Synthesis, through pyrolysis of aerosols, of YIn1−xMnxO3 blue pigments and their efficiency for colouring glazes

Mn-doped YInO3 blue pigments have been synthesised at a much lower temperature (1100 °C) than that required by the traditional solid state method (1400 °C). The developed procedure, which is based on the pyrolysis at 600 °C of aerosols generated from aqueous solutions of Y, In and Mn nitrates followed by an annealing treatment at 1100 °C, yields spherical pigments particles with heterogeneous size in the optimum range required for ceramic applications (<10 μm). The amount of Mn introduced in the YInO3 matrix has been systematically varied in order to evaluate the effects of the Mn content on the colour properties of the pigments. It has been found that the optimum pigment composition (bluer colour with the lowest Mn content) is given by the formula YIn0.90Mn0.10O3. The technological performance of these YIn1−xMnxO3 blue pigments has also been evaluated by testing their efficiency for colouring ceramic glazes of different composition (boracic and plumbic) and properties, aiming to find a less toxic alternative for the Co-based pigments commonly used by the ceramic industry.

► Novel Mn-doped YInO3 blue pigments can be used as a less toxic alternative for the blue Co-based ceramic pigments.
► They are suitable for colouring glazes in low-temperature processes (third-fire).
► Spray pyrolysis allows the synthesis of this system at much lower temperature than the traditional solid state method.
► Spray pyrolysis yields spherical pigment particles with potential applications in ceramic decoration by ink-jet technologies.