Titanium dioxide is a commonly used white pigment. It provides excellent properties including high whiteness, high opacity and excellent chemical stability. It can be used in many applications such as plastics, packaging, cosmetics and coatings.
Titanium Dioxide can be used in the manufacturing process to allow for aesthetic finishes, give consistent colours and provide UV protection depending on the formulation. It is very versatile therefore can be seen as a key ingredient for chemical engineering and manufacturing.
To get a consistent finish select the correct grade of Titanium Dioxide. By working with an experienced tio2 supplier they will be able to advise you on the correct products for your application. They will be able to guide you through the products with the correct level of whiteness, dispersion, durability and performance.
Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide is an inorganic chemical commonly found in powder form. It has the chemical form TiO2. It has high refractive index properties meaning it can effectively reflect visible light. Providing excellent whiteness and good coverage.
Titanium dioxide is very popular as it has high whiteness and brightness, high Opacity, good chemical stability, UV Resistant and can be used in many formulations.
- Excellent Colouring
- High Opacity
- Good Chemical Stability
- UV Resistant
- Used in many industrial formulations
- Excellent colouring and light scattering.
Can be used in many applications including plastics packaging and cosmetics.
Key Grades
There are many crystal structures for Titanium Dioxide. The main ones include Rutile and Anatase.
Rutile Titanium Dioxide
It is commonly used in plastics, coatings and outdoor applications.
Has high Opacity, high refractive index and good durability. Can be surface treated to improve weather resistance and dispersibility in many polymer systems.
Used in:
- Plastic masterbatch
- PVC
- Outdoor plastics
- Coatings
- Packaging
- Printing inks
It is often chosen for high opacities.
Anatase Titanium Dioxide
Anatase titanium dioxide is commonly used and often used for high whiteness.
Commonly used in paper, ceramics, certain plastics and specialty applications.
Offers:
- Excellent brightness
- Good whiteness
- Good performance in certain indoor applications
- Very versatile
Not as weather resistant as Rutile in many outdoor applications.
Applications
Titanium dioxide can be used in plastics to provide consistent colouring, opacity and appearance.
It is commonly added to Polyethene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) & many more polymer types.
Helps manufacturers produce white/light coloured plastics. Will help reduce any unwanted transparency.
Used in:
- Plastic piping
- Containers
- Domestic items
- Industrial items
Certain grades of Rutile can help to provide UV protection. However overall weather resistance will depend on the whole formulation.
Packaging Applications
Titanium dioxide can be used to provide a good finish and consistent colouring. Using white plastics will help to hide the contents, provide good contrast and clean finish.
Commonly used in:
- Plastic Bottles/Containers
- Cosmetics Packaging
- Flexible packaging
- Food Packaging
- Packaging Labels/Inks.
Titanium dioxide can help to provide a consistent and opaque finish. Can be used in both consumer and industrial packaging.
If it’s being used in food contact it is important to ensure it is the right grade and the final product is compliant.
Cosmetic Applications
Titanium dioxide can be used in cosmetics for colouring and UV filtering.
Used in:
- Foundations
- Face Powders
- Make up
- Sunscreens (depending on grade).
Depending on particle size, grade and formulation you can get different benefits.
Offers:
- White & Opacity
- Better coverage in make up.
- Consistent finish.
- UV filtering in approved sunscreens.
Ensure that it is the right grade and is compliant with any relevant safety regulation. If there is a risk of creating inhalable particles then this should be considered.
Paints & Coating Applications
Titanium dioxide is a key ingredient in Architectural, Industrial & Decorative Coatings.
Provides excellent light scattering.
Provides a bright finish and consistent colouring.
Often surface treated grades of Rutile are used in external coatings to improve weather resistance.
Paper & Printing Applications
Titanium dioxide can be used in paper products to provide a bright, opaque and good finish. It can also be used in printing inks to provide white inks with good coverage.
This can be a great asset when labelling, decorating and using premium packaging.
Choosing the Right Grade
Think about the process you’re using. And what you want to achieve with your final product.
Whiteness & Opacity
If you want a bright white finish choose a grade with the right optical properties.
Dispersion
A good dispersion will help to avoid issues with inconsistent colours, visible particles and processing.
Weather Resistance
Generally if being used outside you would want a surface treated grade of Rutile.
Compatibility
Ensure that it is compatible with your polymer, coating binder or Cosmetic.
Quality
Ensure that you have checked the technical data sheets, purity, safety and compliance.
Trusted Manufacturer
Working with a trusted manufacturer will help you. You can get consistent quality and efficient production.
Make sure they have technical knowledge. Also has the right specification, quality assurance and good service.
Manufacturers like MEGA Chemical can provide grades of Rutile & Anatase for your industrial application.
FAQs
What is the difference between Rutile and Anatase?
Rutile will generally provide higher opacities and weather resistance. Anatase is known for providing whiteness and certain industrial applications.
Can it be used in sunscreens?
Yes, approved grades can be used as mineral UV filters.
Will it improve the durability of plastics?
Certain grades of surface treated titanium dioxide can help with controlling UV exposure. However this will depend on the pigment selected, type of polymer & other factors.