| Dyes | Pigments |
|---|---|
| Soluble | Insoluble |
| Vulnerable to fading | Resistant against fading |
| Functional groups bond between dye and substrate | Functional groups do not bond; typically requires a binder. |
| Structure alters | Retains particulate form |
| Often combustible | Relatively less combustible |
| Typically organic | Typically (but not always) inorganic |
| Longevity – shorter | Longevity – longer |
Dyes vs. Pigments
Industrial Dyes Information
IHS GlobalSpec
http://www.globalspec.com/learnmore/materials_chemicals_adhesives/chemicals_raw_materials/dyes
Dyes and pigments are similarly used to impart color to materials and finished products, but there are several important distinctions between the two. The primary difference is that dyes are soluble in their vehicle or substrate. When a dye is mixed with a vehicle, it produces a solution, whereas a pigment combined with a vehicle results in a suspension.