Titanium Dioxide Pigment Co-precipitation for Reduced Photoactivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a simplified process to incorporate silica, alumina, and zinc oxide into titanium dioxide pigment to enhance opacity, reduce photoactivity, and provide mildew-resistant properties in coating compositions.

Innovation Solution

A treated titanium dioxide particle is created by applying a silicon compound in a single step, followed by the simultaneous co-precipitation of zinc oxide and alumina, which are then integrated into the pigment, resulting in reduced photoactivity and improved anti-microbial properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate treatments (silica, alumina, zinc oxide) are applied to titanium dioxide pigment to achieve opacity, reduced photoactivity, and mildewstat properties, then the coating composition gains multiple desired properties, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-functionality of pigmentVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate treatment steps (silica coating, alumina treatment, zinc oxide application) into a single integrated process where all three components are applied simultaneously or in a consolidated sequence, reducing the number of discrete manufacturing operations while maintaining all desired functional properties in the final pigment product

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The treated titanium dioxide pigment is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing opacity through titanium dioxide and silica, reducing photoactivity through alumina, and conferring mildewstat properties through zinc oxide, all within a single pigment particle structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate additives in the coating composition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If silica, alumina and zinc oxide are added separately to titanium dioxide pigment, then each property (opacity, photoactivity reduction, mildewstat) can be optimized independently, but the manufacturing time and process steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproperty optimizationVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies silica coating as a preliminary step that establishes a base layer on the titanium dioxide particle, creating a structured foundation that facilitates subsequent uniform deposition of alumina and zinc oxide, ensuring consistent property distribution while streamlining the overall process sequence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the application of alumina and zinc oxide into a combined treatment step where both components are applied together in a coordinated manner, reducing the total number of discrete operations while maintaining independent optimization of each component's concentration and distribution for precise property control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The treated titanium dioxide pigment exhibits improved anti-microbial properties and reduced photoactivity, enhancing the performance of coating compositions while maintaining high gloss and durability, making it suitable for various applications including architectural paints and ink formulations.

Implementation Method 1

a first treatment of a silicon compound, such as silica, wherein the silicon compound is added in a single step

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Implementation Method 2

a second treatment comprising co-precipitated zinc oxide and alumina

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCo-precipitation: Coprecipitation

Data Source

PatentUS9228090B2Treated inorganic pigments having reduced photoactivity and improved anti-microbial properties and their use in coating compositions
Publication Date: 2016.01.05 THE CHEMOURS CO FC LLC

AI summary

The disclosure provides a coating composition comprising a treated inorganic particle having reduced photoactivity and improved anti-microbial properties, wherein the treated inorganic particle comprises: an inorganic core particle; a first treatment of a silicon compound, wherein the silicon compound is added in a single step; and a second treatment comprising co-precipitated zinc oxide and alumina.