Titanium Dioxide TiO2

Tronox Announces Increases in TiO2 Prices

2007-12-19T16:32:00.000-08:00

Tronox Incorporated, on behalf of its subsidiary companies, today announced price increases for all TRONOX titanium dioxide grades sold in the Asia-Pacific region. Effective Jan. 15, 2008, or as contracts allow, TRONOX grades sold in the Asia-Pacific region will increase by US$150 per tonne. Other increases may be announced locally within each region.

This increase is in addition to the previously announced price increases in the Asia-Pacific region and is needed to help offset the escalating input costs and support margins and reinvestment required to meet the needs of our global customers.

Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Tronox is the world's third-largest producer and marketer of titanium dioxide pigment, with an annual production capacity of 642,000 tonnes. Titanium dioxide pigment is an inorganic white pigment used in paint, coatings, plastics, paper and many other everyday products The company's five pigment plants, which are located in the USA, Australia, Germany and the Netherlands, supply high-performance products to approximately 1,100 customers in 100 countries. In addition, Tronox produces electrolytic products, including sodium chlorate, electrolytic manganese dioxide, boron trichloride, elemental boron and lithium manganese oxide.

News source: www.tronox.com

Nanoscale Titanium Dioxide Particles

2007-11-10T01:58:00.000-08:00

DuPont today introduced DuPont Light Stabilizer 210, a product designed as sun protection for plastics. The product uses extremely small particles of titanium dioxide to efficiently absorb ultraviolet light, protecting plastic and anything it covers from the sun's damaging rays. Because a sizeable percentage of titanium dioxide particles in the product are nanoscale, it was selected as a demonstration case for application of the Nano Risk Framework that DuPont and Environmental Defense introduced in June. The Framework is a systematic and disciplined process to evaluate and address the potential risks of nanoscale materials.

Nanoscale Titanium Dioxide Particles in DuPont(TM) Light Stabilizer 210 Help Protect Plastics from Sun Damage. First Product Developed Using DuPont-Environmental Defense Nano Risk Framework

DuPont is the world's largest manufacturer of titanium dioxide, which is widely used as a pigment in the coatings, plastics and paper industries. DuPont Light Stabilizer 210 is the first in a family of products based on breakthrough DuPont titanium dioxide process technology. It will be available for sale in November.

DuPont(TM) Light Stabilizer 210 is an additive designed for use in plastics to help protect products from cracking, fading and other types of solar degradation. Potential applications include sporting goods, outdoor furniture, fabrics and carpet fibers - virtually any plastic product that will be exposed to sunlight. It also can be used in plastic films and sheeting to protect plants in greenhouses or packaged goods from UV light. In testing, DuPont(TM) Light Stabilizer 210 blocked twice as much ultraviolet light as several classes of competitive products.

"Our titanium dioxide manufacturing technology has transformed several times in the more than 70 years since it entered the DuPont product family,"

said Richard C. Olson, vice president and general manager - DuPont Titanium Technologies.

"It's extremely gratifying to see this material transform yet again into a high performance product made using DuPont nanoscale science."

"DuPont(TM) Light Stabilizer 210 is the first product to use the Nano Risk Framework during the development process,"

said Gary K. Whiting, global venture manager for the new product.

"Because a portion of the product is less than the threshold 100 nanometers in size, we decided to examine it fully, strictly adhering to the Framework. The Nano Risk Framework is an additional tool that allowed us to critically examine and thoroughly understand our product."

DuPont(TM) Light Stabilizer 210 works by absorbing ultraviolet rays and changing them into small amounts of heat which dissipate quickly without damaging the structure of plastic. The key performance advantage of the new light stabilizer is that its extremely small particle size provides much more surface area for UV absorption.

The development of DuPont(TM) Light Stabilizer 210 is an example of DuPont Nanoscale Science & Engineering, an emerging technology domain that is creating new growth opportunities across many sectors of the DuPont business portfolio. The application of new tools and techniques for the measurement, characterization and control of nanoscale features provides the ability to more precisely tailor known materials to more effectively deliver desired properties and to enhance functional benefits...

Full news: CNN.com

Titanium Dioxide Is Used As Pigment For Whitening In Paints

2007-11-03T16:03:00.000-07:00

TIO2 Its pigment is a fine white powder which is used extensively in paints, plastics, papers for giving sharp whiteness to the material. It gives paint high hiding power, meaning the ability to mask or hide a substrate. It does this more effectively than any other white pigment. Today, titanium dioxide pigment is by far the most important material used by the paints and plastics industry for whiteness and opacity. These unique properties are derived from the refractive index of TiO2. The refractive index expresses the ability to bend and scatter light. Titanium dioxide has the highest refractive index of any material known to man, greater even than diamond.

The material is used as an opacifier in glass and porcelain enamels, cosmetics, sunscreens, paper, and paints. To take advantage of this property, titanium dioxide must be mined, refined and ground to a fine, uniform particle size. One of the major advantages of the material for exposed applications is its resistance to discoloration under UV light. TiO2 is found in a form known as ilmenite which is found in the iron ore.

Main uses of Titanium Dioxide:

Pigments – As discussed earlier TIO2 used to give whiteness and opacity to products such as paints and coatings, plastics, paper, inks, fibres and food and cosmetics.
Anti Microbial Coating – The Titania in TIO2 has photo catalytic property which make the material a candidate for applications such as medical devices, food preparation surfaces, air conditioning filters, and sanitary ware surfaces.
Oxygen Sensors – Titania can be used to sense the amount of oxygen present in an atmosphere which is used for studying atmosphere.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com expert - Christopher Mantford

Lyondell Announces Price Increases for Titanium Dioxide Products

2006-01-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

HUNT VALLEY, Md., Dec. 29

Lyondell Chemical Company is increasing its prices for all rutile and anatase Tiona(R) titanium dioxide (TiO2) products sold to all end-use markets worldwide, effective January 1, 2006, or as contracts allow. Millennium Inorganic Chemicals Inc., a Lyondell company, will increase its TiO2 prices as follows:

In North America, prices will increase by US $0.06 per pound in the United States and Mexico and by C $0.07 per pound in Canada.
In Europe, prices will increase by euro 150 per metric ton.
In the Middle East and Africa, prices will increase by US $200 per metric ton.
In the Central and South America, prices will increase by US $100 per metric ton.
In Asia Pacific, except Australia & Japan, prices will increase by US $150 per metric ton.
In Australia, prices will increase by A $100 per metric ton.
In Japan, prices will increase by 20 yen per KG.

These increases are in addition to our previously announced October increases.

TiO2 supply and demand worldwide remain tight, and as a result, 30-day order lead time for all Tiona products remains in effect for all regions.

Lyondell Chemical Company, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is North America's third-largest independent, publicly traded chemical company. Lyondell is a major global manufacturer of basic chemicals and derivatives including ethylene, propylene, titanium dioxide, styrene, polyethylene, propylene oxide and acetyls. It also is a significant producer of gasoline blending components. The company has a 58.75% interest in LYONDELL- CITGO Refining LP, a refiner of heavy, high-sulfur crude oil. Lyondell is a global company operating on five continents and employs approximately 10,000 people worldwide. Millennium Chemicals is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lyondell.

Tiona is a registered trademark of Millennium Chemicals, a Lyondell company.

SOURCE by: Lyondell Chemical Company; Millennium Chemicals Inc.

Kronos raises titanium dioxide prices

2005-12-26T10:45:00.000-08:00

DEC. 23 1:45 P.M. ET

Kronos Worldwide Inc., which makes chemicals used to whiten paper and plastics, on Friday said it was raising prices of titanium dioxide globally.

The company will raise North American titanium dioxide (TiO2) prices by $0,05 per pound on Jan. 1, on top of a $0,06 per pound price increase in October. Also on Jan. 1, the company will hike prices of the pigment by $150 per metric ton in its Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle Eastern and African markets, on top of a $180 per metric ton increase in October.

In Europe, the company will increase prices by 130 euros per metric ton, or $154, on Jan. 15, on top of a 150 euro per metric ton increase, or $180, in October.

Titanium dioxide price hikes are applicable as contracts permit.

Kronos shares rose 70 cents, or 2.3 percent, to $31.16 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

Source by businessweek.com

Crimea TITAN reimbursed credit given within the framework of the EBRD credit line

2005-12-24T06:55:00.000-08:00

Crimea TITAN JSC liquidated the credit in the amount of UAH 15 million. The one-year credit was granted by the "State Export-Import Bank" LLC within the framework of direct line of the European bank of reconstruction and development (EBRD). The annual interest rate was 18%.

The attracted external funds were directed to the reconstruction of sulphuric acid production facilities. Such need arose because of TiO2 (titanium dioxide) production growth and intensified workload of the Ammophos production unit. The goal of the effected reconstruction is to launch the third manufacturing line for sulphuric acid production.

Before the reconstruction two existing lines with total capacity of 30000 tons/month were not in a position to fill the enterprise’s wants for sulphuric acid. Due to this fact, starting from the 2nd half of 2003, the Company had to purchase additional amount of needed acid from external sources. The commissioning of the third line enabled the enterprise to increase the output up to 1500 tons/day in the sulphuric acid production unit. Now the total production capacity of three lines makes 45 000 tons/month, which fully satisfies today's manufacturing requirements...

Tronox Announces Increases in Titanium Dioxide Pigment Price

2005-12-22T10:05:00.000-08:00

Oklahoma City, Dec. 21, 2005 – Tronox Incorporated, on behalf of its subsidiary companies, announces price increases for TRONOX® titanium dioxide pigments. The following increases will be effective Jan. 1, 2006, or as contracts allow:

€130 per tonne increase in Europe
US$.05 per pound increase in the United States and Mexico
CN$.06 per pound increase in Canada
US$100 per tonne increase in Latin America
US$150 per tonne increase in the Asia/Pacific region
US$150 per tonne increase in the Middle East and Africa

Other increases may be announced locally within each region.

Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Tronox is the world’s third-largest producer and marketer of titanium dioxide pigment, with an annual production capacity of 624,000 tonnes. Titanium dioxide is an inorganic white pigment used in paint, coatings, plastics, paper and many other everyday products.
The company’s five pigment plants, which are located in the United States, Australia, Germany and the Netherlands, supply high-performance products to more than 1,100 customers in approximately 100 countries. In addition, Tronox produces electrolytic products, including sodium chlorate, electrolytic manganese dioxide, boron trichloride, elemental boron and lithium manganese oxide.

For more information on Tronox, visit www.tronox.com

DuPont to Raise Titanium Dioxide Prices

2005-12-21T00:19:00.000-08:00

DuPont to Raise Titanium Dioxide Prices in Europe, Mideast, Latin America Due to Higher Costs

Titanium Dioxide manufacturer DuPont Co. said Tuesday it is raising its titanium dioxide prices in Latin America, after announcing earlier in the day it was hiking prices for the chemical in the Middle East and Europe, due to higher raw material and energy costs.

Chemicals company DuPont said it will increase the prices of all of its Ti-Pure titanium dioxide (TiO2) grades in Latin America by $100 per tonne. Also on Tuesday, the company said it will raise the price of titanium dioxide by 130 Euros ($154.17) per tonne in Europe and by $150 per tonne in the Middle East.

Earlier this month, DuPont raised titanium dioxide price in North America by 5 cents per pound.

The price hikes are effective Jan. 1 or as contracts allow, the company said, adding it plans to announce regional increases within local regions.

DuPont Titanium dioxide is used in the coatings, paper and plastics industries.

Soure by WILMINGTON, Del. (AP)

Kronos vs DuPont Titanium Technologies. Companies Announce Settlement of Patent Litigation

2005-11-20T19:27:00.000-08:00

DuPont Titanium Technologies and Kronos Worldwide, Inc. announced settlement of litigation involving patented technology used to produce certain titanium dioxide pigments such as DuPont R-104 and Kronos 2500 for use in polymers.

This favorable agreement for both companies now allows expanded use of these leading edge technologies and offerings in polymer applications around the world. As part of the settlement and in recognition of the validity and value of each other's patents, the parties have cross-licensed each other's patents worldwide in this field. This agreement also covers the use of these titanium dioxide pigments by customers in their plastic polymer applications. Other settlement terms were not disclosed.

Kronos Worldwide, Inc. is a major international producer of titanium dioxide pigments.

DuPont Titanium Technologies is the world's largest manufacturer of titanium dioxide, serving customers globally in the coatings, paper and plastics industries. The company operates plants at DeLisle, Miss.; New Johnsonville, Tenn.; Edge Moor, Del.; Starke, Fla.; Altamira, Mexico; and Kuan Yin, Taiwan, all of which use the chloride manufacturing process. The company also operates a plant in Uberaba, Brazil, for finishing titanium dioxide. Technical service centers are located in Mexico City, Mexico; Uberaba, Brazil; Mechelen, Belgium; Ulsan, Korea; Kuan Yin, Taiwan; Wilmington, Del.; and Shanghai, China, to serve the European, Middle Eastern, United States, Asian and Latin America markets.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, safety and protection, communications, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

WILMINGTON, Del., and CRANBURY, N.J.
Source by SpecialChem

JSC Crimea TITAN - leading producer of phosphate fertilizers in Ukraine

2005-10-17T06:41:00.000-07:00

Market always gives a right of choice. “What kind of commodity should I give preference to?” - buyers face this type of problem more and more frequently while buying any commodity. Fortunately, a word “shortage” virtually disappeared from our everyday life. But, for example, market faced phosphate fertilizers shortage just 3years ago.

The Russian companies were the key suppliers of phosphates to the Ukrainian market. In fact, they were monopolists in the course of those years, and there was no wide variety of these products to choose from.

Now the situation has changed, and there is a considerable contribution of the JSC “Crimea TITAN” to it as the Company started producing the fertilizers of this type three years ago. Now the enterprise has been supplying market with 9 - 10 thousand tons of ammophos every month.

Except for ammophos the Company produces other fertilizers: diammonium superphosphate (phosphatic) and ammonium sulphate (nitric ) .
The production of fertilizers of one or another type depends on seasonality and demand for products. The main point in an enterprise’s work is the quality of products and provided services, in which the package of goods has no small part.
At the option of a client the goods can be shipped in bulk and in pack: in 35 kg polypropylene sacks or in “big-bag” containers with carrying capacity from 600 kg to 1000 kg.

But Monoammonium Phosphate (known under the trade mark of “Ammophos”) is the key product among the fertilizers produced by the JSC “Crimea titan”. His physical and chemical properties are shown in the table below.

Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP) is used in agriculture for corn, fruit, vegetable, berries and decorative cultures growing both in the open and under cover. It is applied to different soils as a basic, pre-sowing or starter fertilizer and as a plant feed in dry and liquid forms for summer fertilizing. The original feedstock, used by the JSC “Crimea titan” for the MAP production, differs from the raw material whish is used to produce the same fertilizer in Russia where phosphate fertilizers are made of apatite. In distinction from them the “Crimea titan” imports rock phosphates from far-abroad countries. A huge amount of work has been done by the Company in order to master manufacture based on the raw material of this type. The Company’s R&D department carried out a full battery of research studies to develop a new “know-how” for fertilizers production. These studies showed that agrochemical efficiency of fertilizers made of imported rock phosphates is not inferior to the efficiency of fertilizers made of apatite concentrate and, what is more, the fertilizers produced by the “Crimea titan” do not have an unfavorable impact on human health ,environment, aquatic and soil ecosystems and on quality of agricultural products.

These researches have also enabled the Company to produce the MAP which has a stable white color, stable uniform granules and Р205 (phosphorus) performances: 52% of basic nutrient element. These parameters make the Product suitable both for agriculture and production of factory-mixed fertilizers.

The Crimean ammophos is notable for its high European quality and fully meets requirements of the European standards...

Source by titanexport.com

White Mountain Titanium Completes $5,000,000 Equity Financing

2005-07-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

SANTIAGO, Chile, July 12, 2005 (PRIMEZONE

White Mountain Titanium Corporation announced that it has completed a $5,000,000 private placement with a major European institutional investor. The deal included 6,250,000 shares of Series A preferred stock, each share convertible into one common share, and 6,250,000 warrants to purchase common stock, at an exercise price of $1.25.

According to Michael P Kurtanjek, President of White Mountain, "The completion of this financing is a major milestone for our company, as we proceed toward our goal of becoming a major producer of TiO2 (Titanium dioxide) concentrate for the $8 billion annual titanium pigment market." The company will use the proceeds of the financing to complete a bankable feasibility study on its 130,000,000 ton rutile deposit in Region III of Chile. White Mountain Titanium Company also intends to pursue a more senior listing for the trading of its common shares, said Mr. Kurtanjek.

The company also announced today the appointment of Mr. Brian Flower of Vancouver, BC as its Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Flower served in the same capacity for Viceroy Mining from 1993 to 2000, and has many years of related experience in other early stage developing mining enterprises.

"We are thrilled to have someone of Brian's experience and ability in this role,"

said Mr. Kurtanjek.

White Mountain Titanium Corporation, based in Santiago, Chile, is developing a world class titanium deposit about 30 kilometers from the port city of Huasco in Region III of Chile. The deposit has been defined by extensive drilling and contains in excess of 130,000,000 tons of mineralization grading 2.2% TiO2 as rutile. Rutile is a higher grade and purer form of titanium mineralization than ilmenite, which is the form of most titanium sands found throughout the world...

Source by White Mountain Titanium, Inc.

CERAC Pre-Melted Titanium Dioxide Offers Significant Cost-Saving Advantages

2005-06-07T13:52:00.000-07:00

The results of a study commissioned by CERAC comparing titanium dioxide granules and cones manufactured by CERAC to comparable competitor products (EMD Chemicals and Umicore) were recently released. The study clearly outlines the cost-saving advantages offered by CERAC Pre-melted Evaporants.

In the study, multiple depositions of each material made under evaporation conditions as identical as possible were evaluated for their:

Evaporation behavior
Spectral properties
Index homogeneity
Temporal stability
Index reproducibility
Mechanical durability

The head-to-head comparison showed that the CERAC titanium dioxide (TiO2) Fused Cone was easiest to use and evaporated at a smooth rate. No spitting or outgassing was experienced, and it required the least amount of additional O2 compared to the other materials in the study. The plug was ready for deposition after less than 30 minutes of heating.

The conclusion is that the new CERAC pre-melted form of TiO2 material performs as well as particulate forms, but provides the major advantage of saving pre-processing time — < 30 minutes vs. 3 hours — in the coating chamber, thus reducing non-productive chamber time. This can translate to savings ranging from $200-$600 per coating run.

A Wide Range of Pre-Melted Materials Available
In addition to TiO2, CERAC offers Al2O3, HfO2, ZrO2 and Ta2O5 as standard Pre-melted products. All materials are available as cones, rods, discs and pieces, manufactured for all e-beam coating platforms or customized to fit any individual pocket or crucible.

DuPont Titanium Technologies Announces a Price Increase for Titanium Dioxide Grades in Asia Pacific

2005-06-04T10:34:00.000-07:00

Effective July 1, 2005, DuPont (NYSE: DD) is increasing the price of all titanium dioxide grades by US$150 per tonne in Asia Pacific, excluding Japan. This increase is supported by the continued tight supply-demand situation for TiO2 around the globe.

Other regional increases will be announced directly within the local regions.

DuPont Titanium Technologies is the world's largest manufacturer of titanium dioxide, serving customers globally in the coatings, paper and plastics industries. The company operates plants at DeLisle, Miss.; New Johnsonville, Tenn.; Edge Moor, Del.; Starke, Fla.; Altamira, Mexico; and Kuan Yin, Taiwan, all of which use the chloride manufacturing process. The company also operates a plant in Uberaba, Brazil, for finishing titanium dioxide. Technical service centers are located in Uberaba, Brazil; Mexico City, Mexico; Mechelen, Belgium; Kuan Yin, Taiwan; Ulsan, Korea; Wilmington, Del.; and Shanghai, China, to serve the European, Middle Eastern, U.S., Asian and Latin America markets.

By PRNewswire-FirstCall

DuPont plans to double China investment by 2010

2005-06-04T10:29:00.000-07:00

DuPont is planning a series of major investments in China, including one that will be the largest ever foreign investment by the US chemicals major, in a move that will see it double its China investments by 2010, a top company official said.

Tom Powell, president and chairman of DuPont China Holding Co, said DuPont is making some 'major strategic investments' in China, with some already started and others in various stages of negotiations.

In general, over the next five years, we will more than double our investment in China

he said in a televised media briefing from Beijing.

He noted that this will depend, however, on obtaining commitment from local partners in some areas.

DuPont has so far invested over $600 000 000 in China through 32 wholly owned and joint-venture facilities which employ more than 5,000 people.

Powell said the company will invest over 100 mln usd per year in the coming years.

He said the company is in talks to establish a joint-venture titanium dioxide (Ti02) plant in Dong Ying in Shandong province with a prospective government partner. 'If this project moves smoothly it would be the largest ever overseas investment made by DuPont,' Powell said.

Ti02 is a white pigment used in the manufacture of paints and coatings.

Among the projects that had recently started operations, Powell noted the start-up of a 70 pct DuPont owned nylon filament joint-venture with Wuxi Xingda Nylon Co, and a hydroflurocarbon (HFC) refrigerant joint venture with Zhonghao New Materials Co.

The company also completed the construction of its R&D center in Shanghai's Zhangjiang High-tech Park in March.

Powell said DuPont is continuing to invest heavily in its largest China site in Shenzhen.

He said the company's investment in China and emerging markets is based upon the higher growth potential that exists in these areas. The sales growth rate in Greater China, including Taiwan and Hong Kong, was 32 pct in 2004, double the 16 pct worldwide growth rate, he noted.

Full news by AFX News Limited, SHANGHAI

2005 Titanium Dioxide Industry Nearing Recovery Peak

2005-05-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) industry is poised to return to re-investment level margins within the next two years, so long as demand growth continues to drive the industry's recovery, according to a Fitch Ratings report.

Fitch estimates that annual TiO2 demand needs to average at least 3% over the next decade to maintain operating rates in the mid-90s and above, while also assuming capacity growth of only 1% annually. Based on those assumptions, the next peak for the TiO2 industry is expected in late 2007 or early 2008. The profitability of the peak will depend on the rate of demand growth and amount of discipline shown by major producers to steadily increase capacity.

After TiO2 producers struggled with three years of weak business conditions, demand rebounded in 2004 with an estimated 7% growth in worldwide consumption. Strong global growth and improved economic conditions in the U.S. propelled TiO2 demand. Prices were also on the rise in 2004, and they continue to favorably trend upward in 2005. Overall global growth, however, is expected to be slower in 2005 when compared with the robust consumption realized in 2004.

The TiO2 industry remains highly concentrated, with the top-five producers accounting for 70% of the global capacity. Key statistics on the TiO2 industry as well as a breakdown of revenues by the major producers are provided in the report.

The report 'Recovery Under Way for Titanium Dioxide Industry - How Close is the Next Peak?' is available at www.fitchratings.com under the 'Corporate Finance' header, 'Corporates' and 'Special Reports.'

By BUSINESS WIRE / May 3, 2005, CHICAGO

2005 Dupont outlines plans for future in China

2005-05-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

US science group DuPont plans to more than double its investment in China within the next five years, a senior company executive said.

In an interview with China Daily, Tom Powell, corporate vice-president of DuPont, sketched out plans for the company's future activity in China.

The "major investments" include expansion of a packaging and industrial polymers plant in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province; an integrated fluorochemical manufacturing site in Changshu, Jiangsu Province; and an integrated titanium dioxide manufacturing plant in Dongying, Shandong Province, Powell said. The titanium dioxide project, which is currently under discussion, will be DuPont's largest ever overseas investment, he said.

DuPont's total investment in China, including Taiwan and Hong Kong, has already exceeded US$600 million. The company runs 38 wholly-owned and joint venture facilities in China, employing 5,300 people.

Powell, also president of DuPont's China operations, told China Daily that DuPont expects to more than double its sales in China in the next five years. "Thanks to the rapid development of the Chinese economy and society, and the strong local talent base, DuPont has been enjoying healthy business growth in this country and has the momentum for further advancement," he said. The company's sales in China surged by 32% last year to US$1.4 billion, making the country one of DuPont's fastest-growing regional markets anywhere in the world. "We will consider a lot of macro factors having impact on our investment plans in China. But issues of China's currency [meaning the possible revaluation of the yuan] and macro economic controls are short-term issues, and our investment plans will not be affected significantly by these short-term issues," he said. "We look at China in the long term," he added.

China has been taking measures to cool overheating investment in the steel, aluminum, cement and real estate sectors since last year as part of its macroeconomic controls. China is also under great pressure from the United States to appreciate the value of the yuan. But the government has reiterated that there is no timetable for adjusting the foreign exchange rate.

By acquiring and selling a slew of businesses worth $60 billion over the past seven years, DuPont has transformed itself from being a chemistry and energy company to one focusing on electronics, biotechnology, materials science, and the safety and security industries, said Powell. According to Powell, the company will move more regional business headquarters to the Chinese mainland and speed up career advancement programs for local talent. Many of DuPont's leading Asia-Pacific businesses are based in the Chinese mainland, including engineering, sourcing, packaging and industrial polymers companies and imaging technology, he said.

Last year DuPont reported a net income of US$1.78 billion from net sales of US$27.3 billion.

By Asia Pulse/XIC

Titanium, peace and Japanese interests 2005

2005-05-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

Japan is a major consumer of Titanium ore found on the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka, from Kokkuthoduvai to Pulmoddai.

Titanium is a very expensive and much sought after metal in the modern world. Klaproth, the German scientist who discovered the metal named it after the Titans of Greek mythology the incarnation of natural strength. The aerospace industry finds it indispensable. Titanium alloys are essential for making planes, satellites, space craft etc., and titanium dioxide is the basis of the paint industry.

Titanium is three times stronger than steel, while weighing only 42% as much, making it an ideal strong, lightweight metal for structures such as airplanes and rockets. It is also chemically inert under normal conditions, enabling its use in medical implants such as pacemakers.

The beach sands of the coast between Mullaithivu and Trincomalee contain the richest titanuim ore in the world. The concentration is almost 54 percent .This is quite higher than the concentration found in deposits elsewhere in the world. The titanium ore is ilmenite. It is a by-product of the crude monazite sands on Sri Lanka northeastern coast. The titanium ore is washed ashore by tidal and wave action mainly on beaches of Pulmoddai .

Annually about fifty thousand tons of ilmenite are produced in Pulmoddai. The Japanese are the main buyers. They ship it directly from the northeast coast. The ilmenite bought by them goes chiefly to the production of titanium dioxide. An SLFP politician made an allegation in 1989 that a ton of the ore which at that time was fetching 120 US dollars in the world market was being sold at a mere 50 US dollars and that no tender procedure had been followed in the sales. Somebody, in between, was making a cool 2.5 million US dollars every year.

Exploration and development of titanium mineral deposits were on the rise in 1995. In South Africa, a new producer of titanium concentrates was expected to commission a titanium slag operation by year end. At full production, the operation was expected to produce 195,000 tons per year of slag. In Western Australia, plans were announced to proceed with the development of the Been up deposit. The deposit was reported to be 4% heavy mineral sands and low in impurities with the potential for 500,000 tons per year of ilmenite.

Domestic environmental problems related to ilmenite include (1) land use conflicts where heavy-mineral sands deposits exist principally along the Atlantic coast and (2) the potential for water pollution from pigment-producing processes. Solutions to the latter problem include the development of economic, environmentally acceptable processes for making synthetic rutile or titanium tetrachloride from lower grade ilmenites and the development of methods to recover and recycle spent sulfuric acid as well as to neutralize and control the effluents produced. The two U.S. producers using the sulfate process treated their spent acid effluent with calcium carbonate and lime, producing a gypsum by product.

It has been felt over the years that the country could make very substantial profits by setting up a titanium dioxide plant at Pulmoddai. A detailed proposal to this effect was submitted to the government in 1990.

A titanium dioxide plant would require a large supply of fresh water. The Yan Oya river which flows between Pumoddai and Thiriyai was considered an ideal source of supply. The LTTE which realised the importance of Pulmoddai in the mid eighties has systematically scuttled efforts by the government to secure the area. In fact some Tamil militants, particularly the EROS, were inclined at that time to see a sinister link between the establishment of the military cum settlement zone in Weli Oya and the titanium sands Eof Pulmoddai. Although they gave some credence to the theory that the government main aim at that time was to drive a wedge between the northern and eastern provinces to break the territorial contiguity of the Tamil separaists Eelam project, there was speculation among some of them at that time that something ulterior, business interests to be precise, was at stake.

The government attempt to isolate the hinterland of Pulmoddai with several strategically placed settlements and the progress of the Yan Oya irrigation scheme were seen as further confirmation of this belief.

The control of that part of the northeast coast between Kokkuthoduvai at the southern extreme of the Mullaithivu and Kuchchaveli in Trincomalee helped the government ship the ilmenite out of Pulmoddai safely.

The army presence in Kokkuthoduvai, Kokkilai, Pulmoddai, Thiriyai, Kallarawa and Pudavaikaddu, wittingly or unwittingly, insulated the titanium rich sands from the designs of the armed Tamil groups. The Navy also had a unit at Kuchchaveli.

In 1988, however, the LTTE blasted a pumping station on the Yan Oya river scheme. It also developed links with the Muslim population in Pulmoddai. In recent years the Tigers have stepped up attacks in and around Pulmoddai.

In fact, a suggestion that the plant should be built in the south and the ilmenite be shipped there was made in 1990 when the proposal to build the titanium dioxide plant was first placed before the UNP leadership. The security situation in Pumoddai and its hinterland was considered precarious even at that time despite the presence of the IPKF to the south and the army to the north and northwest. However, it was assumed at that time that the ilmenite could be safely shipped to the south mainly because the coast between Kokkilai and Kuchchaveli was dominated by the Army and Navy. Things have changed today. The LTTE dominates the sea in these parts. And the Japanese and MNCs have to do business.

By Northeastern Herald

Titanium Dioxide TiO2

2005-05-16T17:24:00.000-07:00

Titanium Dioxide Identification

Synonyms: Titanium (IV) Oxide; C.I. 77891; Titania
CAS No.: 13463-67-7
Molecular Weight: 79.87
Chemical Formula: TiO2

Titanium dioxide, also known as titanium oxide or titania, is the naturally occurring oxide of titanium, chemical formula TiO2.

Titanium Dioxide - strongest, most brilliant white available to artists in the entire history of art. Its chemical stability is likewise outstanding.

Titanium dioxide occurs in three forms:

anatase or octahedrite, a tetragonal mineral of octahedral habit; and
brookite, an orthorhombic mineral. Both octahedrite and brookite are relatively rare minerals.
rutile, a tetragonal mineral usually of prismatic habit, often twinned;

Pure titanium dioxide does not occur in nature but is derived from ilmenite or leuxocene ores. It is also readily mined in one of the purest forms, rutile beach sand.

Titanium dioxide is the most widely used white pigment because of its brightness and very high refractive index (n=2.4), in which it is surpassed only by diamond. When deposited as a thin film, its refractive index and color make it an excellent reflective optical coating for dielectric mirrors. TiO2 is also an effective opacifier in powder form, where it is employed as a pigment to provide whiteness and opacity to products such as paints, coatings, plastics, papers, inks, foods, and most toothpastes. In cosmetic and skin care products, titanium dioxide is used both as a pigment and a thickener, and in almost every sunblock with a physical blocker, titanium dioxide is found both because of its refractive index and its resistance to discoloration under ultraviolet light. This advantage enhances its stability and ability to protect the skin from ultraviolet light. It is also used in resistance-type lambda probes (a type of oxygen sensor).

Physical and Chemical Properties of TiO2

Appearance: White Powder.
Odor: Odorless.
Solubility: Insoluble in water.
Specific Gravity: 4.26
pH: ca. 6 - 7 %
Volatiles by volume @ 21C (70F): 0
Boiling Point: 2500 - 3000C (4532 - 5432F)
Melting Point: 1855C (3371F)
Vapor Density (Air=1): Not applicable.
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg): Not applicable.
Evaporation Rate (BuAc=1): No information found.

Titanium Dioxide, particularly in the anatase form, is a photocatalyst under ultraviolet light. The strong oxidative potential of the positive holes oxidizes water to create hydroxyl radicals. It can also oxidize oxygen or organic materials directly. Titanium dioxide is thus added to paints, cements, windows, tiles, or other products for sterilizing, deodorizing and anti-fouling properties. As TiO2 is exposed to UV light, it becomes increasingly hydrophilic, thus it can be used for anti-fogging coatings or self-cleaning windows. TiO2 incorporated into outdoor building materials can substantially reduce concentrations of airborne pollutants such as volatile organic compounds and NOx.

Emergency Overview: CAUTION! MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES, AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. MAY AFFECT LUNGS.