The architectural coatings industry is a multibillion-dollar market where cost efficiency and environmental impact are major concerns. Titanium dioxide (titania) is a critical but expensive component in paint formulations, and its production has significant environmental consequences. This research explores the use of stimuli-responsive “smart” polymers to enhance titania dispersion in water-based coatings, reducing the amount required without sacrificing performance. By improving opacity and gloss while lowering titania content, this approach could decrease manufacturing costs and lessen the environmental burden of titania mining and processing. Our study evaluates titania dispersion using Leneta charts, assessing key properties through opacity, gloss, and secondary tests such as water droplet. If successful, this technology could lead to more sustainable and cost-effective coatings, benefiting both manufacturers and consumers. With increasing demand for water-based paints due to environmental concerns and regulations on oil-based coatings, widespread adoption of this technology could have significant economic and environmental benefits for the global paint industry.
