Oregon State University researcher Mas Subramanian is making color history once again with the development of durable reddish magentas inspired by lunar mineralogy and ancient Egyptian chemistry. Subramanian, along with his collaborators at OSU, recently published their findings in the journal Chemistry of Materials after conducting a study funded by the National Science Foundation.
The new pigments, based on divalent chromium, are a breakthrough in the world of color chemistry. Divalent chromium, which had not been previously reported in earth-based minerals, was found in lunar samples collected from Apollo missions. This discovery led Subramanian and his team to explore its potential as a chromophore for creating vibrant hues.
These magenta pigments, unlike many organic counterparts, are extremely stable and durable. They are capable of withstanding high temperatures and remain unaltered when exposed to acidic or alkaline conditions. Additionally, they reflect heat from the sun, providing a cooling effect that could lead to energy savings for buildings and vehicles coated with them.
Subramanian’s previous work includes the creation of YInMn blue, a color that revolutionized the pigment industry and inspired a new crayon color. With this latest development, Subramanian aims to establish fundamental principles for creating new pigments using divalent chromium as a chromophore.
The research was made possible through a special grant from the National Science Foundation, highlighting the importance of high-risk, high-reward research in pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery. Subramanian’s innovative approach to color chemistry continues to captivate the scientific community and pave the way for new possibilities in the field of materials science.
