Preparation of submicron-sized ZnFe2-xCrxO4 (x = 0.4, 0.8) via a two-step method and evaluation of the corresponding ceramic inks

Abstract In this work, submicron-sized ZnFe2-xCrxO4 (x = 0.4, 0.8) pigments were synthesized by a combustion assisted two-step method. The samples and corresponding ceramic inks are investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM, colorimeter, and laser particle size analyzer. The grindability of the pigments and the printing performance (rheological properties, surface tension, filterability and storage stability) of the inks are evaluated. Our research reveals that although the calcination temperature in the present method is 300 °C lower than the conventional solid-state reaction route, the as-prepared samples belong to a pure spinel phase and present highly saturated reddish-brown tone. Compared to the samples prepared from solid-state reaction route, the synthesized submicron-sized pigments exhibit superior grindability. The corresponding ceramic inks present excellent coloring ability, filterability and storage stability. Our work confirms that the submicron-sized ZnFe2-xCrxO4 pigments synthesized by the combustion assisted two-step method are quite suitable for ZnFe2-xCrxO4-based reddish-brown ceramic inks.