Titanium dioxide pigment: properties and applications

Titanium dioxide pigment (titanium white, TiO₂) is a synthetic inorganic white pigment and one of the most in-demand and large-tonnage products of the chemical industry. Its relative molecular mass is 79.87. Titanium dioxide is the standard white pigment used principally in paints, paper and plastics, and accounts for approximately 65% of total pigment volume worldwide. The material is distinguished by a high refractive index, which provides exceptional hiding power, surpassing any other commercially produced white pigment.

Crystalline Forms

Titanium dioxide is produced in two main crystalline forms: rutile (R) and anatase (A). The rutile form has a denser crystal lattice and is characterised by increased weather resistance, lightfastness and hiding power. Rutile grades dominate in the production of paints and coatings for exterior applications. The anatase form has a less dense structure, is softer and brighter white, but is inferior to rutile in weather resistance. Anatase grades are used primarily in paper, viscose fibres, plastics and interior finishing materials.

Regulatory Framework and Grades

Requirements for pigment-grade titanium dioxide in Russia and CIS countries are regulated by GOST 9808-84 "Pigment titanium dioxide. Specifications". The standard applies to pigment titanium dioxide obtained by hydrolysis of titanium sulfate solutions followed by calcination of hydrated titanium dioxide. Depending on the crystal structure, two forms are produced: R — rutile and A — anatase. If surface treatment is present, the index "0" is added to the grade designation.

Depending on the application, titanium dioxide is produced in the following grades: R-1 (organosilicon enamels for construction, rubber, white concrete); R-02 (paints and coatings, including water-dispersible, with good weather resistance, plastics, artificial leather, film materials); R-03 and R-04 (coatings with high weather resistance and high decorative properties); R-05 (coating paper for the decorative layer of paper-laminated plastics); A-1 (rubber, paper, film materials); A-2 (viscose fibres and paper); A-01 and A-02 (paints and coatings for interior finishing, printing inks).

Production Technology

Industrial production of pigment-grade titanium dioxide is based on two main methods: the sulfate process and the chloride process. The sulfate process is historically older and more widespread. It involves the decomposition of titanium-containing raw materials (ilmenite) with sulfuric acid, hydrolysis of titanium sulfate solutions followed by calcination of hydrated titanium dioxide. The sulfate method allows production of both rutile and anatase grades.

The chloride process is based on the chlorination of titanium-containing raw materials to form titanium tetrachloride, which is then oxidised at high temperature to form pigment-grade titanium dioxide. The chloride method provides higher product purity and allows production of primarily rutile grades with improved optical properties. In recent years, the share of the chloride process in global production has been steadily growing.

Applications

Paints and coatings. This is the largest consumption area for pigment-grade titanium dioxide — this segment accounted for about 58.6% of the global market in 2025. Titanium dioxide provides whiteness, hiding power, weather resistance and durability of coatings. It is used in architectural, industrial, automotive, protective and marine coatings.

Plastics. Titanium dioxide is used to impart white colour and opacity to plastic products, as well as to protect polymers from UV radiation. It is used in packaging, household appliances, automotive parts and construction profiles.

Paper industry. Titanium dioxide is used for coating and filling paper and cardboard, providing whiteness, opacity and improved printing properties. It is particularly in demand in the production of decorative paper-laminated plastics.

Other applications. Titanium dioxide is used in inks, cosmetics and sunscreens, pharmaceuticals, food products (as food additive E171 until banned in the EU), synthetic fibres, rubber products, ceramics and catalysts. Ultrafine grades (particle sizes from 1 to 150 nanometres) find application in photocatalysis, solar cells and functional coatings.

Global Market

Estimates of the global titanium dioxide market volume vary depending on the methodology. According to MarketsandMarkets, the market is estimated at USD 21.82 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 26.32 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 3.8%. According to Straits Research, the market was valued at USD 23.49 billion in 2025, USD 24.99 billion in 2026, and is projected to reach USD 41.05 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 6.4%. According to Fortune Business Insights, the market was valued at USD 19.06 billion in 2025, USD 20.36 billion in 2026, and is projected to reach USD 35.35 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 7.1%.

In physical terms, according to Expert Market Research, the global titanium dioxide market volume was about 5.22 million tonnes in 2025. The Asia-Pacific region dominates the global market: in 2025, its share was 46.4%. China is the largest producer and consumer of titanium dioxide, accounting for about 41% of global capacity. Key market players are The Chemours Company, Tronox Holdings Plc, LB Group, Kronos Worldwide and Venator Materials PLC.

Key market growth drivers are the development of the construction industry, increased demand for paints and coatings, growth in automotive production and expanding use in plastics and packaging. Main trends include the transition to sustainable and low-carbon production, the development of the chloride process, the growth of premium grades, and the expansion of nano-titanium dioxide applications in photocatalysis and functional coatings.

Production in Russia

The Russian titanium dioxide market is characterised by significant import dependence: the share of imported product on the Russian market ranged from 70% to 90%. Titanium dioxide demand in Russia is estimated at 160–180 thousand tonnes per year, with growth to 220–260 thousand tonnes forecast by 2030. The only titanium dioxide producer in Russia is the Titanium Investments plant in Armyansk (Crimea), which after modernisation increased production volumes threefold. The five-year modernisation plan envisages increasing production capacity to 120,000 tonnes of TiO2 per year. However, in January-August 2026, titanium dioxide production in Russia fell by more than half to 11,200 tonnes.

Two major projects for creating new titanium dioxide production facilities are being implemented in Russia. In the Tomsk region, Sibirsky Titan plans to build a plant with a capacity of up to 120,000 tonnes per year with total investments of RUB 36 billion. A project to create titanium dioxide production is also being considered in the Murmansk region.

Safety and Storage

Titanium dioxide belongs to substances with low toxicity. When working with it, personal protective equipment must be used: respirators, protective goggles and protective clothing. Storage is carried out in dry, well-ventilated areas, in hermetically sealed containers, away from moisture and heat sources. The product is non-flammable and non-explosive. When handling powdered titanium dioxide, the risks associated with dust inhalation must be considered, and effective ventilation must be provided.

Conclusion

Titanium dioxide pigment remains one of the key products of the global chemical industry, providing for the production of paints and coatings, plastics, paper and many other products. Growing demand for high-quality coatings, the development of the construction industry and expanding applications in new industries create sustained demand for this essential pigment. China, the USA and European countries remain the leading players in the global titanium dioxide market, and the expansion of production in Russia and the introduction of low-carbon technologies determine the industry's further prospects.