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Background: Flowers are not only for their ornamental, aesthetic purpose but it is a great nutritious to human diet and health. These are rich source of pigments and possess antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Few flowers are used traditionally in diet and there is huge scope to use edible flowers in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and pigment industry. But very less research has been done till date for finding proximate constituent, antioxidant activity and mineral profiling of edible annual flowers. The present work investigated the proximate constituent analysis and antioxidant activity of few annual flowers. Methods: In this laboratory analysis, different annual flowers were used for the experiment. They were Celosia cristata var. Deep Armor Purple, Celosia cristata var. Twisted Orange, Celosia cristata var. Pink, Celosia argentea var. Cristata Yellow, Celosia argentea var. Plumosa, Celosia cristata var. Bombay Pink, Gomphrena globosa, Gallardia pulchella, Tagetes erecta, Tagetes patula and Calendula officinalis. Proximate constituent analysis and antioxidant activity were performed using Association of Official Analytical Chemist (A.O.A.C) methods. Result: Among the different annual flowers, the maximum ash content (15.58%) the crude protein content (13.45%) and the crude fibre content (13.39%) were found in Gomphrena globosa flowers, whereas the minimum ash content (7.24%), the minimum crude protein (6.51%) and the minimum crude fibre content (6.63%) were reported in Calendula officinalis flowers. On the other hand, the antioxidant activity was found to be superior in the flowers of Tagetes patula (60.34%) followed by Tagetes erecta (57.99%) and the minimum antioxidant activity (43.89%) was found in flowers of Celosia cristata var. Twisted Orange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural plant pigments are safe and have low toxicity, with various nutrients and biological activities. However, the extraction, preservation, and application of pigments are limited due to the instability of natural pigments. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the extraction and application processes of natural plant pigments in detail. This review discusses the classification, extraction methods, biological activities, and modification methods that could improve the stability of various pigments from plants, providing a reference for applying natural plant pigments in the industry and the cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thearubigins (TRs) is a type of heterogeneous mixture from black tea, usually accounts for 60–70% of dry substance of black tea infusion. It is an important tea pigment for food industry and also contributes much to the sensory properties and biological activities of black tea. TRs therefore have a practical application value for the development of tea processing, natural food colorants and healthy products. The review paper summarizes the current knowledge from the perspectives of formation mechanism, chemical structure, sensory characteristics and health benefits of TRs. Through the oxidation mechanism and products of flavan-3-ols, the primary characteristics and reaction pathways of catechin, gallocatechin and galloylated catechin are profiled. Furthermore, the sensory properties and biological activities of TRs are comprehensively discussed. Gallocatechins containing vic -trihydroxy are more liable to lose protons and produce o -quinone, and subsequently condense through B–B ring to form dehydrotheasinensin, theasinensin, dehydrotheasinensin AQ in a pathway, or form bicyclo[3.2.1]octane to produce theacitrins, theacitrinins and proepitheaflagallin in another pathway. Furthermore, the oxidation of a couple of catechol- and pyrogallol-type catechins produce theaflavins (TFs), theanaphthoquinone and theanaphththeaflavins. Catechin can undergo nucleophilic reaction to form polymers, while catechin gallate also forms polymers through condensing consecutive benzotropolone moieties. The ratio of TRs to TFs is a critical index for color and brightness of black tea infusion, thus regulating enzymatic oxidation of tea polyphenols is not only an effective strategy in high-quality black tea processing, but also provides more options for tea pigment producing in beverage industry. • Formation mechanism of thearubigins is profiled. • Basic units of thearubigins are clarified. • Thearubigins health benefits are discussed. • Sensory properties of thearubigins are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollution from the international dye industry continues to be a global problem. Biotechnology offers new options, including a closer look at select wood decay fungi to replace inorganic dyes. The pigments produced by a small group of soft rotting fungi are generally naphthoquinonic and remarkably stable. From this group, the dramada crystals, produced by Scytalidium cuboideum, are of particular interest. To test the application of this pigment as a natural colorant of cellulosic pulps, four different bleached pulps were selected (one hardwood, three softwood), in three different mediums (acetone, ethanol, and DI water). The pigment generated a significant change of color, but there was no significant difference in color intensity based on the solvent carrier. These preliminary results are promising as they open the door for further exploration of applications of fungal pigments in the paper industry. Once these pigments can be reliably grown, they will offer a sustainable organic alternative to polluting inorganic dyestuffs and help reduce the toxic effluent released into the soil and waterways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, there has been a revival of interest in the use of natural pigments in various industries. It is of great interest to obtain melanins from plant raw materials. An effective method has been developed for cleaning grape squeezes from impurities before the alkaline extraction of melanin. A schematic flow diagram of the isolation and purification of water-soluble melanin from grape squeezes is presented. The obtained pigment was identified by spectroscopic methods. It has been established by thermal treatment that the amorphous precipitate of melanin is stable at temperatures up to 120 °C, and the acid resistance of the obtained melanin solution is in the pH range of > 4.0. Gel filtration, electrophoresis and HPLC showed that the pigment preparation contained four fractions that differed by their molecular weights. The quantitative distribution and the molecular weights of the obtained melanin fractions were determined. Qualitative reactions and spectroscopic methods have shown that these fractions are typical melanins. The elemental composition of the obtained melanin and its antioxidant properties, the amino acid composition of the melanin protein, and its solubility were determined. The yield of melanin from the feedstock was 17.3%. Based on the physicochemical properties of the resulting melanin, it can be used as an effective natural food coloring and powerful antioxidant substance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mulberry anthocyanin extract (MAE) is a valuable natural pigment with potential applications in the food industry. However, its storage stability remains a challenge, as it is prone to degradation over time. To tackle this issue, the present study focuses on investigating the efficacy of utilizing whey protein isolate (WPI) and ferulic acid (FA) in combination at pH 6.3. The addition of FA reduced the ΔE values and the degradation of anthocyanin within MAE solution in the presence of WPI. Notably, the combination of WPI and FA exhibited a remarkable stabilizing effect on the MAE solution. Multi-spectroscopic analysis revealed the occurrence of non-covalent interactions mediated by hydrophobic interaction between β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) and cyanidin-3- O -glucoside (C3G) in the presence of FA, with improved binding affinity. While FA did not exhibit a copigmentation effect on the C3G solution, it enhanced the protective action of β-LG on the chromophoric structural form of C3G. Moreover, although the introduction of FA to the β-LG complex with C3G resulted in minor modifications to the secondary structure, in contrast to the binary complexes, its particle size increased. The molecular dynamics simulations also revealed that FA enhances the binding affinity between β-LG and C3G. These findings provide a foundation for enhancing the storage stability of anthocyanins and expanding the utilization of MAE pigment in the food industry. [Display omitted] • Whey protein isolate and ferulic acid (FA) enhanced anthocyanin stability at pH 6.3. • FA facilitated binding of cyanidin-3- O -glucoside (C3G) to β-lactoglobulin (β-LG). • FA maintained the secondary structure of β-LG-C3G but increased its particle size. • Non-covalent complex was formed between whey protein isolate and ligand at pH 6.3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monascus pigments (MPs) possess a range of biological activities, such as antimicrobial and potential anti‐obesity activities. A lot of Monascus strains are used to produce MPs. In this study, the effect of radiation on pigment production and morphological changes of the fungus was investigated. The spore suspensions were exposed to different doses of Gamma by a Co‐60 –irradiator and then cultured on potato dextrose agar. Some changes including widening, thickening, intertwining, swelling, and chlamydoconidia production were investigated. The amounts of pigments production were separately determined by measuring the absorbance in three different wavelengths. The highest changes and pigment production was obtained for spore suspension treated at a dose of 1 kGy. The results showed that Gamma irradiation had significant effects on mycelial morphology and subsequently pigment biosynthesis. The morphological changes in terms of hyphal diameters exhibited a correlation with pigment production. Novelty impact statement: Very few studies are available on the effect of gamma irradiation on the fungus Monascus purpureus. In this study, the effect of gamma irradiation on morphological, physiological and pigment production changes and the interaction of these factors with each other was studied and this is one of the novelties of this study. The results of this study showed that: Gamma irradiation causes morphological and physiological changes in Monascus purpureus.Changes in the structure and diameter of the hyphae of Monascus purpureus cause a change in the amount of pigment production.Monascus pigments can be used as a substitute alternative for synthetic pigments in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Praseodymium is capable of existing as Pr3+ and Pr4+. Although the former is dominant across almost all geological conditions, the observation of Pr4+ by XANES and Pr anomalies (both positive and negative) in multiple light rare earth element minerals from Nolans Bore, Australia, and Stetind, Norway, indicates that quadrivalent Pr can occur under oxidizing hydrothermal and supergene conditions. High-temperature REE partitioning experiments at oxygen fugacities up to more than 12 log units more oxidizing than the fayalite-magnetite-quartz buffer show negligible evidence for Pr4+ in zircon, indicating that Pr likely remains as Pr3+ under all magmatic conditions. Synthetic Pr4+-bearing zircons in the pigment industry form under unique conditions, which are not attained in natural systems. Quadrivalent Pr in solutions has an extremely short lifetime, but may be sufficient to cause anomalous Pr in solids. Because the same conditions that favor Pr4+ also stabilize Ce4+ to a greater extent, these two cations have similar ionic radii, and Ce is more than six times as abundant as Pr, it seems that Pr-dominant minerals must be exceptionally rare if they occur at all. We identify cold, alkaline, and oxidizing environments such as oxyhalide-rich regions at the Atacama Desert or on Mars as candidates for the existence of Pr-dominant minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports for the first-time the adsorption of anthocyanins (ACN) on the surface of laponite ® (Lap), as well the physicochemical characterization of ACN-Lap powders after the adsorption process. ACN were extracted from eggplant peel by using an acidified water solution. The adsorption/desorption tests were carried out at different temperature and pH values. The best adsorption conditions were at 20 °C and pH 1.0. The adsorption mechanism of ACN on Lap was better explained by Langmuir and pseudo-first-order kinetic models, therefore, the ACN adsorption on Lap can be classified as monolayer adsorption, influenced by physical interactions. Lap has a high ratio of adsorption/desorption. After adsorption, the ACN-Lap powder presents an amorphous structure with a purple color, which changes with pH modification. Lap can be used to valorize food residues rich in ACN such as eggplant peel. The ACN-Lap powder has potential application as dye or pigment in the food industry. • Laponite can be used for separating anthocyanins. • Laponite had good adsorption/desorption capacities of anthocyanins. • Langmuir and pseudo-first-order kinetic models described adequately the adsorption process. • Anthocyanin-laponite powder can be used as pH sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dye and pigment manufacturing industry is one of the most polluting in the world. Each year, over one million tons of petrochemical colorants are produced globally, the synthesis of which generates a large amount of waste. Naturally occurring, plant‐based dyes, on the other hand, are resource intensive to produce (land, water, energy), and are generally less effective as colorants. Between these two extremes would be synthetic dyes that are fully sourced from biomass‐derived intermediates. The present work describes the synthesis of such compounds, containing strong chromophores that lead to bright colors in the yellow to red region of the visible spectrum. The study was originally motivated by an early report of an unidentified halomethylfurfural derivative which resulted from hydrolysis in the presence of barium carbonate, now characterized as a butenolide of 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF). The method has been generalized for the synthesis of dyes from other biobased platform molecules, and a mechanism is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dye and pigment manufacturing industry is one of the most polluting in the world. Each year, over one million tons of petrochemical colorants are produced globally, the synthesis of which generates a large amount of waste. Naturally occurring, plant‐based dyes, on the other hand, are resource intensive to produce (land, water, energy), and are generally less effective as colorants. Between these two extremes would be synthetic dyes that are fully sourced from biomass‐derived intermediates. The present work describes the synthesis of such compounds, containing strong chromophores that lead to bright colors in the yellow to red region of the visible spectrum. The study was originally motivated by an early report of an unidentified halomethylfurfural derivative which resulted from hydrolysis in the presence of barium carbonate, now characterized as a butenolide of 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF). The method has been generalized for the synthesis of dyes from other biobased platform molecules, and a mechanism is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Identification of microalgae using 16S r DNA technique. • Optimization of process parameter on yield of biomass and PBPs. • Batch kinetic study of PBPs production. • Stability study of PBPs. Abstract In the present study, cyanobacterium BTA 170 was isolated from Manipur, India and was phylogenetically related to Oscillatoria sp. The biomass of BTA 170 contained 6.5% of ash, 32.25% of carbohydrate, 37.44% of protein, 22.31% of lipid and 1.5% of moisture. 0.3 M of glycine and 5 mM of sodium glutamate were required for BTA 170 as supplements in BG 11 media for maximum yield of cell biomass and PBPs production. However, 6k Lux of light intensity and 14:10 (Light: Dark) of photoperiod were found as optimum for higher productivity. The specific growth rate was found to be 0.228 day−1 and production of PBPs was found to be growth associated. The first-order kinetic model was used to investigate the deactivation process of PBPs and the deactivation rate constant (kd) was found to be minimum in the temperature range from 10 to 40 °C and pH 7. The maximum deactivation of PBPs was found at pH 12 and 80 °C. Gibb's free energy for PE, PC and APC were found to be 109.38–117.34; 108.10–115.21 and 108.74–116.48 kJ/mol respectively at pH 7. The pH and thermal tolerances of PBPs suggested that they may have potential for use as pigments in industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Valle Fertil Department, Province of San Juan, Argentina, there is a great potential of Muscovite-type mica associated with other minerals of economic importance such as quartz and feldspar since it is the predominant mineralization in pegmatitic deposits. Argentina is among the twelve countries that produce mica worldwide. The Muscovite is one of the varieties of mica, of greater importance in the market of plastics, ceramics and cosmetics. It is used as a substrate for the synthesis of pigments, taking advantage of its properties of whiteness and pearly luster. To be marketed with high added value it must be ground below 50 µm and present a Fe content below 1%. The objective of the work was to evaluate the products of two grinding mill tests in different working conditions. To obtain a suitable material to the industry of pigments perolizados, with a D90 of 40 µm and with a suitable morphology that avoid the loss of flexibility and nature of lubrication. The results found at the laboratory level show that the micas of the Valle Fertil Department are of Muscovite quality and milling in a wet bar mill for 60 minutes, achieving a D90 = 35 µm product, suitable for the synthesis of perolized pigments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inconsistent light intensity requirements for C-phycocyanin accumulation and algal growth have greatly hampered the productivity and quality of this high-value pigment protein. This study aimed to improve both the production efficiency and extract quality of C-phycocyanin in the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis HN5, by adjusting light intensity and nitrogen supply at different cultivation stages. We established an optimized two-stage culture strategy consisting of a 4-d phase for algal growth under 320 μmol m−2 s−1 and a subsequent 2-d period using 160 μmol m−2 s−1 illumination and NaNO 3 supplement to promote C-phycocyanin accumulation. By adopting this strategy, up to 18.86% content and 59.72 mg L−1 d−1 productivity of C-phycocyanin were obtained. Our results indicate that the increased C-phycocyanin content improved the quality of C-phycocyanin extract, and reactive grade C-phycocyanin (A 620 /A 280 = 3.16) was recovered through a one-step ammonium sulfate precipitation. The established two-stage culture strategy, as illustrated herein, could be a highly promising strategy for improving the content and productivity of C-phycocyanin and effectively enhancing the quality of C-phycocyanin products, which could be particularly conducive to the large-scale development of this algal pigment in the food industry sector. [Display omitted] • A novel two-stage culture strategy for efficient C-PC production was developed. • Up to 18.86% of C-PC content was obtained by this novel strategy. • The C-PC extract purity could be enhanced effectively by the increased C-PC content. • Reactive grade C-PC was recovered during simple ammonium sulfate precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formation mechanism and particle size prediction of rutile nanoparticles for pigment production were investigated. Anatase nanoparticles were observed by oriented attachment with parallel lattice fringe spaces of 0.2419 nm. Upon increasing the calcination temperature, the (1 1 0) plane of rutile was gradually observed, suggesting that the anatase (1 0 3) planes undergo internal structural rearrangement of oxygen and titanium ions into rutile phase due to ionic diffusion. Backpropagation neural network was used to predict particle size of rutile nanopowders, the prediction errors were all smaller than 2%, providing an efficient method to control particle size in pigment production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigments (mainly carotenoids) are important nutraceuticals known for their potent anti-oxidant activities and have been used extensively as high end health supplements. Microalgae are the most promising sources of natural carotenoids and are devoid of the toxic effects associated with synthetic derivatives. Compared to photoautotrophic cultivation, heterotrophic cultivation of microalgae in well-controlled bioreactors for pigments production has attracted much attention for commercial applications due to overcoming the difficulties associated with the supply of CO 2 and light, as well as avoiding the contamination problems and land requirements in open autotrophic culture systems. In this review, the heterotrophic metabolic potential of microalgae and their uses in pigment production are comprehensively described. Strategies to enhance pigment production under heterotrophic conditions are critically discussed and the challenges faced in heterotrophic pigment production with possible alternative solutions are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, it is attempted to carry out the synthesis and surface modification of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticle in a single step using the iron precursors and biomolecules present in culture supernatant produced by S.thermolineatus utilizing the fish processing waste as a substrate. The biomolecules in the culture supernatant acts as the stabilizing and capping agent so that the desired functionality is achieved on the iron oxide magnetic nanoparticle surface. The synthesized iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles were characterised by UV–Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, Thermogravimetric analysis, Vibrating sample magnetometer and dynamic light scattering. The synthesized iron oxide magnetic nanoparticle was employed for the removal of copper from pigment industry effluent. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the conditions for the maximum removal of copper ions. The synthesised iron oxide magnetic nanoparticle with surface modification was found to be efficient in removing the copper by 85% from the pigment industry effluent. Desorption studies revealed that the iron oxide magnetic nanoparticle can be reused for four cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Comparison of stirred extraction with electrified (microwave, ultrasound) extractions. • Recovery of red natural pigment β-carotene from Rhodotorula glutinis yeast. • Mass transfer phenomena determination via diffusion-based model. Due to the general population awareness about the specific health hazards of synthetic chemical dyes, natural colorant materials have been gaining attention in the past several years. Among them, β-carotene is widely used as a soluble orange–red pigment in food industry, while also presenting medical care benefits. Thus, considerable efforts have been dedicated to the development of an efficient serial, cost effective and sustainable extraction process for its recovery. Herein, solid–liquid (SLE), ultrasound-assisted (UAE) and microwave-assisted (MAE) equilibrium separation were carried out using 4 organic solvents for β-carotene isolation of from Rhodotorula glutinis yeast. Results suggested that technique-wise, UAE performed similarly to SLE, whereas MAE was not as optimal. According to the solvent applied, the colorant followed the increasing trend: dichloromethane < diethyl ether < dimethyl carbonate < ethyl acetate. The latter resulted in 45 ± 3 μg g−1, 42 ± 2 μg g−1 and 41 ± 3 μg g−1, while being extracted with UAE, SLE and MAE, respectively. These operation findings show the positive relationship effect of the greener solvent during the SLE, UAE and MAE activity for the optimisation of high-added value molecular compound, pro-vitamin A, from fungi. Additionally, a diffusion-based model system was implemented for the first time to determine mass transfer phenomena. When correlated with experiments, good measurement accuracy was validated; hence, showing promising results as a predictive model in future research studies, especially mechanistic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial pigments are gaining more attention in recent times due to their versatile applications in the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and textile industries. The development of microbial pigments is a challenging task due to the presence of inexpensive synthetic dyes in the market. However, the harmful side effects of most of the azo and benzidine synthetic dyes have compelled many scientists and experts to shift their attention to chemically greener routes of dye production. Micro-organisms are endowed with the potential to produce useful natural colorants such as carotenoids on an industrial scale at relatively low costs. This review aims to provide crucial information on the biodiversity, distribution, pathogenicity, ecological and industrial applications of microbial pigments, as well as challenges and future directions for food, textile, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biomedical applications. It also highlights the challenges faced by the use and development of food and textile-grade pigments and proposes recommendations to deal with these challenges using advanced techniques, including metabolic engineering and gene editing technologies. • This review article provides an up-to-date knowledge regarding the biosynthesis of microbial pigments from microorganisms. • The methods to increase the yield of microbial pigment using modern-day technologies have also been reviewed in detail. • This review provides detailed information regrading the applications of microbial pigments in various industries. • This review highlights the challenges faced by the use of food and textile-grade pigments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highly porous power plant waste ashes have been utilized to treat toxic effluent of a dyes manufacturing plant. An attempt has been made for the first time in Pakistan, to generate an effective and economically sound treatment facility for the toxic effluent of a dyes manufacturing plant. This is an indigenous bed which could replace expensive treatment facilities, such as reverse osmosis (RO), granulated activated carbon (GAC) bed, etc. The treatment efficiency was improved by coupling coagulants with fly ash adsorbent bed. The ash was collected from coal fired boilers of power plant at Lakhra Power Generation Company, Jamshoro, Pakistan. The use of this ash resolved the disposal and environmental issues by treating wastewater of chemical, dyes and pigment industry. The treatment bed comprised of briquettes of coal fly ash coupled with commercial coagulant ferrous sulfate-lime reduced COD, color, turbidity and TSS of effluent remarkably. An adsorption capacity and chemical behavior of fly ash bed was also studied. In coagulation treatment, coagulant FeSO4-lime influenced reduction of COD, color, turbidity and TSS by 32%, 48%, 50% and 51%, respectively. The CFAB coupled with coagulant, resulted an excessive removal of color, TSS, COD, and turbidity by 88%, 92%, 67% and89%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New π-conjugated structures are constantly the subject of research in dyes and pigments industry and electronic organic field. In this context, the triphenodioxazine (TPDO) core has often been used as efficient photostable pigments and once integrated in air stable n-type organic field-effect transistor (OFET). However, little attention has been paid to the TPDO core as soluble materials for optoelectronic devices, possibly due to the harsh synthetic conditions and the insolubility of many compounds. To benefit from the photostability of TPDO in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs), an original synthetic pathway has been established to provide soluble and dissymmetric molecules applied to a suitable design for the sensitizers of DSC. The study has been pursued by the theoretical modeling of opto-electronic properties, the optical and electronic characterizations of dyes and elaboration of efficient devices. The discovery of new synthetic pathways opens the way to innovative designs of TPDO for materials used in organic electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] PCB11 and other PCB congeners were analyzed with HRGC coupled with HRMS. [•] High concentrations of PCB11 and PCBs were detected in all pigment samples. [•] PCB 11 was the major contributor of total PCB concentration. [•] 12 Dioxin-like PCBs were investigated and WHO-TEQ were calculated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Due to the low-cost, earth-abundant availability and eco-friendly characteristics, cellulose derivatives (CDs) are being increasingly used as co-binders in the production of pigment coatings. In the present work, a comparative study on the effect of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) on the colloidal stability and rheological properties of pigment coatings was carried out. The sedimentation stability assessment results indicated that NCC replacing CMC significantly improved the colloidal stability of pigment coatings. In the presence of NCC, the resulting coatings showed no indication of sedimentation within a 48-hour storage period. Moreover, the rheological measurements revealed that all pigment coatings exhibited a strong shear-thinning behavior as the shear rate varied from 0 to 100 s-1. When further increasing the shear rate, the pigment coatings containing NCC tended to experience a shear-thickening behavior. More importantly, NCC was found to impart lower viscosity to pigment coatings in comparison with CMC. The presence of NCC resulted in a marked decrease in average particle size of coatings, implying that NCC might act as an efficient dispersion agent in pigment coatings. In addition, it was observed that the incorporation of NCC in pigment coatings offered a relatively uniform coating layer and was effective in enhancing the hydrophobicility of coated paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] An electrochemical reactor in a unique design was used. [•] A removal efficiency of 84% was obtained by electrocoagulation. [•] The sludge was characterised and used in ceramic pigment production. [•] Black and brown inorganic ceramic pigments were obtained from the waste sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Germany, BASF Colors & Effects is setting up a new, exclusive, finished goods warehouse and global distribution centre at Ladenburg to enhance service to customers worldwide. The company broke ground on the new 20 000 m2 building in July and inauguration is scheduled for the first half of 2021, it reports. The dedicated facility will support the growth of the Colors & Effects business and provide colour and effect pigments customers worldwide with an 'even more flexible' warehousing and delivery service from spring 2021 onwards, BASF says. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative compounds that threaten water quality in many areas, including the Delaware River. In 2003, total maximum daily loads for PCBs were promulgated for the tidal portion of the river, requiring the collection of a massive and unprecedented data set on PCBs in an urban estuary using state of the art, high-resolution high mass spectrometry (EPA method 1668 revision A). In previous publications, this data set has been examined using positive matrix factorization (PMF) to apportion PCB sources in the air, water, and permitted discharges to the river. Here, the same technique is used to apportion PCB sources in the sediment This holistic approach allows the comparison of source types and magnitudes to the air, water, and sediment, and allows conclusions to be drawn about the cycling of PCBs in a typical urbanized estuary. A data set containing 87 chromatographic peaks representing 132 PCB congeners in 81 samples and 6 duplicated samples was analysed. Seven factors were resolved. Three represent relatively unweathered Aroclors. Two were related to the non-Aroclor sources of diarylide yellow pigments and titanium tetrachloride production. The two remaining factors were probably originally related to Arodors, but they are so highly weathered as to be unrecognizable as Aroclors, and thus have probably resided in the river for a long time. Comparing the abundance of the resolved PCB factors in the air, water, discharges, and sediment demonstrates that high molecular weight formulations, such as Arodor 1260 and PCBs 206, 208, and 209 produced during titanium tetrachloride synthesis accumulate preferentially in the sediment, in keeping with their greater hydrophobicity. In contrast, lower molecular weight formulations, induding the products of PCB dechlorination occurring in sewers, do not accumulate appreciably. PCB 11 from pigment use does accumulate in sediments and also seems to be distributed throughout the estuary via the atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air-drying white paint based on palm stearin alkyd resin was prepared with conventional and nano-ZnO and ZnS pigments. The effects of used pigments on air-drying time and some physical-mechanical characteristics of the paint were investigated by comparing them with conventional counterparts. It was found that ZnS has little effect on the drying time of alkyd paints, and the time of paint drying does not depend very much on the volume concentration of this pigment. ZnO pigments had outstanding effects on drying time and physical–mechanical properties of the air-drying paints, but the best result was observed for paints containing nano–ZnO. Zinc-containing pigment systems, if composed of the nano-type, provide excellent results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The method of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) was used to synthesize spinel ceramic pigments. Producing aluminum-nickel and aluminum-cobalt pigments in a finely dispersed state is a complex stepwise (combined) process involving a reduction stage and simultaneous natural air filtration. In the case of small-diameter samples, a flat combustion front is observed and in large samples, the front is formed of many hot spots. The dependence of combustion rate on porosity is presented. The maximum combustion rate of these systems are recorded for porosity of 50-60%. Powdered SHS pigments were obtained for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effect of mechanical activation of bag filter wastes in titanium production (ilmenite concentrate) with carbon on the production of titanium dioxide pigment was studied. Results of mechanochemical liberation, reduction and sulphuric acid enrichment of ilmenite concentrate are reported. It is shown that mechanical activation significantly changes the morphology of particles of produced pigment compared to the standard. The conditions of mechanical activation correlate with the specific surface values of samples and sizes of ilmenite crystallites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Hunter whiteness (HW) is an important quality index of powder in agricultural, food and pigment industries. Relationship between HW of mixed powder and mass percent of each individual powder was investigated. We found a linear relationship expressed by a corresponding equation. According to this equation, the HW of mixed powder was only related to the HW and mass percent of each kind of individual power. Therefore, such equation can simply and rapidly evaluate HW of the mixed powder during the powder matching process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bagasse ash (BA) and rice husk ash (RHA) are by-products from electricity power plants. Ground calcium carbonate waste (GCW) is the by-product of the mining of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the color pigment manufacturing industry. Both BA and RHA are classified as low-quality pozzolanic materials, differing from GCW, which contains a high calcium oxide (CaO) content that leads to products equivalent to the hydration reaction. Therefore, GCW is likely able to improve the properties of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) incorporating BA and RHA. This paper discusses the production of green self-consolidating concrete (gSCC) and identifies the benefit of using GCW in gSCC prepared by triple combined GCW (10 and 20 wt%), BA (10, 20, and 30 wt%), and RHA (20 wt%). The results indicate that the majority of the gSCC retain acceptable flowability. The differences in the levels of gSCC substitution and the V-funnel flow results show general correlations with the increase in GCW. The gSCC prepared by 10 wt% GCW associated with 10 wt% BA and 20 wt% RHA was improved significantly. The filling and passing abilities of the gSCC were improved by using GCW. In addition, gSCC achieved mechanical property development and was able to minimize the consumption of OPC by up to 40%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, major toxicants in pigment wastewaters (i.e. raw wastewater and effluent) were determined by toxicity identification evaluations (TIEs), and changes in their toxicities due to combined gamma-ray (γ-ray) and ozone treatments were evaluated. From TIE results using Daphnia magna, Cr(VI) and o-toluidine were identified as major toxicants in the raw wastewater with concentrations of 2.47 and 25.3mgl−1, respectively. This was confirmed by subsequent spiking and mass balance approaches. For effluent, TIE results suggested that organic anions were likely responsible for the observed toxicities. Toxicity reduction tests showed that γ-rays with ozone treatment after coagulation was more efficient in reducing toxicities in the raw wastewater (3.9–2.0TU) than γ-ray treatment alone (3.9–3.1TU). For pigment effluent, γ-ray/O3 treatment resulted in a complete removal of the acute toxicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In Germany, BASF has opened a new research laboratory at its Besigheim pigments production site near Stuttgart. The new facility will support the development of the company's inorganic colour pigments as well as the Paliocrom® effect pigments manufactured at the site and marketed under BASF's global Colors & Effects® brand. The research activities associated with these product lines were previously conducted elsewhere, primarily in Ludwigshafen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Switzerland's Clariant has introduced a family of 25 organic pigments for biodegradable and compostable polymers to expand the colour options available and thus boost the consumer appeal of organically recyclable packaging. The colorants, which are drawn from the company's PV Fast™ and Graphtol® pigment ranges, comply with the requirements of European Norm (EN) 13432 for packaging recoverable through industrial composting and biodegradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational lead exposure caused male reproductive impairment, but information on spermatozoa activity, motility, and maturation is limited. In the above perspective, spermatozoa morphology, motility, activity, and nutritional status in lead exposed workers (7-15 years exposure) were assessed. Low sperm velocity, gross, and forward progressive motility with high stationary motile spermatozoa revealed lowering of sperm cell activity after exposure (P < 0.001), which was supported by higher seminal fructose and reduced sperm ATPase activity. Lowering of seminal plasma total protein with concomitant increase in free amino acid was prevalent as exposure increased (P < 0.001), suggesting disturbance in cellular nutritional status. Prolonged liquefaction time, reduced semen volume, viscosity, seminal plasma protein, fructose, and cholesterol level among workers indicated accessory sex gland dysfunction after occupational lead exposure (P < 0.001). Deterioration of sperm density and morphology was associated with high blood and semen lead of workers (P < 0.001) leading to infertility without altering FSH, LH, and testosterone level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was focused on the historical evolution of the waste management policy carried out by the Spanish industry devoted to titanium dioxide pigments manufacturing for minimising its environmental impact. This challenge was achieved by modifying the original chemical process and converting the originally dissolved sulphate and sulphuric acid present in the final streams of the factory into sulphate minerals (melanterite FeSO4·7H2O, szomolnokite FeSO4·H2O, and gypsum CaSO4·2H2O). These by-products were physicochemically, mineralogically and radiologically characterised in order to gain basic information for its subsequent commercial use. Some of the uses summarised in this study for both ferrous sulphates are as a supplier of iron to prevent chlorosis, animal food, manufacture of cement (to reduce Cr VI), primary flocculants for ferrous sulphates, magnetite nanoparticle and nano-Fe2O3 formation, production of magnetite concentrate, remediation of polluted soils with metals, and treatment of wastewaters. Red gypsum was analysed as a substitute for natural gypsum in the manufacture of cement, construction materials, inhibitor in soil erosion, and the immobilisation of heavy metals in agricultural soils and carbonation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This review deals with blue pigments from natural origin. • Red biomass containing bikaverin may become blue upon heat treatment. • Bikaverin has antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities, among others. • Bikaverin is a potential candidate of natural blue pigment for industry. In last years, the main studied microbial sources of natural blue pigments have been the eukaryotic algae, Rhodophytes and Cryptophytes , and the cyanobacterium Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis , responsible for the production of phycocyanin, one of the most important blue compounds approved for food and cosmetic use. Recent research also includes the indigoidine pigment from the bacteria Erwinia , Streptomyces and Photorhabdus. Despite these advances, there are still few options of microbial blue pigments reported so far, but the interest in these products is high due to the lack of stable natural blue pigments in nature. Filamentous fungi are particularly attractive for their ability to produce pigments with a wide range of colors. Bikaverin is a red metabolite present mainly in species of the genus Fusarium. Although originally red, the biomass containing bikaverin changes its color to blue after heat treatment, through a mechanism still unknown. In addition to the special behavior of color change by thermal treatment, bikaverin has beneficial biological properties, such as antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities, which can expand its use for the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. The present review addresses the production natural blue pigments and focuses on the properties of bikaverin, which can be an important source of blue pigment with potential applications in the food industry and in other industrial sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the cancer mortality in a pigment plant utilizing lead and zinc chromates in Newark, New Jersey. Forms of chromium compounds; Incidence of respiratory cancers; Validity of the association between chromate pigment exposure and lung cancer.

US-based inorganic pigment specialist Shepherd Color has expanded its portfolio of niobium tin pyrochlore (NTP) yellow products with the addition of NTP Yellow 10G155. The latest pigment offers the 'outstanding colour, opacity and durability' that customers expect with NTP yellows while further extending the 'durable colour envelope' to new applications, according to the company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Price increases among manufacturers of additives and colorants for polymers are at an unprecedented level as companies seek to offset the recent ‘extraordinary escalations’ in the costs of distribution and certain key raw materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Inorganic pigment specialist Shepherd Color, headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, USA, reports that its 'YInMn Blue' pigment has been added to the US Environmental Protection Agency's Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) registry. The innovative pigment, which the company licenses from Oregon State University (OSU) [ ADPO , July 2015, p. 1], is therefore now fully approved for use in commercial applications, including artist colour materials, alongside industrial applications such as coatings and plastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Sr2+-doped γ-Ce 2 S 3 @c-SiO 2 pigment with a Ce3+/Si4+ mole ratio of 0.4 shows excellent acid corrosion resistance. • When the Ce3+/Si4+ mole ratio reaches 0.4, the Sr2+-doped γ-Ce 2 S 3 @c-SiO 2 pigment has better color rendering performance. • The oxidation temperature of Sr2+-doped γ-Ce 2 S 3 was increased from 479 °C to 883 °C upon encapsulation by c-SiO 2 , demonstrating great potential for applications in the ceramic pigment industry. Crystal SiO 2 -coated Sr2+-doped red γ-Ce 2 S 3 (Sr2+-doped γ-Ce 2 S 3 @c-SiO 2) pigments were successfully synthesized via the Stöber method using Sr2+-doped CeO 2 and amorphous SiO 2 (a-SiO 2) sol as the precursors. Further, the effects of the Ce3+/Si4+ mole ratio x, sulfurization temperature, and calcination temperature on the color performance, acid corrosion resistance, and temperature stability of the Sr2+-doped γ-Ce 2 S 3 @c-SiO 2 pigments were systematically investigated. The results reveal that Sr2+-doped γ-Ce 2 S 3 @c-SiO 2 exhibiting improved acid corrosion resistance and color performance (L * = 38.22, a * = 28.97, and b * = 25.49) can be obtained when x = 0.4. The γ-Ce 2 S 3 pigments can be effectively protected from oxidation at high temperatures by applying a transparent crystal SiO 2 (c-SiO 2) coating layer on the pigment surface. The oxidation temperature of the Sr2+-doped γ-Ce 2 S 3 increased from 479 °C to 883 °C by applying c-SiO 2 encapsulation, demonstrating considerable application potential in the ceramic pigment industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

US-based global colorants firm Chromaflo Technologies Corp has further expanded its pigments footprint in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa with the acquisition of Rolfes Colour Pigments International (RCPI). The financial details of the deal have not been revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]