Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) can be used as a pigment base in applications such as coatings, plastics, and laminates. No matter the application, it is important to avoid the coagulation and agglomeration of the TiO₂ dispersion during both the pigment production process and the end-use manufacturing process.

The surface chemistry of TiO₂ dispersions can be controlled through the measurement of electrokinetic-sonic-amplitude (ESA) by regulating the pH value (e.g., for avoiding flocculation of the dispersion). This means that the zeta potential of the dispersion should not be or close to zero. Zeta potential is a dimension of the effective surface charge of particles and the interaction between the particles with ions in solution and particles among each other.

Characterizing the absolute surface charge (in an aqueous dispersion) of the TiO₂ pigment, negative or positive in the unit (mV), gives a decisive parameter for the ultimate application of the product. The zeta potential depends on the kind of solvent, the nature and amount of the ions in solution (specific conductivity), and the pH value. It is also the main factor that determines the stability of the whole dispersion.

Testing Materials and Procedure

Measurement of TiO₂ dispersions was carried out using five TiO₂ pigment grades with different post-treatments in aqueous dispersion. Materials included an aqueous TiO₂ dispersion 10% wt, 0.1 M HCl, and 0.1 M NaOH (p.A.). Testing was performed with an ESA measuring system incorprating a programmable titrator. A hypersensitive probe with 500 kHz was used to measure frequency. The system also included an ESA measuring cell, pH sensor, conductivity and temperature sensor, and an adjustable stirrer to prevent precipitation during measurement.

Results and Discussion

Measurements using the ESA deliver a clear distinction of the electrostatic properties of various grades of TiO₂ in aqueous dispersions. The measurement results in Figure 1 show that various TiO₂ grades differ significantly from each other in isoelectric point (IEP) and with regard to their zeta potential. Handling TiO₂ dispersions in a range beyond the IEP avoids any kind of flocculation.

Choosing pH values in an extreme area could be a disadvantage regarding both the electrostatic property of the pigment surface and the ionic charge in the dispersion. With an increasing ratio of Al₂O₃/SiO₂ post-treatment of TiO₂ base material, the isoelectric point IEP shifts to alkaline pH values. With increasing SiO₂ post-treatment, the positive surface charge decreases.

Experienced users and specialists know well that Al₂O₃ and SiO₂ compounds have been used for decades in TiO₂ post-treatment processes. However, improvements have been made in the type of post-treatment, such as in the targeted control of shell texture (dense, continuous), structure (heterogeneous, homogeneous), layer thickness, etc.

Specialized Measurements

ESA measurements of highly concentrated dispersions are special testing methods that have been developed for a range of different applications. The added value of the current study lies in using measurement systems for highly concentrated technical formulations. During technical processes, dispersions are often found to be highly concentrated, muddy, colored, tempered, or electrostatically affected by additive formulations. Sedimentation is often inhibited by powerful agitators in large-scale treatment containers. All of these process conditions have been reported in the stability analysis shown here.

The surface chemistry of TiO₂ dispersions can be controlled during the measurement by regulating the pH value, adding additives, and stirring using the same conditions as those used during manufacturing processes. The results of the analyzed, highly concentrated samples correlate directly with the electro-kinetic properties of the dispersed particle in both the raw material and the final product.
 

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