Pigment is a colored substance that is used to impart color to various materials. Pigments are typically finely dispersed solid particles that can be organic or inorganic in nature. They are insoluble in the medium in which they are used and are responsible for the coloration of paints, plastics, inks, cosmetics, textiles, and many other products.
Pigments differ from dyes, which are typically soluble and impart color through a process of molecular dissolution and dispersion. Pigments, on the other hand, provide color by reflecting and absorbing certain wavelengths of light.
Pigments can be produced from a variety of sources, such as minerals, chemical compounds, or even organic materials. They can be synthesized through chemical processes or derived from natural sources. Pigments can be manufactured in a wide range of colors and possess varying properties such as opacity, lightfastness, heat stability, and chemical resistance.
Pigments are important in various industries because they allow for customization of colors, provide durability and stability in different applications, and contribute to the visual appeal of products. They are extensively used in paints, coatings, plastics, textiles, printing inks, cosmetics, and many other fields