Synthetic Rutile

Synthetic rutile (TiO2) is manufactured through the upgrading of ilmenite ore to remove impurities (mostly iron) and yield a feedstock for production of titanium tetrachloride through the chloride process.

The CMRL, which began production at its 10,000 tpy synthetic rutile plant in Kerala in 1990, has gradually raised the production capacity to around 36,000 tpy in 2005-06 for exports.

Synthetic rutile is used for coating welding electrodes and for manufacture of titanium tetrachloride which in turn is used in making titanium sponge.

Synthetic rutile made from ilmenite can be substituted for natural rutile.

Iluka is the world’s largest producer of synthetic rutile, accounting for approximately 66% of global production in past years.