59.0% were plastic polymers, 21.3% were pigment particles, 6.55% were non-plastic items (i.e. cellulose or actinolite), while 13.1% remained unidentified. The level of heavy metals on MPs or pigment particles were below the detection limit. Surprisingly, in two species, the eviscerated flesh contained higher MP loads than the excised organs, which highlights that evisceration does not necessarily eliminate the risk of MP intake by consumers. Future studies are encouraged to quantify anthropogenic particle loads in edible fish tissues.

Influence of ilmenite ore particles as pigment on the anticorrosion and mechanical performance properties of polyamine cured epoxy for internal coating of gas transmission pipelines

In the present work, Different high build epoxy coating formulations cured by polyamine hardener were modified by incorporation various concentrations (50, 75 and 100%) of processed micro-sized ilmenite ore (FeTiO3) as pigment to replace all inorganic solids content to form a highly cross linked ilmenite epoxy adduct in three dimensional network. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was implemented to assure the phase identification of the crystalline ilmenite particles. Dielectric light scattering measurements were accomplished to measure the particle size distribution of micro-sized ilmenite particles. The lamellar shape of the prepared ilmenite pigment particles (FeTiO3) was illustrated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigation. Flaky-like nature and the arrangement in overlapping plates of ilmenite particles were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. The anticorrosion behavior of the considered ilmenite epoxy coating formulations against unmodified blank coating were studied by accelerated corrosion experiment (salt spray chamber) after 500h exposure in 5% NaCl solution. To confirm the previous concept, the electrochemical behavior of cured ilmenite epoxy coated steel films against unmodified epoxy in oil-wells formation water has been studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) investigation. The mechanical performance properties for these films were investigated via adhesion pull-off, bend and impact coating tests to confirm their application efficiency. From the recorded results it was found that, the inhibition effect of various coating formulations was attributed to the flaky-like character of dispersed ilmenite particles which aligned parallel to the steel surface through the epoxy base matrix producing a shield of overlapping plates. This alignment enhanced protection by providing a protective barrier, increasing the film reinforcement and enhancing the inter-coat adhesion.

SEM/EDS and optical microscopy analyses of microplastics in ocean trawl and fish guts

Microplastic particles from Atlantic and Pacific Ocean trawls, lab-fed fish guts and ocean fish guts have been characterized using optical microscopy and SEM/EDS in terms of size, morphology, and chemistry. We assessed whether these measurements could serve as a rapid screening process for subsequent identification of the likely microplastic candidates by micro-spectroscopy. Optical microscopy enabled morphological classification of the types of particles or fibers present in the sample, as well as the quantification of particle size ranges and fiber lengths. SEM/EDS analysis was used to rule out non-plastic particles and screen the prepared samples for potential microplastic, based on their element signatures and surface characteristics. Chlorinated plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) could be easily identified with SEM/EDS due to their unique elemental signatures including chlorine, as could mineral species that are falsely identified as plastics by optical microscopy. Particle morphology determined by optical microscopy and SEM suggests the fish ingested particles contained both degradation fragments from larger plastic pieces and also manufactured microplastics. SEM images of microplastic particle surfaces revealed characteristic cracks consistent with environmental exposure, as well as pigment particles consistent with manufactured materials. Most of the microplastic surfaces in the fish guts and ocean trawls were covered with biofilms, radiolarians, and crustaceans. Many of the fish stomachs contained micro-shell pieces which visually resembled microplastics.

Protection Mechanism of Al-Rich Epoxy Primer on Aluminum Alloy 2024-T3

The active aluminum-rich primer (AlRP) was invented and developed at NAVAIR to sacrificially protect aluminum alloys and steels from corrosion. The Al pigments (Al-Zn-In) in AlRP were fabricated from a sacrificial anode alloy, which has a lower open-circuit potential than common aluminum alloys. However, initial results indicated that AlRP undergoes severe self-corrosion. Therefore, the Al pigments were pretreated in a trivalent chromium passivation (TCP) bath to reduce the self-corrosion rate. The objectives of this study are to understand the anti-corrosion properties of AlRP on aluminum alloy 2024-T3 substrate and to evaluate the effect of TCP treatment on the Al pigment particles. The polarization curves of AA2024-T3 and active aluminum alloy (Al-Zn-In) show that TCP-treated active aluminum alloy has lower corrosion potential than AA2024-T3 and thus would sacrificially protect it. The AlRPs were exposed in an accelerated exposure test, GMW14872. Exposed samples were then examined using scanning electr...

Reflective properties of hollow microspheres in cool roof coatings

Hollow ultra-low-density thermoplastic microspheres can be used as filler in elastic waterproof coatings to improve a number of important properties of the coatings. The hollow microspheres help reflect solar radiation and reduce the temperature in cool roof coatings. This can improve the indoor climate of buildings without air conditioning, or save energy by reducing the need for air conditioning. The mechanism for the reflection is described in this paper and is compared with the mechanism for reflection by pigment particles like titanium dioxide (TiO2). Results from solar reflection measurements show that the coating system filled with hollow microspheres reflects solar radiation of all incoming wavelengths, which is different from how TiO2 reflects light. The number of reflecting units is still important for the total solar reflection and suggests that the average size of the microspheres should be as small as possible. Like most other fillers, hollow low-density thermoplastic microspheres can be used in combination with pigments.

Nanoporous kaolin—cellulose nanofibril composites for printed electronics

Cellulose nano- and microfibrils (CNF/CMF) grades vary significantly based on the raw materials and process treatments used. In this study four different CNF/CMF grades were combined with kaolin clay pigment particles to form nanoporous composites. The attained composite properties like porosity, surface smoothness, mechanical properties and density properties depended strongly on the raw materials used. In general, higher kaolin content (∼80 wt%) led to controllable shrinkage during drying, which resulted in improved dimensional stability of composites, compared to a lower kaolin content (∼50 wt%). On the other hand, the use of a plasticizer and a high amount of CNF/CMF was essential to produce adequate elasticity for the composites. The performance of transistors when fabricated on the nanoporous composites was strongly dependent on the raw materials used. The formation of the semiconductor layer was affected by the porosity, roughness, hydrophobicity, polarity and absorption properties of the top-most layer at the composite. The developed natural fiber-based substrates may be applied to novel value-added applications in intelligent products, such as sensors and simple displays.

Influence of vehicle on historical pigments colour

AbstractThe colour of a paint layer is determined by the pigments mixed with a vehicle and painted on a support. According to their chemical nature, the vehicles are substances that, after drying or hardening, produce an uniform and homogeneous layer. With the aim of quantifying the influence of the medium on the specification of the painting colour, we realized samples of paintings. We considered pigments and dyes of the artist's hues using the vehicles typical of ancient times: oils (especially linseed and poppy oils), casein and egg yolk, mixed according to old recipes. Measurements were performed by reflectance spectrophotometry observing the Spectral Reflectance Factor (%SRF) trend and calculating colour changes. The colorimetric study was carried out in the CIELAB colour space related to the CIE 1964 standard observer and with the D65 illuminant. The results were evaluated also on the basis of the distribution of pigment particles on paint layers observed by scanning electron microscopy.

BASF, Landa join for new pigments

BASF and Israel’s Landa Labs have formed a partnership to bring Landa’s nanopigment technology to the automotive coatings industry. Landa developed the technology for the printing industry. Now, BASF seeks to bring the process to auto coatings, where it says smaller pigment particles will disperse easily and create paints with higher intensity.

Expression changes of transforming growth factor-β1 and fibronectin in bovine trabecular meshwork cells cultured by iris pigment particles

Background Pigmentary glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma are characterized by pigment dispersion in trabecular meshwork, and the dipersitional pigment probably contributes to the resistance of aqueous outflow pathway, irreversible damage of the trabecular meshwork and the remodeling abnormality of extracellular matrix.Researches determined that contents of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in the aqueous humor are increased in glaucomatous eyes.However, the effects of TGF-β and fibronectin (FN) in the trabecular meshwork cells (TMCs) acted by iris pigmentary particles still are not elucidated. Objective This study was to investigate the effects of iris pigment particles on TGF-β1 and FN expression in bovine TMCs (BTMCs) cultured in vitro. Methods BTMCs were cultured in vitro by explant culture method and identified by morphological evaluation.The third generation of BTMCs were divided into normal control group and pigment group, and 100 μl PBS and 100 μl iris pigment suspension (final concentration of 1×107 particles/ml) were added into the medium for 24 hours, respectively.The expressions of TGF-β1 mRNA, FN mRNA and their proteins in the BTMCs were assayed by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and ELISA, respectively. Results Cultured cells grew well and showed the fusiform, polygon and dendritic like in shape, with pigmented and round nuclei.The relative expression levels of TGF-β1 mRNA and FN mRNA in the cells were 2.98±0.27 and 0.36±0.10 in the iris pigment group, which were significantly higher than 1.00±0.00 and 1.00±0.00 in the normal control group (t=12.68, 10.60, both at P=0.00). The concentrations of TGF-β1 protein and FN protein in the cell suspension were (156.60±9.74)ng/L and (59.29±15.79)mg/ml in the iris pigment group, showing significant differences in comparison with (65.46±14.24)ng/L and (102.10±12.14)mg/ml in the normal control group (t=9.15, P=0.00; t=3.72, P=0.02). Conclusions The expression of TGF-β1 is up-regulated and that of FN is down-regulated in BTMCs cultured by iris pigment, inferring that TGF-β1 and FN participate in the pathogenesis and development of pigmentary and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. Key words: Glaucoma; Gene expression regulation; Iris/metabolism; Melanins/metabolism; Trabecular meshwork/metabolism; Transforming growth factor beta1/metabolism; Fibronectin; Cells, cultured

Functionalized pink Al2O3:Mn pigments applied in prosthetic dentistry

Statement of problemThe color of dental poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is conventionally rendered by organic and inorganic pigments, which are usually not bonded to the polymer network. Functionalized ceramic pigments can be used to color PMMA, allowing improved chemical interaction with the resin matrix. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to synthesize, functionalize, and characterize pink manganese-doped alumina ceramic pigments. The hypothesis tested was that functionalized ceramic pigments would render pink coloration to a translucent PMMA without jeopardizing its mechanical properties. Material and methodsPink alumina powders doped with 1 or 2 mol% of manganese (Al2O3:Mn) were prepared by means of a polymeric precursor method. Pigment (Pig.) particles were functionalized with a silica coating method followed by silanation before preparation of PMMA-based composite resins (5 wt% pigment). The color of composite resins (Pig.1% and Pig.2%) and PMMA controls (Pink and translucent [Trans]) was evaluated (CIELab color coordinates), and their mechanical properties were tested (3-point bending). ResultsThe microstructure of the pigment particles showed approximately 55-nm nanocrystals of manganese-doped α-alumina clustered into irregular porous particles up to 60 μm. The composite resins and pink PMMA showed similar color parameters (CIE a* pink=20.1, Pig.1%=14.6, Pig.2%=16.0, Trans=0.19, P<.001; CIE b* Pink=17.0, Pig.1%=18.6, Pig.2%=19.0, Trans=2.52, P<.001). No statistical differences were observed in mechanical properties among groups (σf pink=98.4, Pig.1%=98.1, Pig.2%=98.8, trans=89.1, P=.136). ConclusionsThe addition of the functionalized pink ceramic pigments to a translucent PMMA yielded similar coloration to that of the regular pink PMMA used in dentistry and did not jeopardize its mechanical properties.

Coloring the Aluminum Surface with Dye Emulsions and Pigment Colloids in Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation

Coatings of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) can be colored during its oxide growth through electrophoretic deposition, with an electrolyte containing dye emulsion or pigment colloid. We perform the coloration in two steps; growing a white barrier layer first, then depositing the colorful layer. Despite the strong similarities in processing, addition of dye or pigment results in different effects on the electrolytic system. The dye emulsion increases the system impedance and reduces the positive current. Conversely, the pigment plus surfactant increase the positive current, since the negatively charged pigment particles enhances the electrolyte conductivity. Often the enhancement effect is so large that we have to operate PEO in the constant current mode.

The application of LA-ICP-MS, EPMA and Raman micro-spectroscopy methods in the study of Iron Age Phoenician Bichrome pottery at Tel Dor

Microanalyses methods by LA-ICP-MS, EPMA (SEM, WDS and EDS) and Raman micro-spectroscopy were applied in analyses of the black and the red decorations and the ceramic-body of an Iron Age Phoenician Bichrome pottery at Tel Dor on the Carmel coast of Israel. The current study aimed to identify the technology utilized in the Bichrome decoration in Phoenician workshops. Chemical analyses with LA-ICP-MS and EPMA (WDS and EDS) demonstrate that the black decoration contains Fe2O3 and MnO, whereas the red decoration consists of Fe2O3 but is poor in MnO. These compositions are in accordance with the use of ferromanganese and ferruginous based pigments for the black and the red decorations, respectively. The ceramic-body is calcareous and consists of SiO2 and Al2O3 of the fired-clay and CaO of calcite. EPMA-SEM images of the pigment layers show fragmented microstructures in which small pigment particles are coated on the ceramic-body substrate. EPMA-WDS elemental maps of the painted decorations illustrate non-homogeneous distribution patterns of Fe2O3, MnO, which are in accordance with the fragmented microstructures. The results reveal the use of the manganese based technique in the black decoration of the Bichrome pottery in Phoenician workshops. With this technique, painting with both ferromanganese pigment and with ferruginous pigment facilitates simultaneous black and red decorations of the Bichrome pottery through a single firing in an oxidizing atmosphere. The identification of hematite in the painted decorations by Raman micro-spectroscopy confirms firing of the Bichrome pottery in an oxidizing atmosphere.

A novel strategy for realising environmentally friendly pigment foam dyeing using polyoxyethylene ether surfactant C14EO5 as a foam controller

Development of an environmentally friendly pigment dyeing process with excellent colour depth and levelness is an effective strategy for solving pollution problems in traditional dyeing. A functional polyoxyethylene ether nonionic surfactant, tetradecyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether with an EO chain length of 5 (C14EO5), was used as a foam controller, namely a foaming agent and foam stabiliser, in the pigment foam dyeing process. The foamability and the foam stability of C14EO5 were tunable by adjusting its concentration. The foaming ratio and the foam half‐life of C14EO5 were 5.22 and 32.21 min, respectively, at a concentration of 8 wt%. The addition of pigment dispersion (ranging from 1 to 6 wt%) slightly affected the foaming ratio and the foam half‐life owing to the interplay of increased viscosity and pigment particle destabilisation. After the influences of binder on foam properties of C14EO5 were investigated, the concentration of binder and the stirring time for foaming were determined as 15 wt% and 7 min respectively. Owing to the stable foaming ratio and foam half‐life of the pigment foam dyeing dispersion, the colour depth of dyed cotton fabric was tailored solely by changing the dosage of pigment dispersion. Furthermore, the dyed cotton fabric showed not only a high K/S value but also perfect colour levelness and fastness. These results demonstrate that the pigment foam dyeing process with a foam controller, C14EO5, reduces chemical and water consumptions, as well as improving the colour depth and levelness. This represents a significant step forward as regards environmentally friendly pigment dyeing.

Anticorrosive efficiency of alkyd resin-based coatings containing Mg–Zn–Fe mixed oxide-based pigments

Abstract Mixed oxide-based pigments Mg–Zn–Fe with different particle morphologies were prepared by high-temperature solid phase reactions. The core shell pigments containing ferric oxide and non-isometric particles of layered silicates were also prepared. The pigments were tested in paints, the pigment volume concentrations in the modified alkyd resin based binder being 5%, 10%, and 15%. The paint properties were examined by accelerated corrosion tests and by physico-mechanical tests. The effect of the pigment particle morphology on the surface hardness of the paint films was also studied. The influence of pigment volume concentration on the coating properties, and the optimum concentrations providing the most efficient anticorrosive protection were processed. A higher anticorrosion efficiency was observed for the paints with pigments possessing the lamellar particle shape.

Synthesis and Characterization of Nanosized Copper(II)-Phthalocyanine Pigment (PBI 15:3) with the Modified Surface. I

The research activity presented in this paper is intended to investigating of certain valuable nanosized blue pigment ( P Bl 15:3) prepared by 3-way synthesis (functionalization reactions) and conditionin(dispersing with or without encapsulation), namely obtaining stable aqueous dispersions of blue pigment with modified surface used in medium nonspecific for pigments. The techniques employed to characterize the structure and properties of blue pigment dispersions with functionalized particles compared to the original powder product were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy FT-IR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analysis (EA) and particle size distribution (the distribution and average of particle diameter).In our finding the nano-dispersions obtained contain functionalized blue pigment particles with or without encapsulation in the form of liposomes with the average diameter below 200-300 nm, representing good results.

Investigating the Photocatalytic Degradation of Oil Paint using ATR-IR and AFM-IR.

As linseed oil has a longstanding and continuing history of use as a binder in artistic paints, developing an understanding of its degradation mechanism is critical to conservation efforts. At present, little can be done to detect the early stages of oil paint deterioration due to the complex chemical composition of degrading paints. In this work, we use advanced infrared analysis techniques to investigate the UV-induced deterioration of model linseed oil paints in detail. Subdiffraction limit infrared analysis (AFM-IR) is applied to identify and map accelerated degradation in the presence of two different grades of titanium white pigment particles (rutile or anatase TiO2). Differentiation between the degradation of these two formulations demonstrates the sensitivity of this approach. The identification of characteristic peaks and transient species residing at the paint surface allows infrared absorbance peaks related to degradation deeper in the film to be extricated from conventional ATR-FTIR spectra, potentially opening up a new approach to degradation monitoring.

Fixation of cationic P (st‐BA‐AA‐GMA) emulsion on pigment particles in dyeing of cotton fabrics

ABSTRACTCationic copolymer emulsions of St, BA, AA, and GMA were successfully synthesized via semi‐continuous emulsion polymerization. The properties of synthesized cationic emulsions were characterized by monomer conversion and solid content, differential scanning calorimeter, particle size and distribution, zeta potential, and centrifugal stability. The film performance of the cationic emulsions formed on cotton fiber surface was observed by scanning electricity microscopy. The influence of cationic emulsions on the color data, K/S values and rubbing fastness of dyed cotton fabrics was also investigated. The results show that P (St‐BA‐AA‐GMA) emulsion had larger particle size and higher zeta potential than P (St‐BA‐AA) emulsion. When the films were formed at room temperature, P (St‐BA‐AA‐GMA) emulsion film had better performance than P (St‐BA‐AA) emulsion film. The addition of GMA monomers improved the film performance. P (St‐BA‐AA‐GMA) emulsion films formed at 120 °C after acetic acid solution treatment had the best water resistance. Dyed cotton fabrics pretreated with P (St‐BA‐AA‐GMA) emulsion had better pigment dyeing performance than those pretreated with P (St‐BA‐AA) emulsion. It demonstrates that the addition of GMA monomers further improved the effect of pigment dyeing for cotton fabrics with cationic emulsions as binders. With the increase of P (St‐BA‐AA‐GMA) concentration, the color performance of dye fabrics improved while the rubbing fastness decreased a little. But, the handle and fastness still meets the use standards for consumers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44987.

Controllable generation and manipulation of micro-bubbles in water with absorptive colloid particles by CW laser radiation.

Micrometer-sized vapor-gas bubbles are formed due to local heating of a water suspension containing absorptive pigment particles of 100 nm diameter. The heating is performed by CW near-infrared (980 nm) laser radiation with controllable power, focused into a 100 μm spot within a 2 mm suspension layer. By changing the laser power, four regimes are realized: (1) bubble generation; (2) stable growth of the existing bubbles; (3) stationary existence of the bubbles and (4) the bubbles' shrinkage and collapse. This behavior is interpreted based on the temperature conditions. The generation and evolution of single bubbles and ensembles of bubbles with controllable sizes and numbers is demonstrated. The bubbles are grouped within the laser-illuminated region and form quasi-ordered structures. They can easily be moved and transported controlled by the focal spot. The results are useful for applications associated with the precise manipulation, sorting and specific delivery in nano- and micro-engineering problems.