TiO2pigmenttiä

TiO2pigmenttiä, more commonly known as titanium dioxide pigment, is a white inorganic compound with the chemical formula TiO2. It is widely recognized for its exceptional opacity, brightness, and whiteness, making it the most widely used white pigment globally. Its refractive index is very high, which scatters visible light effectively, thus providing excellent hiding power.

The production of TiO2pigmenttiä involves processing titanium-bearing ores, primarily ilmenite and rutile. The two main manufacturing processes are the sulfate process and the chloride process. The sulfate process involves digesting the ore with sulfuric acid, followed by hydrolysis and calcination. The chloride process uses chlorine gas at high temperatures to convert titanium ore into titanium tetrachloride, which is then oxidized to titanium dioxide.

TiO2pigmenttiä finds extensive application across numerous industries. Its primary use is in paints and coatings, where it imparts brightness and durability. It is also a crucial component in plastics, providing opacity and UV resistance. In the paper industry, it enhances brightness and printability. Furthermore, it is used in inks, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even as a food additive (E171) for its whitening properties, although its use in food is subject to regulatory review in some regions. Its photocatalytic properties are also being explored for applications in self-cleaning surfaces and air purification.