Areas of application of titanium dioxide
Titanium dioxide (additive E171) is a substance used as a white pigment (titanium whitewash) in the production of dyes, plastics, paper, ceramics, soaps, creams, toothpaste, in the food and pharmaceutical industries, as well as as a photocatalyst, since titanium dioxide is a semiconductor.
Titanium dioxide in the production of dyes
57-60% of the substance produced falls on the paint and varnish industry for the manufacture of dyes, varnishes, paints, enamels. Paint and varnish materials produced on the basis of titanium dioxide:
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Printing inks
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Paints for architecture and decoration
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Emulsion matte coatings
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Emulsion glossy paints
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Solutions for plaster
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Silicate paints
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Paints for wood
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Paints for road markings
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Paints for marine coatings
Titanium dioxide exists in rutile and anatase forms. Paints made from the rutile form of titanium dioxide have the best quality. Their use in coatings is due to the following physico-chemical properties of titanium dioxide:
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Chemical inertia (does not react with water, most acids and alkalis)
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Non-toxic
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It is well dispersed (crushed)
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Resistant to UV radiation, weathering and aging
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It is capable of scattering electromagnetic radiation
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It is capable of performing the functions of a photocatalyst under the influence of UV radiation
The higher the degree of dispersion of titanium dioxide, the better it exhibits bleaching ability, hiding power, the more glossy the surface has (gloss is explained by the ability of the surface to reflect light). This characteristic also affects the rheological properties of the additive and atmospheric stability (if titanium dioxide particles stick together into agglomerates, the substance weakly shields UV radiation).
Paint with well-dispersed TiO2 | Paint with poorly dispersed TiO2 |
Titanium dioxide in polymer production
About 20% of the titanium dioxide produced is accounted for by the production of plastics. Titanium dioxide is used in the manufacture of:
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Window plastic
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Parts for cars and various equipment
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Linoleum
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Rubbers
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Thermo- and reactoplasts
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Elastomers
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Rubber
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Synthetic polymer fibers
Titanium dioxide in this case plays the role of filler and provides the following properties of the surface of the products: thermal stability, mechanical strength, resistance to aging (the coating does not turn yellow) and destruction under environmental influences.
Titanium dioxide in the food industry
In the food industry, the substance is used to give a white color to food and protect their color from aging during long storage and is known as additive E171. It makes the appearance of products more attractive without affecting their taste. The dye in an amount of no more than 1 percent of the total weight is contained in the following products:
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chewing gums
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sugar
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semi
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-finished products condensed milk
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flour
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sauces
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glazed cheeses
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candies and other confectionery products with glaze
The addition of titanium dioxide also protects plastic product packages from ultraviolet radiation. The use of E171 additive in the food industry is considered relatively safe for the body with a small percentage of its content in food. There are studies confirming that titanium dioxide can disrupt intestinal absorption of nutrients and lead to inflammation if instructions on the content of the substance in products are not followed.
Titanium dioxide in the production of cosmetics
The additive is used in the production of
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soap
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and toothpaste
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creams
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It is also included in the
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powders
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lipsticks
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eye shadow, giving them the right shade.
Titanium dioxide in the composition of the sunscreen protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation, providing SPF protection from about 25% UV radiation due to its ability to shield UV radiation. As part of other creams, it helps to achieve an even distribution of tanning. The dye contained in cosmetics, when added to products according to the instructions, does not penetrate into the body in critical quantities and does not harm human health.
Titanium dioxide in the pharmaceutical industry
The use of pigment in pharmaceutical production is also due to its whitening and protective ability. It is added to tablets, suppositories, pastes in order to ensure a presentable appearance and protection against aging to extend the shelf life. Titanium dioxide does not interact with the components of medicinal products and, subject to the instructions for its permissible content in the preparation, does not have a negative effect on human health.
Titanium dioxide in paper production
The additive in paper production is used to give paper, wallpaper, cardboard a pure white color. Titanium dioxide also acts as filler, ensuring smoothness and uniformity of products.
Titanium dioxide as a photocatalyst
The photocatalytic properties of the substance were first discovered in 1972, and a few years later, chemists learned how to purify water from organic molecules with its help. Currently, with the help of TiO2-based photocatalytic filters, the environment is being cleaned of organics, bacteria and pollutants. Such filters are well available due to the cheapness and prevalence of the active substance, as well as their ease of operation, which does not require cleaning or replacement after a single use.