Iron oxide

Iron oxide (CAS 1332-37-2), sold under the food and cosmetic designation E172, is a family of inorganic pigments spanning red, yellow, black, and brown hues.

Where is Iron oxide used?

• Architectural and industrial coatings: long-term color retention on exterior surfaces exposed to weathering
• Concrete and paving blocks: mass-tinted
• Roof tiles: consistent, fade-resistant coloration throughout the substrate
• Plastics masterbatches for automotive parts, pipes, and packaging films
• Printing inks and packaging laminates: opacity and regulatory compliance
• Colorfast performance under high processing temperatures is required.

Good to know: Standard grades include synthetic iron oxides meeting ASTM D3722 for pigment applications, as well as food-grade material conforming to E172 specifications under EU and FCC standards. Synthetic grades offer tighter particle size distribution and higher tinting strength for precise industrial color matching requirements.

Commercial specifications

• Natural and synthetic variants