Titanium Dioxide CAS No. 13463-67-7

Product Description

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a versatile inorganic compound widely used across various industries due to its unique properties. It exists in three main forms: rutile, anatase, and brookite, with rutile being the most stable and common, and brookite being the rarest. Rutile is favored for its high refractive index, making it ideal for paints and coatings, while anatase is more photoactive, preferred for photocatalysis and sunscreens. TiO₂ is a white crystalline powder with excellent brightness, opacity, and UV resistance, making it a key ingredient in paints, plastics, papers, inks, and cosmetics. It is also used as a food additive (E171) for whitening and opacity, though its use in food has been banned in the EU due to health concerns. In industrial applications, TiO₂ enhances strength and heat resistance in ceramics and glass and is used in photocatalysis for air and water purification. However, safety concerns persist, particularly regarding inhalation risks and the potential genotoxicity of nanoparticles. While the FDA in the US considers it safe for food and cosmetics, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has banned it as a food additive due to potential health risks.

Product Use & Characteristics

Molecular Formula

• MF: O₂Ti
• MW: 79.866 g/mol
• IUPAC Name: Dioxotitanium

Main Forms

• Rutile: Most stable and common form with the highest refractive index, used in paints and coatings.
• Anatase: More photoactive, preferred in photocatalysis and sunscreens.
• Brookite: Rare, less common in industrial use.

Key Properties

• Appearance: White crystalline powder
• Melting Point: 1,843 °C (3,349 °F)
• Boiling Point: 2,972 °C (5,382 °F)
• Density: 4.23 g/cm³
• Insolubility: Insoluble in water and most organic acids
• Brightness and Opacity: Exceptionally bright and opaque, excellent light-scattering properties
• UV Absorption: Absorbs and reflects UV light effectively
• Chemical Stability: Thermally stable and non-flammable
• Semiconductor: TiO₂ is a semiconductor material

Uses

• Pigment: Used in paints, coatings, plastics, papers, inks, and cosmetics for its brilliant whiteness and opacity.
• Sunscreens & Cosmetics: Reflects and scatters UV radiation, often used in non-toxic mineral sunscreens.
• Food Additive (E171): Acts as a whitening agent in candies, gum, dairy, and baked goods (banned in the EU as of 2022 due to health concerns).
• Photocatalysis: Used in air purification, water treatment, and self-cleaning surfaces due to its ability to break down organic substances under UV light.
• Ceramics and Glass: Enhances strength and heat resistance.
• Other Industrial Uses: Orthopedic implant biomaterials, dental products, photocatalytic applications, filler in plastics, and to remove harmful emissions from car exhaust.

Safety and Environmental Concerns

• Inhalation Risk: Fine TiO₂ dust can be harmful; classified by IARC as a Group 2B carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans when inhaled in large amounts).
• Food Safety Debate: Increasing concern over nanoparticle forms in food and personal care products. The EU banned E171 (2022) due to potential genotoxicity, though the FDA still permits it in the US.

Production Methods

• Sulfate Process: Older method using sulfuric acid.
• Chloride Process: More efficient, produces purer TiO₂.

Detailed Summary

Properties

• White Pigment: Exceptionally bright and opaque.
• High Refractive Index: Even higher than diamond, making it highly reflective.
• UV Resistance: Absorbs and scatters ultraviolet light.
• Chemical Stability: Resistant to discoloration and degradation.
• Non-toxic: Approved for use in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Uses

• Paints & Coatings: Provides durability, brightness, and UV protection.
• Plastics: Enhances opacity and prevents yellowing.
• Cosmetics (Sunscreen, Makeup): Acts as a physical UV blocker and whitening agent.
• Food Additive (E171): Used for whitening and opacity in candies, chewing gum, etc. (banned in some regions due to safety concerns).
• Paper & Printing: Improves brightness and opacity.
• Photocatalysis: Used in self-cleaning surfaces and air purification.
• Ceramics & Glass: Provides opacity and brightness.

Safety & Controversy

• Nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs): Used in sunscreens and cosmetics; concerns over inhalation risks (possible carcinogen if inhaled in powder form).
• Food Safety: The EU banned E171 (2022) due to potential genotoxicity, though the FDA still permits it in the US.
• Topical Application (Sunscreens, Cosmetics): FDA recognizes titanium dioxide as safe and effective (GRASE) active ingredients in sunscreens.
• Ingestion (Food Additive E171): FDA approves the safety of titanium dioxide as a color additive in food, drugs, and cosmetics, but EFSA concluded it could no longer be considered safe due to genotoxicity concerns.
• Inhalation: IARC classifies airborne, unbound particles of respirable size titanium dioxide as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B).

Why us!

Sigma Chemical Group is a major chemical enterprise headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, with a diversified portfolio of subsidiaries including Henan Sigma Biotechnology Co., Ltd, QIngdao Sigma Chemical Co.,Ltd, Nanchang Sigma Chemical Co., Ltd., and Jinan Sigma Chemical Co., Ltd. Established on January 16, 2017, Qingdao Sigma Chemical Co., Ltd. operates as a micro-sized chemical product wholesaler with a registered capital of RMB 100,000. Led by legal representative Yang Yuwen and based at 2-1-2301, Jiahe Xinxing, No. 130 Shandong Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, the company’s operations span chemicals, machinery equipment, and import-export services. Henan Sigma Biotechnology Co., Ltd, located in Dongmafang, Muye District, Xinxiang City, Henan Province, specializes in the sales of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, veterinary drugs, and mixed feed additive series, including products like adenine, florfenicol injection, carbasalate calcium soluble powder, and cefotaxime sodium chloride injection. Guided by a win-win and innovative business philosophy, the company employs a modern management approach and customer-centric service, upholding integrity, diligence, and a commitment to quality, thereby earning customer trust through diverse product offerings and competitive pricing. Nanchang Sigma Chemical Co., Ltd., situated in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, is dedicated to producing high-purity plant extracts, emphasizing eco-friendly, non-toxic chemical raw materials that generate no environmental pollutants. Jinan Sigma Chemical Co., Ltd., located in Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province known as the "City of Springs," focuses on manufacturing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and pharmaceutical intermediates. The company maintains long-term industry-academia-research collaborations with Shandong University and Qilu University of Technology, continuously enhancing R&D investments to drive innovation and growth.