Titanium dioxide, also known as titania, titanium white, permanent white, or titanium oxide, is a synthetic white pigment and fine powder with excellent hiding power. It's non-toxic, permanent, and can be used in a variety of mediums. Identified by the Colour Index System as pigment white 6, C.I. 77891, titanium dioxide has the chemical composition TiO2. It is the most widely utilized white pigment due to its exceptional brightness and high refractive index, making it suitable for applications in paints, coatings, printing inks, plastics, papers, synthetic fibers, ceramics, electronic components, as well as in food, cosmetics, and toothpaste.
In paints and coatings, titanium dioxide delivers maximum whiteness and opacity, giving these products high covering power, which means it effectively conceals the surface underneath better than any other white pigment. It is the most important material in the paint industry for achieving whiteness and opacity. These properties come from titanium dioxide's refractive index, which refers to its ability to bend and scatter light. Beyond its use as a white pigment or opacifier, titanium dioxide is also valued in plastics and other applications for its UV-resistant qualities. In ceramics, it serves as an opacifier and promotes crystal formation in glazes.
²Rutile Grade Titanium Dioxide
Rutile grade titanium dioxide, the most common form used in paints due to its superior properties. It has a crystal structure that makes it more stable and durable compared to anatase. One of the key benefits of rutile TiO₂ is its high refractive index, which means it reflects more light. This makes rutile TiO₂ ideal for creating bright, white, and highly opaque paints. It allows the paint to cover surfaces effectively with fewer coats, saving time and material cost.
Rutile TiO₂ also has excellent UV resistance, meaning it is less likely to break down or degrade when exposed to sunlight. This makes it the preferred choice for exterior paints, where longterm exposure to UV rays is common. Paints containing rutile TiO₂ are more durable, maintaining their color and gloss for a longer time, even in harsh outdoor environments. Additionally, rutile TiO₂ offers better resistance to chalking, a process where the paint’s surface becomes powdery due to weathering.
Appplication areas
· Paints and Coatings
· Paper
· Plastics
· Printing Inks
· Masterbatches
· Enamels and Ceramics
²Anatase Grade Titanium Dioxide
The anatase grade of titanium dioxide is a crystalline form that undergoes a transformation to the rutile grade when heated above 700°C. At temperatures exceeding 400°C, anatase may develop a yellow tone. Compared to the rutile grade, anatase exhibits lower durability, lightfastness, and tinting strength. However, it retains several advantageous properties:
· Good light scattering strength
· High whiteness
· Strong hiding power
· Good weather fastness
Appplication areas
· Paints and Coatings
· Paper
· Plastics
· Printing Inks
· Enamels and Ceramics
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