Pigmento de alta blancura · Litopón B301

What is lithopone?

Lithopone is a white pigment made from a combination of barium sulfate and zinc sulfide. It is valued for its bright whiteness and cost‑effectiveness, and has been used in industries such as plastics, rubber, and paper.

Lithopone provides good opacity and whiteness, though it is less durable under light exposure, so it is mainly used in applications where high weather resistance is not required.

What is the formula of lithopone?

Lithopone does not have a single chemical formula because it is a mixture rather than a pure compound. It is typically composed of barium sulfate (BaSO₄) and zinc sulfide (ZnS), with a common ratio of about 70% BaSO₄ and 30% ZnS.

What is the mixture of lithopone?

Lithopone is a white pigment composed of a mixture of barium sulfate (BaSO₄) and zinc sulfide (ZnS). The typical composition contains about 28–30% zinc sulfide and 68–70% barium sulfate, giving it good whiteness and opacity at a lower cost compared to other pigments.

Understanding the Use of Titanium Dioxide in Printing Inks

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is the primary white pigment used in the ink industry to provide essential opacity, brightness, and a solid base for color printing. It works by scattering light, which allows the ink layer to fully hide the substrate—whether it’s dark plastic film, metallic foil, or recycled paper. Without high-quality TiO2, white inks would remain transparent, and colors would appear dull or faded on non-white surfaces. In professional formulations, choosing a rutile grade is the key to achieving a «stark white» finish with minimal ink consumption.

What is lithopone used for?

Lithopone powder is mainly used as a white pigment and filler in plastics, rubber, and paper products. It provides good whiteness and opacity at a lower cost, making it suitable for applications where high durability or weather resistance is not required.

What is the price of lithopone?

The price of lithopone varies depending on grade, region, and market conditions. In general, it is considered a cost‑effective white pigment, with prices lower than titanium dioxide. Typical market prices range from USD 1000 to 1,800 per metric ton, but actual costs may differ based on supplier and quality specifications.

What do you do with pigment powder?

Pigment powder is used to provide color, whiteness, and opacity. It is mixed with binders or resins to make products such as paints, plastics, rubber, paper, and printing inks, improving appearance and coverage at a lower cost.

Is Lithopone a substitute for white lead?

Yes. Lithopone was introduced in the late 19th century as a safer alternative to white lead. It provided good whiteness and opacity without the health risks of lead pigments.

What is the difference between lithopone and titanium dioxide?

Titanium dioxide and lithopone are both white pigments, but they perform very differently. Titanium dioxide is a pure TiO₂ pigment with high brightness, strong hiding power, and excellent durability. Lithopone is a mixture of zinc sulfide and barium sulfate, and it offers lower whiteness and weaker opacity.

Because titanium dioxide delivers much better overall performance, it has largely replaced lithopone in modern coatings, plastics, inks, and other applications that need strong color strength and long‑term stability. Lithopone is still used, but mostly in low‑cost or less demanding products.

In short, titanium dioxide offers significantly higher performance than lithopone, which is why it has become the preferred white pigment in most modern industrial applications.