What is Lithopone? Properties, Uses, and Benefits
Introduction
Lithopone is a high-performance white pigment composed of zinc sulfide (ZnS) and barium sulfate (BaSO₄). It serves as a cost-effective alternative to Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) in paints, plastics, rubber, and coatings. The higher the ZnS content, the better its opacity, brightness, and tinting strength.
Key Properties of Lithopone
1. Chemical Composition: ZnS (28-30%) + BaSO₄ (70-72%)
2. Density: 4.1-4.3 g/cm³
3. Reflectance: 85-92% (bright white appearance)
4. Acid Resistance: Decomposes in strong acids (releases H₂S gas)
5. UV Sensitivity: Darkens under sunlight but recovers in darkness
6. Thermal Stability: Stable up to 300°C (not for high-heat applications)
Top Industrial Uses of Lithopone
1. Paints & Coatings
· Improves opacity, dispersion, and weather resistance in:
- Water-based paints
- Industrial primers
- Architectural coatings
2. Plastics & Polymers
· Used in PVC, polyolefins, ABS, and nylon for whitening
· Enhances UV resistance in plastic products
3. Rubber & Paper
· Provides brightness and reinforcement in rubber goods
· Acts as a filler and coating agent in paper manufacturing
4. Inks & Textiles
· Improves printability in offset and gravure inks
· Used as a delustering agent in synthetic fibers
How to Choose High-Quality Lithopone?
✔ Check ZnS Content (≥30% for best opacity)
✔ Inspect Particle Size (finer particles = better dispersion)
✔ Verify Purity (BaSO₄ ≥99%)
✔ Buy from Trusted Suppliers (e.g., Silver Horse Pigments)
Lithopone vs. Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂)
Why Choose Lithopone?
· Cost-Effective (50% cheaper than TiO₂)
· Non-Toxic & Safe (REACH/EPA compliant)
· Easy to Disperse (reduces production costs)