When it comes to white pigments, most people immediately think of titanium dioxide (TiO₂). However, in practical industrial formulations, Lithopone 28% remains a widely used and cost-effective choice. Especially in applications where cost control and stability are important-like coatings, plastics, and rubber-Lithopone 28% still plays an irreplaceable role.
1. What Exactly Is Lithopone 28%?
Chemically, Lithopone is a composite white pigment made from zinc sulfide (ZnS) and barium sulfate (BaSO₄). The "28%" indicates that approximately 28% of the composition is zinc sulfide, which balances opacity and cost, making it the most popular market grade.
Common product names include:
- Lithopone 28%
- Lithopone Pigment 28%
- Lithopone B301 (manufacturer-specific code)
In practice, Lithopone 28% is considered a medium-opacity, cost-efficient white pigment.
2. Key Properties of Lithopone 28%
Based on industry experience, Lithopone 28% has several notable advantages:
① Cost-effective and price-stable
Compared with titanium dioxide, Lithopone 28% is less affected by raw material price fluctuations, making it ideal for long-term bulk production.
② Good whiteness, moderate hiding power
Its whiteness is sufficient for most industrial applications. It is not designed for maximum opacity, which makes it suitable for applications that do not require extreme visual brightness.
③ Strong chemical stability
Thanks to its barium sulfate component, Lithopone 28% resists acids, alkalis, and other chemical environments.
④ Excellent processing adaptability
In plastics and rubber, Lithopone 28% disperses easily and does not negatively affect material flow properties.
3. Typical Applications of Lithopone 28%
Lithopone 28% is commonly used in:
- Industrial and decorative coatings
- PVC, PE, and PP plastic products
- Rubber products and sealants
- Printing inks, adhesives, and specialty composites
In these applications, Lithopone 28% often serves as a stable white pigment and cost-control additive, rather than for high visual impact.
4. When to Use Lithopone 28%
Based on industry practice, Lithopone 28% is suitable for products that:
- Are cost-sensitive
- Do not require maximum opacity
- Require formulation stability
- Target mid-to-low-end or mass-market applications
This explains why many formulators still consider Lithopone 28% a practical, reliable white pigment.
5. Conclusion
In short, Lithopone 28% is not intended to replace titanium dioxide, but to provide a stable, cost-efficient option for applications where overall value matters. Understanding its characteristics helps formulators make informed decisions and use it effectively.