Three types titanate derivatives, K2Ti6O13 fiber, K2Ti8O17 fiber and anatase TiO2 fiber, were synthesized by ion-exchange reaction from potassium tetratitanate fiber (K2Ti4O9) based on the hydrate conditions predicted by a thermodynamic model. These products were formed by a heat treatment of the corresponding hydrate intermediates K1.33H0.67Ti4O9.H2O, KHTi4O9.0.5H(2)O and H2Ti4O9.1.2H(2)O which were quantitatively obtained by controlling the pH value and the equilibrium concentration of potassium ion. The mole ratio of Ti/K in solid phase (R) of the target products was taken as the controlling aim in the hydrate process. The temperature for heat treatment of hydrate intermediates was determined by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). All products retained fibrous morphology similar to that of K2Ti4O9 used as the starting material. (C) 2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers.