Kerry Pianoforte10.16.06
The role of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and other white pigment technologies is essential in achieving exterior performance and improving a coating's opacity. As the market for long-lasting products continues to grow, so does the importance of selecting the right grade of TiO2.
"TiO2 plays a complex role in paint durability," said Carlos Verdejo, global offerings manager, coatings, DuPont Titanium Technologies. "TiO2 itself is extremely durable, but the organic resin of the paint is not. One of the greatest threats to organic resin is UV light, which has enough energy to break chemical bonds in the resin polymer."
According to Verdejo, the primary role of TiO2 in most paints is beneficial, absorbing virtually all of the UV light that it encounters and protecting the underlying resin in the process. However, he pointed out that TiO2 is a photocatalyst, and some of the UV light energy is transformed into reactive chemical energy in the form of chemical radicals. "The best pigment is one that maximizes binder protections and minimizes photocatalytic activity," he added. "This is done by improving pigment dispersion in the final paint film and decreasing phot
"TiO2 plays a complex role in paint durability," said Carlos Verdejo, global offerings manager, coatings, DuPont Titanium Technologies. "TiO2 itself is extremely durable, but the organic resin of the paint is not. One of the greatest threats to organic resin is UV light, which has enough energy to break chemical bonds in the resin polymer."
According to Verdejo, the primary role of TiO2 in most paints is beneficial, absorbing virtually all of the UV light that it encounters and protecting the underlying resin in the process. However, he pointed out that TiO2 is a photocatalyst, and some of the UV light energy is transformed into reactive chemical energy in the form of chemical radicals. "The best pigment is one that maximizes binder protections and minimizes photocatalytic activity," he added. "This is done by improving pigment dispersion in the final paint film and decreasing phot
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