| abstract |
A composite pigment comprises (i) a metal oxide as a first component and (ii) silica, silicate, alumina, zirconia, or other metal oxide as a second component. Preferably, the first component is at least partially covered by the second component. The pigment may have a core-shell structure, especially one in which there is a hollow core with alternating layers of first and second components. In preferred embodiments, the first component is zinc oxide and the second component is silica or alumina. A paint comprising the composite pigment is also disclosed in which the pigment may be present in an amount of 1-5 wt.% and may have a particle size of 5-100 nm. Other potential uses of the composite pigment include as a substitute for conventional zinc oxide in the vulcanisation of rubber, as a wide band semiconductor in electronic applications, and as an additive in polymer composites. |