What is Titanium Dioxide?
Titanium dioxide, also known as titanium(IV) oxide or TiO₂, is an inorganic white oxide compound made from titanium ore. It is the most widely used white pigment across global industries, famous for its outstanding light scattering ability, pure white color, strong hiding power, and non-toxic nature.
Naturally, TiO₂ exists in three crystal forms: rutile, anatase, and brookite. Only rutile and anatase are commercially produced for industrial use. Brookite is rare and not applied in mass manufacturing.
Key Properties of Titanium Dioxide
- Exceptional opacity & tinting strength: Covers underlying surfaces with minimal dosage
- Excellent UV resistance: Absorbs and reflects ultraviolet rays
- Chemical inertness: Stable against acid, alkali and weather exposure
- High brightness & pure white tone
- Non-flammable, low volatility
Two Main Commercial Grades: Rutile vs Anatase TiO₂
Rutile Titanium Dioxide
Rutile has a denser crystal structure, better weather resistance and stronger UV shielding performance. Typical applications: Outdoor paints & coatings, plastic profiles, PVC, masterbatch, road marking paint, exterior powder coating.
Anatase Titanium Dioxide
Anatase features higher whiteness, weaker weather resistance, easier dispersion. It will chalk under long-time outdoor sunlight. Typical applications: Interior paint, paper filling, ink, synthetic fiber, food additive, cosmetic raw material, photocatalysis.
Main Industrial Applications
- Coatings & Paints The largest consumption field. TiO₂ provides hiding power for architectural coatings, industrial paints, anti-corrosion coatings and powder coatings. Rutile grade is preferred for outdoor products to prevent fading and chalking.
- Plastics & Masterbatch Added into PE, PP, PVC and engineering plastics to achieve whitening, brightening and UV anti-aging functions. It protects plastic products from UV degradation and extends service life.
- Printing Inks Gives ink bright white color and hiding property, widely used in gravure ink, offset ink and packaging ink.
- Paper Industry Used as a filler and coating pigment for high-grade paper, making paper opaque, bright and smooth.
- Cosmetics & Personal Care Food & cosmetic grade TiO₂ acts as physical UV filter in sunscreen, foundation and cream products.
- Other uses Food additives, ceramic, rubber, catalyst, textile, welding electrode.
Buying Guide for Titanium Dioxide
- Confirm crystal type: Rutile for outdoor durable products; Anatase for indoor non-weathering scenarios
- Check surface treatment: Silica / alumina coated TiO₂ brings better dispersion and weather resistance
- Verify certificates: REACH, RoHS, FDA if for cosmetic or food contact usage
- Test dispersion performance, oil absorption and hiding power before bulk order
FAQ
Q: Is titanium dioxide the same as white pigment?
A: TiO₂ is the best white pigment, but there are other white fillers like calcium carbonate. They have much lower hiding power and cannot replace TiO₂.
Q: What is the difference between coated and uncoated TiO₂?
A: Surface coating (silica/alumina) improves dispersion, weather stability and reduces photoactivity. Uncoated TiO₂ is mainly used for photocatalysis.
Q: Is titanium dioxide safe?
A: Industrial grade TiO₂ should avoid long-term dust inhalation. Cosmetic & food grade TiO₂ complies with relevant safety regulations for permitted use scenarios.
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