Lithopone or sulphide of zinc white has been in general use for twenty years or more in many industries where a white pigment of considerable body or hiding power is required that is not subject to change like lead carbonate and has not the brittle character of zinc oxide, besides being sold at a lower figure than either of these. Nevertheless it is still comparatively new to the general painting trade. Because of our tariff protection its manufacture in this country has made great progress. Yet in spite of this and the duty imposed on it, the imports are still in excess of the quantity manufactured here. A short history of its origin will no doubt prove of interest to our readers.

Although barium sulfate is almost completely inert, zinc sulfide degrades upon exposure to UV light, leading to darkening of the pigment. The severity of this UV reaction is dependent on a combination of two factors; how much zinc sulfide makes up the pigments formulation, and its total accumulated UV exposure. Depending on these factors the pigment itself can vary in shade over time, ranging from pure white all the way to grey or even black. To suppress this effect, a dopant may be used, such as a small amount of cobalt salts, which would be added to the formulation. This process creates cobalt-doped zinc sulfide. The cobalt salts help to stabilize zinc sulfide so it will not have as severe a reaction to UV exposure.

Abstract

The Lithopone market is segmented into application, and region. The major applications studied in the global Lithopone market report include paints & coatings, plastics, printing inks, paper & pulps, rubber, leather, linoleum, and others. Region-wise, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. 

Due to its low binder requirement, lithopone provides paints with good flow and application properties. In the plastic processing industry, it is added to plastics to increase the plastic product’s UV tolerance, thus increasing its outdoor life. In the leather industry, it is one of the sulfide-based white pigments. It is also used in the production of linoleum floorings.