Titanium dioxide from rutile ilmenite ore is a naturally occurring mineral composed of titanium, oxygen and other compounds. Titanium dioxide is the most abundant form of titanium found in nature. It is mined from deposits of ilmenite and rutile ores which are found in beach sands and river beds around the world. The rutile variety of titanium dioxide is particularly valued for its purity and stability. Titanium dioxide is typically extracted from ilmenite and rutile ores using several methods, such as sulphate and chloride processes. The ore is treated with sulphuric acid or chlorine to produce a slurry containing titanium dioxide crystals. The crystals are then filtered and washed to remove impurities before being dried and crushed into a fine powder. Finally, the powder is calcined at high temperatures to create a pure form of titanium dioxide.
Benefit of Titanium dioxide
Titanium dioxide also has numerous environmental benefits. It helps reduce air pollution by reflecting sunlight back into the atmosphere instead of absorbing it like traditional carbon-based materials do. This means that it helps keep the air cooler and more breathable by reflecting the heat away from Earth’s surface. Furthermore, titanium dioxide is non-toxic and biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional materials.
Uses and Application
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a naturally occurring mineral derived from rutile and ilmenite ores. It is one of the most commonly used minerals in the world, with a range of applications that include sunscreen, food colouring, paint, and other industrial products. As a white pigment, titanium dioxide is often used in sunscreens to protect against UV rays and is an effective whitening agent for cosmetics. It is also used to enhance food colourings and is even used in some medical products, such as bandages. Titanium dioxide is highly heat-resistant and can be found in many products requiring durability, such as automotive coatings, ceramic glazes, and plastic compounds. The mineral is also used in the production of glass and paper. Titanium dioxide is produced by chemically treating titanium ore with sulfuric acid. This process creates titanium sulfate, which can then be heated and converted into titanium dioxide crystals. This method allows titanium dioxide to be produced at a relatively low cost and in large quantities, making it a popular choice for industrial applications.
Indian Market Outlook
India is the world’s third-largest producer of titanium dioxide (TiO2) from rutile ilmenite ore. Demand for titanium dioxide in India is increasing as the industrial and automotive sectors expand. In the automotive sector, titanium dioxide is used to make white paint and plastic components. Industrial use is also growing, with TiO2 being added to fiberglass, roofing tiles, paper products, enamels, rubber, medical and pharmaceutical. In 2019, India exported 45% of its titanium dioxide production, primarily to Southeast Asia and Europe. The export market for titanium dioxide is expected to continue growing as countries around the world invest in infrastructure projects that require the material. The rise in titanium dioxide exports has been accompanied by increased production of rutile ilmenite ore in India. Production of rutile ilmenite ore has grown by 25% since 2016. This growth is largely driven by the expanding global demand for titanium dioxide.
Summery
The future of the titanium dioxide from rutile ilmenite ore industry looks very promising. As demand for titanium dioxide increases, the industry will have to find more efficient ways to process and refine the ore in order to meet demand. Companies are working to reduce waste and increase efficiency while maintaining high-quality standards. In addition, new technologies are being developed that can help increase the availability of titanium dioxide and make it more affordable. These new technologies could also make the industry more sustainable by reducing its environmental impact. With the global market for titanium dioxide set to grow, it's clear that the industry is on a trajectory for success.
Key Players
· V.V Minerals (India),
· Royalty Minerals (India),
· Shanghai Yuejiang Titanium Chemical Manufacturer Co., Ltd (China)
· Yucheng Jinhe Industrial Co., Ltd (China)
· Hatch Ltd (Canada)
· Chemours (U.S.)
· Iluka Resource Limited (Australia)
· Tronox Limited (U.S.)
· Trimex Sands PVT Ltd (India)
· Stork Group (India)
· Cosmos Electrodes PVT Ltd (India)