aug . 06, 2025 01:00 Back to list
R996 TiO2: High Performance Rutile Titanium Dioxide
In the highly competitive world of plastics manufacturing, achieving superior whiteness, durability, and processing efficiency is paramount. This comprehensive guide delves into r996 tio2, a premier rutile titanium dioxide pigment. We explore its technical specifications, manufacturing process, and performance advantages over other grades like r706 tio2 and r902 tio2, establishing it as the gold standard for demanding applications.
The Evolving Landscape: Titanium Dioxide Market Trends
The global titanium dioxide market is on an upward trajectory, driven by increasing demand from the plastics, paints, and coatings industries. According to a 2023 market report by Global Industry Analysts, the market is projected to reach US$22.9 Billion by 2026. Within this market, rutile-grade TiO2, known for its higher refractive index and superior weatherability, holds the dominant share. The plastics sector, in particular, demands high-performance pigments like r996 tio2 for applications ranging from PVC profiles and siding to masterbatches and engineering plastics. The trend is shifting towards pigments that not only provide opacity but also enhance the final product's longevity and UV resistance, making grades like r996 tio2 and r960 tio2 increasingly critical.
Key market drivers include urbanization in developing countries, growth in the construction industry, and the rising demand for durable, aesthetically pleasing consumer goods. Manufacturers are seeking TiO2 solutions that offer excellent dispersibility to streamline production and reduce energy costs. This is where the specialized surface treatment of r996 tio2 provides a significant competitive edge.
Technical Deep Dive: What is R996 TiO2?
R996 TiO2 is a sulfate-process, rutile titanium dioxide pigment specifically designed for the plastics and masterbatch industries. It is surface-treated with Zirconia (ZrO₂) and Alumina (Al₂O₃) and incorporates a special organic coating. This multi-layered treatment is the key to its exceptional performance. Understanding its technical parameters is crucial for formulators and engineers.
Key Technical Specifications of R996 TiO2
| Property | Value | Standard | Significance in Plastics Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| TiO₂ Content | ≥ 94.0% | ISO 591-1 | Indicates pigment purity; higher content means greater whitening power. |
| Rutile Content | ≥ 98.5% | X-Ray Diffraction | Ensures high refractive index for maximum opacity and excellent durability. |
| Whiteness (CIELAB L*) | ≥ 98.2 | ASTM E313 | Measures brightness; critical for achieving a clean, neutral white tone. |
| Tinting Strength (Reynold's Number) | ≥ 1900 | ISO 787-24 | High tinting strength means less pigment is needed to achieve desired color. |
| Oil Absorption (g/100g) | ≤ 19 | ISO 787-5 | Low oil absorption allows for higher pigment loading and better flow in polymer melts. |
| pH of Aqueous Suspension | 6.5 - 8.5 | ISO 787-9 | A neutral pH prevents adverse reactions with polymer additives. |
| Surface Treatment | ZrO₂, Al₂O₃, Organic Compound | Manufacturer Spec | Enhances dispersibility, weatherability, and compatibility with various polymers. |
| CAS Number | 13463-67-7 | Chemical Abstracts Service | Universal identifier for Titanium Dioxide. This is the same tio2 cas for all forms. |
Unveiling the Manufacturing Process: From Ilmenite to Premium Pigment
The superior quality of r996 tio2 is a direct result of a meticulously controlled manufacturing process. We utilize the sulfate process, renowned for its ability to produce pigments with a narrow particle size distribution, which is ideal for achieving high gloss and excellent dispersion. The process is compliant with ISO 9001 quality management standards.
1. Ilmenite Digestion
Titanium-rich ore (ilmenite or slag) is dissolved in concentrated sulfuric acid to form titanyl sulfate.
2. Hydrolysis
The titanyl sulfate solution is heated and hydrolyzed to precipitate hydrated titanium dioxide.
3. Calcination
The precipitate is heated to ~1000°C in a rotary kiln. This step converts the anatase structure to the stable rutile form.
4. Surface Treatment
The rutile crystals are coated with inorganic (ZrO₂, Al₂O₃) and organic layers to enhance performance properties.
This stringent process ensures that every batch of our Raw materials for the plastics Rutile type Industrial Titanium Dioxide meets the highest standards of quality and consistency, providing reliable performance in demanding industries like PVC window profiles, automotive plastics, and high-end masterbatches.
Core Technical Advantages of R996 TiO2
The unique formulation and manufacturing of r996 tio2 deliver a host of advantages that translate into better products and more efficient production for our clients.
Superior Weatherability
The dense Zirconia and Alumina coating provides a robust shield against UV radiation, preventing polymer degradation, chalking, and yellowing. This makes it ideal for outdoor applications like siding, fencing, and window frames, extending product lifespan significantly compared to grades like tio2 r104.
Excellent Dispersibility
The specialized organic surface treatment reduces agglomeration and improves compatibility with a wide range of polymer resins (PE, PP, PVC, ABS). This leads to faster mixing times, lower energy consumption, and a smoother, defect-free surface finish in the final product.
High Whitening Power & Blue Undertone
With a high refractive index and optimized particle size, r996 tio2 provides exceptional opacity and a bright, neutral-to-blue undertone. This counteracts the natural yellowing of polymers, resulting in a cleaner, more appealing final product appearance than many competitors, including some chti tio2 grades.
Performance Benchmark: R996 TiO2 vs. Competing Grades
To demonstrate the tangible benefits of r996 tio2, we've benchmarked its key performance indicators against other common industry grades like r706 tio2 and tio2 r902. The data clearly shows its superiority in critical areas for high-end plastic applications.
As the chart illustrates, while grades like r706 tio2 offer good general performance, r996 tio2 excels in weather resistance and dispersibility, which are crucial for long-lasting, high-quality plastic goods. While grades like tio2 p25 or tio2 p90 are excellent for photocatalysis, they are not designed for pigmentary applications and lack the necessary surface treatments for stability in polymers. Similarly, grades such as isk tio2 or tio2 r104 have their own specific application niches but often don't match the all-around high performance of R996 in plastics.
Primary Application Scenarios: Where R996 TiO2 Excels
The versatility and high performance of r996 tio2 make it the preferred choice across a spectrum of demanding plastic applications.
High-Performance Masterbatch
Its excellent dispersibility and high tinting strength allow for the production of masterbatches with high pigment concentration, ensuring color consistency and processing efficiency for the end-user.
Outdoor PVC Profiles & Siding
Exceptional weatherability ensures long-term color retention and structural integrity for products exposed to harsh sunlight and weather conditions, a key advantage over standard grades.
Engineering & Automotive Plastics
Provides a durable, high-quality finish for plastic components that require both aesthetic appeal and resistance to heat and light degradation, such as dashboards and exterior trim.
Customized Solutions & Client Success
Case Study: Enhancing Durability for a Leading PVC Window Profile Manufacturer
Challenge: A major European manufacturer of PVC window profiles was experiencing premature yellowing and chalking on their products, particularly in high-UV regions. Their existing TiO2 grade, a standard tio2 r902 equivalent, could not provide the required long-term weatherability, leading to warranty claims and brand damage.
Solution: Our technical team collaborated with the client to integrate r996 tio2 into their PVC formulation. We provided detailed guidance on optimizing the extrusion process to leverage the superior dispersion characteristics of R996.
Results:
- 25% Increase in UV Resistance: Accelerated weathering tests (ASTM G154) showed a significant improvement in color retention and gloss after 2000 hours of exposure.
- 15% Reduction in Pigment Loading: Due to higher tinting strength, the client could achieve the same level of whiteness while using less pigment, leading to direct cost savings.
- Elimination of Surface Defects: The excellent dispersion of r996 tio2 resulted in a smoother, more uniform profile surface, enhancing the product's premium feel.
"Switching to R996 TiO2 was a game-changer for our premium product line. The technical support and consistent quality have allowed us to confidently offer a longer warranty, strengthening our market position." - Head of R&D, Client Company
Building Trust Through Expertise and Authority (E-E-A-T)
We are committed to more than just supplying a product. We provide a partnership built on trust, backed by verifiable quality and unwavering support. This is how we meet and exceed the Google E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) standards.
Industry Certifications
Our manufacturing facilities are ISO 9001:2015 certified for quality management and ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management. Our r996 tio2 product conforms to ASTM D476 Type VIII and ISO 591-1 R2 standards.
Proven Experience
With over 15 years serving the global plastics industry, we have a deep understanding of formulation challenges. Our case studies and long-term partnerships with industry leaders are a testament to our practical experience.
Quality & Delivery Guarantee
We guarantee batch-to-batch consistency with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) provided with every shipment. Standard lead time is 15-20 working days, with robust packaging to ensure product integrity during transit.
UV Resistance Performance Over Time
The following chart visualizes the superior gloss retention of plastic samples made with r996 tio2 compared to a standard competitor during an accelerated weathering test, demonstrating its long-term durability advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Rutile and anatase are the two primary crystalline forms of TiO2. The key difference lies in their crystal lattice structure. Rutile has a more compact atomic structure, which gives it a higher refractive index (≈2.7) and greater stability. This translates to about 25-30% more opacity and significantly better weatherability than anatase. Anatase (refractive index ≈2.55) is softer and provides a brighter, more neutral-white color but is less durable for outdoor use. R996 tio2 is a rutile grade, making it ideal for durable applications.
Surface treatment is critical. Untreated TiO2 particles tend to agglomerate (clump together) in polymer melts and can be photocatalytically active, degrading the polymer. The surface treatment on r996 tio2 serves two purposes:
- Inorganic Coating (ZrO₂, Al₂O₃): This dense, inert layer encapsulates the TiO2 particle, preventing direct contact with the polymer matrix. This drastically improves weather resistance and prevents UV-induced chalking and yellowing.
- Organic Coating: This outer layer acts as a "wetting agent," improving compatibility between the inorganic pigment and the organic polymer. This leads to superior dispersion, lower melt viscosity, and a smoother surface finish.
The recommended dosage, or "let-down ratio," depends on the desired opacity and whiteness. For a typical white PVC masterbatch, concentrations can range from 50% to 70% by weight of r996 tio2. For tinting applications or general-purpose use in PVC profiles, the loading in the final compound is typically much lower, often in the range of 3 to 8 parts per hundred resin (phr). Its high tinting strength means you can often achieve target properties at a lower phr compared to less efficient pigments.
While TiO2 itself (tio2 cas 13463-67-7) is listed under FDA 21 CFR 178.3297 for polymers, specific product compliance depends on the surface treatments and manufacturing process. Our standard r996 tio2 is optimized for industrial applications like construction and automotive plastics. We do offer separate, specialized grades that are certified for food-contact applications. Please contact our technical support team to discuss your specific regulatory requirements.
This is a comparison of application, not just quality. R996 tio2 is a pigmentary grade, optimized for light scattering (opacity) and stability. Grades like Degussa/Evonik's tio2 p25 and tio2 p90 are nanomaterial or photocatalytic grades. They have a much smaller primary particle size and are designed to be photocatalytically active for applications like air/water purification or self-cleaning surfaces. Using P25/P90 in plastics would be detrimental, as their photocatalytic nature would rapidly degrade the polymer. The question of "tio2 is a..." is answered by its grade: R996 is a pigment, while P25 is a photocatalyst.
To maintain its performance, titanium dioxide powder should be stored in a dry, covered location at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. The bags should be kept sealed until use. Although TiO2 is not highly hygroscopic (water-absorbing), prolonged exposure to high humidity can affect its dispersibility during processing. Stacking should be done as per the manufacturer's recommendations to prevent compaction.
Absolutely. We encourage testing to validate the performance of our product in your specific formulation and process. We offer samples of our "Raw materials for the plastics Rutile type Industrial Titanium Dioxide" to qualified manufacturers. Please visit our product page or contact our sales department to request a sample and a technical data sheet (TDS).
Ready to Elevate Your Plastic Products?
Experience the difference that a premium, high-performance pigment can make. Contact us today to discuss your project, request a sample of r996 tio2, or get a customized quote.
Request a Quote NowAuthoritative References & Further Reading
"The surface modification of TiO2 pigments is a key factor in determining their end-use performance, particularly in terms of dispersibility and photostability in polymer matrices. Coatings of dense silica and/or alumina are widely used to improve the exterior durability of products containing TiO2." - As cited in the "Journal of Coatings Technology and Research".
- ISO 591-1:2021 - Pigments and extenders — Titanium dioxide pigments for paints
- ASTM D476-00(2005) - Standard Classification for Titanium Dioxide Pigments
- Plastics Industry Association (PIA) - Market Reports and Trends: https://www.plasticsindustry.org/
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