Cuprous oxide

Cuprous oxide (CAS 1317-39-1), also known as copper(I) oxide, is an inorganic compound used industrially as a biocidal pigment and surface-active agent. It delivers both color and antimicrobial performance in a single raw material, making it a practical choice across protective coatings and agricultural formulations.

In marine and antifouling coatings, cuprous oxide acts as the primary biocidal pigment, preventing barnacle and algae attachment on submerged surfaces. Agricultural formulations rely on it as a copper-based fungicide and bactericide for crop protection, particularly in seed treatments and foliar sprays.

Textile and leather processing use it for imparting antimicrobial properties to finished fabrics and hides. In electronics, it functions as a conductive pigment. Cuprous oxide is supplied as a fine red-to-brown powder in varying particle size distributions suited to coating or agricultural end uses for industrial clients.

Technical grade is the standard commercial form, with purity levels typically ranging from 97% to 99%. Specialized grades with controlled particle size are available. These grades are ideal for antifouling paint formulations where dispersion consistency directly affects biocidal performance and long-term surface protection.