Last updated: 2026-01
Material Identity
- Chemical name: Cerium sulfide
- Material class: rare-earth sulfide inorganic pigment
- Representative formula: Ce2S3
- CAS number: 12014-93-6
- Physical form: inorganic pigment powder
- What it is not: not an organic red pigment, not iron oxide red, not a dye
Activation & Trigger Conditions
- Trigger: interaction with visible light
- Energy domain: electronic transitions within the cerium–sulfide lattice
- Absent trigger: no color expression without light interaction
- Insufficient condition: poor dispersion reduces color strength and uniformity
- Excess condition: strong acidic environments can destabilize sulfide phases
Functional Role
- Provides red coloration with inorganic pigment stability
- Maintains color at elevated processing temperatures
- Offers an alternative to organic red pigments in thermally demanding systems
- Supports consistent coloration in polymer matrices
Application Windows
- Compatible systems: engineering plastics, polymer compounds, selected coatings
- Loading range: formulation-dependent; no universal loading applies
- Processing notes: dispersion quality and avoidance of acidic additives improve stability
Limitations & Failure Modes
- Acid exposure → sulfide degradation → color fading or odor formation
- Poor dispersion → agglomeration → uneven coloration
- Oxidative processing → surface oxidation → altered hue or reduced chroma
Alternatives & Trade-offs
- Organic red pigments: brighter hues but lower thermal stability
- Iron oxide red: high durability but duller chroma
- Cadmium red pigments: strong color but regulatory restrictions
When to Use
- When red coloration must withstand high processing temperatures
- When inorganic pigment durability is required
- When organic reds fail due to heat sensitivity
- When consistent red tone is needed in plastics
FAQ
Is cerium sulfide red suitable for acidic systems?
No. Strong acidic environments can react with sulfide phases and should be avoided.
Does it behave like iron oxide red?
No. Cerium sulfide red offers different chroma and thermal behavior compared with iron oxides.
Why does odor sometimes appear during processing?
Under acidic or oxidative conditions, sulfide materials can release sulfur-containing species.
Data
No numerical values are listed. Color strength, heat resistance, and chemical stability are grade- and formulation-specific and should be verified via COA and application testing.
Sources
Supplier technical documentation and general literature on rare-earth sulfide pigments.