Rutile titanium dioxide is the most durable and whitest crystal form in the industry. It has excellent light and weather resistance and is widely used in architectural coatings, plastics, rubber and cosmetics, and is especially suitable for long-term outdoor use.
I. Introduction to Rutile Titanium Dioxide
Chemical Composition: Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂)
Crystal Form: Rutile, Tetragonal System
Features: Stable crystal structure, high density (approximately 4.2-4.3 g/cm³), high whiteness, strong hiding power, and excellent light and weather resistance
Rutile is the most commonly used and durable titanium dioxide crystal form in industry, particularly suitable for long-term outdoor use.
II. Raw Materials
Titanium Ore
Ilmenite (FeTiO₃): Main Raw Material
Natural Rutile Ore: High-Grade Ore
Auxiliary Chemicals
Chlorinating Agent (e.g., chlorine), Sulfuric Acid (sulfuric acid process)
Oxidizing Agent (air or oxygen), Surface Treatment Agent
III. Preparation Process
1. Sulfuric Acid Method
Titanium Ore → Sulfuric Acid Leaching → Titanate → Hydrolysis → Rutile Titanium Dioxide
Features: Mature process, moderate cost
2. Chlorination Method
Titanium Ore or Rutile Ore → High-Temperature Chlorination to Titanium Tetrachloride → Oxidation → Rutile Titanium Dioxide
Features: High whiteness and excellent hiding power, suitable for high-end coatings and plastics applications
3. Surface Treatment
Coating with silica, alumina, titanium oxide, etc. to improve light and weather resistance, dispersion, and adhesion
IV. Key Properties
Properties Values/Features
High whiteness (over 97%)
Strong hiding power, allowing thin coating thicknesses to cover the substrate
Density 4.2-4.3 g/cm³
Excellent light and weather resistance, suitable for long-term outdoor use
High gloss, suitable for high-end coatings
High chemical stability, insoluble in water and common acids and alkalis, and resistant to oxidation
V. Main Applications
Architectural Coatings
Wall Paint, Exterior Paint, Industrial Coatings
Improve hiding power, weather resistance, whiteness, and gloss
Plastics
PVC, PE, PP, and other plastic products
Increase whiteness and durability, UV protection
Rubber
Tires, shoe soles, rubber products
Improve mechanical strength and light resistance
Paper
Whitening and opacity improvement
Especially suitable for high-end paper
Cosmetics and daily necessities
Sunscreen, face cream, etc.
Provides light-blocking and UV protection
Other Applications
Ink, fiber, glass, and other industrial materials
VI. Buying Guide
High weather resistance requirements → Rutile is a must
High hiding power and whiteness requirements → Rutile is preferred
Price Budget → Chloride-process rutile powder offers high whiteness, while sulfuric acid-process rutile powder offers high cost-effectiveness
Surface Treatment → Whether silica/alumina coating is required depends on the application
Summary
Rutile titanium dioxide is the most light- and weather-resistant crystal form of titanium dioxide, offering the best whiteness and hiding power. It is primarily used in architectural coatings, plastics, rubber, paper, and cosmetics.
Advantages: Strong weather resistance, high hiding power, high whiteness, and light and corrosion resistance.
Disadvantages: Slightly more expensive than anatase.
Key Principle: Rutile titanium dioxide is the preferred choice for outdoor or high-durability products.