Titanium Dioxide

Polymers, Light and the

Science of TiO2

Product Overview
Ti-Pure™ Titanium Dioxide

Contents

Light-Scattering Properties.................................. 4
Refraction.........................................................................4

Refractive Index and Scattering Power............. 5

Diffraction and Particle Size.................................. 5

Particle Size and Scattering Power.........................6
Particle Size and its Effect on Product Color.......6

Optical Properties..................................................... 7

Dispersion In Plastics:.............................................. 8
Dispersion.........................................................................8

Bulk Flow Properties:............................................... 12

Manufacturing Process........................................... 14

Quality Control........................................................... 16
Color....................................................................................16
pH.........................................................................................16
Resistance........................................................................16
Screen-pack Testing......................................................16
Acid Solubility..................................................................16
Nujol Yellowing.................................................................16
Low Shear Dispersion...................................................16

Product Stewardship............................................... 17
FDA Status.......................................................................17
NSF Status.......................................................................17
SDS.....................................................................................17
Ti-Pure™ Titanium Dioxide

Polymers, Light and the Science

TITANIUM DIOXIDE — TiO2 is a multifaceted material when

used in polymer applications. It has been long established as the
leading white pigment, and this is the application that people are
most familiar with. However, titanium dioxide brings more to the
polymer industry than just white, bright opacity. In a more basic
sense, titanium dioxide is a photo-responsive material—its value
is in its interaction with light. For example, this interaction can
be the familiar scattering that results in opacity or it could be the
absorption of UV light energy, thereby protecting the polymer from
UV degradation. Applications continue to develop, all based on the
interaction of the titanium dioxide particle with light.

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 Ti-Pure™ Titanium Dioxide

of TiO2

As other applications for titanium dioxide have developed, Few, if any, commercial grades of titanium dioxide are

its pigmentary properties remain the most important. pure TiO2. Most have inorganic and, in some cases,

Titanium dioxide is the most important white pigment organic treatments deposited on the surfaces of the

used in the polymer industry. It is widely used, because TiO2 particles by precipitation, mechanical blending,

it efficiently scatters visible light, thereby imparting or via other routes. These surface treatments

whiteness, brightness, and opacity when incorporated provide improvements in one or more performance
into a plastic product. It is chemically inert, insoluble properties of the pigment, such as ease of dispersion,

in polymers, and heat stable under the harshest of weatherability, or discoloration resistance. A single

processing conditions. Titanium dioxide is commercially prescription for surface treatment does not produce a

available in two crystal forms—anatase and rutile. The pigment having maximum value-in-use for all plastics

rutile pigments are preferred over anatase pigments, applications, and it is a continuing research goal to

because they scatter light more efficiently, are more develop titanium dioxide grades to meet the changing

stable, and are less likely to catalyze photodegradation. needs of the plastics industry.

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Ti-Pure™ Titanium Dioxide

Light-Scattering Properties Figure 2a

Titanium Dioxide Provides Opacity by Scattering Light Path of Light in White Film (both films completely opaque)
Unlike colored pigments that provide opacity by absorbing
visible light, titanium dioxide and other white pigments
provide opacity by scattering light. This scattering is
possible because the white pigment can bend light. If
there is enough pigment in a system, all light striking the
surface, except for the small amount absorbed by the
polymer or pigment, will be scattered outward, and the
system will appear opaque and white. Light scattering is
accomplished by refraction and diffraction of light as it
passes through or near pigment particles. High R.I. TiO2 Low R.I. Pigment

Refraction
Figure 2 schematically depicts a cross-section of two
Refraction is depicted in Figure 1, where the sphere
white-pigmented films and how differences in pigment
represents a TiO2 particle suspended in a low refractive
refractive index affect opacity. In the film containing
index polymer. As a ray of light falls on the TiO2 particle, it
a high refractive index pigment Figure 2a, left, light is
is bent, because light travels more slowly through the high
bent more than in the film containing the low refractive
refractive index pigment than through the low refractive
index Figure 2a, right, with the result that light travels a
index polymer in which it is dispersed.
shorter path in the film and does not penetrate as deeply.
Figure 1 Both upper films appear opaque and white, because no
absorbing particles are present, and practically all incident
Refraction of light by particles
light is returned to the surface.

However, in a thinner film Figure 2b, the film containing

the high refractive index pigment still appears opaque
and white, whereas the film with the low refractive index
pigment allows some of the light to pass completely
through the film and be absorbed by the black
background. This film is not completely opaque and
appears gray compared with the white film.

Figure 2b
Path of Light in White Film (film on right not opaque)

High R.I. TiO2 Low R.I. Pigment

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Ti-Pure™ Titanium Dioxide

Refractive Index and Scattering Power Figure 3

To understand why titanium dioxide, especially the rutile Diffraction of Light Around Pigment Particle
form, offers such great advantages in hiding power, it is
only necessary to compare the refractive index of rutile
TiO2 to the refractive indices of anatase TiO2, other
commercial white pigments, and polymer systems as
shown in Table 1. In general, the greater the difference
between the refractive index of the pigment and that of
the polymer matrix in which it is dispersed, the greater the
light scattering.

Diffraction and Particle Size

Diffraction, the other factor affecting the degree to which
a pigment scatters light, is depicted schematically in
Figure 3. Here, light passing near a pigment particle is
bent. This phenomenon accounts for a pigment’s ability
to scatter light in an adjacent area several times larger
than the cross-sectional area of the pigment itself. For
the most effective light scattering, the pigment diameter
should be slightly less than one-half the wavelength of
light to be scattered. Because the eye is most sensitive
to yellow-green light (about 0.55 µm wavelength),
commercial TiO2 pigments for plastics average
0.2–0.3 µm in diameter.

Light scattering imparted by diffraction is affected

by particle spacing and average pigment particle size.
If particles are too large or too closely spaced, little
diffraction takes place. If the pigment particles are too
small, the light will not “see” the pigment particle.

Table 1
Indices of Refraction for Some White Pigments and Common Polymers

White Pigment R.I. Plastic R.I.

Rutile TiO2 2.73 Polystyrene 1.60

Anatase TiO2 2.55 Polycarbonate 1.59

Antimony Oxide 2.09–2.29 SAN 1.56

Zinc Oxide 2.02 Polyethylene 1.50–1.54

Basic Carbonate, White Lead 1.94–2.09 Acrylic 1.49

Lithopone 1.84 Polyvinyl Chloride 1.48

Clay 1.65

Magnesium Silicate 1.65

Barytes (BaSO4) 1.64

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) 1.63

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Ti-Pure™ Titanium Dioxide

Figure 4 Particle Size and its Effect on Product Color

Relative Light Scattering Power versus Rutile Particle Size In a nonabsorbing, white polymer that is pigmented to
complete opacity, changing the TiO2 particle size has no
1.75 effect on color, because all light striking the surface is
1.50
completely reflected. Figure 5, a cross-sectional view of
such a white opaque film, demonstrates this point. The
Relative Scattering Power

1.25
blue light, having the shortest wavelength and scattering
1.00 path, and the red light, having the longest wavelength and
path, are totally reflected; the visual effect is the same as
0.75
if all light traveled the same path length.
0.50
For translucent white film, pigment particle size will affect
0.25 both transmitted color and reflected color. Consider
transmitted color: as particle size is reduced, a larger
0.00
0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.30 0.50 0.80 portion of the blue light is reflected and more yellow light
Particel Size, m is transmitted. On this basis, if blue transmitted light is
desired, a larger rather than smaller particle size titanium
Particle Size and Scattering Power
dioxide pigment is preferred.
Curves in Figure 4, derived from theoretical
If an absorbing pigment such as carbon black or a colored
considerations in very dilute systems, show the relative
pigment is added to the titanium dioxide-containing
scattering power of rutile TiO2 for blue, green, and red
polymer Figure 6, red light with the longer path length
light as a function of TiO2 particle size. At about 0.2
has a greater chance of being absorbed. Decreasing TiO2
µm, the sum of the light scattered at all wavelengths is
particle size, in this case, reduces red light scattering and
maximized. When the particle size is increased to 0.25–
enhances blue. Thus, in an opaque polymer containing
0.30 µm, the scattering of blue light decreases rapidly,
some light-absorbing matter such as colored pigment,
but the scattering of green and red light is relatively
decreasing TiO2 particle size will increase blueness as
unchanged. At 0.15 µm, the diameter corresponding to
viewed in reflectance. This phenomenon is inherent in
the maximum scattering of blue light, light scattering in
light-scattering pigments and is described as “undertone.”
the red and green ranges of the spectrum drops markedly.
Therefore, as TiO2 pigment is made bluer, it can actually
lose some of its light scattering capability.

Figure 5 Figure 6

Scattering of Light by White Plastic Light Scattering by TiO2 Particles

INCIDENT LIGHT REFLECTED LIGHT INCIDENT LIGHT REFLECTED LIGHT

SHORT λ (Blue) LONG λ (Red) Equal parts of a short SHORT λ (Blue) LONG λ (Red)
Equal parts of a short
and long wavelength and long wavelength
(blue and red) (blue and red)

White pigment particles Black particles in white film

WHITE PLASTIC FILM GRAY PLASTIC FILM

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Ti-Pure™ Titanium Dioxide

Optical Properties Figure 7

Include Tinting Strength, Undertone, and Color Optical Properties of Titanium Dioxide shows the
When selecting a commercial grade of TiO2 for coloring relationship between tint strength and undertone for a
or opacity purposes, the fundamental optical properties number of grades of titanium dioxide.
of opacity/tinting strength, undertone, and color must
be considered. Opacity is the result of scattering of all Tint Strength
wavelengths of incident light. Tinting strength describes 115

R-104
the ability of a white pigment to efficiently scatter light
and provide whiteness and brightness to a colored 110

polymer system. R-101 R-350 R-103

Tinting strength is easier to measure and most often used 105

Strong
to describe the light scattering efficiency or opacity of R-105
a white pigment. To measure relative tinting strength, a Undertone
100

sample of TiO2 is dispersed into a black masterbatch at –0.04 –0.03 –0.02 –0.01 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04

a prescribed ratio of carbon black to TiO2. The resulting Blue

gray polymer is then formed into uniform, opaque sheets
95

or molded chips. The TiO2 sample with the greatest light- R-960
scattering efficiency will provide the lightest gray and the 90

highest reflectance.
• 5 g TiO2 per 153 g black PVC
Undertone is the contribution of a TiO2 to the color of • High shear dispersion, two roll mill
a tint. It is a function of TiO2 particle size and cannot
be determined from the appearance of dry powders or
white polymers. Undertone is usually expressed as the to understand the final appli­cation that the color will
ratio of blue (or CIE Z tristimulus value) to red (or CIE X be used for, so that the TiO2 grade with the correct
tristimulus value) reflectances as measured on gray tints undertone can be selected for an exact match. It is
using a three-filter colorimeter or a spectrophotometer difficult to compensate for differences in undertone by
(undertone = CIE Z/CIE X). In the gray tint, an undertone the addition of pigment colors.
difference of 0.01 is visible only to a trained observer. The
Color is the appearance of TiO2 pigment alone and is
relative undertone can be measured as vinyl undertone
entirely independent of undertone. Most commercial
using samples prepared the same way as for relative
TiO2 grades do not vary significantly in dry color;
tinting strength.
however, poor color can result from contamination. Color
In some applications, the appearance of transmitted can occur in plastic systems from reactions of TiO2 with
light is important. The trans­mitted appearance of tints the polymer or additives and heat stability failures.
or whites that contain small particle size TiO2 grades
Color and undertone are sometimes confused. It is
are more yellow than similar products containing a
entirely possible for a blue undertone TiO2 to exhibit
larger particle size TiO2. Thus, in the manufacture of
a yellow color due to one of the previously mentioned
such objects as bottles, light covers, etc., neutral or
conditions that can result in poor color. It is not
yellow undertone TiO2 grades are preferred for their
uncommon for different particle size TiO2 grades to be
bluer transmitted light. In color matching, it is important
equal in color. The most common method of measuring
the color of TiO2 is the CIE L* a* b*. The L* measures
the brightness of the sample, while the a* measures
the redness-greenness, and the b* measures the
yellowness-blueness.

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Ti-Pure™ Titanium Dioxide

Dispersion In Plastics: Figure 8

Important To Pigment Efficiency Development of Dispersion Attributes with Time
Dispersion
Titanium dioxide is used most efficiently and
economically, that is, the value of the pigment is best
realized, when it is well dispersed. Unfortunately, the
primary particles of pigment tend to stick to each other Opacity and
Tinting Strength
in the course of manufacture and storage, resulting in
aggregates and agglomerates many times the desired
particle size. Manufacturers can use various techniques,
such as surface coatings and micronization to make
Concentration of
dispersion easier and to minimize the aggregates present. oversize Agglomerates
The object of dispersion is to reduce these remaining
aggregates and agglomerates to an acceptable size at
reasonable cost.
Dispersion Time
Agglomerates, consisting of collections of primary
pigment particles, form during manufacture. The degree
that these agglomerates are dispersed can affect
important appearance and performance traits, such as
those listed in Table 2. Each of these traits depends This varying response of dispersion traits to particles of
on the degree of reduction of agglomerates to an different size means that some traits will develop more
ideal of the primary particle size. Thus, agglomerates rapidly than others in the course of dispersion. Focusing
30 µm or larger are primarily responsible for surface on opacity and tinting strength, Figure 8 illustrates that
imperfections, specking, streaking, and such processing these attributes will increase for a given pigment as the
problems as pluggage of screen packs during extrusion. concentration of agglomerates decreases. It is obvious,
Particles as small as 5 µm can influence physical or then, that the means selected to measure dispersion
electrical properties in critical applications. Still, smaller must be meaningful in terms of the more important
particles are generally needed to realize the optimum properties desired. The concentration of oversize
color, strength, opacity, or transparency, and weathering agglomerates can be measured using a screen-pack test.
properties inherent in a pigment; it is in this area that The opacity and tinting strength would be a result of the
the question of dispersion cost versus added value most dispersion quality.
frequently arises.

Table 2
Effects of Dispersion

Appearance Performance

Surface Texture Cost

Specks Processibility

Streaks Physical Strength and Porosity

Opacity/Strength Weatherability

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Ti-Pure™ Titanium Dioxide

Having established the dispersion quality needed and an Figure 9

appropriate basis for measuring it, we can consider the Size Reduction by Rupture
means of producing it. This requires some understanding
of the mechanics by which dispersion takes place. Three
elements are necessary for dispersion, regardless of the
process, conditions used, or quality desired:

• Initial blending — formation of a suitable pigment/

polymer mix

• Size reduction — fracture of pigment aggregates Agglomerate Resin

and agglomerates

• Intimate wetting — displacement of air from the

pigment’s surface

It is not suggested that these necessarily occur

separately, in sequence, or that any or all need be optimal
if the final application does not require it. However, the
dispersion process must allow for each to take place. the use of additives matched to the polymers in which the
These three elements will be discussed in further detail grade is to be used. Surfactants can aid in increasing the
in terms of the three basic dispersion processes used in affinity between pigment and polymer, thereby improving
the plastics industry, i.e., dry blend, melt shear, and liquid the quality or reducing the time needed to obtain initial
shear dispersions. wetting. However, pigments vary substantially in their
Initial wetting, at a minimum, requires that the pigment chemical compositions and surface characteristics, so
and the polymer be sufficiently well mixed and have no single surfactant should be expected to serve all
sufficient affinity for each other to avoid separation situations equally well.
when further work is applied to the system. Better known Size reduction may be achieved by impact, particle-
and more quantitative measures of initial wetting exist, to-particle attrition (a rupture mechanism), or by shear
however. In fluid systems, for example, the time required transmitted through an intermediate fluid layer (an
to wet-out pigment in the vehicle, the amount of balling erosion mechanism). In any case, sufficient mechanical
that occurs as pigment is added, the amount of tailings energy must be introduced to overcome forces holding
or separations observed in a three-roll grind, and the agglomerates together. Because this is often carried out
consistency changes that take place with mixing, all in the presence of a polymer, physical characteristics of
provide means by which the progress and quality of initial the polymer can be extremely important. For example,
wetting can be followed. Similarly, in dry-blending, the in the case of a dry blend, schematically illustrated
tendency for pigment to pelletize or cake on equipment in Figure 9, the size, shape, hardness, and softening
and the amount of loose pigment present following such temperature of the polymer can influence the extent and
a blend are measures of initial wetting. The importance efficiency with which size reduction is accomplished.
of initial wetting is often underestimated because of the Size is of particular importance and will be discussed
usually simple means by which it is obtained. Yet, it is not later. TiO2 manufacturers use different methods from wet
only essential but also often controls the quality of the milling to micronization to surface treatments to break up
final dispersion or at least the amount of time required and prevent aggregated particles and control particle size
obtaining it. TiO2 producers can influence initial wet-in by within a consistent narrow range

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Ti-Pure™ Titanium Dioxide

In fluid dispersion processes, it must be first recognized Figure 10

that virtually all size reduction occurs either from
Size Reduction by Erosion
shear transmitted through a liquid layer surrounding
the aggregate or by impingement of the aggregate or
agglomerate traveling at a high rate of speed against a
hard surface. Figure 10 is intended to show that effective
size reduction is not accomplished by “crushing” the Pigment
agglomerate
agglomerates. In this example, the agglomerate is much rotates in
flow field
larger than usually desired in a dispersion. When the
Velocity vectors
agglomerate is exposed to the shearing forces of the of flowing polymer
Disbursed pigment
flowing polymer, the agglomerate rotates in the polymer being eroded
from the
stream and the par­ticle size is reduced through the agglomerate
surface
erosion as shown in Figure 10. The factors which are
important in the dispersion of pigment by erosion include
the melt viscosity of the polymer and the shear rate. Remaining
small aggregates
Small particle-sized polymers, such as powder, are an
important aid to dispersion in processes where dry
mixing of pigment and resin are involved because of the Differences in dispersion will be observed because of
significantly more uniform and intimate blends produced. differences in the surface treatments of pigment. This
This may be explained by the much greater polymer often results in one pigment being superior to another
surface the pigment can come in contact with and adhere under one condition of dispersion and inferior under
to during mixing. Loose pigment present after blending another. Table 3 provides guidelines for the selection of a
with the polymer is much more difficult to disperse than grade to be used in a particular dispersion process. These
pigment attached to the resin surface. guidelines only apply to the dispersion process, and other
important end-use properties must also be considered
before a final selection is made.

Table 3
Dispersion Performance for Ti-Pure™ Titanium Dioxide Pigments

Ti-Pure™ Melt Compounded Dry Blended Liquid Systems

R-101 R HR

R-103 R HR R

R-104 HR HR

R-105 HR HR R

R-350 HR HR

R-960 R R

HR = Highly Recommended R = Recommended

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Ti-Pure™ Titanium Dioxide

The foregoing discussion Table 4 Guide to Quality Dispersion by Dry Blending

of dispersion principles can
be summarized by offering Polymer Selection
some guidelines for
■ Small particle size
achieving improved quality
or more rapid dispersion ■ Hard surface in preference to soft, when option exists. Chemically compatible with pigment under
by the three dispersion processing condition exists
processes used in the ■ Rheologically compatible with base polymer (especially in concentrate preparation) to minimize letdown difficulties
plastics industry. These are due to difference in melt flow
listed in:
Select pigment and additive loadings to provide proper flow under operating conditions
Table 4
Guide to Quality Short, intensive mix cycle (should be adequate for most pigments)
Dispersion by Dry
Blending Encourage subsequent melt pressing of these dispersions at high shear

Table 5
Guide to Quality Table 5 Guide to Quality Dispersion by Melt Shear Processing
Dispersion by Melt Shear
Processing Polymer Selection
Table 6
■ Good wetting of both pigment and grind surface
Guide to Quality
Dispersion in Liquid ■ Small viscosity change with temperature.
Systems
■ Chemically compatible with pigment under processing conditions

■ Rheologically compatible with base polymer (especially in concentrate preparation) to minimize letdown difficulties
due to difference in melt flow

Select pigment loading to develop high shear during operation

Pre-blend dry ingredients (see Table 4—Guide to Quality Dispersion by Dry Blending)

Flux resin by shear rather than by application of external heat where possible (e.g., Banbury mixer)

Table 6 Guide to Quality Dispersion in Liquid Systems

Vehicle Selection

■ Good wetting of both pigment and grind surfaces

■ Tack” to suit method, i.e., low tack in processes dependent on impact between particles, high tack in those
dependent on shear through liquid layer
■ Chemically compatible with pigment under processing conditions

Select pigment and additive loadings to provide proper flow for equipment use

Select let-down procedure to avoid seeding, gelling, or poor mix-in (e.g., viscosity adjustment with thinner,
high shear mixing, stepwise reduction)

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Ti-Pure™ Titanium Dioxide

Bulk Flow Properties: Figure 12

Bulk Handling Systems Can be Designed Bulk Flow Behavior of Assorted Materials
Dry titanium dioxide does not flow freely. It tends to Materials Highly Dependent on Mechanical Flow Aids
bridge and rathole and cannot be considered to have 25

a well-defined angle of repose. TiO2 handling is also

susceptible to environmental effects such as moisture TiO2
20
absorption, as well as handling history. In the customer’s
process, these effects are often viewed as erratic or INCREASING DIFFICULTY
TiO2
Powder Sugar
random TiO2 handling performance.

Flowability Index (FI)

15 Maximum Fi for
Effective Silo Storage
The flowability of powders and other bulk materials is an
important, but poorly understood property. There are a
10
number of definitions of both flowability as a measured DECREASING DIFFICULTY

parameter and also of what constitutes “good” or “bad” Portland Cement

flowability. An industry accustomed to handling polymer 5
Limestone
pellets may consider all pigments to have poor flowability, Flour

while producers and consumers of fine powders may Granular Sugar

consider certain powders to have much worse flowability 0 Plastic Pellets

than others. Materials Most Suitable For Bulk Storage

Flowability can be defined as the ability of a powder’s

is usually possible to form a very steep angle of repose
interparticle cohesive strength to resist gravitation forces
with many powders. In this case, the interparticle forces
trying to cause it to move. For example, free-flowing glass
generally exceed the gravitation forces, making the
beads will not form an angle of repose if poured onto a
formation of stable piles (and flow obstructions in bins)
level surface. They will flow out on the surface, virtually as
feasible. TiO2 manufacturers can influence the flowability
a liquid. The gravitational forces trying to pull each bead
of a grade by the organic and inorganic coatings applied
downward are not significantly impaired by the various
to the surface (see the Performance Properties section).
forces that might act between the beads. Conversely, it
Material “piping,” otherwise referred to in the industry as
“ratholes,” occurs when powder in a silo (or hopper) flows
Figure 11 Rathole Formation
from the area directly above the discharge outlet or
hopper section while material located near the walls of
Bin Diameter the silo remains stagnant, see Figure 11.

Rathole Forms Material hang-up is due to significant resistance from

the stresses imposed by the silo walls. These stagnant
zones usually remain in place until external forces, such
as vibration or other sources of mechanical intervention,
High Wall are applied. The degree to which TiO2 forms “ratholes” will
Friction
depend on the specific grade and the silo-bin geometry.

If a poor flowing material with unfamiliar handling

characteristics is stored in a bulk system without prior
Fill Height

flowability testing, it is not always possible to discharge

the material. However, there are simplified methods to
determine the “flowability” of a material in order to predict
handling characteristics. Figure 12 illustrates the relative
ease of material flowability as a function of a measured
Shallow Cone flowability index (FI). The higher the FI, the more difficult
Angle the material will be to discharge from a standard silo or
D
bulk storage unit.
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Ti-Pure™ Titanium Dioxide

The FI values for pigmentary TiO2 generally range Figure 14

between 10 and 20. In addition to the flow characteristics Effect of Humidity on Flowability Index (FI)
of a particular material, the ability to discharge a material
will depend in part on the specific storage system design. 15
Experience has shown that the TiO2 grades located in the
region above the line in Figure 12 generally do not handle 14
TiO2
Region of increasing handling difficulty
well, unless the system is equipped with well-designed

Flowability Index (FI)

external mechanical flow aids. In addition, handling
13
difficulty increases greatly for TiO2 at the high end of the
FI range.
12

The FI of titanium dioxide is also sensitive to

environmental effects such as absorbed moisture. 11
Dried at 120 °C Exposed to 40% RH Exposed to 95% RH
Therefore, it is not uncommon for the handling difficulty
Exposure Condition
to increase as ambient conditions fluctuate from dry
to humid. The degree of sensitivity to environmental
moisture will depend on the grade, because each grade Figure 14 shows an example of this behavior for a typical
has varying surface treatments. Figure 13 illustrates general-purpose grade of titanium dioxide. After drying,
how the FI relates to handling behavior as a function of the product has an FI of 12.6, but after exposure for 24
humidity. hr to 40% relative humidity, the FI increases to 13.1.
Finally, after exposure for 24 hr to 95% relative humidity,
the FI increased to 13.8. This example shows how a grade
Figure 13 that normally flows from hoppers in dry conditions could
convert into the “difficult to handle” zone upon exposure
Generalized Response Surface of Powder Handling
to high humidity.

Despite the problems illustrated, robust, reliable

systems for handling dry bulk TiO2 can be designed. It
is recommended that your Ti-Pure representative be
contacted for assistance relating to handling problems
External Flow Aids Silo Storage with TiO2 and/or design questions relating to TiO2
Needed Not Recommended
handling equipment. Often, powder handling equipment
Environmental
Control vendors may not have experience with the peculiarities
Handling Difficulty

Needed
of TiO2 handling. It is therefore recommended that
when considering a particular design for TiO2 handling
equipment that the vendor(s) be requested to supply
the names of contacts who have used the system for at
Typical Silo Storage mid
ity least one year. The equipment should have been operated
t Hu
Maximum
l Am
bien under similar constraints as your process, in terms of size,
FI For S
ion
orpt
ilo Stora ica
ge Typ
Abs conveying distance, etc., as well as operating with similar
ure
Flowab
ility Ind Moist
ex (FI) grades of TiO2.

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Ti-Pure™ Titanium Dioxide

Manufacturing Process to obtain titanium tetrachloride and metal chloride

Chemours uses the Chloride Process impurities, which are subsequently separated. Highly
to Make Titanium Dioxide purified TiCl4 is then oxidized at a high temperature to
produce intermediate TiO2 of excellent brightness. The
Titanium dioxide pigments are made by two commercial
oxidation step in the chloride process permits close
processes: sulfate and chloride. Rutile pigment can be
control of particle size distribution and crystal type,
made by either process, while anatase can only be made
making it possible to produce TiO2 with high hiding power
by the sulfate process. Chemours operates only chloride
and tinting strength.
process plants.

The flow charts in Figure 15 illustrate in simplified

form the two processing routes to intermediate TiO2 2FeTiO3 +7Cl2 + 3C ➝ 2TiCl4 + 2FeCl3 + 3CO2 TiCl4 +
products. The lower part of Figure 15 illus­trates finishing O2 ➝TiO2 + 2Cl2
operations, which may be similar for either manufacturing
method. The sulfate method was commercialized in
1931, producing anatase TiO2 and later (1941) rutile In both sulfate and chloride processes, the intermediate
TiO2. In this process, ore containing titanium is dissolved products are clusters of pigmentary-size TiO2 crystals
in sulfuric acid, yielding a solution of titanium, iron, that must be separated (ground) for optimum optical
and other metal sulfates. Then the pigmentary-size performance. Depending on end-use requirements,
intermediate TiO2 is produced through a series of steps various processing methods are used to modify the
including chemical reduction, purification, precipitation, TiO2, including precipitation of hydrous oxides of silicon,
washing, and calcination. The crystal structure, anatase or aluminum, or zinc on the pigment particle surface.
rutile, is controlled by nucleation and calcination. Individual hydrous or anhydrous oxide treatments
or various combinations can be used to optimize
performance for specific applications. Organic additives
FeTiO3 + 2H2SO4 ➝ TiOSO4 + FeSO4 + 2H2O TiOSO4 + also can be applied by various methods to enhance
H2O ➝ TiO2 + H2SO4 specific performance attributes of the pigment.

Crucial to the manufacture of titanium dioxide pigments is

the supply of titanium ore. Although titanium ranks among
The chloride method was developed and commercialized
the top 10 elements in abundance, it is widely distributed
by DuPont in 1948 to produce rutile TiO2. This process
in nature at low concentrations. Efficient mining and
is now owned by Chemours and includes two high
mineral processing operations are required to develop a
temperature, anhydrous vapor-phase reactions. Titanium
viable ore supply to meet the economic requirements of
ore is reacted with chlorine gas under reducing conditions
TiO2 manufacture.

14
Ti-Pure™ Titanium Dioxide

Figure 15
TiO2 Manufacturing Process

Sulfate

Titanium Ore/H2SO4

Solution Crystallization Precipitation Filtration & Calcination Intermediate TiO2

Washing

Ferrous
Sulfate Crystals

Chloride

Titanium Ore/Chlorine/Carbon

Chlorination Purification Oxidation Intermediate TiO2

Chlorides of
metals other Oxygen
than Titanium

Finishing

Intermediate TiO2

Surface Filtration
Grinding Packing
Modification Washing & Drying

Finished Loading &

Slurry Makeup Slurry Storage Shipping

Additives

15
Ti-Pure™ Titanium Dioxide

Quality Control
Chemours is committed to maintaining a leadership Screen-pack Testing
position in product quality and uniformity. Ti-Pure™ 50% TiO2 concentrates in low-density polyethylene
titanium dioxide pigments are routinely tested for are prepared in a Banbury mixer. A given amount of
properties that are appro­priate for the intended this concentrate is then extruded through a series of
application of the product. The results of the quality screens; performance is rated based on the amount
testing are collected and reported using SAP tools. The of TiO2 retained on a 500-mesh screen following
testing can include color, tinting strength, undertone, extrusion. For R-350, more stringent testing is done
pH, resistance, screen-pack testing, acid solubility, nujol as a 70% concentrate.
yellowing, and low shear dispersion. Brief descriptions of
these tests are provided in this section. Acid Solubility
For grades R-105 and R-960, acid solubility can be
Color
correlated to the degree of surface silica coverage and
Three filter reflectance measurements are made on further extrapolated to the durability of the product
compressed dry TiO2. These reflectance measurements in an end-use application such as vinyl siding or
are then used to calculate TiO2 L*, a*, b* color. window profile. A sample of the pigment is mixed with
Tinting Strength and Undertone sulfuric acid and heated for a specified time period. An
indicator is used to determine the amount of TiO2 that
Gray medium-hard vinyl exhibits are prepared on a two-roll
is dissolved by the acid.
mill. Three filter reflectance readings on the exhibits from
a colorimeter are then used to calculate relative tinting Nujol Yellowing
strength and undertone. Dry TiO2 is dispersed in an oil containing hindered
pH amine light stabilizer and phenolic antioxidant. The
mixture is exposed to UV light and measured for rate
The pH of a 5:1 water:TiO2 slurry is measured as a
of yellowing as delta b* color.
standard quality control parameter. Product pH is known
to affect performance properties in liquid systems such Low Shear Dispersion
as surfactant demand and flocculation. Dry TiO2 is dispersed in a paint formulation at relatively
Resistance low shear. The degree of dispersion is measured using
a draw-down gauge block. (This test is only used on
Conductance measurements are used to determine
grades like R-960 which are sold predominantly to
the resistance of 5:1 water:TiO2 slurries, reflecting the
paint applications.)
soluble salt content of the pigment.

16
Ti-Pure™ Titanium Dioxide

Product Stewardship
Chemours defines Product Stewardship as: “An
integrated business process for identifying, managing,
and reducing safety, health, and environmental
risk throughout all stages of a product’s life in the
best interest of our four stakeholders: customers,
employees, shareholders, and society.”

Chemours places high value on Product Stewardship

as a vehicle to differentiate our products and services.
We firmly believe that proactive product management
results in improved product perfor­mance and is
responsible business management that positively
affects our stakeholders.

The objectives of our Product Stewardship program

are to use our understanding of our products to
protect our customers, employees, the community,
and the public; to anticipate and respond to societal
expectations and requirements; and to minimize
resource and energy consump­tion (the environmental
“footprint” of our products).

In order to provide assistance to customers in

achieving your Product Stewardship objective,
we offer the following information:
FDA Status
Ti-Pure™ grades R-101, R-103, R-104, R-105,
R-108, R-350, and R-960 are acceptable for FDA
indirect food contact uses under 21 CFR 178.3297
(Colorants for Polymers). Ti-Pure™ grades R-103,
R-104, R-108 and R-350 are acceptable up to
25 wt% maximum loading of TiO2 to polymer content.
R-101, R-105 and R-960 have no loading limitations.

NSF Status
Ti-Pure™ titanium dioxide grades for polymers R-101,
R-103, R-104, R-105 and R-108 have been certified
as acceptable for use in potable water piping. NSF
certification allows these grades to be interchanged
in approved pipe compounds at loadings up to 5.0
phr (parts per hundred resin). For information on other
grades, contact your Ti-Pure™ representative.

SDS
For safety information, please visit the product Safety
Data Sheet (SDS) on our Chemours website or they
can be obtained from your customer service or sales
representative.

17
The information set forth herein is furnished
free of charge and based on technical data
that Chemours believes to be reliable. It is
intended for use by persons having technical
skill, at their own risk. Because conditions
of use are outside our control, we make
no warranties, express or implied, and
assume no liability in connection with any
use of this information. Nothing herein is to
be taken as license to operate under or a
recommendation to infringe any patents.

For more information, visit www.titanium.chemours.com

© 2018 The Chemours Company FC, LLC. Ti-Pure™ and any associated logos are trademarks or copyrights of The Chemours Company FC, LLC.
Chemours™ and the Chemours Logo are trademarks of The Chemours Company.

Replaces: H-88382-8
C-10434 (1/18)