Introduction

A few years ago, I received a frustrated call from a customer. Their newly installed PVC window frames had started chalking and fading within two years. The PVC wasn’t the real problem—it was the titanium dioxide they used. The supplier had offered a cheaper anatase grade, and while it saved a few dollars upfront, the long-term cost in replacements and reputation was much higher.

That incident taught me something important: choosing the right rutile titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is not just a procurement decision—it’s a long-term investment in performance and trust.

If you’re in R&D or procurement for PVC products, this guide will help you understand exactly how to evaluate and select the right rutile TiO₂ grade.

Why Titanium Dioxide Matters in PVC

Titanium dioxide does far more than just make PVC white.

• Whiteness and opacity: Its high refractive index ensures brightness and strong hiding power.
• UV protection: TiO₂ acts like sunscreen, reflecting and absorbing UV light to slow polymer degradation.
• Gloss retention: The right grade helps PVC profiles maintain a smooth, glossy surface for years.

According to a study from the European Plastics Association, adding 4–6% high-quality rutile TiO₂ can extend the outdoor lifetime of PVC profiles to over 15 Років. That’s the difference between a product that earns customer trust and one that generates complaints.

Rutile vs. Anatase: Which Crystal Form Works Best for PVC?

TiO₂ comes in two crystal forms: rutile and anatase.

• Rutile: Tight structure, higher refractive index (~2.75), strong UV stability, and overall better durability.
• Anatase: Slightly bluer undertone but unstable under UV light. It’s cheaper and acceptable in indoor paints or paper coatings, but not for outdoor PVC.

I once saw a manufacturer in Southeast Asia cut costs by using anatase in outdoor drainpipes. Within eight months, chalking and surface breakdown forced a full recall. The lesson?

• Outdoor PVC → always use rutile
• Indoor or low-cost fillers → anatase may be acceptable

Key Performance Parameters to Check

When you’re comparing TiO₂ grades, don’t stop at the price per kilo. Always check the TDS (Technical Data Sheet) або COA (Certificate of Analysis) for these parameters:

1. TiO₂ content: ≥92% is the standard benchmark. Lower usually signals fillers.
2. Surface treatment:
   • Silica encapsulation improves chalk resistance and durability.
   • Alumina coating enhances dispersibility.
   • Organic treatments improve flowability and reduce moisture sensitivity.
3. Oil absorption (OAN): Around 18 g/100 g is considered high performance.
4. Density: About 4.0 g/cm³.
5. Standards: ISO 591 R2 or ASTM D476 classifications are signs of quality.

These numbers are your best defense against suppliers who oversell lower-performing products.

Comparing Popular Grades

Let’s look at two widely recognized rutile grades:

• KRONOS® 2220
  • Chloride-process rutile with alumina, Кремнезему, and polysiloxane surface treatments.
  • Strong brightness, neutral tone, and high opacity.
  • Common in PVC siding, profiles, plastisols, and engineering plastics.
• Ti-Pure™ R-105 (Chemours, formerly DuPont)
  • Uses silica encapsulation technology to create a protective barrier.
  • Excellent chalk resistance and long-term gloss retention.
  • Widely used in PVC window profiles and outdoor films.

Both are ≥92% TiO₂, but R-105 generally performs better in harsh UV climates (e.g., Middle East, tropical regions).
Chinese alternatives like LR-990 or R-996 can be competitive, but always validate performance with real testing.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1 — Define Your PVC Application

• Rigid PVC profiles → prioritize weather resistance.
• Flexible PVC (cables, hoses) → prioritize dispersion and insulation properties.
• Plastisols or coatings → focus on flowability and easy processing.

Step 2 — Match Performance Needs

Ask yourself: do you need maximum durability, or the best cost-performance ratio?

• Long lifetime products → silica-encapsulated rutile grades.
• Cost-sensitive products → standard rutile may be acceptable.

Step 3 — Review TDS/COA

Don’t rely on brochures. Verify:

• TiO₂ content
• Surface treatments
• Oil absorption and dispersibility

If possible, request independent lab testing or GC-MS confirmation.

Step 4 — Pilot Test Before Scaling

Never jump straight into full-scale production. Run small-batch trials:

• Blend the TiO₂ into your PVC formulation.
• Conduct accelerated UV tests (500+ hours).
• Measure gloss retention, chalking, and color change.

One client of mine avoided a million-dollar mistake this way after discovering a “cheaper” grade failed after 400 hours of testing.

Step 5 — Confirm Compliance & Supply Stability

• Regulatory compliance: REACH, Управління з санітарного нагляду за, EU plastics regulations.
• Supplier reliability: consistent batch quality, ability to scale.
• Delivery options: flexible packaging (25 kg bags vs. 1-ton bags, bulk delivery).

Bonus Tips

• Blend grades: Mixing 70% premium (R-105) з 30% standard rutile can balance performance and cost.
• Think logistics: Bulk bags or silo delivery often cut transport costs.
• Choose partners, not just products: A supplier with technical support can save you far more in the long run than a small discount ever will.

Висновок

Choosing the right rutile titanium dioxide is like giving PVC an invisible shield.

In this guide, we’ve covered why TiO₂ matters, why rutile outperforms anatase, the key parameters to check, the grades worth comparing, and a step-by-step process for selection.

Now it’s your turn. Review your current TiO₂ grade, cross-check it against this checklist, and push your supplier for the data you need. If they can’t provide it, consider testing alternatives.

Your PVC products will tell the truth in a few years’ time—either they stand strong against weather, or they chalk and fade. The choice you make today will decide which story they tell.

Looking for a reliable TiO₂ supplier?
KosNature® provides high-quality rutile titanium dioxide grades tailored for PVC applications, with COA, MSDS, and technical support for every shipment.
Contact us at sales@kosnature.com to request a free TDS or sample evaluation today.

Contact our team to request a free sample or quotation