Titanium dioxide for rubber

Types of Titanium Dioxide for Rubber

Titanium dioxide for rubber comes in different types, depending on the processing requirements and end use. Some of these types include:

• Anatase Titanium Dioxide

  Anatase titanium dioxide has a crystal structure of a tetragonal shape. It is produced in rare natural deposits of titanium dioxide minerals as anatase. It is characterized by high ultraviolet light absorption in rubber. Although it is less stable and has a lower refractive index compared to rutile, anatase titanium dioxide is effective when used in a wide range of applications. This includes pigments, photocatalysis, and sunscreen where UV protection is required. In rubber applications, anatase TiO2 is mostly used as a non-reinforcing filler and a color optimizer.

• Rutile Titanium Dioxide

  Rutile titanium dioxide is the most thermodynamically stable type of titanium dioxide. It has a characteristic high refractive index and strong resistance to UV light and chemical attack. Rutile occurs naturally in minerals like ilmenite and binoxide. Rutile titanium dioxide comes with higher opacity and whiteness, hence ideal for pigmentation and whitening in rubber products. They are also incorporated into rubber formulations to improve strength, durability, and elasticity. Key applications include automotive seals and tires, industrial belts, and other heavy-duty rubber goods.

• Brookite Titanium Dioxide

  Titanium dioxide of the brookite form is unlike the other two forms because it is less commonly used. It has a unique orthorhomic crystal structure. It is mainly used in some electronic applications and photo catalysis but is not well established in the rubber industry. Brookite is thermodynamically stable and is formed from high temperature and pressure conditions that generate rutile or anatase. It is also found in nature but in very small quantities, either as brookite sand or minerals.

Features of Titanium Dioxide for Rubber

Titanium dioxide possesses multiple features that make it suitable across a variety of industries. Some of these features include:

• Pigmentation and Opacity

  With a high refractive index, titanium dioxide gives rubber products a brilliant whiteness. Due to this, it is used in pigmentation. Whether in industrial gaskets or consumer footwear, TiO2 ensures the color stays even and appealing. Its opacity also allows coverage of the base materials, which in turn boosts the product's aesthetic appeal.

• UV Resistance

  Apart from its pigmentation, TiO2 rutile variety blocks harmful ultraviolet rays. This provides rubber products such as seals and outdoor wear, protection against aging and degradation. TiO2 ensures that products maintain functionality and appearance even after prolonged sun exposure.

• Non-toxic and Biocompatible

  Titanium dioxide is non-toxic and biocompatible. No adverse health effects are associated even when incorporated into medical or personal care products. This makes it a safe choice even for medical devices and personal rubber goods.

• Chemical Inertness

  Titanium dioxide is chemically inert. This makes it resistant to acids, alkalis, and other chemicals. As a result, it offers long-term stability across a range of environments. Because of this feature, rutile TiO2 is useful in tires and industrial rubber components exposed to harsh chemicals.

• Improvement of Mechanical Properties

  Besides pigmentation, the rutile form of titanium dioxide contributes to mechanical enhancement. When added to the rubber matrix, it boosts tensile strength and wear resistance. Therefore helping in the improvement of TiO2 reinforced rubber composites that are used in demanding applications like truck tires and industrial flooring.

Uses of Titanium Dioxide for Rubber

Titanium dioxide has multiple uses in rubber across many industries. Some of these uses include:

• Pigmentation and Whiteness

  Diatomaceous earth rutile titanium dioxide is highly reflective and opaque. These features make it ideal for providing whiteness and opacity to rubber products. Its high refractive index allows it to effectively scatter light, giving tires, seals, and hoses their characteristic bright white color. This is also useful in the rubber industry's pigmentation, where color consistency is crucial for aesthetic and functional purposes.

• UV Protection

  Diatomaceous earth rutile titanium dioxide acts as an effective barrier against UV radiation. It safeguards rubber materials from degradation caused by prolonged sun exposure. This is especially important in outdoor rubber products like seals, mats, and footwear. Here, UV rays can cause cracking, discoloration, and loss of elasticity over time. With the incorporation of rutile TiO2, manufacturers ensure extended protection for their products. This results in increased longevity and improved performance attributes.

• Durability and Strength

  Titanium dioxide particles, particularly in its rutile form, enhance the mechanical strength of rubber composites. These improve the tensile strength, tear resistance, and overall durability of the end products. They also reinforce the rubber matrix and improve the wear resistance of tires used in various applications. These include automotive, industrial, and agricultural contexts. This is due to the presence of titanium dioxide in the composition of rubber, which enhances performance in demanding applications.

• Rubber Compound Stabilizer

  Diatomaceous earth rutile titanium dioxide is chemically inert with excellent stability. This property enables it to serve long as a reinforcing agent in rubber compounds. As it does not degrade or react with other components, Tio2 maintains the integrity of the compound, ensuring consistent quality in synthetic rubber applications. This makes it suitable for use in both commercial and industrial rubber products, which are used under extreme conditions.

• Reinforcement in High-Performance Rubber

  Rutile titanium dioxide adds to the mechanical properties of high-performance rubber. Properties such as tensile strength and elasticity make it suitable in reinforced rubber. These enhanced features find application in demanding environments like automotive components. Here, strength and durability are indispensable.

How to Choose Titanium Dioxide for Rubber

When buying titanium dioxide for rubber, a buyer should consider a number of things. Here are some of them:

• Type

  They come in two main types; rutile and anatase. Rutile is used to provide opacity and UV protection. Anatase is preferred for its smaller particle size and higher surface activity. It is especially useful in application that requires pigment or as photocatalysts.

• Purity

  To get the best results, titanium dioxide should be of high purity. Material with high presence of other minerals will have adverse effects on the rubber. For instance, iron will lead to discoloration. Buyers should settle for titanium dioxide with no or minimal presence of heavy metals. These are often recommended due to their adverse effects.

• Treatment

  To enhance compatibility, some titanium dioxides are surface treated with substances like silane or silica. This improves the integration of titanium dioxide in different rubber compounds. Buyers should consider the available surface treatments when purchasing titanium dioxide.

• Particle Size Distribution

  The particle size distribution of titanium dioxide affects its performance in rubber. Smaller particles increase the surface area for better mixing. This leads to better reinforcement. However, it can lead to higher viscosity. Buyers should consider types with uniform particle distribution to enhance the performance of the rubber.

• Application and industry

  Different industries use titanium dioxide types for different applications. For instance, rubber used in the automotive industry needs titanium dioxide with high durability. It is used in vendidos and tires. In the construction industries, titanium dioxide is used for gaskets and seals. In the medical and cosmetic industries, only the most harmless forms of titanium dioxide are used.

• Reputation of the supplier

  Buyers should ensure they purchase titanium dioxide from reputable suppliers. They should also source their products from trusted manufacturers. Such manufacturers provide support and quality guaranteed products.

Q & A

Q. Are there disadvantages to titanium dioxide?

Yes, there are disadvantages to using titanium dioxide. For instance, when anatase TiO2 is exposed to high temperatures, it morphs into rutile. This property, known as phase transformation, can affect the stability of rubber products. Titanium dioxide has heterogenous particle sizes. They have giant particles that cause agglomeration and reduce the effectiveness of the titanium dioxide particles in providing UV protection and pigmentation. Poor quality or untreated titanium dioxide can lead to increased compound viscosity during mixing. This leads to poor dispersion.

Q. What other uses does titanium dioxide have?

Titanium dioxide is also used outside the rubber industry. They are used as pigment in the cosmetics, medical, and food industries. They are also used in offering photocatalysis in self-clearing and antibacterial surfaces in buildings, solar cells, wastewater, and air treatment. They are also used in providing UV protection and opacifying effect in creams and lotions.

Q. Why do industries prefer titanium dioxide over other pigments?

Titanium dioxide is preferred over other pigments because of its properties. It has higher refractive index, opalescence, and excellent whiteness. These properties make it suitable for providing coverage and brightness in rubber products. It is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Therefore it is safer compared to other available options.