Storage & Shelf Life
Standard SEMITI powder grades have 24-month shelf life with proper storage. Slurry and nano grades have specific requirements.
Proper storage maintains TiO2 quality from production through end-use. Different SEMITI grades have different storage requirements.
Standard powder grades (rutile + anatase):
Shelf life: 24 months from production date, when stored properly.
Storage requirements: - Temperature: 5–35°C (10–25°C ideal) - Humidity: < 70% RH - Container: original sealed paper bag with PE liner, or FIBC with sealed liner - Stacking: maximum 6 pallets high for 25 kg bags; maximum 2 FIBCs high - Avoid direct sunlight on bagged material - Avoid contact with floor (use pallets)
Quality changes during storage: - Standard powder rutile: minimal change over 24 months - Sulfate rutile: very minor color shift possible (Δb* < 0.3) over 24 months - Anatase: more moisture-sensitive; tighter humidity control important
Re-test after extended storage: - Material > 18 months old: optional retest recommended before bulk use - Material > 24 months old: must be retested or treated as new material
Powder grade tips: - Open bags only as needed for production - Once opened, use within 7 days - For partial bag use, re-seal tightly - Note bag opening date
TiO2 slurry (SEMITI SL70):
Shelf life: 12 months from production.
Storage requirements: - Temperature: 5–35°C (DO NOT freeze) - Container: original sealed 1000 kg IBC or 200 kg drum - Storage position: vertical, accessible for pump connection - Avoid direct sunlight - Mild agitation before use after >30 days storage
Quality changes during storage: - Sedimentation: mild over 3–6 months; significant over 9+ months — but full redispersion possible with mechanical agitation - Viscosity: stable - pH: stable
Slurry tips: - Stir for 5–10 min before use after >30 days storage - Hard packing rare with proper storage but possible if frozen — discard frozen material
Nano TiO2 (SEMITI NANO-30):
Shelf life: 12 months from production.
Storage requirements: - Temperature: 5–25°C - Humidity: < 50% RH (lower than standard powder) - Container: original sealed fiber drum, double-bagged - Light: shielded from direct sunlight (cosmetic grade requirement) - Microbiological: maintain clean room or controlled environment
Quality concerns: - Aggregation: nano particles may form weak aggregates over time; verify pre-dispersion before use - Surface coating: stable but verify through routine testing - Microbiological: maintain cleanliness throughout supply chain
Production-side storage tips:
For paint and ink plants: - Use stock-rotation principle (oldest material first) - Track lot numbers and bag-opening dates - Maintain dispenser-bay cleanliness to avoid contamination - Keep partial bags sealed when not in active use
For plastic compounders: - Pre-dry TiO2 before high-loading masterbatch production (target <0.2% moisture) - Use sealed silos with desiccant for bulk storage - Avoid bag exposure to humid factory environments
For cosmetic formulators: - Maintain cleanroom standards for nano TiO2 handling - Validate pre-dispersion stability per batch - Document storage conditions for regulatory compliance
Recall and quality issue procedures:
If TiO2 develops visible quality issues during storage (color shift, hard agglomeration, moisture damage): - Document the issue with photos and batch number - Contact SEMITI for investigation - We work with you on root cause and remediation
Transport and storage during transit:
Our packaging and shipping protocols protect material during normal ocean transit. Insurance covers transport damage. Quality consistency from production through customer warehouse is verified through batch-level traceability.