TiO2: A Critical Ingredient for
Producing Super Durable Coatingsin Today’s High-Pressure Market

TIO 2 : A CRITICAL INGREDIENT FOR PRODUCING SUPER DURABLE COATINGS IN TODAY’S HIGH-PRESSURE MARKET

Today’s paint producers andformulators creating durable coatings
for industrial applications are undermore pressure than ever before.
On one hand, their customers are demanding highquality coatings options that provide maximum
protection from the growing frequency and severityof bad weather, such as soaring temperatures, harsh
UV rays, and other severe conditions. At the sametime, many critical applications also demand greater
efficiency via longer-lasting, more durable coatings
that increase the length of service before recoating
and reduce material and labor costs.
Compounding these issues is the fact that
formulators are simultaneously being asked tohelp companies find ways to achieve ambitious
sustainability goals. With aggressive timelines
to reduce carbon emissions set by European
regulators, there’s been a wave of activity andinnovation across all sectors, including building andconstruction, transportation, and manufacturing, tofind new ways to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
These conditions reinforce the need for highly
durable coatings that can better protect assets,promote longer service life, lower maintenancecosts, and create advancements that lead to moresustainable solutions.
For paint formulators seeking super durable coatings
that will help meet the cost, quality, and sustainability
goals of their customers’ most demanding andcritical applications, it is important that they notunderestimate the degree to which all the ingredients
work together to achieve the optimal level of a paint’sperformance. As such, having a full understanding oftitanium dioxide’s (TiO2) role and impact on other key
ingredients within super durable coatings is essential
to meeting these growing customer needs. With thisunderstanding, formulators can better avoid pitfalls
that can degrade the quality of their products andrest assured their products offer the highest levels ofreliability, leading to greater performance, durability,and peace of mind.
2

TIO 2 : A CRITICAL INGREDIENT FOR PRODUCING SUPER DURABLE COATINGS IN TODAY’S HIGH-PRESSURE MARKETThe Complex Nature of Durability
Formulating a highly durable paint is far fromsimple. One key to achieving superior durabilitylies in the resin chemistry, but resins boastingsuperior weathering resistance and performancecome at a premium. While that’s not exactly news
to formulators, many underestimate how muchthe effectiveness of this critical and expensive
ingredient can be diminished without the rightselection of other ingredients, like TiO2.
After resin, TiO2 is the second greatest

contributor to a highly durable coating. TiO2

has two opposing effects on paint durability,
both of which are due to its very high UV lightabsorption efficiency.

The first effect has to do with what happens when
the resin is exposed to the high energy of UV light.
Most resins will degrade through the absorptionof UV light photons. These photons are energetic
enough to break chemical bonds in the resin andinitiate changes in both appearance and physicalperformance (for example, peeling). One option
formulators have to lessen the damage from UVlight is to add UV light absorbers to the paint. The
drawback is that these materials tend to be costly,
and the levels at which they are added to paints
tends to be limited by these costs.
Thankfully, TiO2 also absorbs UV light, and in fact
is such a strong absorber that essentially all theUV radiation in sunlight is removed after striking
a single 0.25-micron TiO2 particle. This provides
protection from UV degradation to the underlying
resin molecules. The ability of TiO2 to protect paints
is determined primarily by how well it is dispersedin the film, with good dispersion giving higher paintdurability. Therefore, formulators should partnerwith a TiO2 manufacturer that can produce apigment that disperses easily and completely fordurable paint applications.

3

TIO 2 : A CRITICAL INGREDIENT FOR PRODUCING SUPER DURABLE COATINGS IN TODAY’S HIGH-PRESSURE MARKETThe second impact of TiO2 on durability has to dowith what happens after a TiO2 particle absorbs aUV light photon. Since energy must be conserved,
the energy of the UV photon must be transformed
to another form of energy. In the vast majority of UV
light absorption events, the energy absorbed by theTiO2 is changed into heat, and the film gets warmer.
However, the UV light energy is sometimes changed
into chemical energy in the form of chemical
radicals. These radicals form on the TiO2 surface,but are mobile enough to travel to resin molecules,
where they initiate a series of degradation reactions
that ultimately lead to film failure.
Luckily, the rate at which radicals form and attack
the resin is not the same for all grades of TiO2. Super
durable grades have a layer of silica, alone or in
combination with other materials, on their surface thatprevents these radicals from forming. This silica layer
is applied by the TiO2 manufacturer during productionof the pigment. The fact that different grades of TiO2
have different radical formation rates is reflected by thelabeling of TiO2 grades as being “non-durable,” “durable,”or “super durable.” Note that these designations do not
apply to the pigment itself—TiO2 is titanium metal rustand as such is thermodynamically stable—but rather tothe effect that the TiO2 grade has on film durability.
Ti-Pure™ TS-6200 Disperses Easily— Saving Timeand Energy

Competitor Universal

Competitor Super Durable

R-960

Ti-Pure™ TS-6200

1Best

2

Better3GoodDispersion Consition Sequence**time at tip speed

Relative Dispersion Energy (Measued)

4

TIO 2 : A CRITICAL INGREDIENT FOR PRODUCING SUPER DURABLE COATINGS IN TODAY’S HIGH-PRESSURE MARKETHow Paint Formulators Can Choose theRight Super Durable Pigment
As consumers and regulators demand more fromtheir architectural paints, pigment producers have
responded in kind. Durable pigments are available
in two broad categories. The first consists ofmore traditional grades, like Chemours’ Ti-Pure™
R-960, which has provided well-known, consistent
performance for more than 50 years. Traditional grades
achieve their durability by greatly slowing the rate at
which radicals form. Paint formulators are generally
quite familiar with these grades and the durability
performance they provide.
The second type of super durable pigments are more
contemporary grades, such as Chemours’ Ti-Pure™ TS6200 that, in addition to retarding the rate of radicalformation, also provide the added value of easier andmore complete dispersion. As mentioned above, welldispersed TiO2 particles offer the best protection forresin from UV light.
This two-pronged strategy — better dispersion andlower radical formation rates — provides a high level ofdurability, particularly with regard to gloss retention.
These grades also have the advantage of being fasterand easier to process, since they have been designed
to disperse easily and completely. In general, themore contemporary TiO2 super durable grades are
gaining widespread acceptance in the industry. Thisis especially relevant for applications that require
excellent gloss retention, since, all else being equal,well-dispersed TiO2 particles have a higher gloss (andgloss retention) than poorly dispersed particles.
When seeking a coating that can provide all thebenefits discussed above, formulators have a choiceof ingredients to make when developing a new super
durable paint or modifying a legacy one. The first choiceis the correct resin, and super durable paints must use
highly durable resin. Since these resins tend to be quite
costly compared to their low durability counterparts,
it is essential that the formulator select the otheringredients in a way that maximizes the durability
performance and value of the resin. Selecting the5TIO 2 : A CRITICAL INGREDIENT FOR PRODUCING SUPER DURABLE COATINGS IN TODAY’S HIGH-PRESSURE MARKETproper super durable TiO2 grade is a critical aspect of
this decision, and in this regard, formulators have theoption of using familiar, traditional TiO2 grades or newer,
more advanced TiO2 grades that combine low radical
formation rates and a high degree of dispersibility.

Durability and the Path Toward
Greater Sustainability
Customers are increasingly asking paint formulators forproducts that will help them reach their sustainability
goals. One option is to produce higher-performing, moredurable products that require less material to achieve
peak results and coverage and increase an application’s
length of service, thus reducing maintenance costs andmaterials in the long-term.
Choosing the right TiO2 grade for your super

durable formulation can help you reach yourand your customers’ sustainability goals in thefollowing ways:

Decreased dispersant cost
Using the highest quality TiO2 grades can impact
the amount of dispersant needed in the productformulation. This is because higher grades enablemuch faster dispersion. For example, compared toother super-durable TiO2 pigments, Ti-Pure™ TS-6200
requires 50% to 75% less dispersant, thus cutting

down on the amount of materials required to produce
the end product.

Reduced energy usage throughfaster dispersion
Because of their efficient dispersion, high-quality TiO2grades, like Ti-Pure™ TS-6200, also enable a faster,lower energy grind. This reduction in grind time andelimination of unneeded milling operations can lower
energy, operations, and maintenance costs by up to
1.1 euro cents/kilogram of pigment. And, throughits advantages of more rapid grind-in, fewer grind
steps, and flexibility to be formulated at higher solids
grind base, Ti-Pure™ TS-6200 offers an extremely
cost-effective means of increasing capacity at rate
restricted coatings manufacturing facilities.
6TIO 2 : A CRITICAL INGREDIENT FOR PRODUCING SUPER DURABLE COATINGS IN TODAY’S HIGH-PRESSURE MARKET

Higher gloss retention
Exposed paints lose gloss because resin degradation
roughens the paint film surface. Using high-quality
TiO2 grades can reduce the need to repaint down theline and cut back on the total materials needed to keep
assets and equipment sufficiently coated. Further, theTi-Pure™ TS-6200 surface is specially coated with two
proprietary oxides that greatly minimize the rate ofsurface roughening.
As one of the world’s largest producers ofTiO2, boasting nearly 90 years of experience,
our high-quality pigments are specificallyformulated to meet the needs of consumers,
professional painters, and builders.

Leveraging A Systems Approach
For Optimal Results
Procuring highly durable coatings is a complicatedprocess that requires close attention to thematerials and processes used in the paint’smanufacturing. Doing so requires a systems
approach — all components of the paint must beoptimized. Anything less and paint formulators
risk ending up with an inferior product, having
wasted unnecessary time, money, and energy in theprocess.
Perhaps the most critical component of this systems
approach is selecting the right TiO2 provider. Theirtechnical expertise and willingness to collaborate
is just as important as the materials themselves.
It’s critical to partner with a TiO2 supplier who cansupport your specific formulation development
needs – ensuring performance effectiveness thatmeets customer and application expectations
all while developing the paint with optimal
manufacturing efficiency.

7

TIO 2 : A CRITICAL INGREDIENT FOR PRODUCING SUPER DURABLE COATINGS IN TODAY’S HIGH-PRESSURE MARKETThe right partner must also be able to deliver thehighest quality TiO2 available. Chemours has been

providing this for nearly a century.

With a deep team of technical experts, we’ve
led the charge on nearly every TiO2 innovation

since the earliest onset of the market. We

continue to put that same proven science andcareful collaboration into every project as wework side by side with customers to solve anever-changing set of challenges and an evolving
set of customer demands.
In today’s business and regulatory environment,
paint formulators and producers need every
advantage and access to strong science to help
them stay ahead of the curve. We’re excited to be
there with them every step of the way.

About Ti-Pure™ Titanium
Dioxide from Chemours
Ti-Pure™ titanium dioxide (TiO₂) from Chemours

Paints that contain
Ti-Pure™ offer:
Better Processability: High-quality Ti-Pure™ TiO2

strives to make the world brighter, more durable,

pigments ensure consistency from batch to batch.

and efficient by tackling some of society’s greatest

Superior Hiding Power: Creating brighter brights andchallenges through TiO₂ innovation and reliability.
For nearly a century, we have produced anddelivered high-quality TiO₂ for customers aroundthe globe in coatings, plastics, and laminates
applications. Guided by industry-leading innovation,technical expertise, and continued collaboration,

whiter whites, Ti-Pure™ increases hiding power foruniform, one-coat coverage without needing to prime.
Ease of Application: With fewer drips, smoother brushstrokes, and faster drying times, Ti-Pure™ pigments
boost paints' productivity.

we’re committed to moving our customers and ourUncompromising Endurance: The UV protection

planet forward.

afforded by Ti-Pure™ leaves a durable, washable
surface that resists fading, cracking, and discoloration

Watch a short video to learn more.

over time.

For more information, visit tipure.com or contact us at tipure.com/en/contact-us.

The information set forth herein is furnished free of charge and based on technical data that Chemours believes to be reliable. Chemours makes no warranties, expressed or implied, and assumes no liability in connection with any
use of this information. Nothing herein is to be taken as a license to operate under or a recommendation to infringe on any patents or trademarks.
©2022 The Chemours Company FC, LLC. Chemours and any associated logos are trademarks or copyrights of The Chemours Company FC, LLC. Chemours™ and the Chemours logo are trademarks of The Chemours Company.