Low–temperature synthesis and chromatic properties of ferrum–zircon (Fe–ZrSiO4) pink coral ceramic pigment with the assistance of in–situ formed molten salt

A novel low–temperature route has been developed to prepare Fe–ZrSiO 4 ceramic pigment with the assistance of in–situ formed molten salt. The effects of calcination temperature on the preparation and chromatic properties of the obtained pigments were investigated. When optimized calcination temperature is 900 °C, the as–prepared Fe–ZrSiO 4 ceramic pigment shows a pink coral with chromatic parameters of L* =56.64, a* =18.77 and b *=12.20. The obtained pigment shows a good dispersibility with average particle size of 2 μm, and can be susscessfully applied in high–temperature glazing coloration. The XRD and XPS results, as well as the changes in chromatic parameters after application in glaze, confirm that the doping of iron ions into ZrSiO 4 lattice is the main reason for the coloration of Fe–ZrSiO 4 ceramic pigment. The utilization of in–situ formed molten salt can provide a valuable reference for low–temperature synthesis of other ceramic materials.