A new rare earths oil pigment and its preparation method -- co-developed by the Baotou Rare Earth Research and Development Center at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Baotou Zhongke Investment Management Co -- was granted an invention patent, according to a Sept 25 Baotou Evening News report.

The technology utilizes raw walnut oil, cooked walnut oil, modified cera alba, glycerin monostearate, Sulfide cerium pigment, organic clay and Hydrophobic agents.

Officials said the modified cera alba that is used has good oxidation resistance and can improve the storage stability of the pigment.

They said the added hydrophobic agents can improve the hydrophobic properties of the pigment and can reduce the influence of water on the quality of the pigment in a humid environment.

At the same time, the technology fully organizes the clay, improves the compatibility of the clay with various organic raw materials in the technology -- effectively reducing deposition of the coating and achieving a uniform and stable effect.

Baotou, the largest industrial city in North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region, has harnessed its industrial development to boost its local economy.

Officials said the city is now committed to transforming itself into a modern industrial base for China -- with remarkable developments in the rare earths sector, along with high-end equipment manufacturing, metallurgy and communications technologies.

With its abundant rare earths resources, Baotou is fast becoming China's leading supplier and R&D center for rare earths, as well as a center for processing them.

The city is making strides in the development of its rare earths industry, with the Baotou Rare Earth High-Tech Industrial Development Zone and the Baotou Rare Earth Research and Development Center serving as its base.

China’s only e-commerce trading platform for rare earth products, the Baotou Rare Earths Products Exchange, was established as an additional boost to the development of the sector.