Brilliant. Blue.
YInMn Blue is a new pigment from Shepherd Color.
Its beauty extends beyond the visible spectrum.
A new blue pigment chemistry based on the research of Oregon State University chemist Dr. Mas Subramanian. Shepherd Color and OSU are bringing this pigment to the market to create :
- A unique shade of blue for artist color materials.
- Dark blue shade colors for building products with high solar reflectance for regulatory approvals and reduced energy for cooling.
- Other applications where its high heat and UV stability, IR properties, unique chemical structure and composition along with bright blue color add value.
Chemist Mas Subramanian. Courtesy of Oregon State University.
YInMn Blue is compatible with a wide range of applications.
Based on Yttrium, Indium and Manganese elements in a new chemical structure, the materials are not currently approved for commercial sale.
Shepherd Color is working to obtain the regulatory approvals needed to ensure safety and allow commercial use.
A Few Frequently Asked Questions…
Why is it called YInMn Blue?
The pigment is based on an oxide made of Yttrium(Y), Indium (In) and Manganese (Mn).
The YInMn name is just shorthand for that. It is also fairly easy to say Yin-min Blue.
Is YInMn Blue available as a paint?
YInMn Blue is a dry powder pigment that must be dispersed in a paint, coating, plastic or other binder material. Many paints and coatings manufacturers are interested in the pigment and we will be bringing paints to the market after commercialization.
Can I use the new blue in hair dye?
The YInMn blue is a pigment that is insoluble, unlike a dye which is soluble in solvent or water. While dispersed pigments look like they are dissolved in paint, the pigment is actual micron sized discrete particles from the liquid.
How much will the pigment cost?
In YInMn blue the ‘Y’ stands for Yttrium and the ‘In’ stands for Indium. Both of these are valuable materials. Converting them into the blue pigment takes very careful processing and high temperature calcination to ensure the brightest blue color and IR properties.
There is also added complexity in getting regulatory approvals. Samples for testing and evaluation have been offered at $10/10grams and we anticipate that for small quantities that a price level of $1000/kg would be indicated. The Manganese (Mn), while a relatively inexpensive material, is only a small fraction of the pigment composition.
When materials become more commercially available, we will provide updates to you.
Register your interest in YInMn blue pigment below.