I. Overview

Titanium dioxide (chemical name: TiO₂) is an important inorganic pigment known for its excellent optical properties and chemical stability. Its molecular structure allows it to enhance whiteness, brightness, and opacity in products across various industries, including coatings, plastics, and rubber. Additionally, titanium dioxide is widely used in the paper, fiber, and cosmetics industries due to its high opacity and non-toxic, environmentally friendly nature, making it an irreplaceable core material in modern industrial production.

II. Key Properties of Titanium Dioxide

1. Optical Properties
   Titanium dioxide, with its high refractive index (about 2.55 for anatase and 2.73 for rutile), exhibits strong light-scattering capability, significantly enhancing the whiteness and gloss of products. This characteristic enables titanium dioxide to deliver outstanding performance in high-opacity applications, making it widely used in paints and coatings production.
2. Particle Size and Distribution
   The particle size and distribution of titanium dioxide directly affect its opacity and dispersibility. Advanced milling and grinding processes ensure uniformity and fine particle size, improving its performance in applications.
3. Chemical Stability
   Titanium dioxide is highly resistant to oxidation and maintains chemical stability, especially in acidic and alkaline environments. This stability gives it durability in harsh conditions, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
4. Light and Weather Resistance
   The rutile type, in particular, demonstrates excellent light and weather resistance, avoiding discoloration or decomposition under UV exposure. This property is particularly important in architectural coatings. Although anatase-type titanium dioxide is somewhat less weather-resistant, it is advantageous in applications requiring high whiteness and lower cost.

III. Major Types of Titanium Dioxide and Applications

1. Anatase Titanium Dioxide
   Anatase titanium dioxide offers excellent whiteness and brightness, making it suitable for applications in the paper, plastics, and rubber industries. Due to its lower production costs, it is ideal for applications where weather resistance is not crucial but high whitening effect is essential, such as in paper, fiber, and certain plastic products.
2. Rutile Titanium Dioxide
   Rutile titanium dioxide is the most stable and weather-resistant type, widely used in exterior coatings, automotive paint, powder coatings, and high-performance plastic products. Its high opacity and anti-aging properties provide these products with extended service life and excellent corrosion resistance.

IV. Applications of Titanium Dioxide in Various Fields

1. Coatings
   Titanium dioxide plays a crucial role in the coatings industry. By enhancing the coating's opacity and anti-corrosion properties, titanium dioxide makes coatings highly durable and decorative. Especially in exterior wall coatings, it prevents photodegradation and maintains long-lasting aesthetics.
2. Plastics and Rubber
   In plastic and rubber products, titanium dioxide improves weather resistance and mechanical properties, preventing product degradation under UV exposure. Its dispersibility and whitening effect also enhance the visual appeal of plastic products.
3. Paper Production
   Titanium dioxide is mainly used as a filler in the paper industry, enhancing the brightness and gloss of paper, and improving print quality. It also increases the opacity of paper, making it suitable for printing and packaging applications.
4. Textile Fibers
   In synthetic fibers, titanium dioxide is used as a delustering agent to reduce reflectivity, giving the fiber a softer luster and more natural appearance. Fiber-grade titanium dioxide requires finer particle size and better dispersibility to ensure uniformity during spinning.

V. Technological Prospects

With the growing demands of industry, titanium dioxide production technology is rapidly advancing. Recent advancements in surface treatment technology have optimized the adhesion and dispersibility of titanium dioxide on various substrates. Additionally, the composite application of titanium dioxide is expanding rapidly, such as blending it with other inorganic pigments to enhance weather resistance and antimicrobial properties. These emerging technologies provide broader application prospects for titanium dioxide in functional and eco-friendly materials.