Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) is a commonly used white pigment in paints due to its excellent whiteness, brightness, and weather resistance. It is also known for its ability to absorb ultraviolet light, which can help protect paint from fading and yellowing caused by sunlight. When TiO2 is used in paint, it is typically ground into a fine powder and then mixed with the other ingredients to create the final paint product. The amount of TiO2 used in paint can vary depending on the desired level of whiteness and opacity. In general, paints that are designed for outdoor use, such as exterior house paint, will contain higher levels of TiO2 than paints that are intended for indoor use. One of the main advantages of using TiO2 in paint is its ability to provide a durable and long-lasting finish. This is because TiO2 is very resistant to weathering and does not easily break down or fade when exposed to the elements. As a result, paints that contain TiO2 can provide excellent protection against the effects of sunlight, rain, and other environmental factors. Another advantage of TiO2 is its low cost compared to other pigments. This makes it an attractive option for manufacturers who want to produce high-quality paint at an affordable price This makes it an attractive option for manufacturers who want to produce high-quality paint at an affordable price
This makes it an attractive option for manufacturers who want to produce high-quality paint at an affordable price This makes it an attractive option for manufacturers who want to produce high-quality paint at an affordable price
tio2 used in paint. However, the cost of TiO2 can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the raw material and the production process. In recent years, there has been some concern about the potential health risks associated with exposure to TiO2 dust. While studies have shown that TiO2 is generally considered safe for human contact, there is still some debate about the long-term effects of inhaling TiO2 particles. As a result, many manufacturers are now looking for alternative pigments that can provide similar levels of performance without the same health risks. Overall, Titanium Dioxide is a versatile and widely used pigment in the paint industry. Its ability to provide a durable and long-lasting finish, coupled with its low cost, make it an attractive option for manufacturers and consumers alike. However, as concerns about health risks continue to be studied, it is likely that we will see more research into alternative pigments that can provide similar benefits without the same potential health risks.
Although barium sulfate is almost completely inert, zinc sulfide degrades upon exposure to UV light, leading to darkening of the pigment. The severity of this UV reaction is dependent on a combination of two factors; how much zinc sulfide makes up the pigments formulation, and its total accumulated UV exposure. Depending on these factors the pigment itself can vary in shade over time, ranging from pure white all the way to grey or even black. To suppress this effect, a dopant may be used, such as a small amount of cobalt salts, which would be added to the formulation. This process creates cobalt-doped zinc sulfide. The cobalt salts help to stabilize zinc sulfide so it will not have as severe a reaction to UV exposure.
Having thus described the origin and uses of the pigment, we now come to the question, what is lithopone? It is, in short, a chemical compound usually consisting of 30.5 per cent zinc sulphide, 1.5 per cent zinc oxide and 68 per cent barium sulphate, but these proportions vary slightly in the different makes. Lithopone of this composition is sold as the highest grade, either as red seal or green seal, as it best suits the idea of the manufacturer. Many manufacturers, especially in Europe, sell and also export other brands under other seals, containing 24, 20, 18 and as little as 12 per cent of zinc sulphide with very small percentages of zinc oxide, the balance being usually barium sulphate, but sometimes certain portions of China clay or gypsum (calcium sulphate) or whiting (calcium carbonate). Such brands are not a chemical compound, but mechanical mixtures of the chemically compounded lithopone and the admixtures referred to.