The Development and Commercialization of the DuPont Chloride Process for the Manufacture of Pigments Based on Titanium Dioxide

The DuPont Chloride Process for the manufacture of pigments based on titanium dioxide was originally developed in the 1940's and 1950's, with full commercialization in the 1950's. The process was a radical departure from the previously-established sulfate-based manufacturing route. Its development and commercialization required DuPont scientists and engineers to overcome a myriad of problems in materials of construction, process control, aerosol science and other arenas. The process has been continually improved in the intervening fifty years and is the underlying basis for the production of all DuPont titanium dioxide pigments.

This presentation will provide a historical perspective on the development of this revolutionary process, its commercialization and proliferation, and a discussion of some important aspects of particle science and engineering inherent to its success.