Optimization of Praseodymium-Doped Cerium Pigment Synthesis Temperature

The development of red pigments is of great interest to the ceramic industry. Pr(IV) stabilization in a CeO₂ matrix yields materials with a red color. In this study, the traditional ceramic method involving solid-state reaction was used to prepare pigments in the system Ce_{1? x} Pr _x O_2?δ (0.005 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) from mixtures of rare-earth oxides. The chemical stability of these pigments was then determined in some industrial glazes. The glazing tests indicate that the powder samples calcined at 1200° and1300°C are unstable, whereas those calcined at 1400° and 1500°C are stable. These findings are related to the nonformation of a solid solution, to which the pigmenting power is attributed, in calcinations at temperatures below 1400°C.