Misconception 1
“The higher the whiteness of titanium dioxide, the better the quality.”
Reality: Whiteness matters, but it is not the only criterion.
✔️Overemphasizing a single whiteness index does not always lead to the best application performance. In certain scenarios, excessively high whiteness may even result in lower perceived hiding power due to contrast issues with the substrate.
✔️ The key lies in a balanced evaluation:
When selecting TiO₂, it is essential to match product properties with specific application requirements. You should balance whiteness with other critical factors. Consider dispersion, hiding power, and cost to achieve optimal performance and cost efficiency.
Misconception 2
“The higher the TiO₂ content, the better the product.”
Reality: Not necessarily.
✔️While higher TiO₂ content can contribute to improved whiteness, modern production practices focus on process optimization. Techniques such as salt treatment achieve more uniform and spherical particle morphology, which enhances hiding power. In addition, surface treatment (coating) plays a crucial role in improving both dispersion and weather resistance.
✔️ Why slightly lower TiO₂ content can be beneficial:
Although these optimization processes may marginally reduce the final TiO₂ content, they deliver two major advantages:
① Lower dosage requirement: Less TiO₂ is needed to achieve equivalent performance.
② Better overall performance and cost-effectiveness: Improved hiding power, dispersion, and durability lead to a more competitive total cost of use.
Misconception 3
“The higher the tinting strength, the better.”
Reality: Tinting strength must be evaluated based on the application.
✔️In tinting systems, excessively high tinting strength can overly “neutralize” colored pigments. This forces formulators to add larger quantities of expensive color pigments. Thus, they achieve the desired shade. This not only complicates formulation adjustments but also significantly increases the production cost of colored coatings.
✔️ The key is stability and suitability, not the ‘maximum’ value:
Providing TiO₂ with stable and well-controlled tinting strength helps downstream customers reduce formulation adjustments. This minimizes color pigment consumption and effectively controls total production costs. Ultimately, it enhances market competitiveness.
Misconception 4
“The higher the rutile conversion rate, the better the quality.”
Reality: Only partially true.
✔️For sulfate-process TiO₂, a higher rutile conversion rate does bring benefits. These include a higher refractive index and stronger hiding power. However, when the conversion rate is excessively high, TiO₂ particles tend to sinter and agglomerate. This results in significantly increased hardness, leading to higher grinding costs and compromised application performance.
✔️ Optimal performance lies within a reasonable range:
Controlling the rutile conversion rate within an appropriate window ensures the best balance between performance and economics:
① Improved application properties: Better color tone, dispersion, and lower abrasiveness.
② Higher cost efficiency: Reduced grinding and dispersion costs, delivering tangible savings for customers.
Misconception 5
“Imported TiO₂ has more uniform particle size, while domestic TiO₂ causes coating agglomeration.”
Reality: This is an outdated perception.
✔️Today, domestically (China) produced TiO₂ has reached international standards in particle size uniformity. There is no substantial difference compared to imported products.
✔️ Advanced process and surface treatment control:
Through continuous improvements in production technology and surface treatment methods, domestic manufacturers now deliver TiO₂ with excellent dispersion performance. This fully meets the stringent requirements of coating systems for stability and anti-agglomeration.
