HUBER ENGINEERED MATERIALS
Huber’s Calcium Carbonate and
Barium Sulfate TiO2 Extender Solutions
Titanium dioxide (TiO 2) owes its opacifying power to a high refractive index and small
particle size. The small particle size gives rise to a larger number of scattering sites. Further,
the small particle size results in a greater number of individual particles in any given specified
weight or volume, thus a greater number of interfaces between the pigment and resin,
allowing the light to scatter.
Refractive Indices of Selected Minerals
Mineral
Refractive Index
TiO 2
2.5 - 2.7
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
1.57
Barium Sulfate (BaSO4)
1.64
Few minerals approach the refractive index of TiO 2, therefore other methods of
promoting the efficiency of TiO 2 are being explored. Since dispersion of TiO 2 is key to
maximizing performance, extending agents that enhance the dispersion of TiO 2 are of
great interest.
The degree to which a selected mineral will extend TiO 2 is dependent on the median
particle size, particle size distribution and morphology of the extender. Large particles have
the tendency to “crowd” the TiO 2 particles together while smaller particles can “space” the
TiO 2 particles and make them more efficient.
Two high performing white mineral TiO 2 spacers from Huber Engineered Materials
are Optifil ® JSU calcium carbonate and Huberbrite ® 1 barium sulfate. The back page provides
an overview of these two products and how they will work for you to extend TiO 2 . For more
information on Optifil JSU and Huberbrite 1, or to order samples, contact us:
Phone: 866-JMHUBER (866-564-8237)
Click: hubermaterials.com/tio2extension
Email: [email protected]
®
Optifil JSU Calcium Carbonate
Optifil® JSU is an ultrafine ground calcium carbonate produced from a specialty ore
deposit. Typical limestone or marble grinds to roughly the crystal shape of calcite, which
is a rhomboid. The soft ore body of Optifil JSU results in a more rounded shape as shown in
the electron micrograph below. A rounded shape promotes dispersion and less crowding. The
milling process also results in roughly 40% of the particles by weight being less than 1 micron,
an ideal size for spacing TiO 2 . Optifil JSU is a cost-effective TiO 2 spacer candidate for use in
interior applications.
Optifil JSU Typical Properties
Typical Properties
Values
Median Particle Size
1.0
Dry Brightness
95
Oil Absorption
19
Weight Per Gallon
22.6
Hegman Grind
5.5
1µm
Mag = 10.00 KX
These typical properties cannot be considered as specifications.
®
Huberbrite 1 Barium Sulfate
Huberbrite® 1 is an ultrafine ground white barium sulfate. Its fine particle size, morphology,
white color and particle size distribution make it well-suited for TiO 2 extension for interior
or exterior applications where scrub or acid resistance is a requirement (see electron
micrograph below).
Huberbrite 1 Typical Properties
Typical Properties
Values
Median Particle Size
1.1
Dry Brightness
>88
Oil Absorption
13
Weight Per Gallon
36.3
Hegman Grind
6.0
1µm
Mag = 10.00 KX
These typical properties cannot be considered as specifications.
Optifil JSU and Huberbrite 1 Particle Size Distributions
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Cumulative Mass Finer Than
(%)
Optifil JSU
Huberbrite 1
0.1
1
10
Particle Diameter (µ)
100
HUBER ENGINEERED MATERIALS
THERE ARE NO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Refer to Huber’s Standard Conditions of Sale for the only express warranties applicable
to the Huber products. Products incorporating Huber products are not warranted by Huber. In no event is Huber liable for consequential damages. Optifil® is used, applied for, or registered as a trademark
of the J.M. Huber Corporation for calcium carbonate in various countries around the world. Huberbrite® is used, applied for, or registered as a trademark of the J.M. Huber Corporation for barium
sulfate in various countries around the world.
©2012 J.M. Huber Corporation
GCC/TiO2Extension/May2012