PBr 24 – chrome titanate

Manufacturer/ product code:  Kremer / 43300
Chemical Description:  Cr/Sb/Ti-oxide
Color: brown
Color Index: PBr 24
Date:  from 1946

PBr 24, known as chrome titanate, is a synthetic inorganic pigment classified as a mixed metal oxide, typically composed of chromium, titanium, and sometimes antimony oxides. Developed in the mid-20th century, it was created to provide a stable, non-toxic alternative to traditional lead- or chromate-based brown and yellow pigments. Its hue ranges from warm yellow-brown to olive-brown, depending on the precise formulation and particle size.

As a pigment, PBr 24 exhibits excellent chemical and thermal stability. It is highly resistant to light, heat, acids, alkalis, and weathering, making it suitable for demanding applications in paints, coatings, ceramics, plastics, and industrial finishes. Its opacity is moderate, and it has a subdued, earthy color that blends well with other inorganic pigments to produce naturalistic browns and muted tones.

In modern artistic practice, PBr 24 is found in 20th- and 21st-century paintings, decorative finishes, and industrially produced colored media. It is particularly valued for its permanence and inertness, which make it reliable in conservation-sensitive contexts. Analytically, the pigment is easily detectable via XRF due to the presence of chromium and titanium, simplifying identification compared to many organic pigments. The presence of PBr 24 in an artwork is a clear marker of modern or contemporary materials, reflecting the 20th-century shift toward engineered pigments designed for durability and safety rather than traditional chromatic brilliance.