Titanium Dioxide

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Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) is a naturally occurring oxide of titanium known for its exceptional brightness and high refractive index. It is one of the most widely used white pigments in the world due to its excellent opacity, UV resistance, and chemical stability. Available in various crystalline forms—mainly rutile and anatase—it is used across numerous industries including paints, plastics, paper, cosmetics, and food. Industrial grades are often surface-treated to enhance performance in specific applications.

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Category: Pigments Tags: Inorganic Compound, Paints and coatings, Plastics and Polymer, s Cosmetics and Sunscreens, TiO₂, Titanium Dioxide, White Pigment, Whitening Agent

Description

Table of Contents

Titanium Dioxide

Primary Uses

Paints & Coatings Industry

White Pigment: Provides opacity, brightness, and coverage in decorative, industrial, automotive, and marine coatings.
UV Protection: Protects underlying surfaces and coatings from photodegradation.
Color Retention: Enhances weather resistance and maintains paint appearance over time.

Plastics Industry

Colorant: Adds whiteness and opacity to plastic products like PVC pipes, window frames, films, containers, and packaging.
Thermal Stability: Improves heat resistance and longevity in thermoplastics and thermosets.
UV Resistance: Protects polymers from degradation due to sunlight exposure.

Paper Industry

Coating Pigment: Enhances brightness, smoothness, and opacity in high-quality papers and boards.
Filler: Increases paper bulk and printability, particularly in specialty and coated papers.

Cosmetics & Personal Care

Sunscreens: Used as a physical UV filter (especially micronized TiO₂) in SPF formulations.
Pigment: Provides opacity and brightness in foundations, creams, powders, and lotions.
Non-Irritant Base: Suitable for sensitive skin due to its inert and non-comedogenic nature.

Food Industry (Food Grade – E171)

Food Whitening Agent: Adds brightness and opacity to chewing gum, candies, bakery coatings, and toothpaste.
Color Stabilizer: Helps maintain color consistency in processed foods and pharmaceuticals.

Secondary Uses

Pharmaceuticals

Tablet Coating Agent: Enhances tablet appearance and provides UV protection for light-sensitive drugs.
Capsules & Gels: Used for whitening and aesthetic appeal in gel capsules.

Ceramics & Glass

Opacifier: Adds whiteness and opacity in glazes and ceramic finishes.
Glass Additive: Improves refractive index and UV filtering in specialty glass applications.

Textiles

Pigment Printing: Adds opacity and brightness in printed or dyed fabrics.
Fiber Additive: Improves UV resistance and colorfastness in synthetic fibers.

Inks

Printing Inks: Adds brightness and opacity in packaging, labels, and publications.
UV Curing Inks: Enhances performance in high-opacity ink formulations for industrial printing.

Photocatalysis & Environmental Uses

Air & Water Purification: In anatase form, acts as a photocatalyst to break down pollutants under UV light.
Self-Cleaning Surfaces: Applied in glass and ceramic coatings to facilitate dirt decomposition.
Antibacterial Coatings: Used in surfaces where antimicrobial activity is desired.

Metallurgy & Welding

Flux Coating: Used in welding electrodes as a flux component to stabilize arc and improve weld quality.

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): Titanium(IV) oxide
Common/Trade Name: Titanium Dioxide
CAS Number: 13463-67-7
HS Code: 3206.11.00 (Pigment grade)
Synonyms: TiO₂, titania, rutile, anatase, E171 (food grade)

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Powder (fine or ultrafine)
Color & Odor: White, odorless
Crystal Forms: Rutile (high refractive index, more stable) and Anatase (higher photocatalytic activity)
Melting Point: 1,843 °C
Density: 3.9–4.2 g/cm³ (rutile), 3.8–3.9 g/cm³ (anatase)
Refractive Index: ~2.7 (rutile), ~2.5 (anatase)
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in concentrated acids

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous in solid form; inhalable dust may be hazardous
Toxicity: Considered low toxicity; concern exists over inhalation of fine particles (especially nanoparticles)
Exposure Limits:
- OSHA PEL: 15 mg/m³ (total dust)
- ACGIH TLV: 10 mg/m³ (inhalable fraction)

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in dry, well-ventilated area; avoid moisture contamination
Container Type: Multi-ply paper bags, FIBCs, or drums
Shelf Life: Stable indefinitely under proper storage
Handling Precautions: Avoid generating dust; use dust extraction and PPE where necessary

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Complies with REACH and OSHA standards for industrial use
Food-grade form (E171) approved by Codex, USP, FCC, and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (note: banned for food use in some jurisdictions like the EU)
Pharmaceutical grades comply with USP, BP, and EP standards
Listed in TSCA (USA), DSL (Canada), and other global inventories
Subject to labeling requirements depending on particle size (e.g., nanoparticles)

6. Environmental & Health Impact

Biodegradability: Inorganic; does not biodegrade
Ecotoxicity: Low for pigment-grade; nanoparticle form may affect aquatic life
Bioaccumulation: Not significant in pigment form
Photocatalytic Risk: Anatase TiO₂ may generate reactive oxygen species under UV light, which can impact ecosystems

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE Required: Dust mask, gloves, goggles recommended for bulk handling
Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; minimize airborne dust generation
Storage Measures: Keep containers sealed and dry; avoid contamination with incompatible substances

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation occurs
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for several minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical advice if large quantity ingested

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Non-flammable; stable under fire conditions
Extinguishing Media: Use media appropriate for surrounding fire
Hazardous Combustion Products: None specific; may release metal oxide fumes if involved in fire