Zircon Ceramic Pigments with Different d-Chromophore Elements for the Use in Glazes for Wall Tiles

The preparation of high temperature ceramic pigments using colorless stable crystal carcasses turns out to be quite a suitable method in the case of ZrSiO 4 and their coloring by introducing different chromophores. The paper reports experiments carried out on the synthesis of zircon pigments with the participation of following chromophore ions: Fe 3+ , Mn 2+ , Co", Cu 2+ , Cr 3+ , using the technology of solid phase sintering. X-ray phase analysis, electron spin resonance spectroscopy, Mossbauer spectroscopy and electron microscopy were used to determine the phase composition and check the chromophore ions valency state at temperature higher than the optimal temperature of synthesis. The results obtained indicated that it depends on the sintering temperature isothermal soaking and the type of chromophore ion. In most pigments, the basic phase was obtained as low as 900-1000 °C. The best pigments obtained were added to white faience glaze.