Ceramic pigments are substances that develop color in inorganic solids (ceramic or glass) into which are capable of dispersing themselves at high processing temperatures without dissolution or chemical reaction. Copper oxides give rise to green pigments that undergo thermal decomposition at relatively low temperatures (about 900 ºC) and the addition of other ions in its composition may improve its stability and applicability to ceramic tiles fired at higher temperatures. The present work had the objective of synthesizing by chemical precipitation (or co-precipitation) pure and mixed oxides of copper and manganese for decorating ceramic tiles. For that purpose, 5 to 10wt.% of the ceramic pigment has been mixed to glass frit powder made by using feldspar from Seridó (the border region between Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte, Brazilian States). The resultant slip was applied on the surface of dense alumina plates and fired at different temperatures. The colors of the coating have been evaluated by using a colorimeter and the result varied with the pigment composition and firing temperature. It was found that coating with pure pigments gave a lighter shade while the coating containing mixed oxides of copper and manganese acquired a darker color.
precipitation; pigment; ceramic
