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Color pigments in concrete and their properties

Article  in  Pollack Periodica · December 2015

DOI: 10.1556/606.2015.10.3.15

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 POLLACK PERIODICA
An International Journal for Engineering and Information Sciences
DOI: 10.1556/606.2015.10.3.15
Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 143–151 (2015)
www.akademiai.com

COLOR PIGMENTS IN CONCRETE AND THEIR

PROPERTIES
1
Viola HOSPODAROVA, 2Jozef JUNAK, 3Nadezda STEVULOVA

Institute of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering,

Technical University of Kosice, Vysokoskolska 4, 042 00 Kosice, Slovakia,
email: 1viola.hospodarova@tuke.sk, 2jozef.junak@tuke.sk, 3nadezda.stevulova@tuke.sk

Received 1 January 2015; accepted 16 March 2015

Abstract: Nowadays, color concrete pigments are used to revive space in the construction of
new buildings, reconstruction existing buildings and squares. Color pigments represent a partial
weight replacement of the binder. Color pigmented concrete also has properties like traditional
concrete namely high strength, good durability and weather resistance for its variable use. In this
paper, characterization and classification of color pigments, using and their influence on the
properties of concrete is given. The experimental part of concrete composites studying (with color
pigments) includes testing of physical and mechanical properties in comparison to reference
sample (without color pigments).

Keywords: Pigmented concrete, Color pigments, Physical and mechanical properties

1. Introduction
While most people are oblivious to the ordinary variations in regular concrete, they
often have heightened expectations when colored concrete is specified [1]. As with
stone and wood or cellulose alternative sources (e.g. hemp), minor variations in
appearance contribute to the material’s aesthetic appeal [1], [2]. Today hemp hurds can
be used in high-quality products as a hemp concrete, fiber board and composites. In the
study [2], there is shown the using of hemp hurds in composites with alternative binder
of MgO-cement.
When specified and constructed with reasonable care, color expands concretes
aesthetic potential. The measures required to produce attractive integrally colored
concrete are consistent with those required to produce any high-quality concrete.

HU ISSN 1788–1994 © 2015 Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest

144 V. HOSPODAROVA, J. JUNAK, N. STEVULOVA

Usually, appearance defects are not a result of the coloring process but are due to the
basic nature of concrete itself. Concrete appearance is affected by many factors,
including the ingredients in the mix, mix design, handling and placing procedures,
forming and curing methods, surface finishes and textures, environmental conditions,
and craftsmanship. In most cases, colored concrete is installed using the same tools and
techniques as uncolored concrete. Planners and builders who understand conditions that
produce variation can form more realistic expectations and achieve desired results in
both cast-in-place and precast colored concrete [1].
Pigments are defined as substances that after dispersion in a suitable medium
(binder) have covering or staining properties or other special properties. Basic pigments
have staining property and by the resulting color shade are divided into white (e.g.
titanium dioxide), color (e.g. iron oxide pigments) and black pigments (e.g. carbon
black). Special pigments are referred to as pigments, which have another special
properties such as high thermal and chemical stability (ceramic pigments), metallic
shine, luminescent properties (e.g. CaWO4) and magnetic properties (e.g. Fe3O4) [3].
Inorganic pigments are most often obtained from natural mineral sources. The
chemical compositions of inorganic pigments are oxides, sulphides or sulphates. They
are more resistant to light and chemical attack and they are more durable than organic
pigments. On the other hand, the color is not as strong and do not provide as many
colors as organic pigments. Color pigments are available in three forms as powder,
liquid and granular [4].
In the study [5], there is indicated that the long-time follow-up of colored concrete
exposed to various weather conditions around the world has shown that the inorganic
pigments are particularly good properties with respect to the long-term stability of color
tone. For requirements, alkali-resisting cement matrix, weather and climatic influences,
insolubility in water and uniformly distributing, are most suitable metal oxide pigments
or mixed metal oxides (Table I).

Table I
The most used color pigments based on metal oxides or mixed metal oxides

Color shade of pigments Chemical formula of metal oxides

white TiO2
black Fe3O4
red Fe2O3
yellow FeOOH
brown Fe3O4 + Fe2O3
green Cr2O3
blue CoO.Al2O3

Pigments suitable for use with Portland cement or other types of cement should have
the following characteristics:
 corresponding coloring or coloring ability - impart color from color pigment to
medium, according to a fixed dose;
 must be inert (chemically non-reacting);

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 COLOR PIGMENTS IN CONCRETE AND THEIR PROPERTIES 145

 dispersion occurs rapidly and effectively (there is a uniform distribution of

ultra-fine pigment particles);
 durable (chemically resistant), resistant to photochemical reactions that occur
due to solar radiation (UV) and weathering;
 economically feasible [5], [6].
The study [7] shows impact of amount pigments on color shade and mechanical
characteristics on concrete. Results of experimental investigation of influence types and
amount of pigment on compressive strength and modulus of elasticity in different age
are investigated.
The objective of this work is finding out influence of colored pigments on final
characteristics of concrete such as density, absorbability and compressive strength in
comparison with reference sample without pigments.

2. Materials and methods

2.1. Materials
In this study, Portland cement (CEM I 42,5 R), natural aggregate, water and
admixtures (liquid pigment for the first alternative of concrete samples and fly ash for
the second alternative of concrete samples) were used for preparing colored concrete.
For preparing colored concrete was used Portland cement CEM I 42.5 R, which
originate from company Holcim Slovakia a. s.
Two different fractions of natural aggregates (0-4 mm and 4-8 mm) coming from
company Holcim Slovakia a. s. (operation of aggregate Geca) were used for concrete
specimens preparing. Natural aggregate was evaluated according to Slovak standard
STN EN 12 620 – Aggregates for concrete [8].
Water for the concrete production has to be harmless and according to standard STN
EN 1008 [9].
Colored pigments used in study are coming from company, to produce pigments,
Remei CZ s. r. o. Three different types of liquid pigments in yellow, red and brown
color were used. The producer recommended dosage is in the range 3-6% by weight of
the binder. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis was determined elemental chemical
composition of the color pigments (yellow, red and brown) before the experiment.
SPECTRO iQ II (Ametek, Germany) with silicon drift detector (SDD) with resolution
of 145 eV at 10 000 pulses was used for the analysis. The primary beam was polarized
by Bragg crystal and Highly Ordered Pyrolytic Graphite - HOPG target. The samples
were measured during 300 and 180 s at voltage of 25 kV and 50 kV at current of 0.5 and
1.0 mA under helium atmosphere by using the standardized method of fundamental
parameters for cements or liquids [10]. Spectrometric analysis of color pigments is
shown in Table II.
Fly ash used in this experiment was obtained from power station of biomass
combustion, which is situated in Kosice, Juzna trieda. X-ray fluorescence analysis was
carried analysis of fly ash from the combustion of biomass, equipment SPECTRO Q II

Pollack Periodica 10, 2015, 3

146 V. HOSPODAROVA, J. JUNAK, N. STEVULOVA

(Ametek, Germany), which determined the chemical composition of the compounds and
the elements. XRF analysis is given in Table III.

Table II
X-ray fluorescence analysis for determination of pigment composition
Liquid pigments
Chemical element Yellow Red Brown
percentage percentage percentage
composition [%] composition [%] composition [%]
Fe 31.19 28.34 44.59
Si 0.17 0.74 0.55
S 0.18 0.07 0.15
Cr 0.09 0.12 0.33
Mg < 0.01 0.18 < 0.01
Cl 0.03 0.20 0.05
Ti 0.06 0.01 0.22

Table III
X-ray fluorescence analysis of fly ash
Fly ash
Chemical compounds and concentration of chemical compounds and
elements elements [%]
MgO 6.33
Al2O3 1.37
SiO2 5.32
P2O5 3.09
SO3 7.26
Cl 1.06
K2O 12.26
CaO 47.33
MnO 0.80
Fe2O3 0.97
ZnO 0.70
SrO 0.13

2.2. Preparation of composites

Experimental mixtures were prepared according to the recipe in the Table IV. The
mean values of density, water absorbability and compressive strength of each specimen
were calculated as the average of the two measured values.
The first alternative of samples are consisted of cement CEM I 42.5 R, aggregates
fraction 0-4 mm and 4-8 mm, water and pigment (yellow, red, brown). The pigments
substituted 5% weight of binder (cement CEM I 42.5 R). The second alternative of
samples are made from CEM I 42.5 R, aggregates fraction 0-4 mm and 4-8 mm, water,
pigment (yellow, red, brown) and fly ash. In these specimens the pigment substituted

Pollack Periodica 10, 2015, 3

 COLOR PIGMENTS IN CONCRETE AND THEIR PROPERTIES 147

5% weight of cement and fly ash substituted 25% weight of cement. For each
alternative were prepared reference samples.

Table IV
Composition of concrete samples with pigment (1. alternative) and with pigment and fly ash
(2. alternative)
fly
composition CEM I aggregate water pigment ash
42.5 R
0-4 4-8 yellow red brown
Samples mm mm
P0 * * * * - - - -
1. alternative

P01 * * * * * - - -
P02 * * * * - * - -
P03 * * * * - - * -
P0P * * * * - - - *
2. alternative

P01P * * * * * - - *
P02P * * * * - * - *
P03P * * * * - - * *

For a preparation of specimens, the standard steel block forms with dimensions
40 mm x 40 mm x 160 mm were used. The specimens were cured for 2 days in the
indoor climate at approximately +18 °C and then they were removed from the moulds.
After that time, the specimens were held in a water bath for 26 days. After 28 days of
hardening, the concrete composites were taken out from water and water from all
surfaces of bodies has been removed by a clean dry cloth. Afterwards they were
weighed and measured for following measurement of density, water absorbability and
compressive strength. Water absorption was carried out by immersing the composites in
water bath (PE closed container) at laboratory temperature (20 ºC) for 72 hours of
durations. The specimens were reweighed and afterwards were dried in an oven at
105 °C up to constant weight for following measurement of water absorption.

2.3. Testing methods

Density, water absorbability and compressive strength were measured on dried
specimens after their water storage. The density was determined in accordance with
standard STN EN 12390-7 and it was measured after 7 and 28 days [11]. Water
absorbability was determined in accordance with standard STN 73 1316 [12].
Compressive strength of all composites was determined using the instrument ADR 2000
(ELE International, England) and it was measured after 7 and 28 days.
The mean values of density, water absorbability and compressive strength of each
specimen were calculated as the average of the two measured values.

Pollack Periodica 10, 2015, 3

148 V. HOSPODAROVA, J. JUNAK, N. STEVULOVA

3. Results and discussion

The results of investigations showed that values of density in composites are in a
range of 2240 - 2430 kg/m3 after 28 days. As it can be seen in Fig. 1, density of cement
composites were stabilized after 28 days and compared to a 7-day density increased.
Densities of samples were in a range 2230 - 2360 kg/m3 after 7 days. Density, of cement
composites in the first alternative, was decreased in comparison with reference sample
(2430 kg/m3) after 28 days. In this case was observed reduction in the density of
concrete specimens, containing brown pigment - P03, of 5.8% compared to the
reference sample P0. However, density of the samples containing liquid pigment and fly
ash (P01P, P02P and P03P) increased in comparison with reference sample P0P. The
highest density achieved specimen P02P, with red pigment and fly ash, 2340 kg/m3 and
in view of the comparative sample was in 5.8% higher. The resulting density depends
on the density of cement, liquid pigment, fly ash and the water/cement ratio. The
presence of the liquid pigment in the samples has influence of the resulting density that
it decreases as compared with a reference sample. This reduction also depends on the
density of the liquid pigment. Density of concrete samples has decreased if fly ash was
added to the concrete mixture. However, the concrete mixture containing liquid pigment
and fly ash, density has slightly increased.

Fig. 1. Density of concrete specimens tested after 7 and 28 days

Values of water absorbability of composite samples both alternatives were measured

in the range of 6.6-9.0%. The Fig. 2 illustrates water absorbability of specimens
including samples of the first alternative (with liquid pigment) and samples of the
second alternative (with liquid pigment and fly ash). Composites of the first alternative
achieved slightly higher water absorbability (to 1.06%) in comparison with reference
sample P0. But if composites contained colored pigment and fly ash (2. alternative) the
water absorbability was slightly reduced (to 0.68%) compared to the comparative

Pollack Periodica 10, 2015, 3

 COLOR PIGMENTS IN CONCRETE AND THEIR PROPERTIES 149

sample P0P. Water absorbability of the second alternative is higher in comparison with
the first alternative due to of the content of fly ash in the mixture.

Fig. 2. Water absorbability of concrete specimens

As regards compressive strength of the composites measured after 7 and 28 days,

these values are shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 3. Compressive strength of concrete specimens tested after 7 and 28 days

Pollack Periodica 10, 2015, 3

150 V. HOSPODAROVA, J. JUNAK, N. STEVULOVA

Compressive strength of the samples of both alternatives is increased after 28 days and
retains the same course as that recorded after measuring 7-day compressive strength. An
impact of pigments on these values was observed (Fig. 3). In the first group of samples,
a sample with brown pigment (P03) obtained the highest strength 32.97 MPa, which is
compared with a reference sample increased by 19.3% (5.33 MPa) but the sample
containing red pigment (P02) decreased by 11.9% (3.28 MPa) after 28 days. The second
group of samples had similar character of compressive strength as samples from the first
alternative. Composite P03P (with brown pigment and fly ash) had compressive
strength higher by 25.8% (5.61 MPa) with respect to the comparative sample P0P.
Composite P02P containing red pigment and fly ash reduced its compressive strength
by 14.6% (3.18 MPa) in comparison with the comparative sample P0P. Reduced
compressive strength in the second alternative after 28 days caused due to the addition
of fly ash to the mixture. On the other hand, the addition of the pigment into the
concrete does not reduce the compression strength, but there is a small increase in
compressive strength from 0.5 to 5 MPa. The compressive strengths of samples
combined liquid pigment and fly ash is less than the compressive strength of the
samples containing only a liquid pigment.

4. Conclusions
In this paper, some physical and mechanical properties of hardened composites with
liquid pigment in the first alternative and with liquid pigment and fly ash (the second
alternative) were studied. Some important material properties as density; water
absorbability and compressive strength of concrete composites were tested. Results
indicated that pigments can reduce bulk density, water absorbability slightly increase by
1% and compressive strength increase up to 20%. Fly ash in addition to the mixture
(sample P0P) can reduce the density, water absorbability slightly increase and
compressive strength also slightly decrease in comparison with a reference specimen
P0. Mixture, containing pigment and fly ash, is able to achieve compressive strength at
the level of comparative sample P0 (27.64 MPa). From the obtained results, use of
colored pigment in concrete does not have negative impact on the physical and strength
characteristic of hardened concrete.
The resulting properties of colored concrete depend on the used color pigment and
thus on the composition of the pigment, from compliance with dosage and technological
process of production.

Acknowledgements
The research has been carried out within the project NFP 26220120037 supported by
the European Union Structural funds.

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 COLOR PIGMENTS IN CONCRETE AND THEIR PROPERTIES 151

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