May 10，2025 by Dawn Group

Rutile vs. Anatase TiO₂: What’s the Difference?

Rutile vs. Anatase TiO₂: What’s the Difference?

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is an indispensable key material in the coatings, plastics, papermaking and other industries. But did you know that the two types of titanium dioxide crystals, rutile and anatase, have huge differences in performance? This blog will analyze their core differences to help you make a better choice.

Scientific Comparison: Rutile vs. Anatase TiO₂

Crystal Structure and Physical Properties

The atoms of rutile TiO₂ are more tightly arranged, with a refractive index of up to 2.7, which can efficiently reflect light and provide stronger hiding power and whiteness. At the same time, it can absorb ultraviolet rays and reduce material aging.


Anatase TiO₂ has a looser structure, a refractive index of only 2.5, weaker hiding power, and is prone to photocatalytic reactions under ultraviolet rays, resulting in powdering or discoloration of the coating.

Stability and Durability

Rutile TiO₂: It is resistant to high temperatures and UV rays, and is suitable for long-term outdoor use (such as building exterior wall paint, car paint).
 
Anatase TiO₂: It is easily degraded by light and requires the addition of stabilizers. It is usually used for indoor coatings or short-term applications.

Comparison of Application Scenarios

Rutile TiO₂: automotive paint, outdoor plastic products, high-end industrial coatings (see Dawn rutile titanium dioxide application cases).

Cost-Benefit Analysis

The initial cost of rutile TiO₂ is slightly higher, but it has a long service life, low maintenance costs, and its overall cost performance far exceeds that of anatase titanium dioxide.

Dawn Rutile Titanium Dioxide

Dawn Titanium Industry Co., Ltd. specializes in the research and production of rutile TiO₂.

With an annual production capacity of 130,000 tons, it is recognized as a high-tech enterprise by the state and ranks among the top ten in the green factory industry. The company has introduced key production equipment from abroad, enabling a fully clean and green production process. Its mission is to build an environmentally friendly enterprise. It is based on low-carbon and energy-saving titanium dioxide production technology, it realizes clean production and standardized operation across the board.

With a variety of grades available, the company can meet the demands of various fields.

R-2195 and R-2295 are two general-purpose products suitable for most fields, R-2395 is suitable for high weather resistance fields, R-2595 is suitable for papermaking fields, R-3395 is suitable for plastic masterbatch fields, R-5195 is suitable for high hiding fields, and R-5395 is suitable for ink fields.

FAQs

Q1: Can Rutile and Anatase TiO₂ be mixed?
No. Mixing may cause performance conflicts and accelerate aging.

Q2: Does Dawn produce Anatase TiO₂?
Dawn specializes in Rutile TiO₂ to ensure optimal weather resistance (View Products).

Q3: How to test TiO₂ suitability?
Dawn provides free samples and technical guidance for quick validation.