Pigment Red 101 is a chemical compound, a synthetic red dye consisting of aluminum silicate colored with ferric oxide. It is known as CI 77015, Pigment Red 102..

Chemical Composition and Structure

Pigment Red 101 is an inorganic pigment with a chemical structure primarily composed of aluminum silicate (Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄) combined with ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃). The ferric oxide imparts the characteristic color to the pigment, while the aluminum silicate provides structural stability and uniformity.

Physical Properties

This pigment typically appears as a fine powder, ranging in color from yellow to red, depending on the concentration and oxidation state of the ferric oxide. It has high opacity and excellent covering power. Pigment Red 101 is known for its exceptional resistance to light, heat, and chemical degradation, making it suitable for long-lasting applications.

Chemical Name

• Aluminum silicate coloured with ferric oxide

Chemical Industrial Synthesis Process

• Preparation of reagents. The main raw materials include aluminum silicate and ferric oxide.
• Mixing of raw materials. The aluminum silicate is thoroughly mixed with ferric oxide to achieve a uniform composition. This mixing can be performed in a powder mixer.
• Calcination. The mixture is calcined in a high-temperature furnace (over 800°C) to allow the reaction between aluminum silicate and ferric oxide. Calcination is a critical step that requires precise control of temperature and time to achieve the desired color.
• Cooling. The calcined material is rapidly cooled to solidify the pigment. This process helps stabilize the pigment structure.
• Crushing and grinding. The calcined and cooled material is crushed and ground into a fine powder. This step may involve the use of ball mills or other grinding machinery.
• Washing. The pigment powder is washed with deionized water to remove any soluble impurities.
• Drying. The washed pigment is dried at controlled temperatures to remove residual moisture and obtain a dry powder.
• Classification. The dried powder is classified to ensure a uniform particle size. This step may involve sieving or the use of air classifiers.
• Stabilization. The Pigment Red 101 powder is stabilized to ensure its stability during transportation and storage, preventing aggregation and degradation.
• Quality control. The Pigment Red 101 undergoes rigorous quality testing to ensure it meets standards for purity, color intensity, and safety. These tests include chemical analysis, spectroscopy, and physical tests to determine particle size and rheological properties.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Restricted cosmetic ingredient as IV/121a Relevant Item in the Annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Substance or ingredient reported:

•     Aluminum silicate coloured with ferric oxide

Industrial and Cosmetic Applications

Cosmetics: Pigment Red 101 is extensively used in cosmetics, including foundations, blushes, eyeshadows, and lipsticks. Its stability and non-toxic nature make it an ideal pigment for creating a wide range of shades.

Paints and Coatings: This pigment is used in paints and coatings for its excellent opacity and colorfastness. It provides durable and vibrant colors that withstand environmental exposure.

Plastics and Polymers: In the plastics industry, Pigment Red 101 is employed to color products uniformly, providing resistance to UV light and thermal degradation.

Ceramics and Glass: Pigment Red 101 is used in ceramics and glass production to achieve stable, vibrant colors that endure high-temperature firing processes.

Inks: The pigment is also utilized in printing inks, where it ensures stable and vivid colors that do not fade over time.

Safety

The presence of aluminium casts some doubt on whether this ingredient is safe.

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Pigment Red 101 is generally considered safe for use in consumer products when handled according to standard safety protocols. Inhalation of the powder should be avoided, and direct contact with skin and eyes minimized.

A warning should be given about the risk of accumulation of aluminium intake, which cannot be ruled out as this ingredient can be found both in cosmetic products and in widely consumed foodstuffs such as bread, various baked goods (1)

CAS   1332-25-8   1309-37-1

EC number   215-168-2

Synonyms: 

Pigment Red 101

Pigment Red 102

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS); Younes M, Aggett P, Aguilar F, Crebelli R, Dusemund B, Filipič M, Frutos MJ, Galtier P, Gott D, Gundert-Remy U, Kuhnle GG, Lambré C, Leblanc JC, Lillegaard IT, Moldeus P, Mortensen A, Oskarsson A, Stankovic I, Waalkens-Berendsen I, Wright M, Di Domenico A, van Loveren H, Giarola A, Horvath Z, Lodi F, Tard A, Woutersen RA. Re-evaluation of aluminium sulphates (E 520-523) and sodium aluminium phosphate (E 541) as food additives. EFSA J. 2018 Jul 27;16(7):e05372. doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5372.