Overview
Opaque particles are functional additives designed to scatter light and increase opacity in various materials. They are widely used in industrial formulations where hiding power or whiteness enhancement is required. These particles typically consist of inorganic compounds like titanium dioxide (TiO₂) or specialty polymers engineered for light diffusion. In B2B markets, opaque particles are supplied as raw materials to manufacturers in coatings, plastics, and other industries. Their performance is measured by metrics such as refractive index, particle size distribution, and dispersion stability, which determine their effectiveness in different applications.
Physical and Chemical Properties
The effectiveness of opaque particles depends on their physical characteristics, particularly their refractive index difference with the surrounding medium. Titanium dioxide-based particles, for example, have a refractive index of ~2.7, making them highly effective in polymer matrices (refractive index ~1.5). Particle size typically ranges from 0.2–0.4 μm for optimal light scattering in visible spectrum applications. Chemically, most commercial opaque particles exhibit high stability against heat, UV radiation, and chemical reactions. Surface treatments (e.g., silica or alumina coatings) are often applied to improve dispersion and compatibility with different resin systems. These modifications also reduce photocatalytic activity in TiO₂-based products, enhancing durability in outdoor applications.
Main Applications
In the coatings industry, opaque particles are essential for achieving full hiding power in paints with minimal thickness. They enable formulation of high-performance architectural coatings, automotive finishes, and industrial protective coatings. The particles' light-scattering properties allow for reduction in coating weight while maintaining opacity, offering cost and environmental benefits. The plastics sector utilizes these particles in products requiring whiteness or opacity, such as food packaging, automotive parts, and consumer goods. In masterbatch production, opaque particles are pre-dispersed in carrier resins for easier incorporation during plastic processing. Other significant applications include paper filling/coating, cosmetic formulations (e.g., sunscreens), and specialty inks where opacity is critical.
Safety and Storage
Handling opaque particles requires attention to dust control, as inhalation of fine particles may pose respiratory risks. Facilities should employ local exhaust ventilation and operators should use appropriate PPE (N95 respirators, protective eyewear) when handling powders. Many opaque particles are classified as nuisance dusts under occupational safety guidelines. Proper storage involves keeping materials in sealed containers in dry conditions to prevent moisture absorption and clumping. Temperature extremes should be avoided as some surface treatments may degrade. In case of spills, dry methods (sweeping or vacuuming with HEPA filters) are recommended over wet cleanup to prevent slurry formation and slipping hazards.
B2B Procurement Guide
When sourcing opaque particles, industrial buyers should clearly specify technical requirements including: particle size distribution (D50, D90 values), surface treatment type, refractive index, and any industry-specific certifications (e.g., FDA compliance for food-contact applications). Bulk purchases typically offer better pricing but require verification of batch-to-batch consistency. Supplier evaluation should consider technical support capabilities, as optimal use often requires formulation expertise. Many manufacturers provide application labs to test particle performance in customer-specific systems. Logistics factors like minimum order quantities, packaging options (bulk bags vs. smaller containers), and regional stock availability are also critical for supply chain efficiency in industrial procurement.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：PP、PE、ABS、POM、PC、POE、EVA、德国朗盛、美国杜邦、日本宝理pom、韩国LG、奇美abs、pom900p、工程塑料、PPO、TPU、PET
- 主营：EVA、PP、PC、PA6、PA66、POM聚甲醛、ABS、PPS、PE、PETG、PMMA、PBT
- 主营：工程塑料、耐高温塑料、通用塑料、增韧塑料、热塑弹性体塑料
- 主营：塑胶颗粒、聚丙烯塑料、ABS塑料、塑料粒子、POM塑料、日本宝理POM代理、陶氏PE塑料、耐低温尼龙塑料、耐高温PP聚丙烯、耐低温PP聚丙烯、台湾PP聚丙烯塑料、巴塞尔PP代理、道达尔PP代理、韩国道达尔代理商、台湾台塑POM
- 主营：阻燃剂、工程pom、大金pfa、基础pbt、pomm90-44、gn-5008hf、防火ppo、材料ppo、pfa塑料、热熔胶、防火ppa、pom齿轮、纤维可、草坪河、高耐热、pcgs-3420、耐热pfa、dsm塑胶、pps防火、炭黑pfa、合成料、安全帽、玻璃珠、hdpe8454n、pa6620nsp
- 主营：Pom美国杜邦、日本宝理pom、旭化成pom、Pom100p、Pom500p、Pom900p、M90-44、F20-03、ABS747、abs757、LCP、PA6T、PA9T、POE、PBT、PVDF、PETG、COC、HIPS、TPEE、TPU、TPV、日本旭化成pom、美国杜邦pom
- 主营：surlyn、pvdf、PA66、ABS、PFA、ptfe
- 主营：鞋底料、汪洋高分子、热塑性弹性体
- 主营：通用塑料、高温塑料、工程塑料、特种工程料、尼龙料、弹性塑料
- 主营：医用医疗级PVC颗粒、食品级PVC颗粒、环保PVC插头料、不含邻苯PVC粒子、硬质PVC颗粒、软质PVC颗粒、PA尼龙改性
- 主营：塑胶
- 主营：POM、PA6、PA66、PC、PP
- 主营：杜邦100、塑料箱、电池盒、聚甲醛、ppo沙伯、连接器、聚丙烯、贮存箱、聚酰胺、塑料瓶、沙伯基、聚烯烃、pa66尼龙、工程塑料、家电部件、汽车塑胶、聚碳酸酯、护罩外壳、照明灯具、管道部件、医用包装、电缆包装、电子电器、汽车电缆、汽车零件
- 主营：PA66、POM、PC、PP、ABS、TPE、PCTG
- 主营：psu塑料、poe颗粒、鞋底eva、不透明、管用tpu、防滑tpu、fr70m30v0、耐温度、eva醋酸、管材tpu、热熔胶、tpu电缆、胶布poe、tpu鞋底、弹性tpu、冲击eva、涂层pfa、轮胎tpu、树脂tpu、薄膜tpu、包装eva、eva材料、tpu包胶、透明eva、耐燃油、增韧poe