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SEMITI 996 vs Chemours Ti-Pure R-902

SEMITI 996 is engineered as a 1:1 drop-in substitute for Ti-Pure R-902 in coatings, plastic masterbatch, and inks.

Ti-Pure R-902 is historically the most widely-formulated TiO2 grade in global paint manufacturing — a chloride-process rutile with alumina + organic surface treatment, qualified in thousands of waterborne, solventborne, and masterbatch formulations. SEMITI 996 is positioned as the direct functional equivalent from China, sourced from LB Group's tier-1 production family.

For paint manufacturers and plastic compounders running formulations qualified on Ti-Pure R-902, SEMITI 996 is designed as a 1:1 drop-in substitute — same loading, same dispersion procedure, same letdown. The cost advantage (typically 35–40% lower landed price in Asia) is the primary driver for substitution, while maintaining performance within measurement tolerance.

Side-by-side specification

Typical published specs for the two grades. Customer-specific CoA on inquiry.

PropertySEMITI 996Chemours Ti-Pure R-902
ProcessChlorideChloride
CrystalRutile (≥98.5%)Rutile (≥98.5%)
TiO2 content≥93.0%≥93.0%
Tinting strength≥1850 Reynolds≥1850 Reynolds
Color (CIE L*)≥97.6≥97.6
Color (b*)≤2.0≤1.9
Oil absorption16–20 g/100g17–20 g/100g
Surface treatmentAl2O3 + organicAl2O3 + organic
Landed cost (Asia)Lower (typically 35–40%)Higher (reference)
Global availabilityAsia tier 1Global tier 1

Bold amber indicates the column with the stronger value on that line.

When to choose which

Choose
SEMITI 996
  • Cost optimization is a procurement priority — typical 35–40% landed-cost reduction
  • Sourcing into Asia, Middle East, India — shorter delivery and existing supplier presence
  • Mid-tier paint and plastic compound where Ti-Pure brand premium is not justified
  • Volume buyers who can run a small pilot trial before bulk substitution
Choose
Chemours Ti-Pure R-902
  • Existing supplier relationship and qualified material with no business case to switch
  • Very tight color-match formulations (automotive OEM, decor paper) where Δb* < 0.3 batch tolerance is required
  • Premium consumer brands where Chemours brand recognition has marketing value

Drop-in substitution

In 80%+ of qualified formulations, SEMITI 996 substitutes 1:1 for Ti-Pure R-902 at the same loading without any formulation change. The recommended substitution process: 1. Order a 25–100 kg sample for technical evaluation 2. Run a side-by-side lab batch — same dispersion process, same loading 3. Measure: contrast ratio, tinting strength, gloss at 60°, scrub resistance 4. Acceptable thresholds: Δ contrast ratio < 1%, Δ tinting strength < 3%, Δ gloss < 2 units 5. If lab passes, scale to a 1 t production batch and verify in finished paint can stability over 4 weeks Cases where substitution requires fine-tuning: - Automotive OEM solid white: typically requires color-match adjustment in tint pack - Highest-gloss semi-gloss paints: minor formulation tuning may be needed for matched gloss - Some decor paper applications: confirm retention rate with paper mill's retention aid system

Pricing context

Ti-Pure R-902 is sold globally via Chemours' direct sales and distributor network. Pricing varies by region and volume but typically lands in Asian markets at USD 3.20–3.80 per kg for FCL volumes. SEMITI 996 lands in Asian markets at USD 2.10–2.50 per kg for FCL volumes — a 35–45% cost advantage. The cost advantage is larger for tier-2 paint manufacturers who don't have Chemours direct-buy programs.

Bottom line

For 80% of Ti-Pure R-902 use cases, SEMITI 996 is the right substitute. Lab-scale and small production-scale validation is straightforward. The 35–40% cost advantage flows directly to margin or competitive pricing. For automotive OEM and very tight color-match applications, plan for additional qualification time.

Request SEMITI 996 sample for Chemours Ti-Pure R-902 substitution trial

Free 25 kg sample for technical evaluation. We typically respond within 24 hours UTC+8. FOB / CIF / DDP terms available to most ports worldwide.