cas number for titanium dioxide

Understanding Titanium Dioxide: Industry Trends and Technical Parameters Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) is an indispensable white pigment and versatile material found across a myriad of industries. Its unparalleled brightness, opacity, and UV resistance make it a cornerstone in everything from paints and coatings to plastics, papers, and even cosmetics and food. The global market for TiO₂ continues to expand, driven by increasing demand from the construction, automotive, and packaging sectors, especially in emerging economies. Key trends include a heightened focus on sustainable production methods, the development of specialized grades for advanced applications (e.g., photocatalysis, transparent UV filters), and a push towards greater energy efficiency in manufacturing processes. Regulatory frameworks, particularly concerning environmental impact and worker safety, are also shaping the industry, pushing manufacturers towards cleaner technologies and more responsible resource management. Technically, Titanium Dioxide exists in several crystalline forms, with rutile and anatase being the most commercially significant. Rutile, known for its superior opacifying power, UV absorption capabilities, and weather resistance, accounts for the vast majority of production volume and is preferred for exterior applications. Anatase, while less opaque, finds niche applications in photocatalytic materials, self-cleaning surfaces, and certain cosmetic formulations due to its higher reactivity. The specific properties of TiO₂—such as particle size distribution, surface treatment, and crystal structure—are meticulously controlled during manufacturing to tailor the pigment for its intended end-use. For instance, ultra-fine TiO₂ particles are utilized in transparent sunscreens, while larger, more uniformly sized particles are critical for maximizing opacity in architectural paints. Key Technical Specifications of Rutile Titanium Dioxide Parameter Typical Value / Description Relevance to Application TiO₂ Content ≥ 93.0% (Rutile Grade) Higher purity ensures maximum opacifying power and brightness. Essential for high-performance coatings. Crystalline Form Rutile Provides superior opacity, weatherability, and UV resistance compared to anatase. Specific Gravity ~4.2 g/cm³ Impacts formulation density and settling characteristics in liquid systems. Oil Absorption 18-22 g/100g Lower values indicate better dispersibility and higher pigment loading potential in binders. Whiteness (L value) ≥ 98.0 (ISO 2470) Direct measure of pigment's brightness, crucial for aesthetic quality in paints, plastics, and paper. Residue on Sieve (45µm) ≤ 0.05% Indicates fineness and absence of coarse particles, important for smooth finishes and processing. pH Value 6.5 - 8.0 Influences compatibility with various binder systems and stability of aqueous dispersions. Manufacturing Process of Titanium Dioxide The production of high-grade Titanium Dioxide involves sophisticated chemical engineering processes, primarily the sulfate process and the chloride process. Both methods convert titanium-bearing ores into a pure white pigment, but they differ significantly in raw materials, intermediate products, and environmental profiles. 1. Sulfate Process This older, more traditional method primarily uses ilmenite ore (FeTiO₃) as its raw material. Digestion: Ilmenite ore is reacted with concentrated sulfuric acid to produce titanyl sulfate (TiOSO₄) and iron sulfates. This highly exothermic reaction breaks down the ore structure. Clarification: The resulting slurry is diluted and filtered to remove insoluble impurities and separate out iron sulfates, often recovered as ferrous sulfate heptahydrate (FeSO₄·7H₂O), a valuable byproduct. Hydrolysis: The clarified titanyl sulfate solution is then hydrolyzed under controlled conditions to precipitate hydrated Titanium Dioxide (titanic acid). This step is crucial for controlling particle size and morphology. Washing & Filtering: The precipitated hydrated TiO₂ is thoroughly washed to remove residual acids and soluble salts, ensuring high purity. It is then filtered to obtain a cake. Calcination: The filter cake is calcined at high temperatures (typically 800-1000°C) in rotary kilns. This process dehydrates the hydrated TiO₂, converts the amorphous structure to crystalline anatase or rutile, and promotes particle growth. Precise temperature control is vital for achieving the desired crystal form and particle size. Milling & Surface Treatment: The calcined pigment is milled (micronized) to achieve optimal particle size distribution for scattering light efficiently. It then undergoes surface treatment with inorganic compounds (e.g., alumina, silica, zirconia) and organic compounds to improve dispersibility, weatherability, and compatibility with various binder systems. The sulfate process is known for its ability to process lower-grade ilmenite ores but generates a significant amount of dilute sulfuric acid waste, which requires careful environmental management. 2. Chloride Process Considered the more modern and environmentally cleaner process, the chloride process primarily uses high-grade rutile ore or titanium slag (a beneficiated ilmenite). Chlorination: The titanium-bearing raw material reacts with chlorine gas and coke (as a reducing agent) at high temperatures (900-1200°C) in a fluidized bed reactor. This produces crude titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄) along with chlorides of other metals present in the ore. Purification: The crude TiCl₄ is then meticulously purified through fractional distillation to remove impurities like vanadium tetrachloride (VOCl₄) and iron chlorides. This step is critical for producing ultra-pure pigment. Oxidation: The purified TiCl₄ is vaporized and reacted with preheated oxygen in a specially designed reactor at extremely high temperatures (over 1000°C). This rapid oxidation produces fine particles of Titanium Dioxide pigment and regenerates chlorine gas. Cooling & Separation: The hot gas stream containing TiO₂ particles and chlorine is rapidly cooled, and the solid pigment is separated from the gaseous chlorine, which is recycled back into the chlorination step. Milling & Surface Treatment: Similar to the sulfate process, the newly formed TiO₂ undergoes milling and surface treatment to achieve desired end-use properties such as optimal dispersibility, weatherability, and chemical stability. The chloride process offers advantages in terms of continuous operation, higher purity products, and significantly less waste generation, as chlorine is largely recycled. It typically yields rutile Titanium Dioxide directly. Testing Standards and Quality Assurance Quality control for Titanium Dioxide is rigorous, adhering to international standards to ensure consistent performance. Key testing standards include: ISO 591-1:2000: Specifies methods for testing and evaluating TiO₂ pigments for paints, varnishes, and plastics. ASTM D476-00: Standard Classification for Dry Pigmentary Titanium Dioxide Products. ISO 787: General methods of test for pigments and extenders, covering properties like oil absorption, pH, and residue on sieve. ANSI/AWWA B606-11: Standard for Titanium Dioxide, specifically for water treatment applications, highlighting purity and heavy metal content. Our production facilities implement stringent ISO 9001 certified quality management systems, ensuring traceability and consistency from raw material sourcing to final product delivery. Application Scenarios and Technical Advantages The versatility of Titanium Dioxide makes it indispensable across a wide range of industries, each benefiting from its unique combination of properties. Our specialized grades are engineered to deliver optimal performance in demanding environments. Target Industries & Advantages: Paints & Coatings: TiO₂ is the most widely used white pigment, providing exceptional hiding power, brightness, and durability. In architectural and industrial coatings, it enhances UV resistance, preventing chalking and fading, thereby extending the service life of painted surfaces. Our rutile grades offer superior gloss retention and tint strength, leading to vibrant, long-lasting finishes and energy savings by reducing the need for frequent repainting. Plastics: For plastics like PVC, PE, and PP, Titanium Dioxide provides essential whiteness, opacity, and protection against UV degradation, which can cause embrittlement and discoloration. This is crucial for outdoor applications suchs as pipes, window profiles, and automotive components, significantly increasing product longevity. Paper & Pulp: Used as a filler and coating pigment, TiO₂ improves the brightness, opacity, and printability of paper and cardboard, particularly for lightweight coated papers, allowing for lower basis weight while maintaining desired optical properties. Cosmetics & Personal Care: Micronized Titanium Dioxide serves as a physical UV filter in sunscreens, offering broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays without irritating sensitive skin. Its inertness and non-allergenic properties make it ideal for various cosmetic formulations. Food & Pharmaceuticals: High-purity food-grade TiO₂ (E171) is used as a whitening agent in confectionery, dairy products, and medications, where strict regulatory compliance (e.g., FDA, EFSA) is paramount. Our products meet these stringent requirements. Catalysis & Environmental Applications: Anatase TiO₂ exhibits photocatalytic activity, making it valuable in air and water purification systems, self-cleaning surfaces, and certain catalytic converters. Its ability to degrade organic pollutants under UV light offers significant environmental advantages. In summary, the technical advantages of our Titanium Dioxide include superior opacifying power, excellent UV protection, exceptional brightness, high chemical inertness, and superb dispersibility, leading to enhanced product performance and extended service life across diverse applications. Vendor Comparison and Customized Solutions Selecting the right supplier for Titanium Dioxide is crucial for ensuring consistent product quality and optimizing production processes. While many vendors offer TiO₂, differentiators lie in product consistency, technical support, supply chain reliability, and the ability to provide customized solutions. Comparison Factors for Titanium Dioxide Vendors Feature/Service Standard Vendor Offering Our Offering (Baifeng Mining) Product Grades Limited standard rutile/anatase grades. Extensive portfolio of rutile and anatase grades, including specialized surface treatments for specific applications (e.g., high-durability coatings, food contact). Technical Support Basic data sheets; general application advice. Dedicated technical specialists, on-site consultation, formulation optimization, and troubleshooting support for complex challenges. Customization Minimal to none. Ability to tailor particle size, surface chemistry, and other parameters to meet unique client specifications, ensuring optimal performance in bespoke systems. Supply Chain Standard logistics; potential for delays. Robust global logistics network, warehousing solutions, and flexible delivery options to ensure timely and reliable supply. Certifications Basic ISO 9001. ISO 9001, ISO 14001, REACH compliant, Kosher, Halal, and FDA/EU food contact approvals for relevant grades. Customized Solutions for Optimal Performance Recognizing that off-the-shelf solutions may not always meet the precise requirements of advanced applications, we specialize in providing customized Titanium Dioxide solutions. Our team of experienced chemists and material scientists works closely with clients to understand their specific performance criteria and processing conditions. Tailored Particle Size Distribution: Adjusting the median particle size and its distribution can significantly impact light scattering, opacity, and gloss, especially critical for thin-film coatings or highly loaded plastic compounds. Optimized Surface Treatments: By selecting specific inorganic (e.g., Al₂O₃, SiO₂, ZrO₂) and organic surface modifiers, we can enhance dispersibility in various polymer matrices or solvent systems, improve weather resistance, and reduce photocatalytic activity for sensitive applications. Rheology Control: Custom treatments can influence slurry viscosity and flow properties, crucial for high-speed coating applications or highly concentrated pigment pastes. Enhanced UV Protection: For demanding outdoor applications, specific grades of Titanium Dioxide can be developed with enhanced UV blocking capabilities, prolonging the life of the end product. Real-World Application Case Studies Our expertise in Titanium Dioxide solutions is demonstrated through successful partnerships and tangible results for our clients. These case studies highlight the impact of tailored TiO₂ products on critical performance metrics. Case Study 1: High-Performance Automotive Coatings A leading automotive paint manufacturer sought to improve the long-term gloss retention and chalking resistance of their premium white topcoats, especially for vehicles exposed to harsh UV radiation. Standard rutile TiO₂ pigments were not providing the desired service life. Challenge: Extend weatherability and maintain aesthetic appeal under extreme environmental conditions. Solution: We developed a customized rutile Titanium Dioxide grade with an optimized inorganic surface treatment (dense silica-alumina layer) and a tailored organic co-treatment. This significantly reduced the pigment's photocatalytic activity and improved its dispersibility in the solvent-borne acrylic system. Results: After accelerated weathering tests (QUV, Xenon-Arc) equivalent to 10 years of outdoor exposure, coatings formulated with our specialized TiO₂ showed a 30% reduction in gloss loss and virtually no chalking compared to previous formulations. The client achieved a superior product, enhancing their brand reputation and market share in premium segments. Case Study 2: UV-Resistant PVC Window Profiles A European manufacturer of PVC window profiles faced issues with yellowing and embrittlement of their white profiles after several years of outdoor exposure, particularly in sunny climates. This led to increased warranty claims and customer dissatisfaction. Challenge: Enhance UV stability and mechanical integrity of rigid PVC profiles over a 20+ year lifespan. Solution: Our technical team recommended a rutile Titanium Dioxide grade specifically engineered for plastic masterbatches, featuring a highly durable inorganic surface coating designed to absorb UV radiation and minimize photocatalytic degradation of the polymer matrix. The particle size distribution was also optimized for maximum opacity and whiteness while ensuring excellent dispersion in the PVC compound. Results: Outdoor exposure tests confirmed a significant improvement. The profiles showed less than 5% color change (ΔE) after 15 years equivalent exposure, and tensile strength retention improved by 25%. This enabled the client to offer extended warranties, gain a competitive edge, and reduce material costs through optimized pigment loading. Trustworthiness & Support: FAQ, Lead Time, Warranty, and After-Sales At Baifeng Mining, we prioritize transparency and robust support to build lasting partnerships. Our commitment extends beyond product delivery to comprehensive customer service. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: How do I choose between rutile and anatase Titanium Dioxide ? A: Rutile TiO₂ is preferred for most applications requiring high opacity, brightness, UV stability, and weather resistance (e.g., paints, plastics, outdoor products). Anatase TiO₂ is generally less opaque but finds use in specific applications such as photocatalysis, self-cleaning surfaces, and some cosmetic formulations where its higher reactivity is beneficial. Our technical team can assist in selecting the optimal grade for your specific needs. Q: What is the typical lead time for an order? A: Standard orders for in-stock grades typically have a lead time of 7-14 business days for domestic shipments and 3-5 weeks for international shipments, depending on destination and shipping method. For customized orders, lead times will be provided after detailed specification and production planning, usually ranging from 4-8 weeks. We maintain strategic inventory levels to expedite critical orders. Q: What is the shelf life of your Titanium Dioxide products? A: When stored in original, unopened packaging in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, our TiO₂ products typically have a shelf life of 24 months from the date of manufacture. Proper storage is crucial to maintain product performance. Q: Do your products comply with international regulations (e.g., REACH, FDA)? A: Yes, our relevant Titanium Dioxide grades are fully compliant with major international regulations, including REACH (EU), FDA 21 CFR 178.3297 (Colorants for polymers), and other region-specific standards for food contact, cosmetics, and industrial use. Certificates of analysis and compliance documentation are available upon request. Warranty Commitments We stand behind the quality of our Titanium Dioxide products. All products are warranted to meet the published specifications and industry standards for their respective grades. In the unlikely event of a product failing to meet these specifications due to manufacturing defects, we commit to providing a replacement or credit, subject to our standard terms and conditions. Our warranty covers material defects and ensures that products are fit for their intended purpose as per our technical data sheets. Customer Support and After-Sales Service Our commitment to customer satisfaction extends throughout the entire product lifecycle. Our dedicated customer support team is available to assist with technical queries, order tracking, and any post-delivery concerns. Technical Assistance: Our team of expert chemists and application engineers offers unparalleled technical support, from initial product selection and formulation guidance to troubleshooting and process optimization. Logistics Support: We provide detailed shipping information, track orders, and coordinate with logistics partners to ensure timely and secure delivery of your Titanium Dioxide . Complaint Resolution: A streamlined process is in place for addressing any product-related issues, with prompt investigation and resolution to minimize disruption to your operations. Documentation: Comprehensive documentation, including Certificates of Analysis (CoA), Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and regulatory compliance statements, is readily available. We believe that robust support is as critical as product quality in fostering long-term, successful B2B relationships. References Buxbaum, G., & Pfaff, G. (Eds.). (2005). Industrial inorganic pigments. Wiley-VCH. Diebold, T. P., Huddleston, P. R., & Sullivan, L. (2018). Titanium Dioxide. In Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Wiley-VCH. ISO 591-1:2000 - Titanium dioxide pigments for paints, varnishes and plastics - Part 1: Specifications and methods of test. International Organization for Standardization. ASTM D476-00(2013) - Standard Classification for Dry Pigmentary Titanium Dioxide Products. ASTM International. Chen, X., & Mao, S. S. (2007). Titanium dioxide nanomaterials: synthesis, properties, modifications, and applications. Chemical Reviews, 107(7), 2891-2959.