PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF TiO2/SERICITE COMPOSITE MATERIAL WITH FAVORABLE PIGMENTS PROPERTIES

A unique method of preparing TiO2/sericite composite particles material was investigated by coating anatase TiO2 on the surface of sericite via chemical precipitation method. The results of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, infrared spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that TiO2 coated uniformly on the surface of sericite, and Si-O-Ti chemical bonds are formed during the thermal treatment process. The hiding power of Ti/SE-CPM composite is up to 85% of TiO2 white pigments, and the oil absorption value was equal to TiO2 white pigments. All these data demonstrated that the obtained Ti/SE-CPM samples have similar excellent properties compared with anatase TiO2 white pigments. Therefore, this study provides a feasible way of reducing the usage of TiO2 while maintaining similar pigment properties, which, of course, will reduce the cost, protect our environment and has a potential application in large-scale production of white pigments.