Which TiO2 grade is best for white masterbatch?
Select titanium dioxide by resin, pigment loading, dispersion, moisture, processing temperature, film quality and outdoor durability — not whiteness alone.
Start with the plastics-focused R878, then compare R818 or R838 where appropriate.
The Jinan Yuxing R878 TDS explicitly lists plastics, masterbatch, flexible PVC and rubber; it specifies TiO2 purity ≥96%, oil absorption ≤18 g/100g, Al inorganic coating plus organic treatment and tinting strength ≥115% versus the stated standard. R818 and R838 are universal grades that also list plastics and masterbatch. Final choice depends on resin chemistry, loading, melt temperature, equipment and finished use.
Grade priorities by polymer and product.
| Masterbatch/end use | Starting point | Priority checks |
|---|---|---|
| PE/PP general white masterbatch | R838 | Dispersion, tint strength, undertone, throughput, die build-up and let-down consistency. |
| High-loading or thin film | R878 or dedicated low-moisture plastics rutile | Moisture/volatiles, packing, filter pressure, lacing, dispersion and film defects. |
| Exterior profiles/film | Durable surface-treated rutile | Weathering, chalking/colour change, heat history and polymer stabilization package. |
| Engineering polymers | Application-matched plastics grade | Processing temperature, moisture sensitivity, polymer compatibility and mechanical-property retention. |
| Interior, cost-focused filler/colour | R838/R818; anatase A1 only after validation | Opacity, colour, processing and non-weathering requirement. |
Masterbatch approval needs pigment and process data.
Supplier specification
- Crystal form and production route.
- TiO2 content and surface treatment.
- Moisture/105°C volatiles and soluble matter.
- Tint strength, undertone, particle/agglomerate control and sieve residue.
- Packaging, traceability and batch COA.
Compounder validation
- Maximum stable pigment loading.
- Torque, pressure, throughput and screen/filter behaviour.
- Dispersion rating, specks, lacing and film break rate.
- Let-down colour, opacity, mechanical properties and outdoor ageing.
- Food-contact or other regulatory status where applicable.
Do not transfer claims across polymers. A grade that disperses well in polyethylene may not be the correct choice for polycarbonate, polyamide, PVC or a moisture-sensitive engineering resin.
White masterbatch RFQ checklist
- Base resin, melt-flow range, carrier resin and additives.
- Target TiO2 loading in masterbatch and let-down ratio in the final product.
- Extruder type, screw design, melt temperature, screen pack and current throughput.
- Finished application: injection, blow moulding, film, sheet, pipe, fibre or exterior profile.
- Colour/undertone target, opacity, dispersion test, moisture/volatiles limit and regulatory requirements.
- Trial quantity, annual demand, pack, destination, Incoterm, TDS/SDS/COA.
Carrier resin and surface treatment
The pigment's inorganic and organic treatment changes wetting, moisture pickup and compatibility with the carrier. Tell the supplier whether the masterbatch uses PE, PP, EVA, PVC or an engineering-polymer carrier, and disclose processing temperature and food-contact or migration requirements. A producer may recommend a different treatment even when the optical target is unchanged.
How to compare total cost
Compare pigment cost per acceptable tonne of masterbatch, not only price per tonne of TiO2. Include achievable loading, energy, throughput, filter changes, rejects, film defects, let-down rate and the amount of pigment needed to reach the target opacity.
Plastics and masterbatch sources.
Producer selection matrix covering PE/PP, PVC, engineering polymers, film, sheet and exterior applications, with physical-property comparisons.
Technical guidance on dry blending, melt-shear processing, resin compatibility, pigment loading and dispersion quality.
Manufacturer example showing why moisture, dispersion, packing fraction, throughput and lacing matter in demanding masterbatch applications.
White masterbatch questions.
Is the highest TiO2-content grade always best?
No. Dispersion, surface treatment, moisture, processing stability and tint efficiency can outweigh a small difference in nominal TiO2 percentage.
Should white masterbatch use rutile or anatase?
Rutile is the normal starting point for opacity, durable plastics and demanding processing. Anatase may fit selected non-weathering, cost-focused uses after testing.
Should I start with R838 or R878?
Start with R878 when the application is plastics, masterbatch, flexible PVC or rubber because those uses are explicitly listed in its manufacturer TDS. Compare R838 when a universal grade is preferred, using the same resin and process.
What causes lacing in TiO2 film?
Moisture and other volatiles can contribute, while poor dispersion or incompatible treatment may worsen film defects. Validate the full pigment-resin-process system.
Qualify a TiO2 grade in your masterbatch line.
Send resin, loading, process, incumbent grade, target colour, annual volume and destination.
Compare the five verified TiO₂ grade specifications.
Review crystal form, TiO₂ content, surface treatment, oil absorption, pH, tinting-method boundaries and manufacturer-listed applications in one evidence-aligned matrix.