Colorant

Name:
Colorant
Detailed information:
Any substance that imparts color to another material or mixture. Colorants are either dyes or pigments and may be (1) naturally present in a material (chlorophyll in vegetation); (2) admixed with it mechanically (dry pigments in paints); or (3) applied to it in a solution (organic dyes to fibers).Note: There is no generally accepted distinction between dyes and pigments. Some have proposed one on the basis of solubility or physical form and method of application. Most pigments, so called, are insoluble inorganic powders, the coloring effect being a result of their dispersion in a solid or liquid medium. Most dyes, on the other hand, are soluble synthetic organic products that are chemically bound to and actually become part of the applied material. Organic dyes are usually brighter and more varied than pigments but tend to be less stable to heat, sunlight, and chemical effects. The term colorant applies to black and white, as well as to actual colors. Instruments for measuring, comparing, and matching the hue, tone, and depth of colors are called colorimeters.See dye; Pigment; Colorimetry; Food Color; FD&C Color.