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Titanium dioxide, also known as TiO₂, is a crucial inorganic chemical pigment widely utilized across various industrial sectors, including coatings, inks, papermaking, plastics, rubbers, textiles, ceramics, and more. Its primary attributes encompass high opacity, exceptional light scattering properties, and outstanding lightfastness, significantly enhancing the aesthetic quality, performance, and durability of products.
In the coatings industry, titanium dioxide plays a pivotal role as a white pigment, imparting superior hiding power, durability, and gloss to wall paints, varnishes, and other coating materials. For the plastics industry, it serves as both a white pigment and reinforcing agent, enhancing the brightness, weather resistance, and overall aesthetics of plastic products. Additionally, in papermaking, titanium dioxide acts as a filler and coating material, dramatically improving paper's whiteness, gloss, and opacity, thereby enhancing printing quality and visual appeal.
The production of titanium dioxide primarily involves two processes: the sulfate process and the chloride process. The sulfate process, though mature and utilizing readily available raw materials, is characterized by a lengthy process flow and relatively high environmental impact. In contrast, the chloride process boasts a shorter process flow, superior product quality, and lower energy consumption, albeit with higher technical complexity.
In summary, titanium dioxide, with its unique properties and vast application potential, stands as an indispensable material in modern industries and consumer products. As technology advances and environmental regulations tighten, the production processes of titanium dioxide will continue to evolve and improve, catering to the diverse needs of the market.
