Bone black has diverse applications, primarily as a pigment and coloring agent in various industries.
Common Uses of Bone Black
Bone black, also known as animal black or ivory black, is a fine black pigment made by charring animal bones. Its unique properties make it suitable for a variety of applications, as outlined below:
As a Pigment and Colorant
Bone black serves as a pigment in many materials. Specific applications include:
- Artist Colors: Bone black is used in art supplies such as paints, inks, and drawing charcoals, where its deep black color is valued.
- Paper Products: It helps to give black and dark shades to paper products such as cardstock or specialty papers.
- Paints and Lacquers: Bone black is a common component in industrial paints and lacquers, where it gives a deep, rich black color.
Other Industrial Applications
Beyond pigments, bone black has other practical uses, including:
- Leathers and Vinyls: It is used to dye leathers and vinyl materials, helping to achieve a deep black finish.
- Plastics: It is added to plastics to impart a black color and sometimes to enhance certain physical properties of the plastic.
- Case Hardening in Gunsmithing: Bone black plays a unique role in case hardening, particularly in the field of gunsmithing.
Distinguishing from Carbon Black
It's important to note that bone black is distinct from carbon black. The provided reference explicitly states: "Bone black is not a competitor or a replacement for carbon black." This indicates that while both are black pigments, they possess different properties that make them suitable for separate applications.
| Application | Usage |
|---|---|
| Artist Colors | Pigment for paints and inks |
| Paper Products | Colorant for various papers |
| Paints and Lacquers | Black pigment |
| Leathers and Vinyls | Dye for materials |
| Plastics | Pigment and property enhancer |
| Case Hardening | Industrial hardening process |
Bone black offers a unique combination of characteristics that cater to specific color needs and processes in various industries.
