Synthesis and characterization of a high near infrared reflectance yellow pigment SbxWO3 (x ≤ 0.14)

In this work, a novel yellow near-infrared (NIR) reflective pigment based on the formula of Sb x WO 3 was developed by high temperature solid-state method at 700–900 °C. The formation of Sb x WO 3 was confirmed by XRD analysis, and the synthesized pigments are orthorhombic phase with high near infrared reflectivity (84.69%–87.28%). The acid/alkali resistance studies reveal that the color difference ΔE * of the pigments before and after soaking was less than 5, and the as prepared pigments are chemically stable under the atrocious weather. In addition, the synthetic pigments are bright yellowish green (L* = 92.1–92.9, a* = -4.9–4.1, b* = 35.0–37.0). In the heat insulation performance test, the indoor temperature with the Sb x WO 3 heat insulation coating is 3.1 °C lower than that without heat insulation coating. In summary, the as prepared Sb x WO 3 pigment has the advantages of high solar reflectivity and less toxic elements, making this new environmentally friendly energy-saving yellow pigment used as a colorant for building exterior coating formulations to reduce heat accumulation and cooling energy consumption.