Titanium Dioxide

material

A white, inorganic pigment and additive (TiO2) used in plastics to provide opacity, whiteness, and UV protection. Essential for achieving bright white colors and opacity in polymer applications.

In Simple Terms

Titanium dioxide is a white powder additive mixed into plastic resins to make them opaque and bright white. It's one of the most commonly used pigments in plastics, helping create everything from white bottles to UV-resistant outdoor products.

Why It Matters

TiO2 is critical for opacity and color consistency in white and light-colored plastics. It provides UV protection, extends product lifespan, and enables precise color matching. Quality and concentration directly impact final product appearance and performance.

Technical Details

Available in rutile and anatase crystal forms, with rutile preferred for plastics due to superior opacity and UV resistance. Typical loading levels range from 0.5-15% by weight. Surface treatments improve dispersion and processing. Particle size (150-350nm) affects opacity efficiency and rheological properties during melt processing.

Real-World Examples

White HDPE bottle production

2-4% TiO2 loading in HDPE resin provides opacity for milk jugs and detergent bottles while maintaining processability in blow molding operations

Outdoor PVC profile compounding

8-12% rutile TiO2 in PVC compounds provides UV protection and whiteness retention for window profiles and siding applications

Masterbatch let-down ratio calculation

A 50% TiO2 masterbatch used at 6% let-down ratio delivers 3% final TiO2 concentration in the end product for consistent opacity