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Cement pigments are mostly mineral-based substances with intense coloration used in concrete and cement-based composites for change of color. They combine durability, shade variation, and versatility, enabling architectural and landscaping applications. Generally, these pigments come in two types, organic and inorganic pigments. The following is a breakdown of the two types:
These universal pigments comprise minerals and metal oxides, providing structural strength, fade resistance, and weather resistance. Thus, their durability makes them suitable for external applications. Common inorganic pigments include:
Despite the quality and variety of colors, organic pigments are less durable. Their deterioration rate is quite high when exposed to natural elements. Nonetheless, these pigments are still used due to their intensity. Some of the organic pigment examples include:
Cement pigments are employed in achieving desirable concrete colors for sustainability and durability purposes. A variety of factors play a significant role in influencing the choice of pigment.
Usually, the quality of organic pigments is lower than that of inorganic pigments. This is due to the inorganic pigments' valuable materials used in their manufacture, such as metallic minerals, which provide more durability. Also, the quality of the pigments affects their weathering resistance, opacity, and chroma; hence, a more quality pigment means no fading and less material needed for application.
The concentration of pigment matters when it comes to the intensity of the color. It's critically important to consider the type of cement used. Portland cement requires 1% to 4% cement pigment concentration, while the concentration in blended cements is about 1% to 2%. Higher concentrations in white cement may be necessary for vivid colors. Nonetheless, this leads to increased mixture cost. Therefore, to achieve the go-to ideal concentration with less expenditure, extensive research is needed.
The tessellation of a pigment is significantly impacted by the cement it is mixed with. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) incorporates the maximum amount of pigment, hence ideal for all-purpose mixtures. The pigment amount in blended cements, though lower, also mixes well depending on the blend ratio and cement type. The most challenging when it comes to pigment mixture are white cements. Despite providing the most vivid colors, it limits the amount of pigment that can be incorporated. Therefore, a pigment and cement compatibility check are required before undertaking a mixture.
The particle size of pigments typically ranges from 0.01 to 30 micrometers. This means, the smaller the particle size, the more surface area is available for interaction, hence a greater possibility of the pigment to achieve a color effect. Small-sized pigments provide a more uniform color in the mixture. Conversely, those with large particle sizes cause segregation in the mixture, resulting in spots of lighter and darker shades on the surface. Pigment selection is significant to achieve a uniform color and quality cement.
The type of cement used significantly impacts the outcome obtained from the mixture. White Cement is the best option for achieving bright colors. It comes with a low-level incorporation of iron oxide, as opposed to Portland, which would dull the color. The color intensity is also increased by using Portland cement in larger quantities. However, it requires a well-graded aggregate to minimize the potential of segregation. Whatever the cement type, ensure it has a smooth texture for ease of mixing pigments and achieving a uniform color.
Cement pigments come with various features that enable them to perform their function efficiently. These features include:
Color pigments’ principal functionality is to provide an aesthetic effect on the cement. The functional elements are the key factors that improve the material’s quality and adhesion. Surface appearance improvement of the cement is achieved by utilizing pigments. The improvement of cement's mechanical performance is an effect triggered by the pigments, thanks to their particle size and nature.
Besides color application, pigments affect the textural quality of cement. This happens because pigments widely vary in particle sizes, affecting the overall texture. Large pigments will create a rough surface, conservative small ones will leave a smooth surface once the cement dries.
Saturation defines the pigment's capability of a cement to hold color. A higher saturation level leads to the cement holding more color. Pigments with high saturation bring forth more intense and deeper colors in a cement mixture.
Grout cement pigments are special pigments used for coloring grout. Grout is mainly a mixture of water, cement, and sand or aggregate, which is used to fill the gaps in between the tiles. These pigments are used in the cement mixture to achieve the desired color that will compliment the tiles and achieve the overall aesthetic. The pigments come in different colors, depending on the user's preference, which is mainly black, white, or blue.
The cost of cement pigments differs based on various factors, with the principal factor being the source of the pigment. Organic pigments are cheaper than inorganic pigments due to their extraction process. Nevertheless, the benefits and durability inorganic pigments provide outweigh their costs. Moreover, the type of cement used, pigment quantity, and amount also affect cost.
The use of pigments on a material is a technical procedure, reasonably preserving the quality of the material. Pigments can be blended in cement for best results, be it Portland or pre-cast concrete. Some of the practices of using pigments include:
Pigments in precast concrete are added during the mixing process to achieve a uniform distribution of color throughout the material. The color is incorporated into the water and cement mixture before the aggregate is added. This allows the pigment to disperse evenly. The amount of pigment added depends on the desired shade and the size of the batch being mixed.
To achieve the right amount of pigment in colored cement, a concrete mixture is prepared wherein the pigment is evenly mixed throughout the batch. This ensures uniformity in the batch and minimizes segregation. The amount of pigment used is proportional to the amount of water and cement. This means the more the pigment, the better the color saturation provided.
Pigments for cement originated from natural sources, such as plant extracts and carbonized bones, before synthetic methods were discovered. These are cheaper alternatives to natural pigments. While they provide an effective means of colorization, they consume a greater amount due to low saturation. Nonetheless, their effectiveness is easy to achieve by mixing the synthetic pigment with a reasonable quantity.
The use of natural pigments dates back to ancient times, as they were easy to acquire. The most resourceful among them, black pigment, was gotten from the carbonized bones of animals, while the yellow, red, and brown pigments were obtained from earth materials, such as ochre and hematite. These pigments, though ancient, provide the best-saturated color. 5% to 10% of the natural colorant liters pigment ratio to cement will suffice.
Ensuring pigments are properly blended in the mix waste prevents segregation. This helps in maintaining a uniform color throughout.
Cement pigments hold a practical and aesthetic value that enhances the mundane cement. Below are some of the benefits offered:
Grout cement pigments' principal advantage is achieving the aesthetic value that the color provides. These pigments blend with the cement to provide a variety of shades from white, black, gray, blue, and many more. Depending on the manufacturer's discretion or a user's request, these pigments come in various colors, allowing one to achieve an effect that will remarkably enhance the overall appearance. The pigments allow incorporation of colors in cement that would otherwise be unattainable.
Portland cement with pigments incorporated provides a more aesthetic and natural appearance, which would otherwise require overlay or coating, hence a more cost-effective way of achieving beauty.
Thanks to the extensive development of pigment technology, it is easier now to fine-tune the pigment to meet desired architectural and structural requirements. New mixtures aimed at enhancing the acid resistance of pigments or those that lead to increased structural performance observed in polymeric grouts are among the developments.
When executed properly, pigments achieve a more consistent color across the cement surface. This adds to the aesthetic appeal. Moreover, the carefully selected pigment amount does not affect the drying time or curing.
Pigments mixed with cement can be used in various applications, ranging from construction, landscaping, artworks, and masonry, to providing an aesthetic value. With grout cement pigment, for instance, one can achieve a vast variety of colors, such as gray, black, and blue, depending on the user's preference and how they will harmonize with the overall outlook.
Cement pigments use organic materials that are environmentally friendly. They pose no threat to the environment and are easily disposable. The primary constituents of the natural pigments are the earth materials that are eco-friendly and non-toxic to the environment. Henceforth, even though the pigments might be less effective, the fact that they are eco-friendly poses no threat to the environment.
A1: A pigment is a material responsible for the color of cement. Cement pigments allow the material to achieve extensive color variations.
A2: Natural pigments are carbon, plant extracts, or minerals, while synthetic pigments are inorganic and organic compounds.
A3: The principal purpose of pigmentation is the color it provides. Nevertheless, it improves the textural quality and aesthetic of cement.
A4: Light-colored cements reflect sunlight, while dark portlands absorb heat. This means cement's color significantly affects the temperature.
