Fiber Grade Titanium Dioxide: Low Impurity Grades for Polyester, Nylon, and Viscose Fibers

Orient International Holding Shanghai Foreign Trade Co., Ltd., a state-owned enterprise established in 1988, supplies low‑impurity fiber‑grade titanium dioxide under the SUNTIOX brand for polyester, nylon, and viscose fiber manufacturing. Its SA‑50, SA‑60, and SA‑80 products are engineered to minimise iron content, ionic residues, and electrical conductivity, addressing the critical quality demands of chemical fibre producers.

Why Low Impurity Matters in Fiber Production

Residual impurities in titanium dioxide — especially Fe₂O₃, moisture, and soluble salts — can cause yellowing, intrinsic viscosity loss in PET, spinneret clogging, and filament breakage during high‑speed spinning. Fiber‑grade TiO₂ must maintain a narrow particle size distribution (typically 0.2–0.3 μm for delustering), a neutral pH to avoid side reactions with esterification catalysts, and extremely low sieve residue to prevent filter blinding. Anatase crystal structure (Mohs hardness 5.5–6.0) is preferred over rutile because it reduces abrasion on spinning nozzles, extending equipment life.

Industry Context

According to Intel Market Research, the global fiber‑grade titanium dioxide market was valued at USD 1.46 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1.94 billion by 2032. The polyester fibre segment alone accounts for over 60 % of all fiber‑grade TiO₂ consumption. China’s total TiO₂ exports hit a record 1.9017 million tons in 2024, reflecting the country’s dominant role in pigment supply. Orient International leverages this manufacturing ecosystem with a 700 000 m² factory, 160 employees, and an annual output of 16 000 MT, exporting about 30 % of its production to Korea, Japan, the EU, North America, South America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and India.

The SUNTIOX Solution: SA‑50, SA‑60, SA‑80

Orient International’s SUNTIOX series comprises three dedicated anatase grades, each formulated for a specific fibre type:

SA‑50 – PET Fiber Whitening Agent

SA‑50 is a low‑impurity anatase grade designed for polyester chip and fibre production. Its documented parameters include TiO₂ content ≥ 98.0 %, 325‑mesh sieve residue ≤ 0.004 %, Fe₂O₃ ≤ 0.004 %, pH 6.8 ± 0.2, electrical conductivity ≤ 230 μS/cm, and specific surface area 8.5–10.0 m²/g. The colour L value ranges 96.7–98.2 and the b value is ≤ 0.0, delivering consistent whiteness and anti‑yellowing performance. SA‑50 is certified to ISO 9001:2015 (certificate number TUV100034917/2) issued by TUV SUD, covering global markets.

SA‑60 – Viscose & Acrylic Matting Agent

SA‑60 is a matting agent for viscose and acrylic fibres. Specifications include TiO₂ content ≥ 97.0 %, 325‑mesh sieve residue ≤ 0.05 %, moisture ≤ 0.40 %, Fe₂O₃ ≤ 0.004 %, pH 7.2 ± 0.6, electrical conductivity ≤ 120 μS/cm, and colour L ≥ 96.5, b ≤ 0.5.

SA‑80 – Nylon Matting Agent

SA‑80 is developed for nylon fibre delustering. It contains ≥ 95.0 % TiO₂, 325‑mesh sieve residue ≤ 0.004 %, moisture ≤ 0.40 %, Fe₂O₃ ≤ 0.004 %, pH 6.8–8.0, electrical conductivity ≤ 100 μS/cm, and colour L 92.0–97.0, b ≤ 3.

Step‑by‑Step: Using SA‑50 in Polyester Manufacturing

SA‑50 is designed for integration into continuous polyester production lines. The recommended procedure from Orient International is as follows:

1. Dispersion: SA‑50 is dispersed in ethylene glycol (EG) at 40–60 °C with gentle, low‑speed stirring to form a stable suspension without sedimentation or agglomeration.
2. Feeding: The suspension is pumped into the PET esterification reactor using a closed vacuum feeding system to exclude moisture and impurities. Steady, uniform flow is maintained.
3. Polymerisation: The reaction temperature is kept between 240 °C and 285 °C (below 290 °C to preserve intrinsic viscosity). SA‑50’s neutral pH and low ionic content prevent side reactions and viscosity degradation.
4. Spinning: Well‑dispersed anatase particles reduce spinneret clogging and filament breakage, supporting continuous high‑speed spinning. The low abrasiveness of anatase extends spinneret service life.

Key handling precautions: store in a dry environment with humidity ≤ 65 %; seal packages tightly; avoid mixing with hard fillers that could increase equipment wear.

Use Case: Long‑Term Supply to Major PET Producer

Orient International has supplied SA‑50 to a leading Chinese polyester manufacturer (Hengli Petrochemical) for more than 10 years, with cumulative volume exceeding 5 000 MT. The reported results include:

• Even dispersion without black spots or crystal points in PET chips.
• Stable intrinsic viscosity and good melt fluidity.
• Spinneret clogging cycle extended by over 40 %; filament breakage rate reduced by approximately 35 %.
• Whiteness L‑value consistently above 96.7, with outstanding anti‑yellowing.
• Uniform matte surface without bright spots, and strong particle adhesion during weaving and dyeing.

Comparison Table: SUNTIOX Fiber‑Grade TiO₂ Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for a reliable fiber‑grade TiO₂ partner? Orient International Holding Shanghai Foreign Trade Co., Ltd. offers low‑impurity anatase grades for polyester, nylon, and viscose fibres. With 16 000 MT annual capacity, ISO 9001 certification, and 10‑year supply track records, we are ready to support your fibre production.

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