Altair Nanotechnologies Awarded Patent for Titanium Dioxide Pigment Production

Altair Nanotechnologies have just been awarded their third patent by the US Patent Office. The patent is titled "Processing Aqueous Titanium Solutions to Titanium Dioxide Pigments".

The patent describes a hydrometallurgical process for manufacturing pigment grade titanium dioxide (TiO₂) containing solutions. The process involves hydrolysing a solution by complete evaporation under controlled conditions followed by calcination to form rutile or anatase pigments with controlled particles sizes.

Compared to current technologies such as the chloride and sulfate processes, the new process provides significant economies of scale and environmental advantages.

The current patent is the third that Altair have been awarded, relating to TiO₂ pigment production. They have another 9 patent applications awaiting approvals.

For more information on the titanium dioxide, click here.