Titanium Dioxide (NR930 Rutile) - China

Brief Overview

Titanium dioxide, or Titania, is an inorganic compound known for its pure white powder form with the chemical formula TiO2. It typically exists in two primary crystal structures: rutile and anatase. Anatase, being cost-effective, easily dispersible in water-based systems, and an excellent opacifier, has untreated titanium dioxide with a refractive index of 2.55. However, it is infrequently employed in exterior paint applications, excluding highway paints.

Manufacturing Process

The sulfur process enables the production of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in both anatase and rutile forms through the following steps:

1. Dissolving the raw material containing titanium dioxide in concentrated sulfuric acid
2. Precipitating hydrous titanium dioxide from the acidic solution through dilution and boiling (hydrolysis)
3. Removing contaminants through leaching
4. Increasing particle size through calcination at temperatures around 1.000 C
5. Purifying and subsequently coating the pigment with organic and inorganic oxides.

Paint and Coating Industry

Due to its brightness and exceptionally high refractive index (n=2.7), titanium dioxide stands as one of the most extensively utilized white pigments, outperforming only a select few materials.

Paper Industry

In the paper industry, titanium dioxide serves as a potent opacifier in powder form. Used as a pigment, it enhances the whiteness and opacity of paper products. The optimal sizing of titanium dioxide particles contributes to improved opacity. Furthermore, under specific formulations, there is a potential for limited color change based on the angle and illumination of the finished product, influenced by the thickness of the oxide layer in the pigment particle.

Cosmetics Industry

 Titanium dioxide serves a dual purpose as a pigment and thickener in cosmetic and skincare products. It is a common ingredient in sunscreens with physical blockers due to its high refractive index, robust UV light absorption capabilities, and resistance to discoloration under ultraviolet light. This characteristic contributes to its stability and effectiveness in shielding the skin from ultraviolet light. Sunscreens formulated for infants or individuals with sensitive skin often rely on titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, as these mineral UV blockers are less likely to cause skin irritation compared to chemical UV absorbers like avobenzone.

Food Industry

Titanium dioxide serves as a food colorant in the food industry, providing an economical option widely used in enhancing the white color of dairy-based products. Additionally, it is employed to improve the color of candy, frosting, and powder on donuts.

Plastic Industry

This pigment is widely utilized in plastics and various applications due to its UV-resistant properties, functioning as a UV absorber that effectively converts detrimental UV light energy into heat.

Other Applications

TiO2 also serves as an efficient opacifier in powder form, functioning as a pigment to impart whiteness and opacity to a range of products, including paints, coatings, plastics, papers, inks, foods, medicines, and the majority of toothpaste.