Titanium dioxide is an inorganic chemical pigment mainly composed of titanium dioxide (TiO₂), featuring excellent whiteness, covering power and chemical stability. It is widely used in industries such as coatings, plastics and papermaking.
Definitions and Chemical Properties
The chemical name of titanium dioxide is titanium dioxide (TiO₂). In its molecular structure, titanium atoms and oxygen atoms form an octahedral covalent bond structure. Its refractive index is as high as 2.7 (second only to that of diamond), and it possesses extremely strong light scattering ability and chemical inertness. It shows extremely high stability against acids, bases, and ultraviolet radiation.
Production Process and Technology Route
Sulfuric acid method.
Titanium iron ore or rutile is treated with sulfuric acid to produce sulfuric acid titanium solution. After hydrolysis and calcination, titanium dioxide powder is obtained. This method has a mature process but causes significant pollution. It can produce both anatase and rutile types of products.
Chlorination method.
Titanium raw materials of high purity react with chlorine gas to form tetrachloride titanium, and then are oxidized to obtain rutile-type titanium white powder. This method results in higher product purity and uniform particle size, but the technical requirements are very strict.
Core application fields
Coating Industry: Accounts for over 60% of global consumption, providing coating coverage, weather resistance and UV resistance properties, used in architectural coatings, automotive paints, etc.
Plastics and Rubber: Enhance the whiteness and light stability of products, used in PVC pipes, packaging materials and tire manufacturing.
Papermaking and Ink: Enhance the glossiness of paper and the clarity of printing, and reduce the phenomenon of through-printing.
Cosmetics and Food: As a physical barrier agent for sunscreen (nano-sized TiO₂) and a food additive (E171)