What Are Pigments?
Pigments are coloring materials that do not dissolve in water or oil. Unlike dyes, which dissolve and penetrate the fibers of materials, pigments color surfaces by adhering colored particles to them. This adhesion is typically achieved using resins, allowing pigments to color fabrics, papers, and other materials effectively.
There are two main categories of pigments: inorganic and organic. Inorganic pigments are derived from natural minerals or synthetic metal compounds. They are relatively inexpensive but offer a limited color range and lower saturation. An example of an inorganic pigment is carbon black, which consists of fine carbon particles and is widely used in inkjet printing.
Organic pigments, primarily synthetic and derived from petroleum, are more expensive but capable of reproducing colors with high saturation. These pigments are commonly used in the coloring of plastic products, where vibrant and lasting color is required.