Institute for Color Science and Technology (ICST)Progress in Color, Colorants and Coatings2008-213420220270501Lead in Iranian Architectural Paints: National Data, Regional Comparison, and Policy Implications1271378217910.30509/pccc.2026.167747.1482ENZ.RanjbarInstitute for Color Science and Technology, Faculty of Surface Coating and Novel Technologies, P.O. Box: 16765-654, Tehran, IranSh.MontazeriInstitute for Color Science and Technology, Faculty of Surface Coating and Novel Technologies, P.O. Box: 16765-654, Tehran, IranD.PourhadadiInstitute for Color Science and Technology, Faculty of Surface Coating and Novel Technologies, P.O. Box: 16765-654, Tehran, IranH.RastegarAmirkabir University of Technology, Faculty of Polymer and Color Engineering, P.O. Box:1591634311, Tehran, IranJournal Article20251227This study provides one of the most comprehensive datasets to date on heavy metal contamination in Iranian architectural paints, encompassing 72 samples from eight major brands. The present work investigates heavy metal content in architectural (decorative household) paints available in Iran and situates the findings in a regional and global context. Seventy-two samples of white, yellow, and red paints from eight local brands were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Lead concentrations ranged between 1.16 and 13,206 ppm, with 79 % of samples exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline of 90 ppm. Yellow paints showed the highest values, likely due to lead chromate pigments. Statistical analyses (one-way and factorial ANOVA) revealed significant differences in lead levels across colors, brands, and their interactions (p < 0.01). The results reveal strong correlations among Pb, Cr, Sn, and As, pointing to pigment-based sources such as lead chromate and organotin compounds. This study highlights the urgent need for regulatory enforcement, the substitution of hazardous pigments, and alignment with the WHO–UNEP’s 2025 global update, which reports that 94 countries have binding lead paint laws.https://pccc.icrc.ac.ir/article_82179_8ce6bba01031bbb650d8dc834221eaaf.pdfInstitute for Color Science and Technology (ICST)Progress in Color, Colorants and Coatings2008-213420220270501Eco-Friendly Dyeing of Cotton Fabrics Using Dalbergia sissoo Wood Waste Extract and Bio-mordants for Multifunctional Performance1391578219610.30509/pccc.2026.167780.1500ENMd. A.HaqueDepartment of Textile Engineering, Uttara University, P.O. Box: 1230, Dhaka, BangladeshDepartment of Textile Engineering, Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology, P.O. Box: 1707, Gazipur, BangladeshMd. A.HannanDepartment of Textile Engineering, Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology, P.O. Box: 1707, Gazipur, BangladeshR.SahaDepartment of Textile Engineering, Uttara University, P.O. Box: 1230, Dhaka, BangladeshA. HoqueBhuiyanDepartment of Textile Engineering, Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology, P.O. Box: 1707, Gazipur, BangladeshJournal Article20260225Considering increasing environmental awareness, research has shifted towards the development of eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic dyes. This study analyzes the potential of Dalbergia sissoo wood waste, a natural dye source containing neoflavonoids, for use in 100 % cotton fabric. The dye was applied using bio-mordants at 90 °C for 60 minutes without using other auxiliaries. The color strength (K/S) results showed that the dyed cotton fabric without any mordant provided a moderate K/S value of 1.5. However, the involvement of amla as a bio-mordant considerably increased the color intensity, resulting in a higher K/S value of 3.2. FTIR analysis confirms the intermolecular interactions between cotton fibers and dye molecules. The colored fabrics provided satisfactory fastness properties. The undyed fabric and dyed fabric without mordant displayed high moisture management ability (OMMC 0.8563 and 0.8657, respectively), while dyed fabrics mordanted with aloe vera, tamarind, myrobalan, and amla showed lower performance due to pore blockage by bio-mordant residues. The dyed fabric exhibited functional properties, including improved ultraviolet protection, and achieved a reduction of 52.4 % in bacterial count compared to the undyed samples. Overall, the outcomes recommend that Dalbergia sissoo wood waste extract can be an effective natural dye for cotton fabric. Moreover, this approach offers an auxiliary-free dyeing process that aligns with eco-friendly textile practices and reduces the environmental footprint of conventional textile dyeing.https://pccc.icrc.ac.ir/article_82196_89ed6b712686e88d9256d981a67854cc.pdfInstitute for Color Science and Technology (ICST)Progress in Color, Colorants and Coatings2008-213420220270501Enhancing Automotive Bumper Performance through Advanced Materials, Surface Treatments, and Design Optimization1591708219710.30509/pccc.2026.167726.1475ENM.ZareiDepartment of Polymer Engineering, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, P.O. Box: 11365/4435, Tehran, IranR.SoltaniDepartment of Polymer Engineering, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, P.O. Box: 11365/4435, Tehran, IranM.AtaeefardDepartment of Printing Science and Technology, Institute for Color Science and Technology, P.O. Box: 16765-654, Tehran, IranJournal Article20251118A<em>utomotive bumpers play a critical role in vehicle safety by absorbing impact energy. Polypropylene (PP) composites reinforced with ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber are widely used for their flexibility and impact resistance. However, low surface energy limits coating adhesion. In this study, flame treatment was systematically optimized using Box-Behnken design and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to enhance surface and adhesion performance of PP/EPDM bumpers. Effects of air pressure inside the cabin, flame gas pressure, flame/surface gap, and treatment time were evaluated for surface tension, adhesion strength, moisture and immersion resistance, and high-pressure wash durability. Results indicated that flame/surface gap, treatment time, and flame gas pressure were the most influential factors. The optimal conditions—10 cm gap, 120 s treatment, and 200-220 mbar flame pressure—simultaneously improved physical and chemical responses. These findings provide a practical guideline for industrial applications, improving coating durability and bumper performance through controlled surface modification and design optimization.</em>https://pccc.icrc.ac.ir/article_82197_aadf7a0eb3e69fdf4681f47ba6001d8e.pdfInstitute for Color Science and Technology (ICST)Progress in Color, Colorants and Coatings2008-213420220270501Hybrid DOE–RSM Modeling of Antibacterial and Mechanical Performance of ZnO–CMC Paper Coatings1711918218710.30509/pccc.2026.167760.1491ENS.RasouliDepartment of Nanomaterials & Nanocoatings, Institute for Color Science and Technology, P.O. Box: 16765-654, Tehran, IranF.S.Mortazavi MoghadamDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, P.O. Box: 16315-1355, Tehran, IranM.GhoreishiDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, P.O. Box: 16315-1355, Tehran, IranJournal Article20260113In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized using the glycine-nitrate combustion method and structurally and morphologically characterized. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed the formation of pure ZnO phase with wurtzite structure and nano-crystalline nature of particles, average crystallite size was calculated at 37 nm. Electron microscopy SEM-TEM images confirmed the quasi-spherical morphology of nanoparticles. In order to evaluate the bio-efficacy of the synthesized nanoparticles, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) tests of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria were performed and biologically effective concentration range was selected for use in coating suspension. ZnO nanoparticles were added to carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) base coatings at selected concentrations and applied to paper. Using a full factorial design of experiments (DOE), the simultaneous effect of ZnO concentration and coating thickness on the antibacterial index (R), tensile strength, and burst strength of the coated paper was investigated. Statistical analysis and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to model the main and interaction effects of parameters and develop predictive models. The results showed that ZnO concentration and coating thickness play a decisive role in the antibacterial performance and mechanical properties. Multi-response optimization was performed considering the maximization of antibacterial property and mechanical properties of the paper. The proposed DOE–RSM hybrid framework provides an effective and reliable approach for the design and optimization of antibacterial paper coatings, what the optimize results are related to ZnO (wt. %); 7.55 %, and Thickness 120 (µm). https://pccc.icrc.ac.ir/article_82187_d7ed0056265a064d9ef5b8850d441f35.pdfInstitute for Color Science and Technology (ICST)Progress in Color, Colorants and Coatings2008-213420220270501Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nano Powders: Effect of Surface Modifier Type1932018219910.30509/pccc.2026.167790.1501ENM.Shafiee AfaraniDepartment of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, P.O. Box: 98135-987, Zahedan, IranA. M.ArabiDepartment of Inorganic Pigments and Glazes, Institute for Color Science and Technology, P.O. Box: 16765-654, Tehran, IranH.Kordi-TamandaniDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, IranF.RamezaniDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, IranM.KaykhaiiDepartment of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University Bratislava, Mlynská Dolina CH-2, Ilkovičova 6, SK-842 15 Bratislava, SlovakiaJournal Article20260505CuO nano particles were synthesized via precipitation route in the presence of various surface modifiers (SMs) including Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and Polyethylene glycol (PEG), (3-Glycidoxypropyl) trimethoxysilane (3-GPTMS), Triton X-100 , Ethylene glycol (C2H6O2) and Oleic Acid. The effects of the SMs type on the structure, microstructure and band gap of samples were studied. Results generally showed that the SMs type led to formation of nanostructured monoclinic CuO phase with no considerable change in the structure and with crystallite size of ≤10nm. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra represented corresponding bands of Cu-O bonds in all samples. Moreover, scanning electron micrographs showed that highly agglomerated semispherical nano particles were obtained. Moreover, transmission electron micrographs showed synthesis in the presence of SDS and 3-GPTMS led to smallest and largest nano particles. Furthermore, considerable band gap broadening of powders up to 4 eV confirms the nano nature of synthesized particles even in quantum region. https://pccc.icrc.ac.ir/article_82199_176307fe05ee19eb8a22aa350b14e4b5.pdfInstitute for Color Science and Technology (ICST)Progress in Color, Colorants and Coatings2008-213420220270501Sustainable Dyeing of Cotton Fabrics with Papaver Rhoeas-Derived Anthocyanins: Impact of Mordant and Acid Types2032208220010.30509/pccc.2026.167792.1503ENM.TehraniDepartment of Art, Shahrekord University, P.O. Box: 5681188617, Shahrekord, Iran.G.H.Shahgholian-GhahfarokhiDepartment of Art, Shahrekord University, P.O. Box: 5681188617, Shahrekord, Iran.Journal Article20260506T<em>his study explored the eco-friendly application of natural dyes extracted from Papaver rhoeas petals for cotton fabric coloration. Due to growing environmental concerns, natural dyes are being considered as alternatives to synthetic dyes; however, they often suffer from low color strength and poor fastness. To overcome these challenges, this study examined how different mordanting methods, including pre-, meta-, and post-mordanting, a range of metallic and plant-based mordants, and various acid types influence dyeing performance. The petals of Papaver rhoeas contain anthocyanins, especially cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, which provide bright red to purple shades. The results showed that the mordanting method, acid type, and mordant type significantly affected color strength, shade, and fastness properties. Among the tested acids, citric and oxalic acids provided the most favorable dyeing performance, while meta-mordanting was the most effective method overall. Furthermore, natural mordants such as pomegranate rind, oak bark, and Juglans regia performed as well as or better than traditional metal mordants such as tin and iron. Pomegranate rind produced the highest color strength, while these bio-mordants improved color depth and durability. Overall, the study demonstrates that when appropriate mordanting methods, mordant types, and acid types are selected, Papaver rhoeas can be used as an effective and sustainable natural dye for cotton fabrics.</em>https://pccc.icrc.ac.ir/article_82200_2d5731acd1e46f98676d493095b2f32c.pdfInstitute for Color Science and Technology (ICST)Progress in Color, Colorants and Coatings2008-213420220270501Titanium Metallic Additives for Enhanced Thermal Stablity and Heat Barrier Performance of Bio-based Epoxy for Potential Coating Applications2212368220210.30509/pccc.2026.167804.1509ENM.AbdulazeezDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, P.O. Box: 34220, Istanbul, TürkiyeN.AcaralıDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, P.O. Box: 34220, Istanbul, TürkiyeJournal Article20260521Protective coatings played an important role in surface protection and in enhancing the visual appearance of coated substrates. In this study, the factors influencing the development of highly glossy coating systems, designed to achieve optimized optical, thermal, and morphological performance, were investigated. The study focused on developing adaptive surfaces by incorporating white aqueous pigments, castor oil, and titanium metallic particles into an epoxy resin matrix applied on aluminium substrates. A systematic evaluation of additive concentrations was carried out to achieve controlled dispersion and improved visual appearance. Infrared thermography, gloss measurements, colorimetry, contact angle analysis, and TG/DTA techniques were used for characterization. The results indicated that the optimized formulation influenced both surface and thermal properties. Infrared analysis showed variations in heat distribution among epoxy-based samples, while gloss measurements suggested that samples with lower temperature fluctuations tended to exhibit higher gloss values, indicating improved surface uniformity. Surface energy analysis revealed a transition from the reference surface condition (contact angle: 65.20°) to a more hydrophilic optimized condition (contact angle: 48.38°), suggesting an increase in surface wettability. TG/DTA results showed that the addition of titanium metallic particles increased the residual mass at 600 °C, indicating enhanced thermal stability and increased char formation rather than complete thermal degradation of the material. Overall, the optimized coating system demonstrated improved combined thermal, optical, and surface properties, providing a promising approach for multi-functional coating applications.https://pccc.icrc.ac.ir/article_82202_22e3123461cc5fd13d2c17c0976dae1c.pdf