Titanium Dioxide (B101 Anatase) - China

Brief Overview

Titanium Dioxide, commonly known as Titania, is an inorganic compound recognized for its white powder form, denoted by the chemical formula TiO2. It primarily exists in two crystal structures, rutile and anatase. Anatase, prized for its cost-effectiveness, easy dispersion in water-based systems, and effective opacifying properties, exhibits untreated titanium dioxide with a refractive index of 2.55. However, its usage is limited in exterior paint, excluding applications like highway paints.

Manufacturing Process

The sulfur process facilitates the production of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in 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

Due to its brightness and a notably high refractive index (n=2.7), titanium dioxide is extensively employed as a white pigment, surpassing only specific materials.

Paper Industry

In the paper industry, titanium dioxide functions as a potent opacifier in powder form, enhancing the whiteness and opacity of paper products. Enhanced opacity results from optimal sizing of titanium dioxide particles. Additionally, specific formulations may induce limited color changes 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 serves as both a pigment and thickener in cosmetic and skincare products. Commonly found in sunscreens with physical blockers, it possesses a high refractive index, strong UV light absorption, and resilience against discoloration under ultraviolet light. This characteristic ensures stability and effective protection against ultraviolet light, making it a preferred choice in sunscreens designed for infants or individuals with sensitive skin. Such sunscreens often use titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide as mineral UV blockers to minimize skin irritation compared to chemical UV absorbers like avobenzone.

Food Industry

In the food industry, titanium dioxide acts as a food colorant, providing a cost-effective option widely used to enhance the whiteness of dairy-based products. It also enhances the color of candy, frosting, and powdered donuts.

Plastic Industry

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

Other Applications

TiO2 serves 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.