The world of art and design has always been enamored with vibrant and stable pigments. These elusive colors have been sought after for centuries, with artists and scientists alike striving to discover the perfect hue. However, the search has been largely unsuccessful, with the discovery of bright yet stable pigments being vanishingly rare. That is until now.
Meet Mas Subramanian, a chemist from Oregon State University, who has dedicated his life to unraveling the atomic code of color. His groundbreaking research has led to the discovery of a new pigment, one that is stable, bright and highly coveted by the art world. Subramanian’s work has not only opened up new possibilities for artists, but also has the potential to revolutionize the field of color chemistry.
The quest for stable pigments has been a long and arduous one. Traditional pigments, such as those used by the ancient Egyptians and Romans, were derived from natural sources like minerals and plants. These pigments, while vibrant, were not very stable and would often fade or change color over time. This posed a major challenge for artists who wanted their creations to stand the test of time.
In the 19th century, chemists began to experiment with synthetic pigments, resulting in the discovery of iconic hues like Prussian blue and chrome yellow. These pigments were more stable than their natural counterparts, but still lacked the brightness and intensity that artists desired. This led to a continuous search for new and improved pigments, but with little success.
It was not until 2009 when Subramanian and his team were experimenting with materials for electronic devices that they stumbled upon a new blue pigment. Dubbed “YInMn blue”, this pigment was not only incredibly bright and stable, but it also had unique properties that made it stand out from other blue pigments. The team had inadvertently discovered a new compound made up of yttrium, indium, and manganese, which gave the pigment its name.
The discovery of YInMn blue sparked a new wave of research, with Subramanian and his team now focusing on creating other hues using the same atomic code. They have since developed a new red pigment, “YInMn red”, which is just as vibrant and stable as its blue counterpart. This new pigment has caught the attention of the art world, with artists and designers eagerly waiting for its release.
The potential of these new pigments goes beyond the world of art. They have also shown promise in other industries, such as in coatings for buildings and even in the medical field. These pigments are not only stable and bright, but they are also non-toxic, making them a safer alternative to traditional pigments.
Subramanian’s work has not only resulted in the discovery of new pigments, but it has also shed light on the atomic code of color. His team’s research has shown that the arrangement of atoms in a compound can greatly affect its color and stability. This opens up new possibilities for the creation of even more pigments in the future.
The discovery of these new pigments is a game-changer for the art world. It has given artists the opportunity to use colors that were previously unattainable, allowing for more creativity and experimentation. The potential applications of these pigments in various industries also make them highly valuable.
Subramanian’s work serves as a reminder that there are still many mysteries waiting to be unraveled in the world of science. His determination and passion for his research have led to a breakthrough that will have a lasting impact on the world of color and chemistry. As we eagerly await the release of these new pigments, let us celebrate the incredible work of Mas Subramanian and his team, who have brought us one step closer to the ultimate hue.
