Comparison of surface characteristics and dispersion properties of titanium dioxide base particles by sulfate and chloride processes

Abstract

The differences in the performance of titanium dioxide base particle dispersion both the sulfate and chloride processes were studied based on the differences in their surface properties. Scanning Electron Microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscope, Thermogravimetry, and surface contact Angle measurements were used to characterize different base particle morphology, a surface hydroxyl group, and structural properties. The dispersion properties of different base particles were studied by the viscosity, particle size distribution, and Zeta potential of the dispersions at different pH and different dispersants. The results showed that the titanium dioxide base particles of the sulfate process had more surface hydroxyl number and surface energy than the titanium dioxide base particles of the chloride process, so it was more easily dispersed by water wetting. Therefore, the sulfate process has better dispersion properties.