White Masterbatch FAQ: TiO2 Content, Whiteness, and Opacity

White Masterbatch Questions Answered

White masterbatch delivers opacity, whiteness, and brightness to plastic products using titanium dioxide. This FAQ covers TiO2 content, whiteness, opacity, and the grades available.

What is white masterbatch made of?

White masterbatch is made from titanium dioxide (TiO2), typically 40–75%, dispersed in a carrier resin. High-quality grades use rutile TiO2 with application-matched surface treatments.

What TiO2 content should I choose?

40–50% for general-purpose whiteness, 60–70% for high opacity in thin films and light containers, and 75% for maximum hiding power. Higher content means lower loading ratio needed.

What is the difference between rutile and anatase TiO2?

Rutile has a higher refractive index (2.73 vs 2.55), giving 20–30% better opacity, and lower photoactivity for better weatherability. Rutile is the standard for plastics; anatase is for cost-driven indoor applications.

What is the typical loading ratio for white masterbatch?

Usually 1–5%, depending on TiO2 content and desired opacity. A 60% TiO2 masterbatch at 3% delivers about 1.8% TiO2 in the final product.

What whiteness index should I expect?

High-quality white masterbatch achieves a whiteness index above 90 and CIE L* values above 96. Exact values depend on TiO2 grade, loading, and base resin.

Why does my white plastic look yellowish?

Yellowing can come from low-quality TiO2, insufficient loading, thermal degradation of additives, or contamination. Using rutile TiO2 with optical brightener can counteract yellowing.

Can white masterbatch be food-contact compliant?

Yes. Food-grade white masterbatch uses FDA and EU 10/2011 compliant TiO2 and carrier resins. Specify food-contact requirements when ordering.

Does white masterbatch affect mechanical properties?

At normal loading ratios, the impact is minimal. Excessive TiO2 loading can slightly reduce impact strength, so balance opacity requirements against mechanical performance.

Can I use white masterbatch in thin film?

Yes, but choose a high-opacity grade (70%+ TiO2) with excellent dispersion to avoid streaks and gel defects in thin film.

Conclusion

White masterbatch performance depends on TiO2 grade, loading, and dispersion. MHK Color offers white masterbatch from 40% to 75% TiO2 using rutile-grade pigment with application-matched treatments, including food-grade options. Contact us with your base resin and opacity requirements.