Since the 1950s, the plastics industry has seen remarkable advancements, thanks in large part to the introduction of high-quality titanium dioxide (TiO₂) products and services. These solutions have addressed critical concerns such as colour, opacity and weatherability, shaping the industry into what it is today. As the field continues to evolve, Ti-Pure™ TiO₂, a product of Chemours’ pioneering chloride-process technology, remains at the forefront, enabling the creation of thinner films, brighter colours and surfaces with enhanced reflectivity, all tailored to meet the ever-evolving needs of the market.

Chemours’ Ti-Pure™ TiO2 brings a host of performance benefits to various types of plastic systems. This includes improvements in opacity, UV damage resistance, colour retention, gloss, brightness, mechanical strength and more.

Exploring common resin systems for plastic applications

For in-depth information, readers are encouraged to visit the recommended product pages or get in touch with their Ti-Pure™ representative. Click here now for more information: A Guide to Grade Selection for Plastics.

• Polyolefins (Polyethylene and Polypropylene)

In most polyolefin applications, the process involves preparing a TiO₂ concentrate through batch or continuous compounding before incorporating it into the final product. Key performance considerations include ease of dispersion, resistance to yellowing and optical properties. In applications involving thin-film and extrusion coatings, dispersion performance and resistance to lacing and discoloration at elevated processing temperatures are of paramount importance.

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Selecting the optimal grade of Ti-Pure™ titanium dioxide for rigid vinyl applications hinges on factors like the intended use of the product and the type of heat stabilisers employed in the PVC compound. For exterior applications such as building siding and window profiles, controlled chalking, particularly in tin stabilised systems, may be required. Other exterior applications demand excellent gloss retention and non-chalking performance. In the case of exterior coloured products, the preference leans towards strong colours that resist fading. Recommended Ti-Pure™ grades excel across a spectrum of performance requirements and they can even facilitate cost savings in colour toner applications.

• ABS and ABS Blend Polymers

Critical performance attributes for TiO2 pigments in ABS and ABS blend polymers include optical properties, thermal and UV stability and the retention of mechanical properties. Higher tinting strength and a bluish-white undertone colour contribute to producing a brighter and whiter appearance, also positively impacting mechanical properties. This allows for the use of TiO2 at lower loadings, minimising the degradation of mechanical properties and leading to cost savings in raw materials.

• PET/PBT

PET and PET-PBT blends find application in a wide range of extruded and injection-moulded articles. TiO2 used in these resin systems must meet key requirements including optical properties, resistance to light discoloration, and reliable mechanical performance.

• Polycarbonate and PC Blends

For polycarbonate (PC) and PC blends to deliver a bright white colour in end-use applications, a blue pigment undertone is essential. The TiO₂ must also have adequate surface chemical modifications and a thermally stable organic coating to preserve thermal, rheological and mechanical properties during processing.

• Acrylic

Titanium dioxide is utilised to pigment acrylic polymethylacrylate (PMA) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) for both opaque and semi-opaque applications. Industries such as appliances, communication, industrial and construction rely on opaque whites. Back-illuminated advertising and signboards, on the other hand, depend on translucent formulations.

• PPS

The inherent brown colour of polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) necessitates the bluish undertone of Ti-Pure™ R-103 to support bright white colour development. This grade is suitable for mass-tone and tint-tone white applications, providing bright colour and stability in thermal, mechanical and rheological properties while offering excellent processibility.

• Polyamide

Polyamide resins, like other high-performance engineering polymers, require pigments with a bluish white undertone and a hydrophobic surface. Additionally, excellent mechanical, thermal and rheological performance stability, along with low levels of metallic impurities like iron, are essential.

• Polystyrene

Recommended Ti-Pure™ grades find application in colouring polystyrene, including high impact polystyrene (HIPS). They serve in non-durable applications requiring maximum bluish white undertone, high tinting strength, thermal stability during processing and resistance to light discoloration, as well as in applications requiring durability.

In essence, Chemours’ Ti-Pure™ solutions represent a pinnacle of innovation in the plastics industry. With tailored offerings for various sectors, these solutions ensure products withstand the tests of time, while also maintaining their pristine appearance. As the industry continues to evolve, Ti-Pure™ remains at the forefront, pushing boundaries and setting new standards for plastics.

Chemours’ Ti-Pure™ solutions are available from Carst & Walker in South Africa.