Tio2 Production

Titanium dioxide Titanium dioxide, also known as titanium(IV) oxide or titania, is the naturally occurring oxide of titanium, chemical formula TiO2. When used as a pigment, it is called titanium white, Pigment White 6, or. It is noteworthy for its wide range of applications, from paint to sunscreen to food colouring. 1. Introduction to titanium (Ti) element Titanium is transition element; i. e. has an incomplete inner electron shell, with valance electrons in two shells of only one. It is characterized by colored compounds and the ability to form stable complex ions It is a silvery lustrous hard metal, powder form buns in air. It is only stable in the atmosphere because of an oxide passivation layer. It has a pronounced tendency to form oxides which are very stable. In native it occur only in the form of its oxide or mixed oxides with other elements. It is un-reactive with alkaline and most acids, has high melting and boiling point (1600 – 3287ºC) its critical temp is 5577ºC. It is atomic weight is 47.88g/mole, and its atomic number is 22. Its electron configuration is 1S2 2S2 2P6 3S2 4S2 2d2 OR (Ar) 4S2 3d2, this shows that it has two S electrons in the outermost shell and two D electrons in the second outermost shell. Please refer to fig. 1 Removal of the S electrons gives the +2 oxidation state, further removal of one or two d electrons would give the +3 and +4 states. The most important oxidation state of titanium is +4 and the most important count is the white titanium dioxide (TiO2) compound exhibiting oxidation states of +2 or +3 are color and paramagnetic, because of the present of unpaired d electrons. They are also good reducing agents. In the earths crust, Ti is the 9th most abundant) 0.54% by mass ) and ranks ahead of such familiar elements as chlorine, carbon and sulfur. However it is distributed very widely and commercial useful deposits are scares. I is also present in oceanic crust (0.90%) and in metallic meteorite (0.043%). Natural occurrence Titanium dioxide occurs in four forms: • • • •

rutile, a tetragonal mineral usually of prismatic habit, often twinned; anatase or octahedrite, a tetragonal mineral of dipyramidal habit; brookite, an orthorhombic mineral. Both anatase and brookite are relatively rare minerals; Titanium dioxide (B) or TiO2(B), a monoclinic mineral.

Titanium dioxide occurrences in nature are never pure; it is found with contaminant metals such as iron. The oxides can be mined and serve as a source for commercial titanium. The metal can also be mined from other minerals such as ilmenite or leucoxene ores, or one of the purest forms, rutile beach sand. Applications Titanium dioxide is the most widely used white pigment because of its brightness and very high refractive index (n=2.4), in which it is surpassed only by a few other materials. When deposited as a thin film, its refractive index and colour make it an excellent reflective optical coating for dielectric mirrors and some gemstones, for example "mystic fire topaz". TiO2 is also an effective opacifier in powder form, where it is employed as a pigment to provide whiteness and opacity to products such as paints, coatings, plastics, papers, inks, foods, medicines (i.e. pills and tablets) as well as most toothpastes. Used as a white food colouring, it has E number E171. In cosmetic and skin care products, titanium dioxide is used both as a pigment and a thickener. It is also used as a tattoo pigment and styptic pencils. This pigment is used extensively in plastics and other applications for its UV resistant properties where it acts as a UV reflector. In ceramic glazes titanium dioxide acts as an opacifier and seeds crystal formation. In almost every sunscreen with a physical blocker, titanium dioxide is found both because of its refractive index and its resistance to discolouration under ultraviolet light. This advantage enhances its stability and ability to protect the skin from ultraviolet light. Sunscreens designed for infants or people with sensitive skin are often based on titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, as these mineral UV blockers are less likely to cause skin irritation than chemical UV absorber ingredients, such as avobenzone. Titanium oxide is also used as a semi-conductor.[2] As a photocatalyst Titanium dioxide, particularly in the anatase form, is a photocatalyst under ultraviolet light. Recently it has been found that titanium dioxide, when spiked with nitrogen ions, is also a photocatalyst under visible light. The strong oxidative potential of the positive holes oxidizes water to create hydroxyl radicals. It can also oxidize oxygen or organic materials directly. Titanium dioxide is thus added to paints, cements, windows, tiles, or other products for sterilizing, deodorizing and anti-fouling properties and is also used as a hydrolysis catalyst. It is also used in the Graetzel cell, a type of chemical solar cell. Titanium dioxide has potential for use in energy production: as a photocatalyst, it can: 1. carry out hydrolysis, i.e., break water into hydrogen and oxygen. Were the hydrogen collected, it could be used as a fuel. The efficiency of this process can

be greatly improved by doping the oxide with carbon, as described in "Carbondoped titanium dioxide is an effective photocatalyst" [1]. 2. produce electricity when in nanoparticle form. Research suggests that by using these nanoparticles to form the pixels of a screen, they generate electricity when transparent and under the influence of light. If subjected to electricity on the other hand, the nanoparticles blacken, forming the basic characteristics of a LCD screen. According to creator Zoran Radivojevic, Nokia has already built a functional 200 by 200 pixels monochromatic screen which is energetically selfsufficient. As TiO2 is exposed to UV light, it becomes increasingly hydrophilic; thus, it can be used for anti-fogging coatings or self-cleaning windows. TiO2 incorporated into outdoor building materials, such as paving stones in noxer blocks, can substantially reduce concentrations of airborne pollutants such as volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides. For wastewater remediation TiO2 offers great potential as an industrial technology for detoxification or remediation of wastewater due to several factors. 1. The process occurs under ambient conditions. 2. The formation of photocyclized intermediate products, unlike direct photolysis techniques, is avoided. 3. Oxidation of the substrates to CO2 is complete. 4. The photocatalyst is inexpensive and has a high turnover. 5. TiO2 can be supported on suitable reactor substrates. Other applications It is also used in resistance-type lambda probes (a type of oxygen sensor). Titanium dioxide is what allows osseointegration between an artificial medical implant and bone. Titanium dioxide in solution or suspension can be used to cleave protein that contains the amino acid proline at the site where proline is present. This breakthrough in cost-effective protein splitting took place at ASU in 2006. [3] Titanium dioxide on silica is being developed as a form of odor control in cat litter. The purchased photocatalyst is vastly cheaper than the purchased silica beads, per usage, and prolongs their effective odor-eliminating life substantially.

About CRISTAL The National Titanium Dioxide Company Ltd has been manufacturing TiO2 (using imported rutile ore) at its ultra-modern Yanbu Al-Sinaiyah plant in Saudi Arabia since 1991. We market our products under the increasingly well-known Cristal brand. With our HQ in Jeddah and offices in both the UK and Singapore, we’re ideally placed to provide your business with high-quality TiO2. We are a limited liability company, owned by three partners, the National Industrialization Company (Saudi Arabia), the Gulf Investment Corporation (Kuwait), and a private investor. In 2002, we increased our original TiO2 production capacity from 70,000 metric tonnes a year to 100,000 metric tonnes – in line with a projected annual rise in world demand of around 3% to 2005. This expansion makes Cristal the largest privately owned chemical company in Saudi Arabia. It also reinforces our position as one of the world’s most important suppliers of exportable TiO2. We are planning to expand our network of offices further in the future and will keep you posted on all developments through this website. TiO2 Titanium dioxide pigment (TiO2) is a white powder which offers high opacity, brilliant whiteness and exceptional UV resistance. Such unique qualities have turned it into an essential ingredient in the manufacture of paints, inks, plastics and rubber. It is also used in other products such soap and toiletries, adhesives, concrete curing compounds, candles and crayons. The pigment is extracted commercially mainly from naturally occurring rutile or anatase oxides and titanates. As a crystalline inorganic material it is completely colourless. This means it can generate brilliant whiteness by reflecting and repeatedly refracting visible light extremely efficiently.

Cristal TiO2 is inert, non-toxic and available in a variety of grades to deliver the colour, tone, strength and protection required by an increasingly diverse global market for premium-quality white pigments. TiO2 is a high-demand product. The paint industry is its largest user, consuming more than 50% of world TiO2 production, while plastic consumes 19% and paper 17%. Not surprisingly, the largest TiO2 consumer is the United States (33%), followed by Europe (24%) and Japan (8%). Over the next decade, substantial growth in consumption is expected in developing economies in more densely populated countries (for example, India and China) Products: To find out more about the different grades of TiO2 we offer, click on any of the six product links on the right-hand side. If you're not sure on which Cristal product is right for your needs, click on our 'Product Selection Guide'. With this handy chart, you can compare our products and determine suitability. Cristal produce TiO2 using the ‘chloride route’ – state-of-the-art technology first acquired by Cristal’s technology provider in 1967 and subsequently developed and licensed worldwide. The chloride route produces TiO2 of superior whiteness, brightness and tight particle size control – qualities vital in manufacturing the coatings and plastics which account for some 80% of the world TiO2 market. The future of the chloride process looks bright given its inherent advantages over the alternative ‘sulphate method’. This method generates higher levels of waste, acid effluent and overall pollution. Around 60% of world production of TiO2 is by the chloride process. This is forecast to increase to 70% by 2010. Quality considerations lie at the heart of all processes at our Yanbu Al-Sinaiyah plant. Since 1995, internal quality management systems have been certified to ISO 9002. Work is now well under way to ensure a smooth transition to the new ISO 9001:2000 standard. Affiliation to the American Society for Quality (ASQ) USA and the Institute of Quality Assurance (IQA) UK reflects our commitment to developing effective quality management strategies throughout all areas of our operation. CRISTAL 100 CRISTAL 100 is a grade of rutile titanium dioxide produced by the Chloride process that is lattice stabilized with alumina. It is recommended for use in many paint and ink

applications, especially where gloss, colour and strength are prime factors. CRISTAL 100 is easily dispersed under simple high shear dispersion, in both solvent and water-based systems. It has the potential for exceptionally high gloss in interior coatings, automotive refinishes, inks and any industrial coatings, where the gloss parameter is of major importance. CRISTAL 100 is highly recommended as an exceptional performer in letterpress and gravure inks where gloss and low abrasivity are required. It is also recommended in thin film applications such as can coatings, where opacity and strength are required. CRISTAL 113 CRISTAL 113 is an alumina/silica modified rutile pigment, produced by the chloride process. The pigment has been designed for use in highly loaded flat and semi-gloss finishes, both water and solvent based. The product offers exceptional hiding power when dry compared with traditional multi-purpose grades and can offer improved performance when formulated correctly. CRISTAL 113 exhibits excellent brightness, high tint strength and an exceptionally clean tint tone as well as an outstanding dry hiding potential. Wet hiding of the product is equivalent to the multi-purpose grades used in the same applications. With a higher than average TiO2 content for pigments in its class, it also exhibits a lower level of porosity than conventional pigments, leading to improved wash and scrub resistance. CRISTAL 113 is also recommended for use in high hiding low gloss water based flexographic inks where the exceptional coverage provided by the pigment is of benefit. The grade also finds some use in textiles and paper where a rutile grade is desirable. CRISTAL 121 CRISTAL 121 is an alumina/silica modified rutile pigment produced by the chloride process. Designed for use as a multipurpose grade it offers a blend of good optical performance with a high level of durability for an optimum balance required by pigments used in exterior applications. As well as being suitable for exterior applications, its suitability for interior use means it can offer advantages to formulators in minimizing inventory. CRISTAL 121 is recommended for many classes of coatings including architectural, industrial and maintenance coatings. It is suitable for use in solvent or water based applications for either interior or exterior use. It can also be used in plastics where durability is of consideration, and can also be used in powder coatings. CRISTAL 122

CRISTAL 122 is an alumina/silica modified rutile pigment produced by the chloride process. It has been designed for use in all applications where the highest level of durability is required. CRISTAL 122 offers users an exceptionally high degree of gloss retention as well as a stable colour profile in exterior applications. It is characterized by superior exterior weathering properties. CRISTAL 122 is recommended for exterior applications, in architectural, industrial and maintenance finishes. It is also recommended for powder coatings where extra durability is required, and highly recommended for enhancing the performance of vinyl sidings and profiles in PVC exterior applications. CRISTAL 128 CRISTAL 128 is a grade of rutile pigment produced by the chloride process and is modified with Alumina and Zirconia. It is a universal grade of Titanium dioxide, which has been designed for the broadest range of applications, combining excellent optical properties with good durability. CRISTAL 128 is characterized by exceptionally high gloss, ease of dispersion, excellent opacity, high tint strength, an exceptionally clean tint tone and good weathering performance. CRISTAL 128 is recommended for all classes of coatings including architectural, industrial, maintenance, solvent and water based. It can be used in both interior and exterior applications. It can also be readily used in powder coatings, where the optical performance is of prime importance. CRISTAL 134 CRISTAL 134 is an alumina lattice-stabilised rutile pigment produced by the chloride process and is specifically designed for plastic and plastisol applications. The grade is characterized by its fine particle size, providing a blue tone, which is widely recognized as required for Plastic applications. CRISTAL 134 is widely accepted in polyolefin master batch formulations and is also recommended for rigid vinyl pipe formulations and can be used in other applications including PVC floor tiles, vinyl wall-coverings and some rubbers. CRISTAL 134 meets the Plastic Pipe Institute guidelines for formulation substitution and is authorised by the National Sanitation Foundation for general Interchangeability in NSF listed formulations. It is also certified for use in food contact applications according to EC directive 95/3/EEC for heavy metal content.

Quality Service: CRISTAL is dedicated to a process of continual improvement in the quality of its products. To help achieve this, CRISTAL has established modern quality control standards and management system in key business areas. CRISTAL works closely with SASO, the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization, in compliance with ISO, ASTM and EN quality control standards. CRISTAL offers a full range of product application services for Titanium dioxide. The Technical Lab tests, evaluates application and recommends the most suitable grade, whatever the end-user for TiO2. Such tests are conducted at its own weathering station at Yanbu, which monitors the exposure performance in extreme climatic conditions. Every lot of CRISTAL TiO2 is tested for quality and conformity prior to shipment. CRISTAL is an Efficient Regional TiO2 Producer and a Sophisticated Marketer with a premium Quality Product and Service Second to None. Naturally, we provide your business with a full range of product services. Our Technical Services Department handles all customer requests about TiO2 uses through our Jeddah office. Our QC lab in Yanbu comes fully equipped for testing paints, pigments, plastics, powder coatings and inks. This includes the investigative and legislative issues concerning foodstuff contact applications, for which Cristal is certified to manufacture and sell products. Other facilities include a natural weathering station located in a high UV marine environment on the Arabian Gulf and PAL equipment for simulating an accelerated weathering process on diverse customer products. Window profiles, powder coatings, plastic sheet and paints are just some examples of applications we have tested recently. We provide you with six packing options. This means you can take delivery of Cristal TiO2 products in the quantity that best suits your business. Our willingness to offer you a superior service is not restricted to technical matters. Our Marketing Support Services can assist you on a commercial basis, with powerful sales ordering tools and logistics management systems. Quality Assurance:

Quality Assurance is a part of quality management focused on providing confidence that quality requirements are fulfilled. This confidence can be achieved by the certification of product for ISO standard i.e. ISO 9001:2000. CRISTAL was certified by ISO 9002:1994 in the year 1995 for the plant and for Marketing in 1997. And again got certified with the new standard ISO 9001:2000 in the year 2003. CRISTAL is one of the first top 10 countries in the Middle East to be certified by ISO 9001:2000. • This quality management system (QMS) has been created, is being maintained, implemented and its effectiveness will be continually improved to achieve compliance with ISO 9001-2000. • Processes needed by for the quality management system are identified in this quality manual and in associated quality procedures and work instructions. • The standard shows the sequence and interaction of CRISTAL’s quality management system general processes. • The criteria and methods for effective control of processes are defined in ISO 9001:2000. • Management Representative is responsible for determining resources and information requirements necessary to support the operation and monitoring of quality management system processes, and for communicating these requirements to top management. • Monitoring of these processes is found within available controlled documents throughout the organization. •

Upon completion of measurement and monitoring of the processes and analysis of data, appropriate action is taken to ensure that planned results are achieved and opportunities for planned improvements are acted on and documented on Corrective/ Preventive Action Report.

Research and Technology As part of our commitment to delivering new, innovative products, we invest significantly in many areas of research. Only through applying an open mind, can we bring improvements to the processes and products we have in place. We see our relationships with our customers as an open dialogue. We don’t simply manufacture and sell TiO2. Instead, we endeavour to build a partnership whereby you can always rely on us to help your business towards greater success. You might, for instance, gain significant business benefit with Cristal testing new TiO2 applications on your behalf. This is very much part of the Cristal way of working – getting involved and creating nothing less than the best. Our team of researchers works tirelessly to deliver products

that surpass the needs and expectations of our customers. With world-class testing facilities and a level of expertise that few can match, we believe we are the ideal team with which to join forces. If you are part of an organization that is keen to collaborate on projects with us, please get in touch. You’ll discover we are forward thinkers who are always willing to enter into a dialogue and examine the endless possibilities. Together, we can create great things. Environment We recognize our Yanbu Al-Sinaiyah plant as more than just a chemical manufacturing facility. It has a critical role to play in developing the community infrastructure in the surrounding Royal Commission of Yanbu residential areas. We also have a duty to act as guardian to the delicate ecosystems in an area which includes some of the world’s most beautiful coral reef diving areas. To ensure we meet our obligations, we’ve established an environmental management system, specified to exceed both national and international regulations. We achieved the acclaimed environmental management standard ISO 14001 certification in the year 2005. Our teams of dedicated environmental engineers monitor the treatment and recycling of all solid, liquid and gaseous waste. Through their efforts and expertise, we ensure we keep to an absolute minimum any adverse effects on the environment caused by the TiO2 production process. The result has been a continuous reduction in air emissions and strict adherence to our policy of zero discharge into the Red Sea. We are proud to be protecting this magnificent stretch of coastline. Elsewhere, we’ve improved dust control and upgraded effluent management. We also continue to enhance the aesthetics of our surrounds through a carefully considered program of grass and tree planting.