Role of structural Fe (III) and iron oxide nanophases in mullite coloration

Six mullite samples, derived from heat-treated natural kaolinites with various iron content, were investigated and compared to synthetic monophasic mullite. They were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance. To quantify mullite coloration, the CIE colorimetric system was used. In contrast to synthetic mullite, samples showed charge transfer bands involving O2- and Fe3+ ions as well as ferric crystal-field transitions due to Fe3+ ions in iron oxide nanoparticles. Absorption edges showed red shifts. The resulting yellowness, saturation of which increased with the content of iron oxide nanoparticles, is direct evidence for the coloring effect of Fe3+ ions. (Résumé d'auteur