Pigments and dyes are considered as the major industrial colorants employed across industries for various purposes. The uses of these colorants in diverse industries have augmented quickly in the recent years. Despite of this, there’s a familiar confusion in distinguishing dyes from pigments. Generally, they’re assumed to be the same. However, there’s a considerable difference between dyes and pigments. Let’s have a look at the differences between pigments and dyes.

Pigments are the ground chunks of solid color which are blended up employing a mixture that attaches the colorants to the base where it should be applied. They embark inside surface irregularities, such as sanding marks and wood pores. The materials with coarse surface particles receive more pigments comparative to those with fine surface particles. This occurs because materials with fine surface particles provide less room for colorants to slot-in.

Dyes, on the opposite, soften in their solvents absolutely. For this reason, the colors of the particles of the base onto which dyes are being applied transforms completely. This provides an evidently diverse look in contrast to pigments, particularly on surfaces with fine particles. Today, dyes are accessible in a variety of different forms including dry powders, chips, liquids, granules, pastes and pellets.

Beside solubility, there’re a considerable number of limitations that can be employed to illustrate the thin line dissimilarity between pigments and dyes. Light fastness is 1 such parameter. Whilst dyes are susceptible to light beams falling over them, pigments have strong resistance to light and don’t break down upon light contact. For this reason dyes are ignitable whereas pigments are non-ignitable. In terms of dimension, dye particles are tinnier than pigment particles. Pigments and dyes are also different in terms of their durability; pigments last longer in comparison to dyes. In addition, dyes are natural elements relative to pigments which may be natural or synthesized chemically.

Due to these dissimilarities, the uses of pigments and dyes are totally different. To produce a superior and more rewarding worth for your coatings, papers, plastics and other specialties, picking the appropriate materials is very essential. If the dissimilarities and their primary importance aren’t values then many mistakes can happen while choosing the proper material, its appropriate treatment and subsequent application.

Now you understand the different between dyes and pigments – it will be easier for you to decide which industrial colors are best suited your need and select the product accordingly.


About Author:-

James Garcia is an author who writes informative articles on pigments for paint, pigments for coatings, industrial colorants, industrial colors and other topics related to aqueous pigment dispersions. For more information on you can also visit www.wcmfgr.com.