Brief Overview

Titanium dioxide, or Titania, is an inorganic compound renowned for its white powder form, identified by the chemical formula TiO2. It predominantly manifests in two crystal structures, rutile and anatase. Anatase, valued for its cost-effectiveness, easy dispersion in water-based systems, and proficient opacifying properties, possesses untreated titanium dioxide with a refractive index of 2.55. However, its use is infrequent in exterior paint, excluding highway paints.

Manufacturing Process

The sulfur process facilitates the production of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in both anatase and rutile forms through specific steps :

1. Dissolving the raw material containing titanium dioxide in concentrated sulfuric acid.
2. Precipitating hydrous titanium dioxide from the acidic solution through dilution and boiling (hydrolysis).
3. Eliminating contaminants through leaching
4. Increasing particle size via calcination at temperatures around 1,000°C.
5. Purifying and subsequently coating the pigment with organic and inorganic oxides.

Paint and Coating Industry

Given its brightness and notably high refractive index (n=2.7), titanium dioxide is extensively utilized as a white pigment, surpassing only select materials.

Paper Industry

In the paper industry, titanium dioxide serves as a potent opacifier in powder form, enhancing the whiteness and opacity of paper products. Improved opacity results from optimal sizing of titanium dioxide particles. Moreover, specific formulations may induce a limited color change based on the angle and illumination of the finished product, influenced by the thickness of the oxide layer in the pigment particle.

Cosmetics Industry

Titanium dioxide operates both as a pigment and thickener in cosmetic and skincare products. A common ingredient in sunscreens with physical blockers, it boasts a high refractive index, robust UV light absorption, and resilience against discoloration under ultraviolet light. This trait ensures stability and effective protection against ultraviolet light, making it a preferred choice in sunscreens tailored for infants or individuals with sensitive skin. Such sunscreens often utilize titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide as mineral UV blockers to minimize skin irritation compared to chemical UV absorbers like avobenzone.

Food Industry

Titanium dioxide serves as a food colorant in the food industry, providing an economical option widely used to enhance the whiteness of dairy-based products. Additionally, it enhances the color of candy, frosting, and donuts' powder.

Plastic Industry

This pigment enjoys widespread use in plastics and diverse applications due to its UV-resistant properties, acting as a UV absorber that effectively converts harmful UV light energy into heat.

Other Applications

TiO2 acts as an efficient opacifier in powder form, functioning as a pigment to impart whiteness and opacity to various products, including paints, coatings, plastics, papers, inks, foods, medicines, and the majority of toothpaste.