Preparation of Rutile Titanium Dioxide White Pigment by a Novel NaOH Molten-Salt Process: Influence of Doping and Calcination

Abstract

Rutile titanium dioxide (TiO2) white pigment is prepared by a novel NaOH molten-salt process. Titanium slag is decomposited by NaOH molten salt to obtain sodium titanate which is then converted into hydrate titanium dioxide (H2TiO3) through acid dissolution and hydrolysis. Finally, TiO2 white pigment is prepared by H2TiO3 doping and calcinations. H2TiO3 prepared by this innovative method is characterized and the influencing factors of doping and calcination of H2TiO3 on pigmentary properties of TiO2 are investigated. H2TiO3 with certain characteristics could be prepared through the controlled hydrolysis step in the NaOH molten-salt process. Good pigmentary properties of rutile TiO2 white pigment are achieved by doping with suitable amounts of K2O, P2O5, Al2O3, and rutile nuclei, thereby approaching the quality of the commercial TiO2 pigment standards. The preparation of rutile TiO2 white pigment by means of a novel NaOH molten-salt process is demonstrated. Color performance was improved by the addition of K2O, P2O5, Al2O3, and rutile nuclei. The improved color performance of rutile TiO2 white pigment approaches the quality of commercial TiO2 pigment standards. © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.