PIGMENTO DE DIÓXIDO DE TITÂNIO TRATADO

Abstract

A process for producing a treated, titanium dioxide pigment is provided. The process comprises providing a plurality of inorganic pigment particles, and depositing an organic treating agent on the surfaces of the pigment particles to form at least one coating of the organic treating agent thereon. The organic treating agent includes a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol, and a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, alkanolamines, and combinations thereof. A treated, titanium dioxide pigment is also provided.

Description

1 / 64 “TREATED TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENT” FUNDAMENTALS

[001] Titanium dioxide is an effective white pigment and opacifying agent that is used in a variety of applications. For example, titanium dioxide pigment is commonly added to polymers, coatings (e.g., water-based ink and paint formulations), paper, and other types of products. Due to its high refractive index, strong opacifying ability, and other factors, titanium dioxide (TiO2) has become one of the most commonly used white pigments worldwide.

[002] Purified titanium dioxide (TiO2) is produced from raw ore (e.g., ilmenite and rutile) by the sulfate process or the chloride process. Each process can produce the pigment in its rutile crystalline form. The sulfate process can also produce the pigment in its anatase crystalline form, which can be softer and particularly useful in certain applications. The titanium dioxide pigment produced is usually in powder form.

[003] Whether produced by the sulfate process or the chloride process, the titanium dioxide particles produced are generally processed to form a finished pigment. The steps used in the finishing process depend on the specific properties and characteristics of the pigment desired for the intended application.

[004] For example, the titanium dioxide produced is typically coated with one or more inorganic materials to modify or enhance the properties and characteristics of the pigment for particular applications. Examples of inorganic materials used include silica, zirconia, and alumina. For example, such materials can function to improve the opacity, light stability, and / or durability of the pigment. The inorganic materials are normally coated onto the titanium dioxide particles, forming a fluid aqueous paste of the particles and depositing Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 8 / 79 2 / 64 - the inorganic materials are placed on the surfaces of the particles in the fluid paste.

[005] A primary property that a titanium dioxide pigment contributes to inks, paper, plastics, and other products is its hiding power. The hiding power of a titanium dioxide pigment is based on the pigment's ability to scatter light in the base product (e.g., an ink formulation) to which it is added. The pigment's ability to scatter light in the base product to which it is added (the pigment's light scattering efficiency) depends on several factors, including the pigment's particle size distribution, the difference in refractive index of the pigment particles and their surroundings. Surface treatments of the titanium dioxide pigment, particle size, and particle size distribution also affect the surface gloss and grain of the dry coating films.

[006] After treatment of titanium dioxide pigment with one or more inorganic materials in the fluid paste stage, the treated titanium dioxide pigment is typically then filtered, washed, and dried. The dry treated pigment is then milled in a fluidized energy mill, such as a steam micronizer, to break up pigment agglomerates. At least one organic chemical is normally added to the dried agglomerated titanium dioxide pigment in the fluidized energy mill to serve as a grinding aid and facilitate the milling process. The organic chemical, which is usually coated onto the surface of the titanium dioxide particles, may also improve the pigment's performance in its end-use application(s).

[007] Trimethylolpropane (TMP) is an organic compound that has been widely used to treat the surface of titanium dioxide pigment particles for various purposes. For example, TMP has been commonly used as a grinding aid in the milling process and generally used to improve the flow and dispersion properties of the pigment. Unfortunately, a TMP consortium Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 9 / 79 3 / 64 associated with the European Union's Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation has self-declared TMP as a suspected reproductive toxicant. As a result, there is a need for other organ treatment agents that can replace TMP. SUMMARY

[008] A process for producing a treated titanium dioxide pigment comprising: providing a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; and depositing an organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the organic treatment agent on them. The organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol; and a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, alkanolamines, and combinations thereof.

[009] A treated titanium dioxide pigment comprising: a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; and an organic treatment agent deposited on the surfaces of the titanium dioxide pigment particles and forming a coating of the organic treatment agent on them. The organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol; and a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, alkanolamines, and combinations thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[010] The present disclosure can be more readily understood with reference to the detailed description and examples included herein. Several specific details are presented in order to provide a full understanding of the various aspects of this disclosure. However, this detailed description should not be considered as limiting the scope of the claims. A Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 10 / 79 4 / 64 The material disclosed in this document is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, as will become apparent to individuals skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[011] Whenever a range is revealed in this document, the range includes each member independently and separately from the range that extends between any two numbers mentioned within the range. Additionally, it should be understood that the smallest and largest numbers of any range are included within the range presented.

[012] In one aspect, a process for producing a treated titanium dioxide pigment is disclosed in this document. In another aspect, a treated titanium dioxide pigment is disclosed in this document.

[013] The process disclosed in this document comprises providing a plurality of titanium dioxide particles, and depositing an organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the organic treatment agent on them. The organic treatment agent includes a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol, and a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, alkanolamines, and combinations thereof.

[014] As used in the instance and in the appended claims, a titanium dioxide pigment means particulate titanium dioxide, that is, a titanium dioxide pigment in the form of a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles. For example, titanium dioxide may be in the form of dry powder or dry granules. As used in the instance and in the appended claims, “deposited on,” “formed on,” and “precipitated on” the surfaces of the titanium dioxide particles or pigment (or other component such as another coating) means deposited, formed, or precipitated (as the case may be) directly or indirectly on the surfaces of the titanium dioxide particles or pigment. Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 11 / 79 5 / 64 (or other component), except where otherwise stated. For example, except where otherwise stated, a treatment agent deposited on the surfaces of titanium dioxide particles means that the treatment agent is formed directly on the titanium dioxide particles or on one or more organic and / or inorganic coatings that are directly or indirectly formed on the titanium dioxide particles.

[015] For example, titanium dioxide particles can be provided by producing titanium dioxide pigment as part of the process disclosed in this document. Alternatively, titanium dioxide particles can be provided from a source of a titanium dioxide pigment that has already been produced. For example, one or more bulky containers (e.g., bags) of a pre-existing titanium dioxide pigment can be used as a source of the titanium dioxide pigment.

[016] The manner in which the titanium dioxide particles are produced, whether as part of the process disclosed herein or otherwise, is not critical. For example, the titanium dioxide particles may be titanium dioxide particles that have been produced by the sulfate process. For example, the titanium dioxide particles may be titanium dioxide particles that have been produced by the chloride process. The particles may have a rutile crystal structure, an anatase crystal structure, or a combination thereof. For example, the titanium dioxide particles may have a rutile crystal structure. For example, the titanium dioxide particles may have an anatase crystal structure.

[017] In the sulfate process to produce titanium dioxide, a titanium slag ore, usually ilmenite, is dissolved in sulfuric acid to form titanyl sulfate. The titanyl sulfate is then hydrolyzed to form hydrated titanium dioxide. The hydrated titanium dioxide is heated in a calciner to Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 12 / 79 6 / 64 develop titanium dioxide crystals to pigment dimensions.

[018] In the chloride process to produce titanium dioxide, a dry titanium dioxide ore is charged into a chlorinator along with coke and chlorine to produce a gaseous titanium halide (such as titanium tetrachloride). The titanium halide produced is purified and oxidized in a specially designed reactor at a high temperature to produce purified titanium dioxide particles having a desired particle size distribution. Aluminum chloride is typically added to the titanium halide in the oxidation reactor to incorporate alumina into the crystal lattice of the titanium dioxide particles, thus facilitating rutile formation and controlling particle size. The titanium dioxide and gaseous reaction products are then cooled, and the titanium dioxide particles are recovered.

[019] Titanium dioxide particles may contain alumina as part of their lattice structure. For example, aluminum chloride may be added to the reagents as a rutile aid during the vapor-phase oxidation step of the chloride process. When present during the oxidation reaction, aluminum chloride contributes alumina to the pigment's lattice structure.

[020] For example, the organic treatment agent may be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.1% to about 1% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, the organic treatment agent may be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.2% to about 0.9% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, the organic treatment agent may be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.4% to about 0.7% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. As per the use in question and the appended claims, except where stated Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 13 / 79 7 / 64 otherwise, “based on the weight of titanium dioxide particles” means based on the weight of crude titanium dioxide particles in dry form.

[021] For example, the ratio between the first component and the second component in the organic treatment agent may be in the range of about 1:1 to about 20:1. For example, the ratio between the first component and the second component in the organic treatment agent may be in the range of about 2:1 to about 10:1. For example, the ratio between the first component and the second component in the organic treatment agent may be in the range of about 3:1 to about 7:1. For example, the ratio between the first component and the second component in the organic treatment agent may be about 5:1.

[022] For example, the polyhydric alcohol(s) of the first component of the organic treatment agent may be selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polyglycerol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof. For example, the polyhydric alcohol(s) of the first component of the organic treatment agent may be selected from the group consisting of glycerol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof. For example, the polyhydric alcohol(s) of the first component of the organic treatment agent may be selected from the group consisting of glycerol, xylitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof. For example, the polyhydric alcohol(s) of the first component of the organic treatment agent may be selected from the group consisting of glycerol, xylitol, and combinations thereof. For example, the polyhydric alcohol(s) of the first component of the organic treatment agent may be glycerol.

[023] For example, the first component of the organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.1% to about 0.99%, by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, the first component of the organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the particles of Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 14 / 79 8 / 64 pigment in a proportion in the range of about 0.2% to about 0.9%, by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, the first component of the organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.4% to about 0.7%, by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles.

[024] For example, the second component of the organic treatment agent may be at least one carboxylic acid and / or a salt thereof. The carboxylic acid(s) and / or salt(s) thereof may be selected from the group consisting of monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, hydroxyl carboxylic acids, salts of monocarboxylic acids, salts of dicarboxylic acids, salts of hydroxyl carboxylic acids, and combinations thereof. For example, the carboxylic acid(s) and / or salt(s) thereof may be selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, adipic acid, propionic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, salts of benzoic acid, salts of adipic acid, salts of propionic acid, salts of citric acid, salts of lactic acid, salts of tartaric acid, and combinations thereof.For example, the carboxylic acid(s) and / or salt(s) thereof may be selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, salts of benzoic acid, salts of citric acid, salts of lactic acid, and combinations thereof. For example, the carboxylic acid(s) and / or salt(s) thereof may be selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salts of benzoic acid, salts of lactic acid, and combinations thereof. For example, the carboxylic acid(s) and / or salt(s) thereof may be selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid and salts thereof.

[025] For example, the second component of the organic treatment agent may be at least one alkanolamine. For example, the alkanolamine(s) may be selected from the group consisting of hydroxylamines, triisopropanol Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 15 / 79 9 / 64 amine (TIPA), triethanolamine (TEOA), tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, and combinations thereof. For example, the alkanolamine(s) may be selected from the group consisting of triisopropanolamine (TIPA), triethanolamine (TEOA), and combinations thereof. For example, the alkanolamine(s) may be triisopropanolamine (TIPA).

[026] For example, the second component of the organic treatment agent may be at least one carboxylic acid salt and / or salt thereof next to one or more alkanolamines. For example, the carboxylic acid(s) and / or salt(s) and / or salt(s) thereof may be selected from a group as presented above. For example, the alkanolamine(s) may be selected from a group as shown above.

[027] For example, the second component of the organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.01% to about 0.9% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, the second component of the organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.03% to about 0.5% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, the second component of the organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.05% to about 0.4% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles.

[028] For example, if the second component of the organic treatment agent is one or more carboxylic acids or salts thereof, it may be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.1% to about 0.6% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, if the second component of the organic treatment agent is one or more carboxylic acids or salts thereof, it may be Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 16 / 79 10 / 64 deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.15% to about 0.5% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, if the second component of the organic treatment agent is one or more carboxylic acids or salts thereof, it may be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.2% to about 0.4% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles.

[029] For example, if the second component of the organic treatment agent is one or more alkanolamines, it can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.01% to about 0.2% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, if the second component of the organic treatment agent is one or more alkanolamines, it can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.02% to about 0.16% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, if the second component of the organic treatment agent is one or more alkanolamines, it can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.04% to about 0.12% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles.

[030] The organic treatment agent can be deposited onto the surfaces of the titanium dioxide pigment particles using any known pigment surface treatment technique. For example, the organic treatment agent can be deposited onto the surfaces of the pigment particles in a fluid power mill. The organic treatment agent can be mixed with, or sprayed onto, the pigment particles when the titanium dioxide pigment particles are in dry form. The organic treatment agent can also be added to a fluid paste containing the Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 17 / 79 11 / 64 pigment particles and dried there.

[031] For example, in one embodiment, the process further comprises, before depositing the organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the titanium dioxide pigment particles, forming a fluid paste of the pigment particles, and filtering the pigment particles to form a filter cake that includes the pigment particles. The organic treatment agent is then deposited onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form the filter cake on them to form a coating of the organic treatment agent by mixing the organic treatment agent with the filter cake.

[032] For example, by the filtration step, the pigment particles are washed and recovered. The recovered pigment particles can then be dried as part of the pigment finishing process. The organic treatment agent can be mixed with the filter cake before or after the filter cake is dried.

[033] For example, the process may further comprise: after the organic treatment agent is mixed with the filter cake to deposit the organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the titanium dioxide particles, grinding the treated titanium dioxide particles. For example, the titanium dioxide particles may be ground in a fluid power mill. For example, the titanium dioxide particles may be ground by steam micronization techniques. The organic treatment agent serves as a grinding aid and facilitates the grinding process.

[034] For example, in one embodiment, the process further comprises, before depositing the organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the pigment particles, depositing an inorganic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the inorganic treatment agent on them. For example, the organic treatment agent may be deposited on Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 18 / 79 12 / 64 top of the inorganic treatment agent coating to form a coating on it.

[035] For example, a first inorganic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the first inorganic treatment agent on them, and a second inorganic treatment agent can be deposited on the coating of the first inorganic treatment agent to form a coating of the second organic treatment agent on it. A third inorganic treatment agent can then be deposited on the coating of the second inorganic treatment agent to form a coating of the third inorganic treatment agent on it, and so on.

[036] For example, when more than one inorganic treatment agent is deposited on the surfaces of pigment particles to form more than one coating of inorganic treatment agent on it, the organic treatment agent is deposited on top of all the coatings of the inorganic treatment agents. For example, if the first and second inorganic treatment agents are deposited, directly or indirectly, on the surfaces of the pigment particles, the organic treatment agent is then deposited on top of the coating of the second inorganic treatment agent.For example, depositing the organic treatment agent on top of the coating(s) of the inorganic treatment agents (and any other organic materials deposited on the surfaces of the titanium dioxide particles) can enhance the compatibility of the pigment with a polymeric resin matrix, for example, when the treated titanium dioxide pigment is added to a polyolefin.

[037] For example, the inorganic treatment agent(s) may be deposited on the surfaces of the titanium dioxide particles, forming a fluid aqueous paste of titanium dioxide particles, and precipitating the Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 19 / 79 13 / 64 Inorganic treatment agent(s) on the surfaces of titanium dioxide particles in the fluid paste to form one or more coatings of the inorganic treatment agent on them. Techniques for precipitating one or more inorganic or organic treatment agents directly or indirectly onto the surfaces of titanium dioxide particles, such as titanium dioxide pigment particles and a fluid paste containing the titanium dioxide particles, by successively adding each treatment agent to the fluid paste and adjusting the pH of the fluid paste as necessary to induce the treatment agent to precipitate onto the surfaces of the titanium dioxide particles, are known in the art. The inorganic and organic treatment agent(s) is / are precipitated onto the titanium dioxide particles in situ in the aqueous fluid paste.

[038] For example, in order to deposit an inorganic metal oxide treatment agent onto the surfaces of a plurality of titanium dioxide particles to form a coating on them, the inorganic metal oxide treatment agent can be incrementally added to the aqueous fluid paste as an aqueous metal oxide salt solution. The pH and temperature of the fluid paste can be adjusted and maintained at levels that cause precipitation of the specific inorganic metal oxide treatment agent. In order to control the pH of the fluid paste, strong inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and salts thereof can be used. For example, each separate inorganic treatment agent precipitated onto the surfaces of the titanium dioxide particles in the fluid paste forms a separate coating directly or indirectly on the surfaces of the titanium dioxide particles.

[039] For example, the inorganic treatment agent(s) is / are selected from the group consisting of metal oxide materials, metal hydroxide materials, and combinations thereof. For example, the inorganic treatment agent(s) is / are selected from the group consisting of silica materials, mat Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 20 / 79 14 / 64 alumina materials, aluminum phosphate materials, zirconia materials, and titania materials. For example, the inorganic treatment agent(s) is / are selected from the group consisting of silica materials, alumina materials, and zirconia materials. If more than one inorganic treatment agent is used, the inorganic treatment agents may be the same or different.

[040] Inorganic treatment agent(s) may be used to impart one or more properties and / or characteristics to titanium dioxide particles, or to enhance them, making the particles more suitable for the end-use application, i.e., for use in the base composition (e.g., the polymeric composition) to which titanium dioxide is to be added and products produced therefrom (e.g., plastic articles). For example, silica and / or alumina treatment agents may be used to help improve the wetting and dispersing properties of a titanium dioxide pigment as well as the pigment's opacity, light stability and durability.

[041] For example, the inorganic treatment agent(s) may be deposited on the surfaces of the titanium dioxide particles in a proportion ranging from about 0.2% by weight to about 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the crude titanium dioxide particles and all inorganic and organic materials deposited on them. For example, the inorganic treatment agent(s) may be deposited on the surfaces of the titanium dioxide particles in a proportion ranging from about 0.5% by weight to about 10% by weight, based on the weight of the crude titanium dioxide particles and all inorganic and organic materials deposited on them.

[042] For example, in one embodiment, the organic treatment agent referenced above is a second organic treatment agent, and the process further comprises: depositing a first organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the first on them. Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 21 / 79 15 / 64 organic treatment agent.

[043] For example, as the second organic treatment agent, the first organic treatment agent can be deposited onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the first organic treatment agent on them by any technique for surface treatment pigments known in the art. For example, the first organic treatment agent can be deposited onto the surfaces of the pigment particles in a fluid power mill. The first organic treatment agent can be mixed with, or sprayed onto, the surfaces of the pigment particles when the pigment particles are in dry form. The first organic treatment agent can also be added to a fluid paste containing the pigment particles and dried together with them.

[044] By way of a further example, as the second organic treatment agent, the first organic treatment agent may be mixed with a filter cake containing the pigment particles as described above (either before or after the filter cake is dried). The treated pigment particles (now containing the first organic treatment agent, the second organic treatment agent and, optionally, one or more inorganic treatment agents) may then be ground as described above.

[045] For example, the first organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles before depositing the second organic treatment agent on the surfaces of the pigment particles. For example, in one embodiment, after a filter cake that includes the pigment particles is formed as described above, the first organic treatment agent is deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles forming the filter cake to form a coating of the first organic treatment agent on them. Then, the second organic treatment agent is deposited on Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 22 / 79 16 / 64 the surfaces of the pigment particles forming the filter cake to form a coating of the second organic treatment agent on them. For example, after the first organic treatment agent has been deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles forming the filter cake, and before depositing the second organic treatment agent on the surfaces of the pigment particles forming the filter cake, the filter cake can be dried. Once both the first and second treatment agents have been deposited on the pigment particles forming the filter cake, the treated pigment particles (now containing the first organic treatment agent, the second organic treatment agent and, optionally, one or more inorganic treatment agents) can then be ground as described above.

[046] For example, the first organic treatment agent may be selected from the group consisting of alkyl phosphinic acids, alkyl phosphinic acid derivatives, phosphonic acids, phosphonic acid derivatives, siloxanes, and combinations thereof.

[047] Examples of alkyl phosphinic acids and alkyl phosphine acid derivatives that can be used include bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphinic acid, oleyl phosphinic acid, n-octadecyl phosphinic acid, phosphinic acid esters, and combinations thereof. An example of a phosphinic acid ester that can be used is 2-ethylhexyl bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphinic ester.

[048] Examples of phosphonic acids and phosphonic acid derivatives that can be used include n-octylphosphonic acid, decylphosphonic acid, dodecylphosphonic acid, octylphosphonic acid, phosphonic acid esters, phosphonic acid salts, and combinations thereof. Examples of phosphonic acid esters that can be used include alkyl phosphonic acid esters. An example of a phosphonic acid salt that can be used is the potassium monoethyl ester salt.

[049] Examples of siloxanes that can be used include polydimethyl Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 23 / 79 17 / 64 siloxane, copolymers of polydimethyl siloxane and polymethyl hydrogen siloxane, non-octyltriethoxysilane, alkyl polyethers of silicone, polyether carboxylates of silicone, and combinations thereof.

[050] For example, the first organic treatment agent may be selected from the group consisting of alkyl phosphinic acids, phosphonic acids, siloxanes, and combinations thereof. For example, the first organic treatment agent may consist of one or more alkyl phosphinic acids. For example, the first organic treatment agent may be bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid.

[051] For example, the first organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.05% to about 1.0%, by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, the organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.1% to about 0.8%, by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, the organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.2% to about 0.6%, by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles.

[052] For example, in one embodiment, the process disclosed in this document comprises the following steps: (a) provide a plurality of titanium dioxide particles; (b) after step (a), form a fluid aqueous paste of titanium dioxide particles; (c) after step (b), reduce the particle size of the titanium dioxide particles in the aqueous flow paste to a desired particle size distribution; (d) after step (c), deposit an inorganic treatment agent (or Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 24 / 79 18 / 64 successively deposit more than one inorganic treatment agent) onto the surfaces of the titanium dioxide particles to form a coating of the inorganic treatment agent on them (or to form a separate coating for each inorganic treatment agent on them) in the aqueous flow paste; (e) after step (d), filter the surface-treated titanium dioxide particles to form a filter cake that includes the surface-treated titanium dioxide particles; (f) after step (e), mix the organic treatment agent with the filter cake to deposit the organic treatment agent onto the coating(s) of the inorganic treatment agent(s); (g) after step (g), dry the filter cake; (h) after step (g), reduce the particle size of the treated titanium dioxide particles to the desired particle size distribution; and (i) after step (i), package the treated titanium dioxide.

[053] As discussed above, titanium dioxide particles can be provided in step (a) by producing titanium dioxide pigment as part of the process disclosed herein. Alternatively, titanium dioxide particles can be provided in step (a) from a titanium dioxide source that has already been produced.

[054] A fluid paste of titanium dioxide particles can be formed in step (b) by mixing the titanium dioxide particles in an aqueous medium. If necessary or desired, a dispersing agent such as a polyphosphate can be added to the aqueous fluid paste to facilitate the distribution of the titanium dioxide particles within it. For example, titanium dioxide particles can be added to the aqueous fluid paste in a proportion in the range of about 5% by weight to about 65% by weight, based on the total weight of the fluid paste. By way of further example, titanium dioxide particles are added to the fluid paste in Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 25 / 79 19 / 64 a proportion in the range of about 15% by weight to about 45% by weight, based on the total weight of the fluid paste. For example, titanium dioxide particles are added to the aqueous fluid paste in a proportion in the range of about 25% by weight to about 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the fluid paste.

[055] The particle size of the titanium dioxide particles can be reduced in step (c) to a desired particle size distribution by wet grinding the pigment particles in the aqueous fluid paste. For example, the pigment particles in the aqueous fluid paste can be wet-ground to induce at least about 50% of the titanium dioxide particles in the fluid paste to have a particle size smaller than 0.5 micron. Several wet grinding techniques known in the art can be used to perform the wet grinding step, including cage mill grinding, ball mill grinding, jet mill grinding, and sand mill grinding.

[056] The inorganic treatment agent(s) may be deposited on the surfaces of the titanium dioxide particles to form one or more coatings of the inorganic treatment agent on them in the flow paste according to step (d) by precipitating the inorganic treatment agent(s) onto the surfaces of the titanium dioxide particles as discussed above.

[057] The treated titanium dioxide particles can be filtered to form a filter cake that includes the surface-treated titanium dioxide particles according to step (e) by methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, the treated titanium dioxide particles can be recovered by filtration to form a filter cake of the particles and washed using conventional vacuum and / or pressure type filtration systems. Wet treatment deposition of the inorganic treatment agent(s) onto the titanium dioxide particles (e.g., onto wet-ground titanium dioxide particles) helps to enable pigment recovery and washing using conventional filtration systems. Competition 870250083343, dated 16 / 09 / 2025, page 26 / 79 20 / 64 conventional vacuum and / or pressure type.

[058] The organic treatment agent may be mixed with the filter cake according to step (f) to deposit the organic treatment agent onto the coating(s) of the inorganic treatment agent(s) by any technique known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the organic treatment agent is a second organic treatment agent as described above, and step (f) includes mixing both the first organic treatment agent and the second organic treatment agent with the filter cake to deposit the organic treatment agent onto the coating(s) of the inorganic treatment agent(s) as described above.

[059] The filter cake can be dried according to step (g) by vacuum drying, spin-flash drying, spray drying or other techniques known to those skilled in the art to produce a dry titanium dioxide powder. In one embodiment, the filter cake is dried according to step (g) by spray drying the particles.

[060] The particle size of the treated titanium dioxide particles that form the dry filter cake can be reduced to the desired particle size distribution in step (h), for example, by dry milling the pigment particles. For example, a fluid power mill can be used to dry mill the pigment particles. Alternatively, the dry pigment particles can be reduced to the desired particle size distribution by steam micronization techniques (e.g., steam milling).

[061] The treated titanium dioxide can then be packaged by any packaging technique known in the art. For example, the dry, ground treated inorganic oxide pigment can be placed in bags and transported in them.

[062] In one embodiment, an inorganic treatment agent is not deposited on the surfaces of the titanium dioxide particles, i.e., step (d) Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 27 / 79 21 / 64 is not included. In this version, the first and second organic treatment agents are deposited, directly or indirectly, onto the surfaces of the pigment particles.

[063] The treated titanium dioxide pigment provided in this document comprises a plurality of titanium dioxide particles, and an organic treatment agent deposited on the surfaces of the titanium dioxide particles and forming a coating of the organic treatment agent on them. The organic treatment agent includes a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol, and a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, alkanolamines, and combinations thereof.

[064] For example, titanium dioxide particles may be titanium dioxide particles that were produced by the sulfate process. For example, titanium dioxide particles may be titanium dioxide particles that were produced by the chloride process. Titanium dioxide particles may have a rutile crystal structure, an anatase crystal structure, or a combination thereof. For example, titanium dioxide particles may have a rutile crystal structure. For example, titanium dioxide particles may have an anatase crystal structure.

[065] For example, the organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.1% to about 1% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, the organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.2% to about 0.9% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, the organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.4 Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 28 / 79 22 / 64% to approximately 0.7% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles.

[066] For example, the ratio between the first component and the second component in the organic treatment agent may be in the range of about 1:1 to about 20:1. For example, the ratio between the first component and the second component in the organic treatment agent may be in the range of about 2:1 to about 10:1. For example, the ratio between the first component and the second component in the organic treatment agent may be in the range of about 3:1 to about 7:1. For example, the ratio between the first component and the second component in the organic treatment agent may be about 5:1.

[067] For example, the polyhydric alcohol(s) of the first component of the organic treatment agent may be selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polyglycerol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof. For example, the polyhydric alcohol(s) of the first component of the organic treatment agent may be selected from the group consisting of glycerol, xylitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof. For example, the polyhydric alcohol(s) of the first component of the organic treatment agent may be selected from the group consisting of glycerol, xylitol, and combinations thereof.

[068] For example, the first component of the organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.1% to about 1%, by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, the first component of the organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.2% to about 0.9%, by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, the first component of the organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.4% to about 0.7%, by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 29 / 79 23 / 64

[069] For example, the second component of the organic treatment agent may be at least one carboxylic acid and / or a balance thereof. The carboxylic acid(s) and / or salt(s) thereof may be selected from the group consisting of monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, hydroxyl carboxylic acids, salts of monocarboxylic acids, salts of dicarboxylic acids, salts of hydroxyl carboxylic acids, and combinations thereof. For example, the carboxylic acid(s) and / or salt(s) thereof may be selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, adipic acid, propionic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, salts of benzoic acid, salts of adipic acid, salts of propionic acid, salts of citric acid, salts of lactic acid, salts of tartaric acid, and combinations thereof.For example, the carboxylic acid(s) and / or salt(s) thereof may be selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, salts of benzoic acid, salts of citric acid, salts of lactic acid, and combinations thereof. For example, the carboxylic acid(s) and / or salt(s) thereof may be selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salts of benzoic acid, salts of lactic acid, and combinations thereof. For example, the carboxylic acid(s) and / or salt(s) thereof may be selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid and salts thereof.

[070] For example, the second component of the organic treatment agent may be at least one alkanolamine. For example, the alkanolamine(s) may be selected from the group consisting of hydroxylamines, triisopropanolamine (TIPA), triethanolamine (TEOA), tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, and combinations thereof. For example, the alkanolamine(s) may be selected from the group consisting of triisopropanolamine (TIPA), triethanolamine (TEOA), and combinations thereof. For example, the alkanolamine(s) may be a triisopropanolamine (TIPA). Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 30 / 79 24 / 64

[071] For example, the second component of the organic treatment agent may be at least one carboxylic acid salt and / or a salt thereof together with one or more alkanolamines. For example, the carboxylic acid(s) and / or salt(s) thereof may be selected from a group as presented above. For example, the alkanolamine(s) may be selected from a group as presented above.

[072] For example, the second component of the organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.01% to about 0.8% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, the second component of the organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.03% to about 0.5% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, the second component of the organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.05% to about 0.4% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles.

[073] For example, if the second component of the organic treatment agent is one or more carboxylic acids or salts thereof, it may be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.1% to about 0.6% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, if the second component of the organic treatment agent is one or more carboxylic acids or salts thereof, it may be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.15% to about 0.5% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, if the second component of the organic treatment agent is one or more carboxylic acids or salts thereof, it may be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 31 / 79 25 / 64 from about 0.2% to about 0.4%, by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles.

[074] For example, if the second component of the organic treatment agent is one or more alkanolamines, it can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.01% to about 0.2% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, if the second component of the organic treatment agent is one or more alkanolamines, it can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.02% to about 0.16% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, if the second component of the organic treatment agent is one or more alkanolamines, it can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.04% to about 0.12% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles.

[075] In one embodiment, the treated titanium dioxide further comprises an inorganic treatment agent deposited on the surfaces of the titanium dioxide particles and forming a coating of the inorganic treatment agent on them. For example, the organic treatment agent may be deposited on top of the coating of the inorganic treatment agent.

[076] For example, a first inorganic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the titanium dioxide particles to form a coating of the first inorganic treatment agent on them, and a second inorganic treatment agent can be deposited on top of the coating of the first inorganic treatment agent to form a coating of the second inorganic treatment agent on them. For example, the organic treatment agent can be deposited on top of the coating of the second inorganic treatment agent. Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 32 / 79 26 / 64

[077] The inorganic treatment agent(s) may be the inorganic treatment agent(s) described above in connection with the process disclosed herein. For example, the inorganic treatment agent(s) is / are deposited on the surfaces of the titanium dioxide particles in a proportion ranging from about 0.1% by weight to about 15% by weight, based on the combined weight of the titanium dioxide particles and the inorganic coating(s). For example, the inorganic treatment agent(s) is / are deposited on the surfaces of the titanium dioxide particles in a proportion ranging from about 0.5% by weight to about 10% by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles.

[078] For example, in one embodiment, the organic treatment agent referenced above is a second organic treatment agent, and the treated titanium dioxide pigment further comprises a first organic treatment agent deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the first organic treatment agent on them. For example, the second organic treatment agent may be deposited on top of the first organic treatment agent.

[079] For example, the first organic treatment agent may be selected from the group consisting of alkyl phosphinic acids, alkyl phosphinic acid derivatives, phosphonic acids, phosphonic acid derivatives, siloxanes, and combinations thereof.

[080] Examples of alkyl phosphinic acids and alkyl phosphine acid derivatives that can be used include bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphinic acid, oleyl phosphinic acid, n-octadecyl phosphinic acid, phosphinic acid esters, and combinations thereof. An example of a phosphinic acid ester that can be used is 2-ethylhexyl bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphinic ester.

[081] Examples of phosphonic acids and phosphonic acid derivatives that Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 33 / 79 27 / 64 compounds that can be used include n-octylphosphonic acid, decylphosphonic acid, dodecylphosphonic acid, octylphosphonic acid, phosphonic acid esters, phosphonic acid salts, and combinations thereof. Examples of phosphonic acid esters that can be used include alkyl phosphonic acid esters. An example of a phosphonic acid salt that can be used is potassium monoethyl ester salt.

[082] Examples of siloxanes that can be used include polydimethyl siloxane, copolymers of polydimethyl siloxane and polymethyl hydrogen siloxane, noctyltriethoxysilane, alkyl silicone polyethers, silicone polyether carboxylates, and combinations thereof.

[083] For example, the first organic treatment agent may be selected from the group consisting of alkyl phosphinic acids, phosphonic acids, siloxanes, and combinations thereof. For example, the first organic treatment agent may consist of one or more alkyl phosphinic acids. For example, the first organic treatment agent may be bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid.

[084] For example, the first organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.05% to about 1.0%, by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, the organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.1% to about 0.8%, by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles. For example, the organic treatment agent can be deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.2% to about 0.6%, by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles.

[085] The treated titanium dioxide can be formed by the process disclosed in this document.

[086] For example, in one embodiment, the process revealed in the present Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 34 / 79 Document 28 / 64 comprises: providing a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; and depositing an organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the organic treatment agent on them. In this embodiment, the organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polyglycerol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof; and a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, alkanolamines, and combinations thereof, the ratio of the first component to the second component in the treatment agent being in the range of about 1:1 to about 20:1.

[087] For example, in another embodiment, the process disclosed in this document comprises: providing a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; and depositing an organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the organic treatment agent on them.In this embodiment, the organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polyglycerol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof; and a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, wherein the carboxylic acid and / or salt thereof is selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, adipic acid, propionic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, salts of benzoic acid, salts of adipic acid, salts of propionic acid, salts of citric acid, salts of lactic acid, salts of tartaric acid, and combinations thereof.

[088] For example, in another embodiment, the process disclosed in this document comprises: providing a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; and depositing an organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the agent on them. Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 35 / 79 29 / 64 organic treatment. In this embodiment, the organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polyglycerol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof; and a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, wherein the carboxylic acid and / or salt thereof is selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid and salts thereof.

[089] For example, in another embodiment, the process disclosed herein comprises: providing a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; and depositing an organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the organic treatment agent on them. In this embodiment, the organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polyglycerol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof; and a second component, said second component being at least one alkanolamine.

[090] For example, in another embodiment, the process disclosed herein comprises: providing a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; and depositing an organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the organic treatment agent on them. In this embodiment, the organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polyglycerol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof; and a second component, wherein the second component is an alkanolamine selected from the group consisting of hydroxylamines, triisopropanolamine (TIPA), triethanolamine (TEOA), tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, and combinations thereof. Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 36 / 79 30 / 64

[091] For example, in another embodiment, the process disclosed herein comprises: providing a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; and depositing an organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the organic treatment agent on them. In this embodiment, the organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polyglycerol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof; and a second component, wherein the second component is an alkanolamine, wherein the alkanolamine is a triisopropanolamine (TIPA).

[092] For example, in one embodiment, the process disclosed herein comprises: providing a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; depositing a first organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the first organic treatment agent on them; and depositing a second organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the organic treatment agent on them. In this embodiment, the second organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol, and a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, alkanolamines, and combinations thereof.

[093] For example, in another embodiment, the process disclosed herein comprises: providing a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; depositing a first organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the first organic treatment agent on them; and depositing a second organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the organic treatment agent on them. In this embodiment, the first organic treatment agent is selected from the group consisting of alkyl acids. Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 37 / 79 31 / 64 phosphinic acids, alkyl phosphinic acid derivatives, phosphonic acids, phosphonic acid derivatives, siloxanes, and combinations thereof. The second organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol, and a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, alkanolamines, and combinations thereof.

[094] For example, in another embodiment, the process disclosed herein comprises: providing a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; depositing a first organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the first organic treatment agent on them, and depositing a second organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the organic treatment agent on them. In this embodiment, the first organic treatment agent is selected from the group consisting of alkyl phosphinic acids, phosphonic acids, siloxanes, and combinations thereof. The second organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol, and a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, alkanolamines, and combinations thereof.

[095] For example, in another embodiment, the process disclosed herein comprises: providing a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; depositing a first organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the first organic treatment agent on them; and depositing a second organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the organic treatment agent on them. In this embodiment, the first organic treatment agent consists of one or more alkyl phosphinic acids. The second organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 38 / 79 32 / 64 te in at least one polyhydric alcohol, and a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, alkanolamines, and combinations thereof.

[096] For example, in another embodiment, the process disclosed herein comprises: providing a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; depositing a first organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the first organic treatment agent on them; and depositing a second organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the organic treatment agent on them. In this embodiment, the first organic treatment agent is bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid. The second organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol, and a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, alkanolamines, and combinations thereof.

[097] In one embodiment, the treated titanium dioxide pigment comprises: a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; and an organic treatment agent deposited on the surfaces of the titanium dioxide pigment particles and forming a coating of the organic treatment agent on them. In this embodiment, the organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polyglycerol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof; and a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, alkanolamines, and combinations thereof, the ratio of the first component to the second component in the treatment agent being in the range of about 1:1 to about 20:1.

[098] For in one embodiment, the treated titanium dioxide pigment Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 39 / 79 33 / 64 comprises: a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; and an organic treatment agent deposited on the surfaces of the titanium dioxide pigment particles and forming a coating of the organic treatment agent on them. In this embodiment, the organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polyglycerol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof; and a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, wherein said carboxylic acid and / or salt thereof is selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, adipic acid, propionic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, salts of benzoic acid, salts of adipic acid, salts of propionic acid, salts of citric acid, salts of lactic acid, salts of tartaric acid, and combinations thereof.

[099] In one embodiment, the treated titanium dioxide pigment comprises: a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; and an organic treatment agent deposited on the surfaces of the titanium dioxide pigment particles and forming a coating of the organic treatment agent on them. In this embodiment, the organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polyglycerol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof; and a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, wherein the carboxylic acid and / or salt thereof is selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid and salts thereof.

[0100] In one embodiment, the treated titanium dioxide pigment comprises: a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; and an organic treatment agent deposited on the surfaces of the titanium dioxide pigment particles and forming a coating of the organic treatment agent on them. In this embodiment, the organic treatment agent includes: a Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 40 / 79 34 / 64 first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polyglycerol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof; and a second component, wherein the second component is at least one alkanolamine.

[0101] In one embodiment, the treated titanium dioxide pigment comprises: a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; and an organic treatment agent deposited on the surfaces of the titanium dioxide pigment particles and forming a coating of the organic treatment agent thereon. In this embodiment, the organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polyglycerol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof; and a second component, wherein the second component is an alkanolamine selected from the group consisting of hydroxylamines, triisopropanolamine (TIPA), triethanolamine (TEOA), tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, and combinations thereof.

[0102] In one embodiment, the treated titanium dioxide pigment comprises: a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; and an organic treatment agent deposited on the surfaces of the titanium dioxide pigment particles and forming a coating of the organic treatment agent thereon. In this embodiment, the organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polyglycerol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof; and a second component, wherein said second component is an alkanolamine, wherein the alkanolamine is a triisopropanolamine (TIPA).

[0103] For example, in another embodiment, the treated titanium dioxide pigment disclosed herein comprises: a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; a first organic treatment agent Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 41 / 79 35 / 64 deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the first organic treatment agent; and a second organic treatment agent deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the organic treatment agent. In this embodiment, the first organic treatment agent is selected from the group consisting of alkyl phosphinic acids, alkyl phosphinic acid derivatives, phosphonic acids, phosphonic acid derivatives, siloxanes, and combinations thereof. The second organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol, and a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, alkanolamines, and combinations thereof.

[0104] For example, in another embodiment, the treated titanium dioxide pigment disclosed herein comprises: a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; a first organic treatment agent deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the first organic treatment agent on them; and a second organic treatment agent deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the organic treatment agent on them. In this embodiment, the first organic treatment agent is selected from the group consisting of alkyl phosphinic acids, phosphonic acids, siloxanes, and combinations thereof. The second organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol, and a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, alkanolamines, and combinations thereof.

[0105] For example, in another embodiment, the treated titanium dioxide pigment disclosed herein comprises: a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; a first organic treatment agent Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 42 / 79 36 / 64 deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the first organic treatment agent on them; and a second organic treatment agent deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the organic treatment agent on them. In this embodiment, the first organic treatment agent consists of one or more alkyl phosphinic acids. The second organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol, and a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, alkanolamines, and combinations thereof.

[0106] For example, in another embodiment, the treated titanium dioxide pigment disclosed herein comprises: a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; a first organic treatment agent deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the first organic treatment agent on them; and a second organic treatment agent deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles to form a coating of the organic treatment agent on them. In this embodiment, the first organic treatment agent is bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid. The second organic treatment agent includes: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol, and a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, alkanolamines, and combinations thereof.

[0107] The organic treatment agent deposited on the surfaces of titanium dioxide pigment particles according to the process disclosed herein and in connection with the titanium dioxide pigment disclosed herein effectively serves as a grinding aid in the grinding process, improves the flow and dispersion properties of the pigment, and otherwise improves the performance of the pigment. As a result, the treatment agent Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 43 / 79 37 / 64 Organic treatment can provide an effective substitute for TMP in connection with the production of titanium dioxide pigments and titanium dioxide pigments produced. Illustrative examples

[0108] The treated titanium dioxide pigment formed by the process disclosed in this document and the treated titanium dioxide pigment disclosed in this document are exemplified by the following examples. Example of treatment 1. Preparation of titanium dioxide filter cake treated with silica and alumina.

[0109] Particulate titanium dioxide pigment particles formed by the chloride process were dispersed in water in the presence of 0.075% sodium hexametaphosphate dispersant, along with a sufficient amount of sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH of the dispersion to 9.5 or higher to achieve an aqueous dispersion with a solids content of 35%. The resulting flowable paste was subjected to sand milling (using a zircon sand weight to pigment weight ratio of 4:1) until 94% of the particles were smaller than 0.63 microns, as determined by a Microtrac X 100 particle size analyzer.

[0110] The resulting fluid paste, diluted to a solids content of 30%, was heated to 75 °C and subsequently treated with 3.0% sodium silicate (calculated as silica by weight of the final pigment) by adding the sodium silicate to the fluid paste for 20 minutes. While the temperature was maintained at 75 °C, the pH of the fluid paste was slowly lowered to 5.5 over a period of 55 minutes by the slow addition of concentrated sulfuric acid. After allowing the fluid paste to digest for 15 minutes, 1.6% sodium aluminate (calculated as alumina by weight of the final pigment) was added to the fluid paste for 10 minutes. The pH of the fluid paste was maintained between 8.25 and 9.25 by the concomitant addition of acid. Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 44 / 79 38 / 64 concentrated sulfuric acid. The fluid paste was allowed to digest for 15 minutes at 75 °C, and the pH of the fluid paste was then adjusted to 6.2 with concentrated sulfuric acid. The fluid paste was then filtered while still hot. The resulting filtrate was washed with water that had been preheated to 60 °C. A wet filter cake of titanium dioxide treated with silica and alumina was obtained. Example of treatment 2. Preparation of titanium dioxide filter cake treated with zirconia and alumina.

[0111] Particulate titanium dioxide pigment particles formed by the chloride process were dispersed in water in the presence of 0.075% sodium hexametaphosphate dispersant, along with a sufficient amount of sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH of the dispersion to 9.5 or higher to achieve an aqueous dispersion with a solids content of 35%. The resulting flowable paste was subjected to sand milling (using a zircon sand weight to pigment weight ratio of 4:1) until 92% of the particles were smaller than 0.63 microns, as determined by the Microtrac X 100 particle size analyzer.

[0112] The resulting fluid paste, diluted to a solids content of 30%, was heated to 70 °C, and the pH was adjusted to 3.5 with concentrated sulfuric acid. The fluid paste was then treated with 0.25% zirconium oxychloride (calculated as zirconia by weight of the final pigment) by adding the zirconium oxychloride to the fluid paste. After allowing the fluid paste to digest for 15 minutes, 3.0% sodium aluminate (calculated as alumina by weight of the final pigment) was added to the fluid paste for 20 minutes. The pH of the fluid paste was maintained between 8 and 8.5 by the concomitant addition of concentrated sulfuric acid. The fluid paste was then digested for 15 minutes at 70 °C, and the pH of the fluid paste was then adjusted to 7.5 with concentrated sulfuric acid. The runny paste was then filtered while still hot. The resulting filtrate was washed with water that had been preheated to 60 °C. A cake Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 45 / 79 39 / 64 of wet titanium dioxide filter treated with zirconia and alumina was obtained. Comparative example 1. Pigment preparation with TMP

[0113] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 1 in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment was mixed with deionized water to provide a 50% fluid paste. Then, 10.61 g of a 33% aqueous trimethylolpropane (TMP) solution were added to the fluid paste and mixed well together. The treated titanium dioxide fluid paste was then dried in an oven at 115 °C to a moisture content of less than 1%. The dry pigment was then ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam weight to pigment weight ratio of 1.8:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi. The particle size distribution of the finished pigment was determined using a Microtrac X 100 particle size analyzer and reported as % passing at 0.63 microns. Comparative example 2. Pigment preparation with glycerol

[0114] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 1 in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment was mixed with deionized water to provide a 50% fluid paste. Then, 5.0 g of glycerol were added to the fluid paste and mixed well together. The glycerol-treated titanium dioxide fluid paste was then dried in an oven at 115 °C to a moisture content of less than 1%. The dry pigment was then ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam weight to pigment weight ratio of 1.8:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi. The particle size distribution of the finished pigment was determined using a Microtrac X 100 particle size analyzer and reported as % passing at 0.63 microns. Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 46 / 79 40 / 64 Comparative example 3. Pigment preparation with glycerol

[0115] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 1 in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment was mixed with deionized water to provide a 50% fluid paste. Then, 7.0 g of glycerol were added to the fluid paste and mixed well together. The glycerol-treated titanium dioxide fluid paste was then dried in an oven at 115 °C to a moisture content of less than 1%. The dry pigment was then ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam weight to pigment weight ratio of 1.8:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi. The particle size distribution of the finished pigment was determined using a Microtrac X 100 particle size analyzer and reported as % passing at 0.63 microns. Example of claimed pigment 1. Pigment preparation with glycerol and sodium benzoate

[0116] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 1, in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment, was mixed with deionized water to provide a 50% fluid paste. Then, 3.5 g of sodium benzoate were dissolved in 10 g of deionized water and then mixed with 3.5 g of glycerol to provide a chemical mixture. The chemical mixture was then mixed with the fluid titanium dioxide paste. The treated fluid titanium dioxide paste was then dried in an oven at 115 °C to a moisture content of less than 1%. The dry pigment was then ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam weight to pigment weight ratio of 1.8:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi. The particle size distribution of the finished pigment was determined by an analyzer of Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 47 / 79 41 / 64 particle size Microtrac X 100 and reported as % passing at 0.63 micron. Comparative example 4. Pigment preparation with TMP

[0117] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 2 in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment was mixed with deionized water to provide a 50% flowable paste. Then, 10.61 g of a 33% aqueous trimethylolpropane (TMP) solution were added to the flowable paste and mixed well together. The treated titanium dioxide flowable paste was then dried in an oven at 115 °C to a moisture content of less than 1%. The dry pigment was then ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam weight to pigment weight ratio of 1.8:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi. The particle size distribution of the finished pigment was determined using the Microtrac X 100 particle size analyzer and reported as % passing at 0.63 microns. Comparative example 5. Pigment preparation with glycerol

[0118] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 2 in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment was mixed with deionized water to provide a 50% fluid paste. Then, 5.0 g of glycerol were added to the fluid paste and mixed well together. The glycerol-treated titanium dioxide fluid paste was then dried in an oven at 115 °C to a moisture content of less than 1%. The dry pigment was then ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam-to-pigment weight ratio of 1.8:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi. The particle size distribution of the finished pigment was determined by a Microtrac X 100 particle size analyzer and reported as % passing. Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 48 / 79 42 / 64 gem at 0.63 micron. Comparative example 6. Pigment preparation with glycerol

[0119] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 2 in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment was mixed with deionized water to provide a 50% fluid paste. Then, 8.0 g of glycerol were added to the fluid paste and mixed well together. The glycerol-treated titanium dioxide fluid paste was then dried in an oven at 115 °C to a moisture content of less than 1%. The dry pigment was then ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam weight to pigment weight ratio of 1.8:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi. The particle size distribution of the finished pigment was determined using a Microtrac X 100 particle size analyzer and reported as % passing at 0.63 microns. Comparative example 7. Pigment preparation with TIPA

[0120] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 2, in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment, was mixed with deionized water to provide a 50% fluid paste. Then, 5.9 g of an 85% triisopropanolamine (TIPA) solution was added to the fluid paste and mixed well. The TIPA-treated titanium dioxide fluid paste was then dried in an oven at 115 °C to a moisture content of less than 1%. The dry pigment was then ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam-to-pigment weight ratio of 1.8:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi. The particle size distribution of the finished pigment was determined using a Microtrac X 100 particle size analyzer and reported as % passing at 0.63 microns. Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 49 / 79 43 / 64 Example of claimed pigment 2. Pigment preparation with glycerol and triisopropanolamine (TIPA)

[0121] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 2 in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment was mixed with deionized water to provide a 50% fluid paste. Then, 1.2 g of an 85% TIPA solution was mixed with 5.0 g of glycerol in 5.0 g of deionized water to provide a chemical mixture. The chemical mixture was then mixed with the fluid titanium dioxide paste. The treated fluid titanium dioxide paste was then dried in an oven at 115 °C to a moisture content of less than 1%. The dry pigment was then ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam weight to pigment weight ratio of 1.8:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi.The particle size distribution of the finished pigment was determined using a Microtrac X 100 particle size analyzer and reported as % passing at 0.63 microns. Example Test 1: Gloss and tinting strength tests on a water-based acrylic paint formulation.

[0122] In each test, a sample and a standard were prepared in identical formulations as shown in Table 1. Both inks were then applied by stretching side-by-side onto a Leneta card. The gloss of the dry films was measured from the light reflected at a sixty-degree angle using a gloss meter. CIE L* eb* values ​​of the dry ink were measured using an integrated spherical spectrophotometer, and these values ​​were used to calculate the tinting strength and tinting shade. Table 1. Water-based acrylic coating formulation used for gloss and tinting strength tests. Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 50 / 79 44 / 64 Material Weight (g) Mill base Deionized water 51.1 Antifoaming agent 1.2 Dispersant 12 Non-ionic surfactant 6.3 Propylene glycol 30 Coalescent 11.2 Dry TiO2 pigment 298.7 Deionized water 18.7 Rhoplex AC-2508 dilution (46.5%) 612.5 Antifoaming agent 1.5 Cellulosic thickener 1.3 Coalescent 17 Ammonium hydroxide 1.5 Biocide 0.5 Deionized water 49.7 Tinted with 8 g of Colortrend 888 carbon black. Tinting strength was calculated using the Kubelka-Munk equation where: Tinting strength = (Assigned value) where: K = Absorbance of carbon black pigment S = Titanium dioxide pigment dispersion Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 51 / 79 45 / 64 The shade of dye was calculated as follows: Tinting tone = b*raoitra!— b*n+ Assigned value Example test 2: Alkyd pigment dispersion test

[0123] A solvent-based alkyd ink was made as shown in Table 2. The ink was applied by stretching on a Hegman gauge. The fineness of the alkyd dispersion (grinding line in microns) was determined, and the cleanliness of the alkyd dispersion (nib count) was read as the number of nibs above the grinding line. Table 2. Solvent-based alkyd coating formulation used for alkyd pigment dispersion testing. Material Weight (g) Mill base Alkyd resin 74.3 Organic solvent 25.7 Dry T1O2 pigment 300 Dilution Alkyd resin 35 Organic solvent 30

[0124] The results of the ink tests of the finished titanium dioxide pigments described in the examples presented above are listed in Table 3 and Table 4 below. Table 3. Test results of T1O2 paint treated with silica and alumina. Comparative example 1 Comparative example 2 Comparative example 3 Example of claimed pigment 1 Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 52 / 79 46 / 64 Percentage of organic chemistry in TiO2: 0.35% TMP, 0.5% glycerol, 0.7% glycerol, 0.35% glycerol, 0.35% sodium benzoate. Percentage of Microtrac at 0.63 nm: 90.7, 87.5, 87.3, 90.2. Brightness of WB: 57, 47, 49, 59. Tinting strength of WB: 105, 104, 104, 106. Fineness of alkyd dispersion: 8, 43, 29, 10. Cleanliness of alkyd dispersion, nibs: 5, 16, 14, 10. Table 4. Test results of TO2 ink treated with zirconia and alumina. Comparative Example 4 Comparative Example 5 Comparative Example 6 Comparative Example 7 Claimed Pigment Example 2% organic chemistry in TO 0.35% TMP 0.5% glycerol 0.8% glycerol 0.5% TIPA 0.5% glycerol, 0.1% TIPA Microtrac Passage % 91.3 88.4 87.7 93.3 91.0 Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 53 / 79 47 / 64 at 0.63 nm Brightness of WB 65 59 58 72 64 Tinting strength of WB 108 104 103 108 107 Alkyd dispersion clarity 1 7 7 46 1 Alkyd dispersion fineness, Nibs 3 3 6 23 2

[0125] As shown by Tables 3 and 4, in the samples prepared with glycerol alone, the particle size distribution was larger, the brightness and tinting strength were lower, and the alkyd dispersion was worse than the standard control with TMP. On the other hand, in the samples prepared with glycerol and sodium benzoate (Example of claimed pigment 1), and glycerol and TIPA (Example of claimed pigment 2), results comparable to the standard control were obtained.

[0126] As stated above, a TMP consortium associated with the European Union's Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation self-declared TMP as a suspected reproductive toxicant. On the other hand, the organic chemicals used in the formation of Claimed Pigment Examples 1 and 2 are direct food additives (glycerol and sodium benzoate) or considered safe in indirect food contact (TIPA). Example of treatment 3. Preparation of titanium dioxide filter cake treated with alumina.

[0127] Particulate titanium dioxide pigment particles formed Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 54 / 79 48 / 64 particles prepared by the chloride process were dispersed in water in the presence of 0.1% sodium hexametaphosphate dispersant, along with a sufficient amount of sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH of the dispersion to 9.5 or higher to achieve an aqueous dispersion with a solids content of 35%. The resulting fluid paste was subjected to sand milling (using a 4:1 ratio between the weight of the zircon sand and the weight of the pigment) until 90% of the particles were smaller than 0.63 microns, as determined by a Microtrac X 100 particle size analyzer.

[0128] The resulting fluid paste, diluted to a solids content of 30%, was heated to 60°C. The pH of the fluid paste was then adjusted to 2.0 with concentrated sulfuric acid, and 1.0% sodium aluminate (calculated as alumina by weight of final pigment) was added to the fluid paste. After allowing the fluid paste to digest for 15 minutes, the pH of the fluid paste was adjusted to 6.0 with concentrated sulfuric acid. The fluid paste was then filtered while still hot. The resulting filtrate was washed with water that had been preheated to 60°C. A wet filter cake of alumina-treated titanium dioxide was obtained. Comparative example 8. Pigment prepared with TMP

[0129] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 3, in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment, was mixed with deionized water to obtain a 50% flowable paste. Then, 10.61 g of a 33% aqueous trimethylolpropane (TMP) solution were added to the flowable paste and mixed well. The TMP-treated titanium dioxide flowable paste was then dried in an oven at 115 °C to a moisture content of less than 1%. The dry pigment was ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam-to-pigment weight ratio of 1.8:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi. The particle size distribution of Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 55 / 79 49 / 64 of the finished pigment was determined by a Microtrac X 100 particle size analyzer and reported as % passing at 0.63 microns. Comparative example 9. Pigment preparation with glycerol

[0130] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 9 in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment was mixed with deionized water to provide a 50% fluid paste. Then, 5.0 g of glycerol were added to the fluid paste and mixed well together. The glycerol-treated titanium dioxide fluid paste was then dried in an oven at 115 °C to a moisture content of less than 1%. The dry pigment was ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam weight to pigment weight ratio of 1.8:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi. The particle size distribution of the finished pigment was determined using a Microtrac X 100 particle size analyzer and reported as % passing at 0.63 microns. Example of claimed pigment 3. Pigment preparation with glycerol and triisopropanolamine (TIPA)

[0131] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 3 in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment was mixed with deionized water to provide a 50% fluid paste. Then, 0.59 g of an 85% TIPA solution was mixed with 5.5 g of glycerol in 5.0 g of deionized water to provide a chemical mixture. The chemical mixture was then mixed with the fluid titanium dioxide paste. The treated fluid titanium dioxide paste was then dried in an oven at 115 °C to a moisture content of less than 1%. The dry pigment was then ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam weight to pigment weight ratio of 1.8:1 with the steam injector pressure set at 160 psi and Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 56 / 79 50 / 64 the micronizer ring pressure set at 118 psi. The particle size distribution of the finished pigment was determined by a Microtrac X 100 particle size analyzer and reported as % passing at 0.63 micron. Example of claimed pigment 4. Pigment preparation with glycerol and triisopropanolamine (TIPA)

[0132] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 3, in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment, was mixed with deionized water to provide a 50% fluid paste. Then, 1.18 g of an 85% TIPA solution was mixed with 5.0 g of glycerol in 5.0 g of deionized water to provide a chemical mixture. The chemical mixture was mixed with the fluid titanium dioxide paste. The treated fluid titanium dioxide paste was then dried in an oven at 115 °C to a moisture content of less than 1%. The dry pigment was then ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam weight to pigment weight ratio of 1.8:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi.The particle size distribution of the finished pigment was determined using a Microtrac X 100 particle size analyzer and reported as % passing at 0.63 microns. Example of claimed pigment 5. Pigment preparation with glycerol and triisopropanolamine (TIPA)

[0133] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 3, in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment, was mixed with deionized water to provide a 50% fluid paste. Then, 1.76 g of an 85% TIPA solution was mixed with 4.5 g of glycerol in 5.0 g of deionized water to provide a chemical mixture. The chemical mixture was then mixed with the fluid titanium dioxide paste. The treated fluid titanium dioxide paste was then dried in an oven at 115 °C to a moisture content of less than 1%. The pigment Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 57 / 79 51 / 64 dry material was then ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam-to-pigment weight ratio of 1.8:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi. The particle size distribution of the finished pigment was determined using a Microtrac X 100 particle size analyzer and reported as % passing at 0.63 micron. Example of claimed pigment 6. Pigment preparation with glycerol and triisopropanolamine (TIPA) (high dosage of TIPA)

[0134] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 3, in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment, was mixed with deionized water to provide a 50% fluid paste. Then, 2.35 g of an 85% TIPA solution was mixed with 4.0 g of glycerol in 5.0 g of deionized water to obtain a chemical mixture. The chemical mixture was then mixed with the fluid titanium dioxide paste. The treated fluid titanium dioxide paste was then dried in an oven at 115 °C to a moisture content of less than 1%. The dry pigment was then ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam weight to pigment weight ratio of 1.8:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi.The particle size distribution of the finished pigment was determined using a Microtrac X 100 particle size analyzer and reported as % passing at 0.63 microns. Example of test 3: Optical testing of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic.

[0135] In each test, a Brabender mixing bowl fitted with cam paddles was heated to 100 °C. Then, 55.0 g of a black concentrate, 0.5 g of zinc stearate, 0.4 g of a polymer processing additive (BYK P4102), and 2.50 g of the titanium dioxide pigment sample being tested were Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 58 / 79 52 / 64 placed in a cup. The Brabender mixing bowl was started and the contents of the cup were poured into the bowl using a chute and spur. A counterweight was used to keep the spur submerged for approximately 2 minutes to allow the sample to fuse. The chute and spur were removed and the lid of the Brabender bowl was closed to allow mixing of the contents to continue for 6 minutes. The plastic mixture was then removed from the Brabender bowl and placed between iron plates inside a mold. The mold was immediately pressed for 1 minute at 10,000 psi. The sample was then cooled and removed from the mold. L*, a* and b* were read and the tinting strength and tinting shade were calculated based on a test standard that was run on each batch.

[0136] The results of these tests of Comparative Examples 8 and 9 and of Claimed Pigment Examples 3 to 6 as described above are shown in Table 5 below. Example test 4: Torque tests on plastic balance and screen pack in linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)

[0137] Additional tests were carried out on Comparative Examples 8 and 9 and on Claimed Pigment Examples 3 to 6 as described above.

[0138] First, in each test, 109.5 g of the treated pigment to be tested were mixed with 36.5 g of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) (DOW 9820) to prepare 75% by weight of LLDPE concentrate containing titanium dioxide. The components were vigorously mixed by mashing the components in the mixing bowl of an ATR Plasti-Corder (CW Brabender Instruments, Inc.) operating at 100 °C and a mixing speed of 100 rpm.

[0139] Instantaneous torque and temperature values ​​were then recorded over a period of 9 minutes to ensure that equilibrium mixing conditions were achieved. Equilibrium torque values ​​were determined by averaging the minimum measured instantaneous torque value over a period of 1 Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 59 / 79 53 / 64 minutes before a 1-minute period after the minimum mixing condition has been reached.

[0140] Next, 100 g of the 75% concentrate were extruded through a 350 mesh screen filter using a 0.75 inch drum and extruder with a length-to-diameter ratio of 25:1 fixed to the aforementioned ATR Plasticorder, at an average processing temperature of approximately 190 °C and 75 rpm. The amount of inorganic residue left on the 350 mesh screen filter, reported as pigment grain content in parts per million based on the amount of pigment, was determined gravimetrically by heating the screen post-extrusion in a muffle furnace at 700 °C for ten minutes, cooling the screen to room temperature, and then subsequently weighing the screen, comparing it to its weight before use.

[0141] The results of these additional tests performed on Comparative Examples 8 and 9 and on Claimed Pigment Examples 3 to 6 are also shown in Table 5 below. Table 5. Test of TiO2 treated with alumina and its application in plastics. Comparative Example 8 Comparative Example 9 Claimed Pigment Example 3 Claimed Pigment Example 4 Claimed Pigment Example 5 Claimed Pigment Example 6 % of organic chemistry in TiO2 0.35% TMP 0.6% glycerol 0.55% glycerol, 0.05% TIPA 0.5% glycerol, 0.1% TIPA 0.45% glycerol, 0.15% TIPA 0.4% glycerol, 0.2% TIPA Average volume of Mil- 0.46 0.51 0.42 0.39 0.36 0.38 Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 60 / 79 54 / 64 Microtrac, (micron) Microtrac, 0.630 % passage 88.5 86.0 88.9 90.0 92.0 90.6 Tinting strength of LDPE 100 99 101 99 96 102 Tinting shade of LDPE -5.3 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.5 -5.5 Observation of LDPE plastic application Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Attached to equipment blades Equilibrium torque of LLDPE (mg) 1192 1209 1182 1161 1188 1412 LLDPE screen pack (ppm) 183 269 230 184 169 147

[0142] As shown in Table 5, when only glycerol was used to replace TMP, the particle size of the alumina-treated titanium dioxide was smaller than the TMP control, and the screen pack residue was also higher. As shown, 0.05% or more of TIPA can significantly improve grinding during micronization and lead to a comparable particle size and screen pack residue as the TMP control. It was observed that when Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 61 / 79 55 / 64 the proportion of TIPA used was 0.2% or more, the material became very sticky to the equipment blades when applied to LDPE, and the equilibrium torque on LLDPE is also significantly higher, but the corresponding titanium dioxide pigment also performed well overall. Example of treatment 4. Preparation of titanium dioxide filter cake treated with phosphate and alumina.

[0143] Particulate titanium dioxide pigment particles formed by the chloride process were dispersed in water to form a crude fluid paste having a pH of 3 to 4. The resulting fluid paste was then subjected to sand milling (using a zircon sand weight to pigment weight ratio of 4:1) until 90% of the particles were smaller than 0.63 microns (as determined by a Microtrac X 100 particle size analyzer) to achieve an aqueous dispersion with a solids content of 35%.

[0144] The resulting fluid paste, diluted to a solids content of 30%, was then heated to 70 °C and the pH was adjusted to 1.0 to 1.5 with concentrated hydrochloric acid. Then, 0.4% sodium hexametaphosphate (calculated as P2O5 by weight of final pigment) was added to the fluid paste. After allowing the fluid paste to digest for 5 minutes, 1.0% sodium aluminate (calculated as alumina by weight of final pigment) was added to the fluid paste. After allowing the fluid paste to digest for 5 minutes, the pH of the fluid paste was then adjusted to 4.7 with a sodium hydroxide solution.

[0145] The fluid paste was then allowed to digest for 60 minutes and the pH of the fluid paste was adjusted to 6.4 with a sodium hydroxide solution. The fluid paste was then allowed to digest for a further 10 minutes, and was then filtered while still hot. The resulting filtrate was washed with water, which was preheated to 60 °C. A wet filter cake of titanium dioxide treated with phosphate and alumina treatment was obtained. Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 62 / 79 56 / 64 Comparative example 10. Pigment prepared with BIS and TMP

[0146] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 4, in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment, was mixed with deionized water to form a paste. Then, 3.00 g of bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphonic acid (BIS) were added to the paste and mixed well together. The treated titanium dioxide paste was then dried in an oven at 115 °C to form a filter cake having a moisture content of less than 1%. Then, 8.48 g of a 33% aqueous trimethylolpropane (TMP) solution were sprinkled onto the dried filter cake. The dry pigment was ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam weight to pigment weight ratio of 2.5:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi. Comparative example 11. Pigment preparation with BIS and glycerol

[0147] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 4 in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment was mixed with deionized water to form a paste. Then, 3.00 g of bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphonic acid (BIS) were added to the paste and mixed well together. The treated titanium dioxide paste was then dried in an oven at 115 °C to a moisture content of less than 1%. Then, 4.00 g of glycerol were mixed with the dried filter cake. The dry pigment was ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam-to-pigment weight ratio of 2.5:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi. Example of claimed pigment 7. Pigment preparation with BIS, glycerol and TIPA

[0148] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 4 in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment was mixed with water Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 63 / 79 57 / 64 ionized to form a paste. Then, 3.00 g of bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphonic acid (BIS) were added to the paste and mixed well together. The treated titanium dioxide paste was then dried in an oven at 115 °C to form a filter cake having a moisture content of less than 1%. Then, 3.00 g of glycerol and 1.00 g of an 85% TIPA solution were added to the dried filter cake. The dried pigment was then ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam-to-pigment weight ratio of 2.5:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi. Example of claimed pigment 8. Pigment preparation with BIS, glycerol and sodium benzoate

[0149] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 4, in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment, was mixed with deionized water to form a paste. Then, 3.00 g of bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphonic acid (BIS) were added to the paste and mixed well together. The treated titanium dioxide paste was then dried in an oven at 115 °C to form a filter cake having a moisture content of less than 1%. Then, 2.00 g of sodium benzoate were dissolved in 10 g of deionized water and mixed with 2.00 g of glycerol to provide a chemical mixture. The chemical mixture was then added to the filter cake. The dry pigment was then ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam weight to pigment weight ratio of 2.5:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi.

[0150] The test results of Comparative Examples 10 and 11 and Claimed Pigment Examples 7 and 8 are shown in Table 6 below. Table 6. Test of TiO2 treated with phosphate and alumina and its application in Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 64 / 79 58 / 64 plastics Comparative Example 10 Comparative Example 11 Claimed Pigment Example 7 Claimed Pigment Example 8 % of organic chemistry in TiO2 0.30% BIS, 0.28% TMP 0.30% BIS, 0.30% glycerol 0.30% BIS, 0.30% glycerol, 0.10% TIPA 0.30% BIS, 0.20% glycerol, 0.20% sodium benzoate LLDPE equilibrium torque (mg) 1245 1295 1228 1234 LLDPE screen pack (ppm) 107 219 107 135

[0151] As shown in Table 6, when only glycerol was used to replace TMP, both the equilibrium torque and the screen pack residue were greater than the control. On the other hand, when the mixture of 0.3% glycerol and 0.1% TIPA (Example of claimed pigment 8) and the mixture of 0.2% glycerol and 0.2% sodium benzoate (Example of claimed pigment 9) were used to replace TMP, both the equilibrium torque and the screen pack residue were comparable to the control. Example of test 5: DOE experiment - preparation of silica- and alumina-treated titanium dioxide with glycerol and triisopropanolamine (TIPA)

[0152] A DOE experiment was conducted to study the effects of gli Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 65 / 79 59 / 64 cerol and TIPA in titanium dioxide pigments treated with silica and alumina.

[0153] In each test, the wet titanium dioxide filter cake of Treatment Example 1 in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment was mixed with deionized water to provide a 50% fluid paste. A specified proportion of an organic composition including TMP (Comparative Example 12) or a mixture of glycerol and TIPA (Claimed Pigment Examples 10 to 15), based on the dry weight of the titanium dioxide, was then mixed into the fluid paste. The treated organic fluid paste of titanium dioxide was then dried in an oven at 115 °C to a moisture content of less than 1%. The dry pigment was ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam weight to pigment weight ratio of 1.8:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi.

[0154] The finished pigments (Comparative Example 12 and Claimed Pigment Examples 10 to 15) were then tested according to Test Examples 1 and 2, as described above, to determine their performance in coatings. During the experiment, duplicate samples were prepared for each organic composition. The results shown in Table 7 below are the average of the duplicate samples. Table 7. The test of TiO2 treated with silica and alumina with glycerol / TIPA and its application in coatings. Sample Code Description % of TMP in TiO2 % of glycerol in TiO2 % of TIPA in TiO2 Microtrac, 0.630 % passage WB brightness WB tinting strength Alkyd dispersion, Hegman Alkyd dispersion, fineness, nibs #1 Comparative example 12 0.35 90.5 55 105 7.1 27 Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 66 / 79 60 / 64 #2 Example of claimed pigment 10 0.55 0.25 91.0 58 106 7.5 28 #3 Example of claimed pigment 11 0.35 0.25 90.2 58 106 7.6 29 #4 Example of claimed pigment 12 0.45 0.15 91.5 56 106 7.2 25 #5 Example of claimed pigment 13 0.5 0.1 91.2 55 106 7.1 30 #6 Example of claimed pigment 13 0.55 0.05 91.3 54 105 7.2 32 #7 Example of claimed pigment 15 0.35 0.05 90.6 52 105 7.1 31

[0155] Table 7 confirms that the combination of glycerol and TIPA exhibits properties comparable to the pigment prepared with TMP. Example of treatment 5. Preparation of titanium dioxide filter cake Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 67 / 79 61 / 64 without inorganic treatment

[0156] Titanium dioxide pigment particles formed by the chloride process were dispersed in water to form a crude fluid paste having a pH of 3 to 4. The resulting fluid paste was then subjected to sand milling (using a zircon sand weight to pigment weight ratio of 4:1) until 90% of the particles were smaller than 0.63 microns (as determined by a Microtrac X 100 particle size analyzer) to achieve an aqueous dispersion with a solids content of 35%.

[0157] The resulting fluid paste, diluted to a solids content of 30%, was then heated to 85 °C and the pH was adjusted to 7.0 with a sodium hydroxide solution. The fluid paste was then allowed to digest for another 10 minutes and was then filtered while hot. The resulting filtrate was washed with water that had been preheated to 60 °C. A wet filter cake of titanium dioxide without inorganic treatment was obtained. Comparative example 13. Pigment prepared with BIS and TMP

[0158] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 5, in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment, was mixed with deionized water to form a paste. Then, 3.10 g of bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid (BIS) were added to the paste and mixed well together. The treated titanium dioxide paste was then dried in an oven at 115 °C to form a filter cake having a moisture content of less than 1%. Then, 4.85 g of a 33% aqueous trimethylolpropane (TMP) solution were added to the dried filter cake. The dry pigment was ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam weight to pigment weight ratio of 2.5:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi. Example of claimed pigment 16. Pigment preparation with BIS, Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 68 / 79 62 / 64 glycerol and TIPA

[0159] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 5, in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment, was mixed with deionized water to form a paste. Then, 3.10 g of bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid (BIS) were added to the paste and mixed well together. The treated titanium dioxide paste was then dried in an oven at 115°C to form a filter cake having a moisture content of less than 1%. Then, 1.00 g of glycerol and 0.71 g of an 85% TIPA solution were added to the dried filter cake. The dry pigment was then ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam weight to pigment weight ratio of 2.5:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi. Example of claimed pigment 17. Pigment preparation with BIS, glycerol and sodium benzoate

[0160] The wet titanium dioxide filter cake from Treatment Example 5, in an amount equal to 1000 g of dry pigment, was mixed with deionized water to form a paste. Then, 3.00 g of bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphonic acid (BIS) were added to the paste and mixed well together. The treated titanium dioxide paste was then dried in an oven at 115°C to form a filter cake having a moisture content of less than 1%. Then, 0.60 g of sodium benzoate was dissolved in 10 g of deionized water and mixed with 1.00 g of glycerol to provide a chemical mixture. The chemical mixture was then added to the dried filter cake. The dry pigment was then ground to yield a dry pigment powder. The dry pigment powder was then steam micronized using a steam weight to pigment weight ratio of 2.5:1 with the steam injector pressure set to 160 psi and the micronizer ring pressure set to 118 psi.

[0161] The results of the tests of Comparative Examples 13 and of Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 69 / 79 63 / 64 Examples of claimed pigments 16 and 17 are shown in Table 8 below. Table 8. Test of TiO2 treated with no inorganic and its applications in plastics. Comparative Example 13 Claimed Pigment Example 16 Claimed Pigment Example 17 % Organic Chemistry in TiO2 0.31% BIS, 0.16% TMP 0.31% BIS, 0.10% Glycerol, 0.06% TIPA 0.31% BIS, 0.10% Glycerol, 0.06% Sodium Benzoate Equilibrium Torque of LLDPE (mg) 1086 1154 1125 LLDPE Screen Packet (ppm) 128 105 105

[0162] As shown in Table 8, when the 0.1% glycerol and 0.06% TIPA mixture (Example of claimed pigment 16) and the 0.1% glycerol and 0.06% sodium benzoate mixture (Example of claimed pigment 17) were used to replace TMP, both equilibrium torque and screen pack residue were comparable to the control.

[0163] Therefore, the above examples demonstrate that the organic treatment agent used in the production of a titanium dioxide pigment treated according to the process disclosed herein and in connection with the titanium dioxide pigment disclosed herein is comparable to TMP. The first component and the second component of the treatment agent work synergistically together to achieve excellent results.

[0164] For example, as shown by Tables 3, 4, 5 and 7 above, if only glycerol is used, the particle size distribution of the finished pigments is unacceptable and the pigment performance in coatings is poor. However, when a relatively small amount of a carboxylic acid (or salt thereof) or alkanolamines is used, there are enormous improvements. Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 70 / 79 64 / 64 in particle size and coating performance.

[0165] Therefore, the pigments, compositions, and methods are well adapted to achieve the aforementioned purposes and advantages, as well as those inherent herein. The particular examples disclosed above are merely illustrative, as the present pigments, compositions, and methods may be modified and practiced in different, yet apparently equivalent, ways to individuals skilled in the art who benefit from the teachings of this document. Therefore, it is evident that the particular illustrative examples disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and reach of the present pigments, compositions, and methods. Although the pigments, compositions, and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” “having,” or “including” various components or steps, the pigments, compositions, and methods may also, in some examples, “consist essentially of” or “consist of” various components and steps.Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any range included within the range are specifically disclosed. In particular, each range of values ​​(of the form, “from approximately aa to approximately b,” or equivalently, “from approximately aab,” or equivalently, “from approximately ab”) disclosed herein shall be understood as including each number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Similarly, the terms in the claims have their ordinary common meaning except where explicitly and clearly defined otherwise by the patent holder. Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 71 / 79

Claims

1 / 6 CLAIMS 1. Process for producing a treated titanium dioxide pigment CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: providing a plurality of titanium dioxide pigment particles; and depositing an organic treatment agent on the surfaces of said pigment particles to form a coating of said organic treatment agent thereon, said organic treatment agent including: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol; and a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, alkanolamines, and combinations thereof.

2. Process according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said organic treatment agent is deposited on the surfaces of said pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.1% to about 1%, by weight, based on the weight of said titanium dioxide particles.

3. Process, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the ratio between the first component and the second component in the treatment agent is in the range of about 1:1 to about 20:

1.

4. Process, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said polyhydric alcohol of said first component of said organic treatment agent is selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polyglycerol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof.

5. Process according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said second component of said organic treatment agent is at least one carboxylic acid and / or salt thereof.

6. Process, according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED in that said carboxylic acid and / or salt thereof is selected from the group consisting of monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, hydroxyl carboxylic acids, salts of monocarboxylic acids, salts of dicarboxylic acids, salts of hydroxyl carboxylic acids, and combinations thereof.

7. Process according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED in that said carboxylic acid and / or salt thereof is selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, adipic acid, propionic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, salts of benzoic acid, salts of adipic acid, salts of propionic acid, salts of citric acid, salts of lactic acid, salts of tartaric acid, and combinations thereof.

8. Process according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED in that said carboxylic acid and / or salt thereof is selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid and salts thereof.

9. Process according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said second component of said organic treatment agent is at least one alkanolamine.

10. Process according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED in that said alkanolamine is selected from the group consisting of hydroxylamines, triisopropanolamine (TIPA), triethanolamine (TEOA), tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, and combinations thereof.

11. Pigment, according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED in that said alkanolamine is a triisopropanolamine (TIPA).

12. Process, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said first component of said organic treatment agent is deposited on said surfaces of said pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.1% to about 0.99%, by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles, and said second component of said organic treatment agent is deposited on said surfaces of said pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.01% to about 0.9%, by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles.

13. Process according to claim 12, CHARACTERIZED in that said second component is at least one carboxylic acid and / or salt thereof, and is deposited on said surfaces of said pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.1% to about 0.6%, by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles.

14. Process according to claim 12, CHARACTERIZED in that said second component is at least an alkanolamine, and is deposited on said surfaces of said pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.01% to about 0.2%, by weight, based on the weight of the titanium dioxide particles.

15. Process according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises: before depositing said organic treatment agent onto said surfaces of said pigment particles: depositing an inorganic treatment agent onto the surfaces of said pigment particles to form a coating of said inorganic treatment agent on them.

16. Process according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said organic treatment agent is a second organic treatment agent, and said process further comprises: depositing a first organic treatment agent onto the surfaces of said pigment particles to form a coating of said first organic treatment agent on them.

17. Process, according to claim 16, CHARACTERIZED in that said first organic treatment agent is deposited on said surfaces of said pigment particles before depositing said second organic treatment agent on said surfaces of said pigment particles.

18. Process according to claim 16, CHARACTERIZED in that said first organic treatment agent is selected from the group consisting of alkyl phosphinic acids, alkyl phosphinic acid derivatives, phosphonic acids, phosphonic acid derivatives, siloxanes, and combinations thereof.

19. Process according to claim 18, CHARACTERIZED in that said first organic treatment agent is selected from the group consisting of alkyl phosphinic acids, phosphonic acids, siloxanes, and combinations thereof.

20. Process according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED in that said first organic treatment agent consists of one or more alkyl phosphinic acids.

21. Process according to claim 20, CHARACTERIZED in that said first organic acid is bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid.

22. Process according to claim 20, CHARACTERIZED in that said first treatment agent is deposited on said surfaces of said pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.05% to about 1.0%, by weight, based on the weight of said pigment particles.

23. Treated titanium dioxide pigment CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: a plurality of titanium dioxide particles; and an organic treatment agent deposited on the surfaces of said titanium dioxide particles and forming a coating of said organic treatment agent thereon, said organic treatment agent including: a first component consisting of at least one polyhydric alcohol; and Petition 870250083343, dated 16 / 09 / 2025, page 75 / 79 5 / 6 a second component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids and salts thereof, alkanolamines, and combinations thereof.

24. Pigment, according to claim 23, CHARACTERIZED in that said polyhydric alcohol of said first component of said organic treatment agent is selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polyglycerol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof.

25. Pigment, according to claim 23, CHARACTERIZED in that the second component of said treatment agent is at least one carboxylic acid and / or a salt thereof.

26. Pigment, according to claim 25, CHARACTERIZED in that said carboxylic acid and / or salt thereof is selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, adipic acid, propionic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, salts of benzoic acid, salts of adipic acid, salts of propionic acid, salts of citric acid, salts of lactic acid, salts of tartaric acid, and combinations thereof.

27. Pigment, according to claim 26, CHARACTERIZED in that said carboxylic acid and / or salt thereof is selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid and salts thereof.

28. Pigment, according to claim 23, CHARACTERIZED in that the second component of said treatment agent is at least one alkanolamine.

29. Pigment, according to claim 28, CHARACTERIZED in that said alkanolamine is selected from the group consisting of hydroxylamines, triisopropanolamine (TIPA), triethanolamine (TEOA), tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, and combinations thereof.

30. Pigment, according to claim 29, CHARACTERIZED in that said alkanolamine is a triisopropanolamine (TIPA). Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 76 / 79 6 / 6 31. Pigment, according to claim 23, CHARACTERIZED in that said organic treatment agent is a second organic treatment agent, and said pigment further comprises a first organic treatment agent deposited on the surfaces of said pigment particles to form a coating of said first organic treatment agent on them.

32. Pigment, according to claim 31, CHARACTERIZED in that said second organic treatment agent is deposited on top of said first organic treatment agent.

33. Process according to claim 31, CHARACTERIZED in that said first organic treatment agent is selected from the group consisting of alkyl phosphinic acids, alkyl phosphinic acid derivatives, phosphonic acids, phosphonic acid derivatives, siloxanes, and combinations thereof.

34. Process according to claim 33, CHARACTERIZED in that said first organic treatment agent is selected from the group consisting of alkyl phosphinic acids, phosphonic acids, siloxanes, and combinations thereof.

35. Process according to claim 34, CHARACTERIZED in that said first organic treatment agent consists of one or more alkyl phosphinic acids.

36. Process according to claim 35, CHARACTERIZED in that said first organic acid is bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid.

37. Process, according to claim 31, CHARACTERIZED in that said first treatment agent is deposited on said surfaces of said pigment particles in a proportion in the range of about 0.05% to about 1.0%, by weight, based on the weight of said pigment particles. Petition 870250083343, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 77 / 79