August 22, 2024 – Titanium dioxide, a crucial inorganic pigment, holds a significant position in the chemical industry. It is primarily categorized into two major types based on its crystalline form: Rutile (R-type) and Anatase (A-type) titanium dioxide. Both types are widely used in various applications but exhibit distinct characteristics.
Rutile titanium dioxide is renowned for its dense crystal structure, exhibiting excellent chemical stability, weather resistance, and water resistance. Its resistance to yellowing and chalking makes it an ideal choice for high-end outdoor coatings, photographic emulsions, and the manufacture of premium paper and rubber materials. However, its whiteness may be slightly inferior to Anatase. Rutile also demonstrates superior thermal stability, maintaining its structure at high temperatures. Its slender and compact crystal morphology provides it with higher density and hardness. In terms of optical performance, Rutile titanium dioxide boasts a high refractive index, offering excellent covering power and gloss, particularly excellent in UV absorption.
On the other hand, Anatase titanium dioxide, despite its slightly lower weather resistance and susceptibility to yellowing and chalking, stands out for its high whiteness and strong light scattering ability, resulting in good covering power. This type of titanium dioxide remains stable at room temperature but transforms into Rutile at high temperatures, indicating lower thermal stability. Anatase’s crystal structure is relatively loose, with lower density and hardness compared to Rutile. Although its refractive index is lower, its affordable price makes Anatase titanium dioxide widely used as a colorant and filler in white and light-colored indoor paints, paper manufacturing, rubber, and plastic products.
According to the Color Masterbatch Industry Network, these two types of titanium dioxide have their unique advantages and application areas. Rutile, with its excellent weather resistance and optical properties, is often preferred for high-end coatings and UV-resistant applications. Anatase, known for its cost-effectiveness and good whiteness, finds its place in indoor paints and general plastic products. The complementary applications of both types in the chemical industry jointly contribute to the prosperous development of the titanium dioxide market.