Last updated: 2026-01
Material Identity
- Chemical name: Bismuth vanadate
- Common designation: Pigment Yellow 184 (PY184)
- Representative formula: BiVO4 (with possible dopants depending on grade)
- CAS number: 14059-33-7 (bismuth vanadate)
- Physical form: inorganic pigment powder
- What it is not: not an organic dye, not a cadmium pigment, not a lead chromate pigment
Activation & Trigger Conditions
- Trigger: interaction with visible light
- Energy domain: electronic transitions within the bismuth–vanadate lattice
- Absent trigger: no coloration without light interaction
- Insufficient condition: poor dispersion or agglomeration reduces transparency and chroma
- Excess condition: excessive shear or incompatible processing can damage surface treatment and alter optical appearance
Functional Role
- Provides yellow coloration with controlled transparency
- Enables high chroma without heavy-metal pigments
- Maintains color stability under light and weather exposure
- Allows clean tinting and color blending in transparent systems
Application Windows
- Compatible systems: solvent-borne and water-borne coatings, plastics, inks
- Loading range: formulation-dependent; no universal loading applies
- Processing notes: dispersion quality, particle size control, and surface treatment influence transparency
Limitations & Failure Modes
- Poor dispersion → light scattering → reduced transparency and dull color
- Incompatible resin system → pigment flocculation → color shift or haze
- Excessive thermal or mechanical stress → surface modification damage → altered optical performance
Alternatives & Trade-offs
- Organic yellow pigments: higher transparency but lower heat and weather stability
- Cadmium yellows: strong opacity but environmental and regulatory concerns
- Lead chromate pigments: high brightness but restricted due to toxicity
When to Use
- When transparent or semi-transparent yellow coloration is required
- When high chroma and color cleanliness are important
- When inorganic pigment stability is preferred over organic dyes
- When heavy-metal pigments must be avoided
FAQ
Is transparent bismuth vanadate the same as opaque bismuth vanadate?
No. Transparency depends on particle size distribution and surface treatment, not just chemical composition.
Does it behave like organic yellow pigments?
No. It is an inorganic pigment with different dispersion, stability, and processing characteristics.
Why does transparency vary between grades?
Differences arise from particle engineering, surface modification, and dispersion behavior.
Data
No numerical values are listed. Color strength, transparency, heat stability, and weather resistance depend on grade and formulation and should be verified via COA and application testing.
Sources
Supplier technical documentation for PY184 grades and general literature on bismuth vanadate pigments.