The TiO2 dispersion challenge
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is the dominant white pigment in coatings, inks, and plastics. Its particles are easy to agglomerate and hard to wet, so dispersion quality drives hiding power, gloss, and tint strength. Poor dispersion wastes expensive pigment and lowers opacity. See pigment dispersion fundamentals for the background.
Single vs dual shaft for TiO2
For standard TiO2 premixing, a single shaft disperser at correct tip speed de-agglomerates the slurry well. For high-solid or thixotropic TiO2 systems, a dual shaft disperser keeps the whole batch moving and scrapes the wall so no stiff zone is left unmixed. Choose by viscosity and solids loading; guidance is in how to choose a high speed disperser and the disperser specs guide.
Process setpoints that matter
| Parameter | Recommended practice |
|---|---|
| Tip speed | ~20-25 m/s saw-tooth |
| Wetting | Add TiO2 slowly into the vortex |
| Solids | Control to avoid mud-caking |
| Final fineness | Bead mill if sub-micron needed |
| Check | Fineness gauge + opacity drawdown |
From dispersion to mill
A disperser premixes; a bead mill finishes TiO2 to the fineness a coating needs. The link between premix quality and mill load is covered in bead mill throughput: check pre-dispersing and bead mill grinding efficiency factors. For a full plant view see the paint production line guide.