What is Titanium Dioxide?
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a naturally occurring oxide of titanium used primarily as a strong colorant in a broad range of popular products. The highest refractive index of any material ever belongs to titanium dioxide؛ even more than diamond. This means that it is capable of scattering visible light as a pigment. As a result, we can see an opaque color and it creates a bright, shiny and reflective quality. Also, thanks to the less known properties of titanium dioxide, it’s extremely useful and important for preventing climate change and skin cancer. It’s one of the ultra-white materials on earth and because it has a high UV-resistance and its ability to scatter light is very powerful, we can definitely say that titanium dioxide is one of the most popular ingredients that appearing in a lot of products we use in this day and age.
The origins of titanium dioxide
Nature does not produce titanium dioxide in a suitable form and it should be cautiously mined in one of its pure forms. The mid-1800s was the first time titanium dioxide was produced in a lab. Due to its very safe and secure features, in the 20th century, it was replaced with other pigments that had whitening capabilities. Titanium mostly occurs as the mineral ilmenite and a form of TiO2 named mineral rutile. A chemical process is needed to generate pure titanium dioxide because these static molecular compounds should be departed.
Applications
When we ground titanium dioxide into a powder, it converts into a pigment that gives us the highest whiteness and opacity possible. Due to its powerful and pure whitening qualities, titanium dioxide known as the whitest white. Titanium dioxide pigments are used in paints and coatings, plastics, concrete and building industries, cosmetics industry, foods, and many more common products. It is one of the most common pigments that we can find in a variety of uses globally. A popular use for titanium dioxide is in the coating and plastic industry. You should know that the foundation of a high percentage of paint colors is indeed titanium dioxide.
In skin care and cosmetic products, titanium dioxide is utilized as a pigment and even as a thickener for creams. Thanks to its clarity and UV absorbing capabilities, we can find TiO2 in a wide variety of sunscreens. Furthermore, titanium dioxide serves as a whitener in many food products. Even we can use it as a color or texture enhancer. If you are looking for smoothness in chocolates and sweets, titanium dioxide can serve you well!
Titanium Dioxide is beneficial for various environmental purposes. For example, when used in a paint coating on the outside of buildings in hot and tropical climates, the white and light-reflecting properties of titanium dioxide can lead to significant energy savings, as it decreases the necessity for air-conditioning.
“Toseaye Pardis Sabz”, the supplier of organic and inorganic pigments, exports various types of titanium oxide pigments to many countries. These pigments undoubtedly are able to compete with their foreign equivalents and provide high-quality whitening effects that can be used in many industries.
Source: R & D Unit of Toseaye Pardis Sabz
