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Applications · Plastics

TiO2 for PVC Profiles & Window Frames

Window frames, fence boards, siding — UV-stable rutile to prevent yellowing and chalking over 10+ years outdoor.

PVC profiles — window frames, fencing, siding, exterior trim, decking — represent one of the most demanding TiO2 applications in plastics. The PVC compound must perform outdoors for 10–25 years without yellowing, chalking, embrittlement, or warpage. TiO2 selection is critical because PVC is particularly susceptible to photochemical degradation, and the TiO2 surface treatment must protect both itself and the PVC polymer.

SEMITI 2160 (Kronos 2160 equivalent) is the workhorse grade for outdoor PVC. SEMITI 2190 is positioned for premium 20-year warranty applications. SEMITI 996 is acceptable for short-service (3–5 year) applications and interior PVC.

Performance requirements

Outdoor weathering (Florida 5 yr)Δb* < 2, no chalking grade 2
PVC compatibility (Ca/Zn stabilizer)No discoloration, no stabilizer antagonism
Extrusion thermal stability (190°C)Δb* < 1.5
Impact retention (10-yr Florida)Charpy notched > 60% of starting value

Dosage guidance

Window frame profile: 4–6 phr TiO2. Siding / cladding: 3–5 phr. Fence boards: 4–6 phr. The dosage range optimizes between cost (TiO2 is the most expensive PVC additive) and durability (higher loading extends service life).

Dispersion / processing notes

PVC compounding is done in high-intensity mixers (Banbury or modern continuous compounders) at 180–200°C. TiO2 is added with the PVC resin and stabilizer; output is sheeted and pelletized or fed direct to extruder. Compound thermal stability must be verified at each TiO2 batch.

Formulation tips

  • Use SEMITI 2160 or 2190 for outdoor PVC profile — Kronos 2160 equivalent
  • Pair with modern Ca/Zn or Sn stabilizers — Pb stabilizers are out (regulated in EU, China, Japan)
  • Add UV absorber (HALS 0.1–0.3%, UV-326 or UV-329 0.05–0.1%) for premium 20-year warranty
  • Co-extruded capstock with higher TiO2 (5–7 phr) over standard PVC core (3 phr) is the cost-optimized approach for premium siding

Common pitfalls

Failure modes we've seen in customer trials — worth checking before scale-up.

  • ×Using sulfate-process rutile or interior-grade chloride in outdoor PVC — yellowing visible within 18 months
  • ×Skipping the UV absorber package — even with premium TiO2, 5-year service is the practical limit without HALS
  • ×Inadequate TiO2 dispersion — appears as visible streaks and color non-uniformity in extruded profile

Common questions

What's the minimum TiO2 loading for a 15-year warranty window frame?+
4 phr SEMITI 2160 with Ca/Zn stabilizer + 0.3% HALS + UV absorber is the typical formulation. Lower loading saves cost but may not meet warranty at northern latitudes with intense UV exposure.
Can recycled PVC use SEMITI 2160?+
Yes, with care — recycled PVC may have residual UV exposure history that's already consumed some of the TiO2 protection. For premium recycled-content profile, use higher TiO2 loading (5–6 phr) and additional HALS package.

Need help picking a grade for pvc profiles & window frames?

Send us your reference grade, formulation type, or competitor TDS. We'll respond with the SEMITI match + sample within 48 hours.