An opacifier is a substance added to a material in order to make the ensuing system opaque. An example of a chemical opacifier is titanium dioxide (TiO2), which is used as an opacifier in paints, in paper, and in plastics. It has very high refraction index (rutile modification 2.7 and anatase modification 2.55) and optimum refraction is obtained with crystals about 225 nanometers. Impurities in the crystal alter the optical properties.[1] It is also used to opacify ceramic glazes[2] and milk glass; bone ash is also used.
Opacifiers must have a refractive index (RI) substantially different from the system. Conversely, clarity may be achieved in a system by choosing components with very similar refractive indices.[3]
- ^ Karvinen, S. (2003). "The effects of trace elements on the crystal properties of TiO2". Solid State Sciences. 5 (5): 811–819. Bibcode:2003SSSci...5..811K. doi:10.1016/S1293-2558(03)00082-7.
- ^ Tin Oxide ( SnO2 ) Stannic Oxide – Properties and Applications, The A to Z of Materials.
- ^ Raghavan, V. (2004). Materials Science and Engineering: A First Course. India: Prentice Hall. ISBN 81-203-2455-2.
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