Titanium dioxide is an inorganic white pigment. Its main component is titanium dioxide. It can be divided into three types according to its crystal form: brookite, anatase, and rutile. It is used in coatings, plastics, papermaking, and ink. The largest use is in coatings, which make up about 60% of the total. This is due to its advantages. These materials have a high refractive index. They also have strong color power and whiteness. They are non-toxic and stable.
It is used in both solvent-based and water-based paint. If titanium dioxide is used, it has several roles. It covers and decorates. More importantly, it improves the paint’s physical and chemical properties. It enhances chemical stability. It also improves the hiding power and tinting power. It also improves corrosion, light, and weather resistance. It strengthens and makes the paint stick better. It prevents cracks, UV rays, and water penetration. This delays aging and extends the life of the paint. At the same time, it can also save materials and increase varieties.
Effect of Titanium Dioxide Particle Size on Paint Hiding Power
The sizes and shapes of titanium dioxide particles vary. They scatter light to different degrees. This difference is a key factor in titanium dioxide’s hiding power. Studies have shown that under the same conditions, when the particle size of titanium dioxide is 160-350nm. That’s 0.4-0.5 times the wavelength of visible light. It has a strong scattering ability for light. This will directly affect the hiding power of the coating.
In the coating system, if the material is not enough to cover the titanium dioxide, the particles will touch and stick to each other. This is like increasing the size of the titanium dioxide particles. The hiding power of the coating will then decrease.
Effect of titanium dioxide dispersion on coating hiding power
In coatings, particle dispersion level is key. It largely determines product performance. When making coatings, titanium dioxide dispersion must be wetted, sanded, and dispersed.
The coating has a stable suspension of titanium dioxide. This will improve the coating’s hiding power. However, titanium dioxide is active. The system’s environment impacts its dispersion. It can easily have poor dispersion, like flocculation, precipitation, and suspension. Therefore, the degree of dispersion also affects the hiding power of the coating.
Effect of dispersant dosage on coating hiding power
When titanium dioxide is dispersed, its particles are smaller than fillers. They also tend to condense. So, the choice and amount of dispersant will affect how well titanium dioxide disperses. This will also affect the hiding power of the paint. Experiments have shown that the dispersion of pigments and fillers increases. It increases with the use of more dispersant. The better dispersibility reduces the range of pigment and filler size. It also reduces the size of particles. This improves the hiding power of painting films.
Sustainable Development of Titanium Dioxide for Coatings
Titanium dioxide is an efficient light-scattering pigment. It provides great whiteness and hiding power for coatings. The automotive and construction industries are growing fast. So is the market for water-based paint. This is increasing the overall demand for titanium dioxide.
These constraints affect resources, energy, and the environment. They are becoming more prominent. Improving the sustainable development capacity of the titanium dioxide industry is imminent.
In addition, they must promote new processes and tech for making titanium dioxide. They also need to improve its use or find new substitutes to use less.