Plastics industry is the second largest user of titanium dioxide, with an annual growth rate of 6%, among more than 500 grades of titanium dioxide worldwide, there are more than 50 dedicated to plastics. In addition to utilizing its high hiding power and high tinting strength, titanium dioxide also improves the heat resistance, light resistance, and weatherability of plastic products, protecting them from UV light and improving their mechanical and electrical properties. Due to the relatively thick film thickness of plastic products compared to paints and inks, only 3%-5% is required because of its high hiding power and strong coloring ability. It can be used in almost all thermosetting and thermoplastic resins, such as polyolefins (mainly low-density polyethylene), polystyrene, ABS, PVC, etc. It can be mixed with dry powder resin or liquid containing plasticizer, or pre-processed into masterbatch before use.

The majority of TPE products use finer titanium dioxide particle sizes, usually around 0.15-0.3 microns compared to 0.2-0.4 microns in coatings. This achieves a blue undertone and has a masking effect on yellowish or easily yellowed resins. Untreated titanium dioxide is generally not suitable for TPE products, especially those that require smooth surfaces. Organic treatment such as multi-component alcohol, silane or silicone oxide is necessary for good dispersion. As the range of TPE products continues to expand, outdoor applications like TPE windows and building materials require high weather resistance. Besides rutile titanium dioxide, surface treatment without zinc but with silicon, aluminum, and zirconium is used. Silicon provides hydrophilic moisture removal to prevent blistering caused by water evaporation during high-temperature extrusion.

The total composition of TPE includes resin, fillers, plasticizers, and other auxiliaries (pigments, antioxidants, flame retardants, etc.). TPE products are processed through blown film extrusion, sheet extrusion, and injection molding. TPE injection molding involves plastication, injection, and cooling stages and commonly uses ram and screw-type injection machines. TPE requires high-quality titanium dioxide with good hiding power, whiteness, dispersion, and weather resistance depending on the application. Good dispersion can lower production costs and improve finish while maintaining weather resistance in outdoor applications.