Abstract:
Two types of pigments suitable for colouring ceramic materials were investigated structurally and spectroscopically. The two types of pigments investigated were firstly yttrium/tin (Y 2Sn20 7) and yttrium/titanium (Y2Ti2O7) pyrochlores doped with calcium and vanadium, and secondly, malayaite (CaSnSiO5 - and related compounds) doped with chromium and cobalt. The synthesis techniques of the two types of pigments were investigated and optimised based on a two-fold approach; the physical and asthetic properties of the pigments and the economic implication of the synthesis techniques. The structures of the host materials of both pigment types were investigated using the following sophisticated techniques. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and electronic spectroscopy. The chemical state of the dopants and their structure in relation to their host materials were investigated spectroscopically using Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and electronic spectroscopy.
