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Tio2 pigment is a widely-used chemical, scientifically known as titanium dioxide. It comes in different forms and is renowned for its opacity and high level of brightness. These two characteristics are the main factors contributing to its suitability for multiple uses.
Here are some common types of titanium dioxide pigments:
This pigment type contains titanium dioxide particles that are not amalgamated with other materials. It thus retains its physical and chemical properties. It is mainly used in imparting whiteness and opacity to paints, plastics, and paper. These applications are a consequence of its longevity and resistance to UV radiation. Because of its highly-reflective nature, it is widely in demand in the cosmetic and the architectural markets.
This variety of titanium dioxide occurs naturally. But it can also be produced synthetically. It is extracted out of rutile ore and is mostly used in photocatalysis and self-cleaning surfaces. Compared to other titanium pigment forms, the anatase form is less stable. However, it is still hugely popular for its ability to decompose organic pollutants under UV light.
This titanium dioxide pigment is preferred in paints, plastics, and cosmetics. It has a higher stability level than anatase. The modification pigment reflects unparalleled light. Its high resistance to UV radiation means it doesn’t degrade quickly, making it well-suited for outdoor applications.
This kind of titanium dioxide pigment is the rarest of them all, having been found in just a few deposits. However, it shows prospects for future applications in photocatalysis and in manufacturing specialized coatings. It is less commonly used than anatase and rutile.
Coated titanium dioxide pigments are rutile titanium dioxide powder pigments that have been coated with oxide layers. The coating enhances the rutile titanium dioxide pigment’s dispersion and stability. Therefore, it is mainly used in demanding applications—such as in plastics or in the cosmetic industry—where long durability is critical. The most common coatings are alumina, silica, and strontium titanate.
The primary function of titanium dioxide in pigmentation is to provide opacity, commonly known as hiding power, and to improve whiteness. It achieves this by scattering and absorbing visible light when mixed with paint.
Its photocatalytic pigment properties allow titanium dioxide to interact with ultraviolet light, leading to chemical reactions that can purify surfaces. These include breaking down organic materials or improving the paint's resistance to degradation. Therefore, titanium dioxide is a staple in various domains, including construction, automotive, and cosmetics, due to its multipurpose capabilities.
High refractive index
Titanium dioxide has a refractive index value of around 2.7. This means it can effectively scatter light, making it ideal for applications requiring high opacity and brightness, such as white paint, sunscreen, and high-end plastics.
Non-toxic and biocompatible
Due to its non-toxic nature, titanium dioxide can be used in various consumer products, including food and cosmetics. In sunscreen, for example, it serves as a physical UV shield, reflecting harmful UV rays away from the skin.
Particle Size
The pigment's efficacy largely depends on its particle size. Smaller particles improve titanium dioxide's transparency, while larger ones enhance opacity. Therefore, control over particle size makes titanium dioxide adaptable for multiple applications, from skincare to coating.
The titanium dioxide pigment typically comes in the form of rutile and anatase. It has a purity level of over 99%, with its particle size being adjustable at between 0.2 to 0.4 micron for different applications. Its refractive index commonly ranges from 2.5 to 2.8. This mainly depends on the titanium dioxide form used. Its density is usually around 4.2 grams per cubic centimeter. When mixed, its anatase to rutile ratio is typically 1:4.
The excellent hiding power and light scattering ability of titanium dioxide make it an ideal material for improving the opacity, brightness, and durability of paints and varnishes. That’s why manufacturers use it in protective coatings for industrial applications to enhance the long-term stability and UV resistance of the coatings.
And because titanium dioxide is chemically inert with a high refractive index, it makes an excellent additive in plastic products. It enhances the aesthetics and physical properties of plastic in diverse applications, ranging from packaging to automotive components. In addition to giving opacity, it also stabilizes the plastic against degradation caused by UV exposure.
Titanium dioxide pigment is used in the ceramic industry to improve body coloration and glaze textures. Most importantly, the rutile form acts as a flux, lowering the firing temperature and improving the durability and surface quality of ceramic tiles. It also contributes to the whiteness and opacity of decorative stoneware.
TiO2 is invaluable in the paper industry, where it’s used as a filler to enhance paper brightness and opacity. Most importantly, titanium dioxide pigments improve the aesthetic characteristics of coated papers intended for printing. This improvement directly impacts the final image quality in mediums like brochures and magazines. Also, due to its ability to reflect UV radiation, titanium dioxide enhances the durability and appearance of decorative papers used in wallpapers.
TiO2 pigments especially shine in sunscreens and cosmetics. They serve as physical UV blockers in sunscreen, reflecting harmful rays from the skin. In cosmetics like foundation and makeup, titanium dioxide provides opacity and a matte finish, improving product appearance and protecting the skin from harmful rays. Its pure titanium pigment makes it an ideal candidate for organic and hypoallergenic product formulations.
Choosing the right titanium dioxide pigment depends on multiple factors, ranging from application type to the required properties. Here are some of those factors:
Purity and quality
Pure titanium dioxide with a content level of 99% should be the target. The purity determines the pigment's effectiveness. Quality is just as important as purity because high-quality TiO2 pigments with consistent particle sizes yield uniform results across applications. Look for rutile and anatase for titanium white in cosmetics, paints, and coatings only for high-quality titanium dioxide.
Particle size and distribution
The particle size significantly impacts the pigment's opacity, brightness, and texture. For example, finer particles provide greater transparency in cosmetic products. At the same time, larger particles improve paint and coating applications' opacity and hiding power. So, select titanium dioxide with the right particle size for the intended application to achieve the desired result.
Surface treatment
Coated titanium dioxide pigments are treated with materials like silica or alumina to enhance their dispersion and stability. These coatings will be required if the products have to be exposed to extreme conditions. They will improve the TiO2 pigment’s durability and reactivity, making them suitable for specialized applications like self-cleaning surfaces.
Compatibility
Ensure the titanium dioxide pigment is compatible with other materials that will come into contact with it in the intended process, such as resins, binders, and solvents. This compatibility is crucial for achieving product performance. It will determine if the titanium dioxide will interact positively or negatively with other components in the final product.
Regulatory compliance
Especially for personal care or food-related applications, ensure the titanium dioxide pigment adheres to regional and international regulations for safety and usage.
A. The paint and coating industry is where titanium dioxide is mostly used. Its ability to enhance opacity, brightness, and durability makes it an indispensable ingredient in the formulation of paints.
A. Manufacturers come up with titanium dioxide pigments by extracting rutile ore or ilmenite. They treat these ores with harsh minerals like chlorine or sulfuric acid to separate the titanium.
A. The UV resistance of materials is improved with titanium dioxide. It does this by acting as a UV shield that prevents sunlight from reaching an underlying layer. This REFLECTS UV rays.
A. When added to roofing granules, titanium dioxide pigments serve as a reflective barrier against UV rays. It directly reduces heat absorption into the structure.
