Composition and Properties of Red Soil from Surat Thani for Developing Natural Color in Art
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Abstract
This research aimed to investigate the properties of natural pigments derived from local red soils in Surat Thani Province and establish knowledge for the development of natural clay pigment products. Soil samples were collected from Phanom and Khiri Rat Nikhom districts, focusing on Soil Group 26 (Ao Luk soil series) and Soil Group 34 (Fang Daeng soil series), both known for their distinct red hues. Soil sampling was conducted at three depth levels (0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm). The analysis included physical and chemical properties, including soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity, and soil color. The morphology, adhesion structure, and surface characteristics of pigment nanoparticles were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Mineral components in the soil were analyzed using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The results revealed that soil from Khiri Rat Nikhom exhibited high potential as a natural pigment source, containing significant amounts of hematite, stilpnomelane, and copper vanadium oxide, which contribute to a deep reddish-brown hue, particularly in the KRN-A area. SEM analysis revealed diverse shapes and sizes of soil particles, affecting their adhesion properties and dispersion on different surfaces. Therefore, red soil from Khiri Rat Nikhom District, Surat Thani Province, which has a high amount of hematite and red-colored minerals, and has an appropriate particle size, can be developed into natural color products for art, especially in the KRN-A area, which has the most outstanding properties. This will help reduce the reliance on synthetic colors, and provide a guideline for using environmentally friendly materials.
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