|
The aim of this project was to enable paint formulators to
improve utilisation of titanium dioxide. Four subject areas were
selected after discussion with industry. These are:
Computer Prediction of Scattering: Using input from project
sponsors and published literature, PRA produced a PC based
program for calculating the optical properties of coatings films
from fundamental parameters such as pigment refractive index and
size distribution
The Effect of Polymer Refractive Index: The significance of
binder refractive index is often ignored in estimates of light
scattering. However, calculation of reflectivity of TiO2
in different binders indicate that significant improvements in
scattering could be obtained by careful binder selection. This
hypothesis was explored and a database of binder refractive
indices produced.
Characterisation of Pigment - Dispersant Interaction:
Measurement of acid base characteristics of TiO2
surfaces and dispersants provide a method to select suitable TiO2
- dispersant pairs with minimal experimentation. Various methods
of measuring acid base character of pigments and dispersants were
explored and correlation with absorbtion of dispersant was
investigated.
Determination of State of Dispersion of Titanium Dioxide in
the Wet: An instrument based on the Pfund cryptometer but using a
photoelectric cell instead of the human eye has been developed in
collaboration with a Rhopoint Instrumentation.
Further Information
If you are interested in this, or any other project, please contact Richard Holman.
|
