Enhanced titanium dioxide pigment weatherability
A new study provides insights into composite coatings for improving the weatherability of titanium dioxide white pigments.
Several inorganic coatings, such as ZrO2, SiO2, Al2O3, and AlPO4, have been utilised in the TiO2 pigment industry in order to reduce the natural photoactivity of TiO2 nanoparticles. However, the different role of each material in impacting the TiO2 photoactivity lacks comparative studies, and this is critical to provide a composite coating strategy for TiO2 pigments to achieve optimal weatherability. A new work has shown that each of these coating materials plays a unique role in suppressing the TiO2 photoactivity.
Excellent weatherability
For instance, ZrO2 and AlPO4 increase the rate of charge recombination, while SiO2 reduces it. By comparing and analysing their effects on the charge carrier processes, the researchers have designed and created a composite-coated TiO2 pigment that features a sequential deposition of ZrO2, SiO2, and Al2O3. The product has been proved to exhibit excellent weatherability.
The study has been published in Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, Volume 20, Issue 6, November 2023.
