Solution combustion synthesis of (Co,Ni)Cr2O4 pigments: Influence of initial solution concentration

Abstract

Initial solution concentration effect was studied on the synthesis of mixed spinels Co1-ΨNiΨCr2O4 (0≤Ψ≤1) obtained by Solution Combustion Synthesis. Fd-3m spinel structure was developed in all range of compositions analysed, regardless of the concentration. However, structural characteristics such as ion rearrangement and crystal size showed a noticeable dependence on the initial concentration, being the spinel network more ordered and with higher crystallite size as the concentration increased. Cell parameter, however, presented dependence on composition but not on initial solution concentration.

All as-synthesized pigments showed a significant colouring power in ceramic glazes without any significant influence of initial solution concentration. Therefore, a second thermal treatment was not needed. The coloured glazes covered a broad range of tones in the green section of colour space, which evolved as a function of composition.