The coexistence of sulfate process and chloride process dominates global titanium dioxide (TiO₂) production, which is essentially a historical balance of raw material endowments, technical feasibility and market demands, rather than simple technological iteration.
The sulfate process originated earlier and relies on low-cost, widely available raw materials, including ordinary ilmenite and titanium slag. It adopts batch acid hydrolysis and calcination technology, with low equipment investment and low raw material threshold. Its core advantage is flexible production of both anatase and rutile TiO₂, uniquely catering to ceramics, papermaking, and general coatings. However, this process has obvious drawbacks: long production cycles, high energy consumption, and large emissions of waste acid and by-products. Its product purity, gloss and weather resistance are moderate, suitable for mid-to-low-end application scenarios.
The modern chloride process was developed to meet high-end pigment demands. It requires high-grade rutile or high-titanium slag (TiO₂ ≥90%) and adopts continuous high-temperature chlorination and oxidation reactions with recycled chlorine. This process features high automation, low pollution and stable output. The finished TiO₂ boasts superior whiteness, hiding power and weather resistance, ideal for automotive paints, high-end architectural coatings and premium plastics. The main limitations are high capital investment and strict raw material requirements, and it can only produce rutile products.
In short, the sulfate process survives for cost adaptability and full product coverage, while the chloride process prevails for high-end quality and environmental friendliness. The two technologies complement each other and will maintain a long-term coexistence pattern in the global TiO₂ industry.
Post time: Jun-05-2026