According to the ASTM D476-15R21 standard, dry titanium dioxide (TiO2) is classified into eight distinct grades, each tailored to meet specific requirements for various applications. This article by Vichem provides a comprehensive overview of the TiO2 grades as defined by ASTM D476, detailing their properties, applications, and differences to help you select the most suitable type for your production needs.
WHAT IS TIO2?
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a naturally occurring mineral, typically extracted in the form of anatase or rutile, renowned for its exceptional whiteness, opacity, and durability. It is the most widely used white pigment in various industries due to its superior properties. TiO2 exists primarily in two crystalline forms:
- Anatase: Softer and more cost-effective, anatase is ideal for indoor applications such as interior paints, paper, and cosmetics due to its lower weather resistance.
- Rutile: More durable, rutile is preferred for outdoor applications like exterior paints, industrial coatings, and plastics because of its excellent weather resistance.
CLASSIFICATION OF TIO2 ACCORDING TO ASTM D476-15R21
The ASTM D476-15R21 standard, reapproved in 2021, classifies dry TiO2 into eight grades based on chemical composition, end-use applications, and performance characteristics. Below is a detailed breakdown of each grade:
| Type | Crystal Type | Primary Applications | Key Characteristics |
| I | Anatase | Interior and exterior house coatings, paper, cosmetics | High whiteness, TiO2 content ≥ 94%, low weather resistance |
| II | Rutile | Coatings with low-to-medium PVC | TiO2 content ≥ 92%, good opacity, electrical resistance 5000 |
| III | Rutile | Coatings with high PVC | TiO2 content ≥ 80%, moderate durability, suitable for thick coatings |
| IV | Rutile | Exterior coatings requiring high durability | TiO2 content ≥ 80%, high weather resistance, electrical resistance 3000 |
| V | Rutile | Exterior paints requiring high gloss | TiO2 content ≥ 90%, superior opacity and gloss |
| VI | Rutile | Interior paints with medium-to-high PVC | TiO2 content ≥ 90%, good opacity, electrical resistance 5000 |
| VII | Rutile | Interior paints with low-to-high PVC | TiO2 content ≥ 92%, versatile, high durability |
| VIII | Rutile | Colored exterior paints and polymers requiring infrared reflectance and superior durability | TiO2 content ≥ 92%, electrical resistance 3000, moisture ≤ 1%, specific gravity 3.6–4.3, 45-μm residue ≤ 0.1% |
PROPERTIES OF EACH TIO2 TYPE
Type I (Anatase)
Type I is an anatase-based TiO2 with a minimum TiO2 content of 94%, known for its high whiteness and cost-effectiveness. It is suitable for interior coatings, paper, and cosmetics where high weather resistance is not required. However, its lower durability makes it less ideal for outdoor applications.
Type II (Rutile)
Type II is a rutile-based TiO2 with a TiO2 content of at least 92%, designed for coatings with low-to-medium Pigment Volume Concentration (PVC). It offers good opacity and moderate durability, making it suitable for interior paints and select outdoor applications.
Type III (Rutile)
With a minimum TiO2 content of 80%, Type III is tailored for paints with high PVC, such as thick coatings. It provides moderate durability and good opacity, commonly used in applications requiring thicker paint layers to enhance durability and opacity.
Type IV (Rutile)
Type IV is optimized for exterior coatings, featuring a TiO2 content of at least 80% and high weather resistance. It is ideal for applications requiring robust performance in harsh environments, such as exterior or industrial coatings.
Type V (Rutile)
Type V, a rutile-based TiO2 with a minimum TiO2 content of 90%, is designed for exterior types requiring high gloss. It delivers superior opacity and gloss, making it suitable for premium architectural coatings, such as high-quality exterior types.
Type VI (Rutile)
Type VI is suited for interior paints with medium-to-high PVC, with a TiO2 content of at least 90%. It offers good opacity and high durability in indoor environments, making it ideal for high-quality interior coating applications.
Type VII (Rutile)
Type VII is a versatile rutile-based TiO2, suitable for interior paints with PVC ranging from low to high, with a minimum TiO2 content of 92%. It provides a balanced performance between opacity and durability, widely used in various interior coating applications.
Type VIII (Rutile)
Type VIII is a rutile-based TiO2 with a minimum TiO2 content of 92%, designed for colored exterior coatings and polymers, particularly those requiring infrared reflectance and exceptional durability. With an electrical resistance of 3000, maximum moisture content of 1%, specific gravity between 3.6 and 4.3, and a 45-μm residue not exceeding 0.1%, Type VIII is ideal for advanced outdoor coatings or industrial polymers in harsh environments.
Discover our range of ASTM Type V-compliant TiO2 products, distributed exclusively by Vichem.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
The TiO2 types under ASTM D476 are widely used across various industries:
- Paints and Coatings: Types I, II, VI, and VII are used in interior paints, while types IV and V are ideal for exterior coatings. Type VIII excels in colored exterior paints and polymers requiring infrared reflectance.
- Plastics: Types III, V, and VI are used in PVC and engineering plastics to enhance durability and color.
- Cosmetics: Type I (anatase) is commonly used in sunscreens due to its UV absorption properties.
- Paper: Type I improves brightness and opacity in paper products.
VICHEM – TRUSTED DISTRIBUTOR TIO2 IN VIETNAM
Vichem is a leading distributor of high-quality, ASTM-compliant TiO2 products in Vietnam. We not only provide top-tier products but also offer exceptional after-sales services that meet international standards. Our services include:
- Technical Consulting: Assisting customers in selecting the right TiO2 grade for their printing technology and application needs.
- Color Matching Testing: Our expert team conducts color matching tests to ensure printing results meet design standards.
- Application Support: We partner with customers to integrate TiO2 into their production lines, ensuring optimal performance.
For more information about our products, please contact us through the following channels:
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📧 Email: contact@vichem.vn
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