Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) is one of the most widely used white pigments in the powder coating industry. Known for its exceptional whiteness, opacity, and UV resistance, TiO₂ plays a fundamental role in achieving bright color, hiding power, and long-term stability in coating formulations. It is valued not only for its optical properties but also for its chemical inertia, durability, and compatibility with polyester, epoxy, and hybrid powder systems.

For manufacturers seeking high-quality color performance and outdoor durability, Titanium Dioxide is an irreplaceable raw material. At PCOTEC, TiO₂ is supplied as part of our pigment and filler portfolio to support a wide range of powder coating applications.

What Titanium Dioxide Is Made Of

Titanium dioxide is an inorganic compound derived primarily from natural titanium minerals such as rutile and ilmenite. Through controlled chemical processing, these raw minerals are refined into highly pure TiO₂ pigment powders with strong optical performance.

Key Characteristics of the TiO₂ Structure:

• High refractive index (second only to diamond)

• Chemical stability under heat and environmental exposure

• Non-toxic and safe for coatings, plastics, and consumer products

• Bright white appearance with excellent color consistency

The combination of high refractive index and particle engineering is what makes TiO₂ the most effective white pigment in modern powder coatings.

Why Titanium Dioxide Is Important in Powder Coatings

TiO₂ plays several critical roles in powder coating formulations.

1. Whiteness and Brightness

TiO₂ provides unmatched whiteness and supports the brightness of both solid and pastel colors.

2. Opacity and Hiding Power

Because of its high refractive index, TiO₂ effectively scatters light, allowing coatings to hide the substrate with minimal film thickness.

3. UV Resistance

Titanium dioxide enhances weathering stability by reflecting UV radiation, reducing degradation of the coating.

4. Color Stability

It maintains consistent tone and brightness during curing and long-term exposure.

5. Thermal Durability

TiO₂ withstands the high temperatures required in powder coating ovens without degrading.

These properties make TiO₂ essential in architectural, industrial, automotive, and consumer goods coatings.

Types of Titanium Dioxide Used in Powder Coatings

Powder coatings typically use two main grades of TiO₂, depending on performance and cost targets.

1. Rutile Titanium Dioxide

• Highest weathering resistance

• Excellent gloss and outdoor durability

• Best for architectural and automotive applications

• Surface-treated for improved dispersion and UV protection

2. Anatase Titanium Dioxide

• Higher brightness

• Lower durability than rutile

• Suitable for indoor or cost-sensitive applications

Rutile TiO₂ is generally preferred for powder coatings that require long-term outdoor performance.

Properties of Titanium Dioxide

The key performance attributes of TiO₂ relate to particle size, crystallinity, and surface treatment. Below is a summary of the most important characteristics:

Well-designed TiO₂ particles balance gloss, opacity, stability, and processability in powder coatings.

How Titanium Dioxide Behaves During Powder Coating Processing

Titanium dioxide must disperse properly within the Resin matrix during extrusion. Its behavior affects:

1. Flow and Smoothness

Well-dispersed TiO₂ helps achieve uniform, defect-free film surfaces.

2. Gloss Level

Particle size engineering allows adjustment of gloss—from matte to high gloss.

3. Color Development

Optimal dispersion leads to consistent color strength and tone.

4. Cure Stability

TiO₂ withstands standard curing temperatures (160–200°C) without color shift.

The quality of TiO₂ directly influences the coating’s overall appearance and stability.

Applications of Titanium Dioxide in Powder Coatings

Titanium dioxide is used across nearly every powder coating segment due to its versatility and reliability.

Main Application Areas:

• Architectural aluminum profiles

• Home appliances and electronics

• Automotive parts

• Industrial machinery

• Furniture and fixtures

• General consumer goods

Any coating that requires high-quality whiteness, opacity, and UV stability depends on TiO₂.

Advantages of Using TiO₂ in Powder Coatings

Powder coating formulators choose TiO₂ because it:

• Provides bright white and pastel color tones

• Enhances long-term outdoor durability

• Maintains color consistency over time

• Offers high hiding power even at thin film builds

• Improves UV and weathering resistance

• Withstands high-temperature curing conditions

• Supports a wide range of gloss finishes

These advantages allow manufacturers to create coatings that remain visually appealing and structurally stable.

PCOTEC Titanium Dioxide Advantages

As part of our pigment portfolio, PCOTEC TiO₂ is selected for:

• High purity and controlled particle size

• Strong UV performance for outdoor applications

• Good dispersibility in polyester powder matrices

• Stable whiteness with low yellowing tendency

• Compatibility with PCOTEC resin and additive systems

• Reliable sourcing and consistent supply

Our TiO₂ supports high-performance powder coatings in architectural, industrial, and consumer product markets.

Conclusion

Titanium dioxide is the primary white pigment used in powder coatings, delivering exceptional whiteness, opacity, and UV resistance. Its high refractive index, stable crystalline structure, and engineered particle size make it indispensable in achieving high-quality appearance and long-term durability. Whether used in architectural finishes, machinery coatings, or consumer goods, TiO₂ plays a crucial role in defining color strength, outdoor stability, and film performance.

PCOTEC supplies high-quality titanium dioxide tailored for powder coating formulations, ensuring strong dispersion, stable whiteness, and reliable outdoor durability. For manufacturers seeking consistent performance and dependable supply, PCOTEC TiO₂ is a trusted solution for building premium powder coating systems.