Transparent titanium dioxide exists in both rutile and anatase forms. The average primary particle size (uncoated) ranges from 8 to 25 nm. The specific surface area has values between 80 and 200 m2 g-1.
Typical applications are:
— UV absorbers
— Catalysts (DENOX)
— Effect pigments in coatings
— Gas purification by absorption
— Heat stabilizers for silicone rubber
— Prevention of oxidative degradation of polymers by UV light
— Raw material for ceramic materials
Transparent titanium dioxide can be manufactured by various wet-chemical and gas-phase processes. The properties of the reaction products can vary greatly, depending on the reaction conditions and starting materials. To reduce the high photochemical activity of untreated transparent titanium dioxides, the pigments are coated with a variety of inorganic oxide combinations (e. g. of silicon, aluminum and zirconium oxides) [5.195].
The following reactions are used to manufacture transparent titanium dioxides:
— Anatase: hydrolysis
TiOSO4 + H2O ^ TiO2 + H2SO4
— Rutile: hydrolysis
TiOCl2 + H2O ^ TiO2 + 2 HCl
— Rutile/anatase: combustion in an oxyhydrogen flame TiCl4 + 2 H2 + O2 ^ TiO2 + 4 HCl
— Amorphous: hydrolysis of organic titanates Ti(OC3H7)4 + 2 H2O ^ TiO2 + 4 C3H7OH
5.4.3.2