Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) mainly comes in two crystalline forms: Rutile (R-type) and Anatase (A-type). In addition, based on different applications, there are also special grades such as food-grade, cosmetic-grade, and plastic-grade titanium dioxide.
1. Classification by Crystal Type: Rutile (R-type) vs. Anatase (A-type)
| Type | Structure | Characteristics | Main Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rutile (R-type) | Dense, stable | Strong hiding power, excellent weather resistance, not easy to discolor | Coatings, plastics, paints, rubber, paper, ceramics, automotive coatings |
| Anatase (A-type) | Smaller particle size | High whiteness and brightness, slightly lower opacity | Cosmetics, food additives, paper, low-end plastics, chemical fibers |
📌 Rutile titanium dioxide offers superior weather resistance, making it ideal for outdoor uses such as architectural coatings, automotive paints, and engineering plastics.
📌 Anatase titanium dioxide has higher whiteness and brightness but lower UV stability, making it suitable for indoor products or industries where UV exposure is minimal.
2. Classification by Application
Coating-grade TiO₂: Used in architectural coatings, automotive paints, and industrial coatings; mostly rutile type.
Plastic-grade TiO₂: Applied in PVC, PP, PE, ABS, etc., requiring excellent dispersion and heat resistance.
Paper-grade TiO₂: Used in premium coated paper and decorative paper to improve opacity and gloss.
Ink-grade TiO₂: Demands high opacity and dispersion, ideal for high-end printing inks.
Cosmetic-grade TiO₂: Used in foundation and sunscreen; usually micron or nano-scale anatase type.
Food-grade TiO₂: Used in candies, chewing gum, and tablet coatings; must meet food safety standards.
Ceramic/Glass-grade TiO₂: Applied in glazes and glass coatings to enhance corrosion resistance and optical performance.
3. Classification by Production Process
Sulfate Process TiO₂:
Traditional production method with lower cost and high purity, though its dispersion and weather resistance are slightly inferior to the chloride process.
Chloride Process TiO₂:
A more advanced process that produces rutile TiO₂ with higher purity and more uniform particle size.
It offers better weather resistance, dispersion, and stability, though at a higher production cost.
📌 Conclusion: Chloride-process rutile titanium dioxide is superior and best suited for high-end coatings, plastics, and paints.
4. Classification by Particle Size
Micron-grade TiO₂: Commonly used in coatings, plastics, and inks for excellent hiding power.
Nano-grade TiO₂ (Ultra-fine TiO₂): Used in sunscreens, self-cleaning coatings, and photocatalytic materials for strong UV absorption and advanced functionalities.
Summary: How to Choose the Right Type of Titanium Dioxide?
✅ High hiding power & strong weather resistance → Rutile (R-type)
✅ High whiteness & cost-effective → Anatase (A-type)
✅ For plastics, paints, coatings → Rutile type (preferably chloride process)
✅ For cosmetics & food → Anatase type (must meet safety standards)
✅ For advanced applications (sunscreen, self-cleaning coatings) → Nano TiO₂