Research | Picking Pigments


Picking Pigments

OH


Technique used:

Chromatography  
Manufactured in:

Eindhoven,
The Netherlands






Picking Pigments is just what it sounds like, it’s an archive of pigments collected from 10 organic and synthetic objects. The technique used for this project is called chromatography - a process for separating components of a mixture.




Examples of production



01

Wood chipsAcetoneResults


02


Dried leaves96% rubbing alcohol Results


The mixture cosists of a solvent, either acetone or 96% alcohol and dusks or chips of the original object. When the mixture is ready, a strip of a filter paper is fitted into the cup of the mixture. Then , the pigments travel upwards, creating a chromatograph.The chromatography paper is made of cellulose, a polar substance, and the compounds within the mixture travel further if they are less polar.  More polar substances bond with the cellulose paper more quickly, and therefore do not travel as far. 


Results of chromatography experiments


Toaster
Berries
Wood chips
Headphones
Screwdriver





Dried leaves
Statue
Old coffee
Mushrooms