Fiber Grade Titanium Dioxide for Polyester Spinning: How SA-50, SA-60, and SA-80 Fit Your Production Process

Fiber Grade Titanium Dioxide for Polyester Spinning: How SA-50, SA-60, and SA-80 Fit Your Production Process

ORIENT INTERNATIONAL HOLDING SHANGHAI FOREIGN TRADE CO., LTD, a wholly state-owned foreign trade enterprise established in 1988 under the Orient International Group, supplies fiber grade titanium dioxide—specifically the SA-50, SA-60, and SA-80 grades—tailored for polyester, nylon, and viscose fiber manufacturing. Choosing the correct grade requires matching its physicochemical properties to your spinning process conditions, equipment, and final fiber quality targets.

Why Process-Specific Selection Matters

Global fiber grade titanium dioxide demand reached an estimated USD 1.46 billion in 2024, with polyester fiber applications alone accounting for over 60% of volume. China exported a record 1.9017 million tons of titanium dioxide in 2024, according to China Customs Statistics. Suppliers that provide grades with defined particle size, impurity profile, and dispersion behavior help fiber manufacturers reduce spinneret clogging, filament breakage, and batch-to-batch variation.

The anatase crystalline form is preferred for fiber grades because its lower abrasiveness (Mohs hardness 5.5–6.0) minimizes wear on spinning nozzles compared to rutile (6.0–7.0). For polyester staple fibers, optimal delustering typically requires a particle size of 0.2–0.3 μm.

[IMAGE: Cover | Hengli polyester production line using SA-50 for continuous spinning | https://cdn.socialarks.com/sbsp/24975/common/2026/0620/%E6%81%92%E5%8A%9B%E8%81%9A%E9%85%AF%E5%B7%A5%E5%8E%82%E5%9B%BE%E7%89%87.jpg style="width:100%;"]

Product Portfolio Overview

Grade	Primary Application	TiO₂ Content	Fe₂O₃	pH	EC (μS/cm)	Color L	Color b
SA-50	PET fiber whitening & matting	≥98.0%	≤0.004%	6.8±0.2	≤230	96.7–98.2	≤0.0
SA-60	Viscose & acrylic matting	≥97.0%	≤0.004%	7.2±0.6	≤120	≥96.5	≤0.5
SA-80	Nylon matting	≥95.0%	≤0.004%	6.8–8.0	≤100	92.0–97.0	≤3

SA-50: The Polyester Spinning Grade

SA-50 is designed specifically for ethylene glycol circulation and polyester polycondensation environments. It operates within a batch pre-dispersion and continuous polymerization feeding mode. The product is first dispersed in ethylene glycol, then pumped into a PET esterification reactor and blended under 240–285°C. Its superior hydrolysis resistance and neutral pH eliminate adverse side reactions and slow the intrinsic viscosity degradation of polyester chips.

Supporting equipment required includes a titanium dioxide continuous feeding dispersion system. Special handling requirements include: closed vacuum feeding to prevent moisture and impurities; dispersion at 40–60°C with low-speed stirring to avoid agglomeration; maintaining reaction temperature below 290°C; and storing in a dry environment with humidity ≤65%.

[IMAGE: Supporting | Titanium dioxide feeding dispersion system for polyester reactor | https://cdn.socialarks.com/sbsp/24975/common/2026/0620/%E8%81%9A%E5%90%88%E5%89%8D%E6%8A%95%E6%96%99%E8%AE%BE%E5%A4%87%E7%A4%BA%E6%84%8F%E5%9B%BE.jpg style="width:100%;"]

Proven Performance in Polyester Fiber Lines

In a long-term application with a major Chinese polyester maker (Hengli Petrochemical), SA-50 demonstrated the following results over more than 10 years and cumulative supply exceeding 5,000 metric tons:

• Polymerization stage: Low iron (Fe₂O₃ ≤0.004%), low ionic impurities, and neutral pH enable uniform dispersion in ethylene glycol without sedimentation. The product stays stable at 240–285°C, does not reduce PET intrinsic viscosity or produce black spots.
• Spinning performance: Excellent dispersion avoids secondary agglomeration under high-temperature melting. Spinneret clogging cycle extended over 40%; filter replacement frequency greatly reduced. Filament breakage rate dropped by approximately 35%.
• Finished fiber quality: Stable high whiteness (L value >96.7), uniform dyeing without streaks or color difference. Good heat and weather resistance with firm particle adhesion that prevents powder fallout during weaving and dyeing.

[IMAGE: Proof | Hengli Petrochemical logo representing long-term customer case | https://cdn.socialarks.com/sbsp/24975/common/2026/0620/%E6%81%92%E5%8A%9B.jpg style="width:100%;"]

SA-60 and SA-80 for Other Fiber Types

SA-60 is formulated for viscose and acrylic fiber matting. With a slightly higher pH (7.2±0.6) and lower electrical conductivity (≤120 μS/cm), it suits the wet-spinning environment of regenerated cellulose fibers. SA-80, designed for nylon (polyamide), has a wider pH range (6.8–8.0) and the lowest conductivity (≤100 μS/cm) to match the melt-spinning conditions of nylon. Both grades maintain the low iron content (Fe₂O₃ ≤0.004%) essential for preventing discoloration.

Implementation Workflow for SA-50 in PET

1. Pre-dispersion: Mix SA-50 with ethylene glycol at 40–60°C using low-speed stirring to create a stable suspension without agglomeration.
2. Feeding: Transfer the suspension via a closed vacuum feeding system into the titanium dioxide continuous feeding dispersion system. This prevents moisture ingress and impurity introduction.
3. Polymerization: Add the dispersed slurry into the PET esterification reactor. Maintain temperature between 240–285°C to avoid side reactions and viscosity loss.
4. Spinning: The well-dispersed particles prevent spinneret clogging and filament breakage, supporting long-time continuous high-speed spinning production.

Frequently Asked Questions

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