Cobalt(II) oxide

Cobalt(II) oxide (CAS 1307-96-6), commonly referenced as CoO, is an inorganic mineral compound used primarily as a colorant and chemical intermediate across ceramics, coatings, and specialty materials manufacturing. It delivers a characteristic blue-to-black coloration and acts as a reactive precursor in high-temperature processing applications. In ceramic glazes and glass manufacturing, CoO functions as a flux-active colorant.

This compound produces stable blue tones that withstand firing temperatures where organic pigments fail. Coatings formulators incorporate it as a drier catalyst and pigment component in industrial paints. It is particularly useful where long-term color stability under heat or UV exposure is required. The textile and leather industries use cobalt oxide as a mordant-adjacent agent to improve dye fixation.

This application ensures surface uniformity on treated substrates. In specialty adhesives and sealants, it contributes to oxidative curing acceleration, shortening set times in oil-based formulations. Cobalt(II) oxide is supplied as a fine powder in varying particle size distributions suited to different processing requirements. Technical and pigment-grade specifications are the most commercially available.

Purity levels typically range from 72% to over 99% cobalt oxide content. Bulk quantities are standard for industrial buyers, with smaller packaging available for laboratory and formulation development use.