Aluminum pigment is a familiar material in industries such as coatings, plastics, metallurgy, and high-tech applications. Beyond its well-known silvery shimmer, this versatile material possesses intriguing properties that are often underutilized. If you think aluminum pigment is merely for aesthetic enhancement, you may be overlooking its true potential. Join Vichem as we explore five lesser-known but highly valuable aspects of aluminium powder.
ALUMINIUM PIGMENT DOES MORE THAN CREATE METALLIC SHEEN
Aluminium pigment is widely recognized for the sparkling, metallic effect it imparts to coatings and plastics. However, not all aluminium pigments produce a pronounced metallic sheen, as the effect depends heavily on particle shape. Flake-shaped particles reflect light effectively, creating a vibrant shimmer, while finer, flatter particles produce a subtler glow. This versatility makes aluminum powder suitable for both decorative coatings and technical coating systems that require consistent aesthetic performance.
ALUMINIUM PIGMENT CAN REACT STRONGLY WITH WATER AND ALKALIS
One lesser-known fact is that aluminium pigment can react with water or strong alkalis to produce hydrogen gas. This exothermic reaction can generate significant heat and, if not properly controlled, may lead to fire or explosion hazards. To mitigate this, aluminium pigment used in coatings is often surface-treated to resist moisture. Interestingly, some formulations exploit this reactive property to create controlled breakdown effects in specialized applications, showcasing the material’s dual nature in both risk and utility.
ALUMINIUM PIGMENT ENHANCES CORROSION RESISTENCE AND COATING DURABILITY
Beyond its aesthetic contributions, aluminium pigment plays a significant technical role in protective coatings. It is a key component in coatings designed to safeguard metals from corrosion. When combined with binders such as alkyd, epoxy, or polyurethane, aluminium pigment enhances moisture resistance, UV protection, and long-term coating durability.
Additionally, coatings containing aluminium pigment reflect heat effectively, reducing thermal expansion in materials exposed to fluctuating weather conditions. This explains why silver-gray coatings are commonly used for storage tanks, steel structures, and outdoor applications requiring extended service life.
PARTICLE SIZE AND SHAPE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT PERFORMANCE
Aluminium pigment is available in various forms—spherical, flat, flake, or irregular—each producing distinct effects. Finer particles yield smoother, more uniform coatings but may reduce the metallic sheen. Conversely, larger particles create a stronger reflective effect but are prone to settling and require dispersing agents for uniform distribution. Selecting the appropriate particle size and surface treatment is critical to optimizing performance for specific applications, whether for aesthetic or functional purposes.
ALUMINIUM PIGMENT IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND REQUIRES STRICT STORAGE
Due to its large surface area, aluminium pigment is highly flammable when exposed to friction, sparks, or moisture. When ignited, it produces intense light and significant heat, and fires cannot be extinguished with water. Therefore, it must be stored in dry, airtight conditions, away from static electricity or high heat sources. Facilities using aluminium pigment on a large scale should invest in specialized fire and explosion prevention systems to ensure safety.
CONCLUSION
Aluminium pigment is far more than a pigment for creating shimmer or color in products. It is a true technical material, contributing to corrosion resistance, chemical reactivity, and enhanced material performance. When selected and applied correctly, it significantly elevates the value of the final product. By understanding its unique properties and handling requirements, manufacturers can unlock the full potential of aluminium powder in coatings, plastics, and other advanced applications.
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