copper ferrite copper ferrite copper ferrite copper ferrite

copper ferrite

CuFe₂O₄ – pigment

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shipping batch cf2
Categoryref
Black
Opacity Classref
Opaque
ASTM/ISO Refsref
ASTM D4303
Lightfastnessref
I (Excellent)
Oil Absorptionref
15–25 g/100g

background

Copper Ferrite is a synthetic inorganic pigment belonging to the spinel family of mixed metal oxides. Chemically, it is copper iron oxide (CuFe₂O₄), crystallizing in the inverse spinel structure where Cu²⁺ ions occupy octahedral sites and Fe³⁺ ions are distributed between tetrahedral and octahedral sites. The deep brown-black color arises from intervalence charge transfer transitions between Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ and Cu²⁺/Cu⁺ species, combined with d-d transitions of the transition metal cations within the oxide lattice.

Spinel ferrites are characterized by exceptional thermal and chemical stability, making them suitable for high-temperature applications including ceramic glazes, glass coloring, and industrial coatings. Copper ferrite specifically exhibits ferrimagnetic behavior at room temperature, with a Curie temperature around 455°C, though its primary use in pigment applications relates to its optical properties rather than its magnetic characteristics.

The synthesis of copper ferrite typically involves solid-state reaction of copper oxide and iron oxide precursors at temperatures above 900°C, or alternatively through co-precipitation and calcination routes that can yield finer particle sizes. As a complex inorganic colored pigment (CICP), copper ferrite offers excellent lightfastness, weather resistance, and compatibility with a wide range of binder systems. Its opacity and tinting strength make it valuable for applications requiring durable, non-fading brown-black coloration.

safety

GHS Classificationref
Not classified as hazardous under CLP/GHS
Hazardsref
Inhalation (primary): respirable dust; mechanical eye/skin irritation; avoid ingestion
Recommended PPEref
N95 minimum; P100 for milling/transfers; nitrile gloves; safety glasses; lab coat
Exposure Notesref
Wet methods preferred; avoid dry sweeping; wash hands after handling
Storageref
Sealed container, cool/dry
Disposalref
Dispose as inorganic pigment waste per local regulations

ec data (coming soon)

The following measurements are pending elemental color laboratory analysis:

  • GHS Classification
  • Hazards
  • Recommended PPE
  • Exposure Notes
  • Storage
  • Disposal
  • Chemical Formula
  • Crystal Structure
  • Particle Size
  • Refractive Index
  • Specific Gravity
  • Phase / Identity
  • Family
  • Synthesis Class
  • Hue Bias
  • Opacity
  • Scattering Regime
  • NIR Response
  • Fluorescence
  • Oil Absorption
  • Binder Compatibility
  • Hardness
  • Chemical Stability

chemical

Chemical Formularef
CuFe₂O₄
Crystal Structureref
Cubic (inverse spinel)
Particle Sizeref
0.5–5 µm
Refractive Indexref
~2.4
Specific Gravityref
5.3–5.4
Phase / Identityref
CuFe₂O₄ (cuprospinel)
Familyref
Spinel ferrite
Synthesis Classref
Solid-state / calcination

optical

Hue Biasref
Black
Opacityref
Opaque
Scattering Regimeref
High
NIR Responseref
Absorbing
Fluorescenceref
None

physical

Oil Absorptionref
15–25 g oil / 100 g pigment
Binder Compatibilityref
Compatible with all common binders (oil, acrylic, alkyd, silicate, cement, ceramic glazes)
Hardnessref
6–6.5 Mohs
Chemical Stabilityref
Excellent; resistant to acids, alkalis, heat, and light

references

core info

other sources

literature

Structural, magnetic and optical properties of copper ferrite nanoparticles (2016) 10.1016/j.ceramint.2016.04.115 Comprehensive study of CuFe₂O₄ nanoparticle synthesis and characterization including optical band gap measurements.
Magnetic properties of copper ferrite synthesized by sol-gel method (2007) 10.1016/j.jmmm.2007.03.019 Sol-gel synthesis route producing fine particles with controlled magnetic and structural properties.