Cobalt (Co) compounds have been used for centuries to impart rich blue color to glass, glazes and ceramics. Cobalt monoxide (CoO), an oxide of Co, is an inorganic compound that has long been used as a coloring agent in the ceramic industry. Unlike other coloring agents, CoO can be used to develop colors other than blue, and several factors such as its concentration in the glaze and firing condition have been suggested as possible mechanisms. For example, CoO produces a typical blue color called "cobalt blue" at very low concentrations such as 1 wt% in both oxidation and reduction firing conditions; a higher concentration of CoO (5 wt%) develops a darker blue color under the same firing conditions. Interestingly, CoO also develops a purple color at high concentrations above 10 wt%. In this study, we examined the applicability and mechanism of a novel purple glaze containing cobalt(II, III) oxide, one of the well characterized cobalt oxides. Experimental results show that an Augite crystal isoform (Augite-Fe/Co) in which Fe was replaced with Co is the main component contributing to the formation of the purple color. Based on these results, we developed a glaze using chemically synthesized Augite-Fe/Co crystal as a color pigment. Purple color glaze was successfully developed by the addition of 6~15 wt% of Co3O4 to magnesia lime.

• 권영주(명지대학교 신소재공학과) | Kwon, Young-Joo
• 이병하( 명지대학교 신소재공학과) | 이병하