Synthesis and characterization of copper phthalocyanine and tetracarboxamide copper phthalocyanine deposited mica-titania pigments

Combination pigments were synthesized by the deposition of copper phthalocyanine and tetracarboxamide copper phthalocyanine on a mica-titania pigment in dimethyl formamide solvent to improve color properties. The FT-IR and XRD analyses were performed to observe the crystal transformations of the pigments on the substrate. The stable beta form of copper phthalocyanine normally preferred in paint applications was obtained at 90 °C and 120 °C, while tetracarboxamide copper phthalocyanine remained amorphous at all temperatures experimented. Pigment surface morphologies were investigated by SEM analysis. Copper phthalocyanine crystalline rods were observed on the mica-titania substrate, however, the tetracarboxamide copper phthalocyanine pigment did not exhibit any such crystalline structure due to its amorphous structure, which was confirmed by XRD analysis. Furthermore, nitrogen elemental analysis was performed to determine the amount of copper phthalocyanines adsorbed to the mica-titania surfaces at different temperatures. The resulting combination pigments showed enhanced luster, good dispersion, hue, and high color intensity. ► Copper phthalocyanine and tetracarboxamide copper phthalocyanine were synthesized. ► Phthalocyanines were deposited on mica-titania pigment in dimethyl formamide solvent. ► The stable beta form of copper phthalocyanine was obtained. ► Crystal transformations and surface morphologies of new pigments were determined. ► Resulting pigments depicted enhanced gloss with thinner layer of deposits.