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intengineering OP t1_iwr2k1t wrote

Reply to comment by Inorganic_or_bust in I'm John Swierk, assistant professor of Chemistry at Binghamton University, State University of New York. My team and I are working to understand the molecular composition of tattoo inks to provide a broader understanding to artists and consumers. AMA! by intengineering

Right now for quantitative purposes, microwave digestion and ICP-MS. For more qualitative purposes, X-ray fluorescence and/or EDAX. Most of the colored pigments are "organic" or molecular. There are some exceptions like iron oxides in browns and some reds. Black pigments are mostly carbon black and white is most TiO2 or barium sulfate, which would be considered "inorganic" or solid pigments. -JRS

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Inorganic_or_bust t1_iwr4bz0 wrote

Thanks. TiO2 is also photo reactive. I don't think it's that big of a deal when used topically, but it could be a concern subdermally. Especially if the active species reacts with the organic pigments.

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fulcrumlever t1_iwvmwan wrote

I’m not sure I understand why carbon black would be considered inorganic? Tattoo artist here.

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