For decades, Bayferrox iron oxide pigments have been used reliably in all types of concrete materials. However, in more recent years, there have been many advancements in concrete technology. 

 

“New types of concrete such as self-compacting or ultra-high performance concrete are based on complex formulations, the components of which must be perfectly matched to meet requirements. This must also be kept in mind when iron-oxide pigments are used,” said Oliver Fleschentraeger, market segment manager construction in the Inorganic Pigments (IPG) business unit at LANXESS.

LANXESS has extensive expertise in the production and handling of pigments as well as in the processing in concrete manufacturing. To continue to provide superior support for the technological development of its customers in the future, the company has invested around 1 million Euro in the further modernization of its application laboratories for construction materials at its Krefeld-Uerdingen site in Germany and at Starpointe Burgettstown, Pennsylvania.

“The technical service offering comprises extensive analyses regarding the colorimetric and physical pigment characteristics as well as their influence on concrete properties and rheological characteristics in customer-specific applications, which can be simulated under laboratory conditions,” said Fleschentraeger. “In addition, we collaborate closely with raw material producers, equipment manufacturers, architects and universities in order to provide the best service for our customers.”

Bayferrox iron oxide pigments also support the requirements of the sustainable building and improve the classification of construction materials manufactured in resource-preserving processes through rating systems such as LEED and DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council). As a result, LANXESS is the only pigment producer in the world to be SCS-certified. The Scientific Certification Systems, Inc., a renowned independent certification company, has confirmed the large proportion of recycled raw materials in the production process for LANXESS iron oxide pigments. 

 

“This provides the ideal basis for our customers to develop, manufacture and successfully sell sustainable construction materials worldwide,” said Fleschentraeger.

LANXESS pigments are also perfect solutions to the challenges of urban rebirth. More and more large cities are developing into heat islands with negative effects on health, well-being and climate. The “urban heat island effect” is mainly driven by the high number of enclosed and developed metropolitan areas. Reflective surface materials – especially when used on roofs – can help to counter this effect.

With Bayferrox 303 T, LANXESS is offering a unique black pigment for coloring concrete roofing tiles. Compared with conventional black pigments, it reflects 20 percent more of the sun’s infrared radiation.
This means that the roofing tiles absorb less heat and have a surface temperature that is up to 8° C lower. This results in a lower temperature inside the building, which improves the indoor climate and reduces energy consumption for air conditioning. This pigment type is also SCS-certified and has a positive effect on the LEED scoring.