The most commonly used white pigment is titanium dioxide (TiO2), which can be found in paints. It is very bright and has a high refractive index. It is slower than air and the light travels through it slowly.
A high refractive index can cause scattering of light if you have small particles that are oriented in different directions. A high refractive index in lenses means high clarity and high power of polarization.
The refractive value of titanium dioxide is higher than that of diamond, and only a few substances have it higher. Cinnabar, also known as mercury sulfide, is one example. Cinnabar (mercury sulfide) was historically used as a red pigment.
White Pigment
There are many uses of Titanium Dioxide. Each year, four million tons of pigmentary TiO2 are consumed. TiO2 can be used to produce a white color in liquids, pastes, or coatings on solids. It is also an effective opacifier that makes substances more opaque. These are just a few examples of the many applications that TiO2 can be used for:
- Paints
- Plastics
- Papers
- Inks
- Medicines
The majority of kinds of toothpaste
Skimmed milk: Adding TiO2 to skimmed dairy makes it brighter, opaque, and more palatable.
Uses of Titanium Dioxide in Plastics
The second-largest consumer of titanium dioxide is the plastic industry.
Titanium Dioxide can be used in plastic products for its high covering power, high lightening powers, and other pigment performance. It can also increase heat resistance, weather resistance, and UV resistance. Plastic products are protected from the invasion of UV Rays. It can also improve mechanical and electrical performance.
The films of plastic products are thicker than those of oil paints or printing inks. This means that they don’t require high pigment volume concentrations. They also have high covering power and tinting strengths. Therefore, the average amount of pigment used is usually between 3% and 5%.
It can be used in nearly all thermosetting and thermoplastic plastics. It can be mixed with both dry resin powder and liquid-containing plasticizers. You can also use titanium dioxide to make color masterbatches, and then put them in use.
Most titanium dioxides used in plastic have small particle sizes. The particle size for titanium dioxide coatings is generally 0.20.4mm. While the particle size for titanium dioxide plastic is 0.150.3mm.
Titanium Dioxide Sunscreens
Silica and alumina must be used to coat TiO2 particles. TiO2 particles should be coated with silica or alumina to prevent them from coming into contact with water. These hydroxyl radicals can cause cancer. Titanium dioxide is very safe to be used because it does not come into contact with skin or water.
Additional cement and tiles
To give types of cement, tiles, and paints sterilizing, anti-fouling, and deodorizing properties, titanium dioxide can be added. Because of its photocatalytic capabilities, TiO2 can form hydroxyl free radicals in the presence of water. These radicals can be used to convert organic molecules into CO2 or water and destroy microorganisms.
Self-cleaning glass
The first self-cleaning glass was introduced to the market in 2001. This glass is coated with a thin layer of transparent anatase. Anatase is combined first with an organic compounding agent, which is composed of organic molecules that can act as ligands to the titanium ion and bind to it with co-ordinate bonds. This is needed to make the titanium dioxide powder more soluble so it can be evenly spread on the glass. After the coating has been applied, the glass must be heated to melt the organic complexing agent and leave the anatase layer.
Two phases are required for cleaning:
Photocatalytic dirt removal
When it rains, wash off any breakdown products.
Anatase is sensitive to UV light, with wavelengths that are close to the visible spectrum. This stimulates electrons to higher energy levels and activates titanium dioxide. Hydroxyl radicals are formed when activated titanium dioxide reacts to water. These radicals can be used to break down organic molecules. The glass’s hydrophilic (water-loving) character is enhanced by the presence of hydroxyl free radicals. The glass is sprayed with water when it rains. This forms a sheet that reflects the water and then the dirt is removed. The water sheet leaves virtually no streaks on the glass and makes it look clean.
Do you need Titanium Dioxide to enhance PVC or paint? Get in touch
Bisley International can help you find titanium dioxide.
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