High performance inorganic pigment - nano cobalt blue powder

Nano Cobalt Blue Powder (Nano CoAl2O4) is a high-performance inorganic pigment with a spinel crystal structure. Its application efficacy is highly dependent on specific technical parameters. Below are the detailed performance data and technical specifications categorized by industry applications.

1. Core chemical properties

Chemical composition:CoAl2O4

Crystal structure: Spinel structure. This structure is very tight and stable, allowing cobalt ions to be firmly locked in the lattice.

Safety: Although cobalt salts themselves are toxic, the spinel structure formed by high-temperature calcination is extremely stable and insoluble in acids, bases, and various solvents. Therefore, it is considered an environmentally friendly and non-toxic pigment.

Parameter	Typical Value / Range	Notes
Average Particle Size (D50)	20∼80 nm	Determines transparency and tinting strength.
Specific Surface Area (SSA)	40∼90 m2/g	Affects oil absorption and dispersion difficulty.
Cobalt (Co) Content	28%∼33%	Correlates with color depth and purity.
Crystal Structure	Spinel	Ensures extreme chemical and thermal stability.
Density	4.2∼5.1 g/cm3	Used for calculating pigment volume concentration.
Oil Absorption	30∼50 g/100g	Influences the viscosity of coatings/inks.
pH Value	6.5∼8.5	Neutral; compatible with most resin systems.

2. Industry-Specific Application Data

A. Coatings & High-End Paints

Focus: Transparency, Weatherability, and DOI (Distinctness of Image).

1.Transparency: For particles with D50<50 nmD50<50 nm, a 5% loading in a film can achieve a visible light transmittance of 85% - 90%.

2.Lightfastness: Grade 8 (Highest). No visible fading after 5-10 years of outdoor exposure (ΔE<1.0ΔE<1.0).

3.Chemical Resistance: No color change after 48 hours of immersion in 5% HCl or 5% NaOH solutions.

4.Gloss Enhancement: Nano-sized pigments can increase 60° gloss values by 15% - 25% compared to micron-sized cobalt blue.

B. Engineering Plastics & Polymers

Focus: Thermal Stability and Non-Migration.

1.Heat Resistance: Stable up to 1200∘C1200∘C. Ideal for polymers requiring high processing temperatures (e.g., PA66, PC, PEEK).

2.Migration Resistance: Grade 5 (Excellent). No bleeding or blooming out of the plastic matrix.

3.Typical Loading Levels:Opaque coloring: 0.1%∼1.0%0.1%∼1.0%. Transparent tinting: 0.01%∼0.05%0.01%∼0.05%

C. Ceramic Inkjet Inks & Enamels

Focus: Particle Distribution and Sedimentation.

1.Particle Size Cut-off (D90): Usually required to be <150 nm<150 nm to prevent clogging of inkjet nozzles (nozzle diameters are typically 20∼30 μm20∼30 μm).

2.Firing Temperature: Colors remain stable during calcination in tunnel kilns at 1150∘C∼1350∘C1150∘C∼1350∘C.

3.Sedimentation Rate: In well-dispersed nano-slurries, the sedimentation layer thickness is <5%<5% after 30 days of static storage.

D. Specialty Electronics & Stealth Coatings

Focus: Dielectric Properties and Spectral Signature.

1.Electrical Conductivity: Excellent insulator with resistivity >109 Ω⋅m>109 Ω⋅m.

2.Infrared Signature: Unique absorption characteristics in the NIR (Near-Infrared) spectrum, used for anti-counterfeiting or camouflage coatings.

3. Main application areas

Special coatings: used for automotive original paint, coil coatings, high-temperature resistant coatings, camouflage coatings, etc., providing a deep and transparent blue effect.

High end engineering plastics: such as nylon (PA), polycarbonate (PC), and other resins that require high-temperature processing for coloring, without affecting the mechanical properties of the plastic.

Precision ceramics and glass: used for color filters, high-end glazes, and art glass, due to their nanoscale particle size, extremely uniform color and no graininess.

Inkjet Ink: Used for ceramic inkjet printing or high-end printing ink, with nanometer sized particles to prevent nozzle clogging.

Anti counterfeiting and electronic materials: utilizing their unique spectral characteristics for anti-counterfeiting identification

Application Requirement	Recommended D50	Critical Parameter	Suggested Dispersion Method
Transparent Inks	20∼30 nm	D90 <100 nm	Nano-bead mill (0.1 mm beads)
Automotive OEM Paint	30∼50 nm	Haze & DOI	Recirculating bead milling
Engineering Plastics	50-100nm	Initial dispersibility	Coupling agent pretreatment + Twin-screw extrusion
Heat-Resistant Coatings	300-500nm	Thermal stability	High-shear mixing + Dispersants

Summary: Nano cobalt blue powder is not just a color, it is a functional material that is weather resistant, heat-resistant, transparent, and environmentally friendly. If you are looking for a blue pigment that can withstand extreme high temperatures while also requiring transparency like a dye and lifelong colorfastness, nano cobalt blue is the only choice.