Nickel Azo Yellow: A Bright, Stable Pigment - Cultural Heritage Science Open Source

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PY 150 – nickel azo yellow

This page presents the Spectroscopic analysis of this pigment.
The pigment has been examined using XRF spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and Reflectance Spectroscopy. These complementary techniques provide valuable insights into the pigment’s composition and structure.
This page aims to show which analytical methods are most effective for identifying this pigment in artworks and historical materials. By comparing results across different techniques, it serves as a practical reference for Heritage Science, Conservation, and Pigment Analysis.

It is used as a replacement for the original Indian yellow, it has the same brownish tint.

Manufacturer/ product code: Kremer / 23350
Chemical Description: monoazo nickel complex.
Color: yellow
Color Index: PY 150
More info:

PY 150 – Nickel Azo Yellow is a synthetic inorganic–organic hybrid pigment belonging to the azo family, specifically a nickel complex of a monoazo structure. It is highly valued for its bright, warm yellow hue, excellent lightfastness, and chemical stability, making it suitable for demanding artistic and industrial applications where permanence and vibrancy are required.

Chemically, PY 150 is a coordination complex in which a nickel ion is bound to an azo-containing organic ligand. This complexation stabilizes the chromophore, enhancing resistance to light, heat, and chemical agents compared to conventional organic yellows. The result is a durable pigment that retains its color integrity in coatings, plastics, inks, and fine art media. Its inorganic component also contributes to increased opacity and improved weathering performance.

In practical use, Nickel Azo Yellow exhibits high tinting strength and semi-opaque to opaque behavior depending on particle size and formulation. It mixes cleanly with other yellows, reds, and earth tones, allowing the creation of warm oranges and soft pastel yellows without dulling chroma. Its stability makes it particularly suitable for industrial coatings, automotive finishes, and outdoor applications, as well as for high-quality artists’ paints that require long-term color retention.

From a conservation and analytical standpoint, PY 150 is chemically inert and resistant to degradation under normal conditions. Its unique nickel-azo composition allows for distinctive identification using spectroscopic and X-ray techniques.