Molybdate orange also known as molybdate red, is a brilliant orange pigment made by coprecipitation of lead chromate and lead molybdate often in the presence of lead sulfate. Molybdate orange has been widely used in coatings and plastics for many decades during the 20th century because of its bright color and high hiding power. Its use in coatings and plastics today is currently restricted in several countries due to the lead and chrome content in its composition.
Molybdate Oranges have been classified as Pigment Red 104 and C.I. 77605 (Molybdate Orange, Molybdate Red) by the Color Index System. Their basic chemical composition is PbCr4.PbSO4.PbMoO4
Orange molybdate has not been rated for lightfastness by the ASTM, but independent studies have shown that this grade has good resistance to light, weathering, high temperatures and sulfur dioxide and can be used with all other pigments without alteration. In order to meet the requirements from different areas, the pigment particles are coated with metal oxides, metal phosphates, silicates, etc. to give stabilized pigments with high color brilliance and good fastness properties, as well as highly stabilized grades with very good resistance to light, weathering, sulfur dioxide, and temperature and with a very low content of acid-soluble lead.
Because of the bright orange, excellent hiding power, exhibiting very good resistance to light weather and temperature, molybdate red and molybdate orange are used in plastics, protective coatings and printing inks.
