Effect titanium dioxide flakes

Pearlescent pigments contain small flakes or platelets of the mineral mica that are additionally coated with a very thin layer of titanium dioxide. The simultaneous reflection of light from many layers of small platelets creates an impression of luster and sheen. By varying the thickness of the coating on the surface of the mica particles, pigment manufacturers can achieve a range of colors for the pearlescent effect. 

Sasaki T., Watanabe M., Hashizume H., Yamada H., Nakazawa H. Macromolecule-like aspects for a colloidal suspension of an exfoliated titanate. Pairwise association of nanosheete and dynamic reassembling process initiated from it. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996 118 8329-8335 Sasaki T., Nakano S., Yamauchi S., Watanabe M. Fabrication of titanium dioxide thin flakes and their porous aggregate. Chem Mater. 1997 9 602-608 Sathiyakumar M., Gnanam F.D. Synthesis of sol-gel derived alumina powder effect of milling and calcination temperatures on sintering behaviour. Brit. Ceram. Trans. 1999 98 87-92... 

These products exist in different forms, such as compact powders, which are the most commonly used. They are conditioned in cases with one shade only or a selection of several. The coloured product is apphed with a flexible brush or foam applicator. The raw materials are principally pearlescent agents dispersed in a powder base composed of talc (which give softness and easy ghde), kaolin, titanium dioxide or calcium carbonate. Lipophilic binders are necessary to ensure compacting and the dispersion of pigments. They help to avoid flaking or the formation of dust and give a soft texture. Likewise, volatile sihcones help to avoid the chalky effect owed to powders. 

---