Lithopone white pigment: properties and purchasing checks
A technical buying guide covering whiteness, dispersion, light exposure, documentation and the difference between a sample and an approved grade.
Este artigo está disponível atualmente em inglês.
Understand the white pigment being evaluated
Lithopone is a composite white pigment based on zinc sulfide and barium sulfate. It is supplied as a fine powder for selected industrial formulations. Its value depends on the balance between optical contribution, processing behaviour and the cost of achieving the required finished-product performance.
When comparing offers, distinguish the description of the pigment family from the specification of a particular grade. Longtai’s B-301 and B-311 pages are starting points for a grade discussion; request the current supporting documents for the proposed order.
Which properties deserve attention?
| Property | Purchasing question |
|---|---|
| Whiteness and undertone | What is the test method and the approved reference sample? |
| Hiding or tinting performance | How does the pigment behave in the intended binder? |
| Oil absorption | Does binder demand affect formulation cost or viscosity? |
| Dispersion and coarse residue | Can the existing process produce a uniform finished material? |
| Moisture and soluble matter | Are the limits appropriate for handling and product stability? |
Review units and test conditions before comparing numerical values. A result reported in a different test system may not support a direct ranking of two materials.
Light exposure and service conditions
Lithopone can show changes under light exposure, depending on the grade and the surrounding formulation. Initial whiteness is therefore not evidence of outdoor durability. Test representative panels or products under conditions relevant to the intended service life.
For exterior coatings and other demanding applications, review suitable titanium dioxide grades alongside lithopone rather than assuming the same pigment package will work everywhere. A successful indoor trial does not establish performance in sunlight, humidity or weather cycling.
Documentation for an international order
Request a TDS for product information, an SDS for handling guidance and available batch inspection records for supplied material. If a destination market or customer requires particular chemical restrictions or regulatory documents, identify those requirements before ordering.
A general statement about REACH, RoHS or an industrial standard does not establish that every grade and use is covered. Confirm the exact product, intended application, document date and scope with the relevant parties.
From sample approval to delivered material
Record the sample identity and testing conditions. Agree how future batches will be assessed against the approved specification, including packaging identification and the handling of a technical complaint. Inspect bags on arrival for damage, moisture and legible batch markings.
Store sealed bags off the floor in a dry, covered area. Avoid contamination from incompatible chemicals, and follow the supplied SDS when opening or transferring powder. Review stock condition before using material that has been stored for an extended period.
For general guidance on the purpose of an SDS, see UK HSE guidance on chemical safety data sheets. This is UK workplace guidance; obtain the supplied product’s current SDS and follow the requirements for your own market.
Frequently asked questions
Is the whitest powder always the best choice?
No. Finished colour, opacity, dispersion, stability and binder demand need to be evaluated together.
Does a sample result guarantee all future batches?
The purchase specification and agreed quality controls define the supply requirements. Keep batch records and inspect deliveries.
What information helps Longtai prepare a quotation?
Discuss your application with Longtai Chemical. Include the target grade, required quantity, packaging and destination port so the team can prepare a relevant product recommendation and quotation.
