Synthesis, Characterization and Optical Properties of Y 6-x Sm x MoO 12+σ Composite/Compounds Pigments with High Near-Infrared Reflectance

Novel high near-infrared reflecting inorganic pigments Y6-xSmxMoO12+σ (03+ in yttrium molybdate through a simple solid-state reaction method. The composites were characterized using scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, UV-vis-NIR spectrophotometer and CIE 1976 L*a*b* color scales. The substitution of Sm3+ for Y3+ in Y6MoO12 changed the color from bright yellow to dark yellow and most importantly increased near-infrared reflectance in the wavelength range of 700-2500 nm. The chemical stability of the pigments was also evaluated.