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Property | Description |
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Chemical Formula | TiO2 |
Molecular Weight | 79.866 g/mol |
Crystal Structures | |
- Rutile | High density, refractive index (2.7), excellent stability. Used in high-performance coatings and plastics. |
- Anatase | High photocatalytic activity, lower refractive index (2.5). Used in photocatalysts and self-cleaning materials. |
- Brookite | Rare, limited industrial applications. |
Physical Properties | |
- Color | White powder (pure form), slight color variations based on crystal structure. |
- Density | Rutile: 4.23 g/cm³; Anatase: 3.89 g/cm³. |
- Melting Point | ~1843°C (decomposes). |
- Solubility | Insoluble in water, dilute acids, and organic solvents. Soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid and hydrofluoric acid. |
Chemical Stability | |
- Acid/Alkali Resistance | Stable at room temperature. Reacts with strong acids (e.g., H2SO4) or alkalis (e.g., molten NaOH) at high temperatures. |
- Photocatalytic Activity | Anatase type decomposes organic compounds under UV light-used in air purification and antibacterial coatings. |
- Redox Properties | Can be reduced to lower titanium oxides (e.g., Ti3O5) at high temperatures by carbon or aluminum. |
Optical Properties | |
- Refractive Index | 2.4-2.7 (provides excellent opacity and whiteness, ideal for white pigments). |
- UV Absorption | Absorbs UVA (320-400 nm) and UVB (280-320 nm)-widely used in sunscreens. |
Application Field | Function/Role | Specific Applications/Products |
---|---|---|
Coatings & Inks | Provides opacity, weather resistance, and anti-chalking properties. | Architectural coatings (latex paint), automotive paints, marine coatings, printing inks. |
Plastics & Rubber | Whitening agent, enhances heat resistance and UV stability. | PVC pipes, PE packaging films, tire sidewalls, white appliance casings. |
Cosmetics & Personal Care | Physical UV blocker (reflects UV rays), whitening agent, and texture enhancer. | Sunscreens, foundations, toothpaste, soaps. |
Paper Industry | Acts as filler and coating to improve whiteness, smoothness, and printability. | High-quality paper, glossy paper coatings. |
Ceramics & Glass | Glaze additive to enhance gloss and wear resistance; used as decolorizer in glass. | Ceramic tiles, tableware, glass containers. |
Photocatalysis & Environmental Protection | Degrades organic pollutants under UV light. | Air purification (breaks down formaldehyde, VOCs), self-cleaning glass, wastewater treatment. |
New Energy & Electronics | Electrode coating material; light absorption in solar cells. | Lithium-ion batteries (e.g., lithium titanate), dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). |
Food & Pharmaceuticals | Whitening agent (food additive E171); coating and coloring agent. | Confectionery (candies, chewing gum), tablet coatings, colored capsules. |
Property | Description | Impact on Pigment Performance |
---|---|---|
High Refractive Index | Rutile: ~2.7 Anatase: ~2.5 |
Provides superior opacity and hiding power compared to other white pigments (e.g., ZnO: 2.0, CaCO3: 1.6). |
Bright Whiteness | Pure TiO2 reflects >97% of visible light. | Ensures neutral color tone without yellowing, ideal for high-quality white and light-colored coatings. |
UV Resistance | Absorbs UV light (UVA/UVB). | Prevents chalking and degradation in exterior paints and plastics. |
Chemical Stability | Inert to acids, alkalis, and solvents. | Maintains color stability in harsh environments (e.g., marine coatings, industrial paints). |
Particle Size Control | Optimized at 0.2-0.3 μm (for light scattering efficiency). | Maximizes light scattering (Mie theory) for optimal opacity. |
Type | Crystal Form | Key Features | Primary Applications |
---|---|---|---|
Rutile TiO2 | Tetragonal (high-density) | - Highest opacity & durability - Superior weather resistance |
- Architectural paints - Automotive coatings - Industrial finishes |
Anatase TiO2 | Tetragonal (lower-density) | - Higher photocatalytic activity - Softer particles |
- Indoor paints - Paper coatings - Certain plastics |
Surface-Treated TiO2 | Rutile or Anatase with coatings (e.g., SiO2, Al2O3) | - Improved dispersibility - Reduced photoactivity |
- High-end coatings - Plastics - Cosmetics |
Pigment | Refractive Index | Opacity | UV Resistance | Cost | Main Limitations |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TiO2 (Rutile) | 2.7 | 5star | 5star | High | Cost, potential photocatalysis |
Zinc Oxide (ZnO) | 2.0 | 2star | 4star | Medium | Poor opacity, reactivity |
Lithopone (ZnS + BaSO4) | 1.8 | 2star | 2star | Low | Poor durability |
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) | 1.6 | 1star | 1star | Very Low | Filler only, no opacity |
Parameter | Ideal Range | Impact on Performance |
---|---|---|
Particle Size | 0.2-0.3 μm | Optimizes light scattering for opacity. |
Oil Absorption | 16-20 g/100g | Affects paint viscosity and film formation. |
pH Value | 6.5-8.5 | Ensures compatibility with binders. |
Surface Treatment | SiO2/Al2O3-coated | Reduces photocatalytic degradation in coatings. |
Industry | Function of TiO | Example Products |
---|---|---|
Paints & Coatings | - Primary opacifier - UV protector |
Wall paints, car finishes, powder coatings |
Plastics | - Whitening agent - UV stabilizer |
PVC windows, food packaging, toys |
Inks | - Brightness enhancer - Opacity provider |
Offset inks, packaging inks |
Paper | - Coating pigment - Brightness booster |
High-gloss magazine paper |
Challenge | Solution |
---|---|
Photocatalytic Degradation (chalking in paints) | Use surface-treated rutile TiO2 (SiO2/Al2O3 coated). |
Dispersion Issues (agglomeration) | Optimize grinding & use dispersing agents. |
High Cost | Blend with extenders (e.g., CaCO3) where possible. |
Environmental Regulations (e.g., EU E171 ban) | Switch to non-food-grade or alternative opacifiers. |
Method | Raw Materials | Process Steps | Characteristics |
---|---|---|---|
Sulfate Process | Ilmenite (FeTiO3) or titanium slag | 1. Acid digestion: React with concentrated H2SO4 to form titanyl sulfate (TiOSO4). 2. Hydrolysis: TiOSO4 hydrolyzes to metatitanic acid (H2TiO3). 3. Calcination: H2TiO3 is calcined at 800-1000°C to produce TiO2. |
- Low cost but high pollution (acid waste and exhaust gases). - Mainly produces anatase form; requires additional treatment to convert to rutile. |
Chloride Process | High-grade titanium ore (rutile or synthetic rutile) | 1. Chlorination: React with Cl2 to form titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4). 2. Oxidation: TiCl4 is oxidized in high-temperature O2 to produce TiO2 and Cl2 (recyclable). |
- High purity, uniform particle size, directly yields rutile TiO2. - More environmentally friendly but requires high technical expertise and capital investment. |
Nano-TiO2 Synthesis | Titanium alkoxides or precursors | 1. Sol-gel method: Hydrolysis of titanium alkoxides to form nanoparticles. 2. Vapor-phase deposition (CVD/PVD): Thermal decomposition of titanium precursors. 3. Hydrothermal method: Controlled temperature/pressure to synthesize specific crystal forms. |
- Enables precise control of particle size and morphology. - Used for advanced applications like photocatalysis and nanocomposites. |
Aspect | Requirements | Safety Measures |
---|---|---|
Storage Environment | - Humidity: Dry conditions (<50% RH) to prevent moisture absorption and caking. - Temperature: Room temperature; avoid >40°C to prevent particle agglomeration. - Packaging: Inner polyethylene bag + outer kraft paper bag or bulk bags, sealed to prevent moisture. |
- Dust control: Use dust masks to avoid respiratory irritation from TiO2 particles. - Fire safety: Non-flammable but keep away from strong reducers (e.g., metal powders). |
Shelf Life | - Unopened: 2-3 years. - Opened: Use promptly and reseal tightly. |
- Label containers with batch numbers and expiration dates for traceability. |
Weifang Phoenix New Material Co., Ltd