Home > Blog > Content

What is the chemical composition of Molybdate Chrome Red 104?

Jan 01, 2026

Molybdate Chrome Red 104, a vibrant and highly sought-after pigment, has been a staple in various industries for its exceptional color strength and durability. As a supplier of Molybdate Chrome Red 104, I am often asked about its chemical composition and how it contributes to its unique properties. In this blog post, I will delve into the intricate details of Molybdate Chrome Red 104's chemical makeup and explore its significance in different applications.

Overview of Molybdate Chrome Red 104

Molybdate Chrome Red 104, also known as C.I. Pigment Red 104, is an inorganic pigment with a bright red color. It belongs to the family of molybdate orange and red pigments, which are widely used in paints, coatings, plastics, ceramics, and other industries. The pigment is known for its excellent lightfastness, heat resistance, and chemical stability, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of Molybdate Chrome Red 104 can be represented by the general formula: PbCrO₄·xPbSO₄·yPbMoO₄, where x and y are variables that determine the exact composition of the pigment. The main components of Molybdate Chrome Red 104 are lead chromate (PbCrO₄), lead sulfate (PbSO₄), and lead molybdate (PbMoO₄).

Lead Chromate (PbCrO₄)

Lead chromate is the primary component of Molybdate Chrome Red 104 and is responsible for its red color. It has a monoclinic crystal structure and is known for its high color strength and opacity. Lead chromate is also highly insoluble in water and most organic solvents, which contributes to the pigment's chemical stability.

Lead Sulfate (PbSO₄)

Lead sulfate is added to the pigment to improve its heat resistance and lightfastness. It acts as a stabilizer, preventing the decomposition of lead chromate under high temperatures and exposure to sunlight. Lead sulfate also helps to reduce the toxicity of the pigment by forming a protective layer around the lead chromate particles.

Lead Molybdate (PbMoO₄)

Lead molybdate is another important component of Molybdate Chrome Red 104. It enhances the color purity and brightness of the pigment by modifying the crystal structure of lead chromate. Lead molybdate also improves the pigment's chemical resistance and weatherability, making it suitable for outdoor applications.

Role of Each Component

The chemical composition of Molybdate Chrome Red 104 is carefully balanced to achieve the desired properties. Each component plays a specific role in determining the pigment's color, stability, and performance.

Color Development

The red color of Molybdate Chrome Red 104 is primarily due to the presence of lead chromate. The crystal structure of lead chromate absorbs certain wavelengths of light and reflects others, giving the pigment its characteristic red color. The addition of lead molybdate further enhances the color purity and brightness by modifying the crystal structure of lead chromate.

Stability

Lead sulfate and lead molybdate contribute to the stability of Molybdate Chrome Red 104. Lead sulfate acts as a stabilizer, preventing the decomposition of lead chromate under high temperatures and exposure to sunlight. Lead molybdate improves the pigment's chemical resistance and weatherability, making it suitable for outdoor applications.

Performance

The combination of lead chromate, lead sulfate, and lead molybdate gives Molybdate Chrome Red 104 excellent performance properties. The pigment has high color strength, opacity, and lightfastness, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. It is also resistant to heat, chemicals, and weathering, ensuring long-lasting color performance.

Applications

Molybdate Chrome Red 104 is widely used in various industries due to its excellent properties. Some of the common applications of Molybdate Chrome Red 104 include:

62

Paints and Coatings

Molybdate Chrome Red 104 is used in paints and coatings to provide a bright red color and excellent durability. It is commonly used in automotive paints, industrial coatings, and architectural paints. The pigment's high color strength and lightfastness make it suitable for outdoor applications where long-lasting color performance is required.

Plastics

Molybdate Chrome Red 104 is used in plastics to provide a vibrant red color and excellent heat resistance. It is commonly used in PVC, polyolefins, and engineering plastics. The pigment's high color strength and chemical stability make it suitable for use in a wide range of plastic products, including toys, packaging, and household items.

Ceramics

Molybdate Chrome Red 104 is used in ceramics to provide a bright red color and excellent heat resistance. It is commonly used in tile glazes, porcelain enamels, and ceramic pigments. The pigment's high color strength and chemical stability make it suitable for use in high-temperature firing processes.

Comparison with Other Pigments

When choosing a pigment, it is important to consider its properties and performance in comparison to other pigments. Here is a comparison of Molybdate Chrome Red 104 with some other common red pigments:

Pigment Red 170

Pigment Red 170 is an organic pigment with a bright red color. It has good lightfastness and heat resistance, but it is less opaque than Molybdate Chrome Red 104. Pigment Red 170 is commonly used in plastics, paints, and inks.

Pigment Carbon Black HB - 30

Pigment Carbon Black HB - 30 is a black pigment used mainly for its high tinting strength and good dispersion properties. It is not a red pigment like Molybdate Chrome Red 104, but in some applications where black and red pigments need to be combined for color effects, it can be used in conjunction. It finds applications in plastics, coatings, and inks.

Pigment Carbon Black HB - 800

Pigment Carbon Black HB - 800 has similar properties to Pigment Carbon Black HB - 30 but may have different particle size distributions and surface areas, which can affect its performance in different applications. It is also used in plastics, coatings, and inks, and can be used alongside red pigments like Molybdate Chrome Red 104.

Pigment Carbon Black HB - 250R

Pigment Carbon Black HB - 250R offers unique properties in terms of its color intensity and dispersion characteristics. While it is a black pigment, it can play a role in color mixing with Molybdate Chrome Red 104 in applications where specific color shades are required.

Quality Control

As a supplier of Molybdate Chrome Red 104, we understand the importance of quality control. We have a strict quality control system in place to ensure that our products meet the highest standards. Our quality control measures include:

Raw Material Inspection

We carefully inspect all raw materials before they are used in the production process. We ensure that the lead chromate, lead sulfate, and lead molybdate used in our products are of high quality and meet the required specifications.

Production Monitoring

We monitor the production process closely to ensure that the chemical composition and properties of the pigment are consistent. We use advanced manufacturing techniques and equipment to ensure that the pigment is produced with high precision and quality.

Product Testing

We conduct a series of tests on our products to ensure that they meet the required standards. These tests include color measurement, lightfastness testing, heat resistance testing, and chemical resistance testing. We also provide detailed product specifications and technical data sheets to our customers to help them make informed decisions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Molybdate Chrome Red 104 is a versatile and high-performance pigment with a unique chemical composition. The combination of lead chromate, lead sulfate, and lead molybdate gives the pigment its bright red color, excellent stability, and performance properties. It is widely used in various industries, including paints, plastics, and ceramics.

If you are interested in purchasing Molybdate Chrome Red 104 or would like to learn more about our products, please feel free to contact us for procurement discussions. Our experienced team is ready to assist you with your pigment needs.

References

  • "The Chemistry of Pigments and Fillers" by A. B. Cox.
  • "Industrial Pigments Handbook" edited by Peter A. Lewis.
Send Inquiry
Dr. Han Lin
Dr. Han Lin
As the Director of Innovation at Henghao Technology, Dr. Lin drives our research collaborations with major universities. His work fosters a culture of continuous innovation, keeping Henghao at the forefront of technological advancements.
Contact Us
  • Tel: +86-571-88760951 / 88760952
  • Fax: +86-571-88760953
  • Email: info@henghaopigment.com
  • Add: Rm715-719, Building No.5, Qianjiang International Plaza, Qianjiang Economic Development Zone, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China