Titanium Dioxide

The most important application areas are paints and varnishes as well as paper and plastics, accounting for the majority of the world's titanium dioxide consumption. It is also used in pigments such as printing inks, fibers, rubber, cosmetic products and food.

: Titania, TiO2, Anatase
: TiO2
: 13463-67-7

: 79.866 g/mol

: 1855 °C

: 2500-3000 °C

: 3.7 to 4.2 g/cc

: Powder, White

Ceramics
Pulp and paper
Solvents
Pharmaceuticals
Skin care products
Opacifier
Personal care
Beauty products
Building & Construction products
Paint and Coatings
Rubber

General information about titanium dioxide

Four to five million tonnes of titanium dioxide are produced every year. More than half of the production volume is used for paints, followed by polymers and paper.

Properties of titanium dioxide

Titanium dioxide is the most common compound of the titanium oxides. The chemical formula of the white, crystalline powder is TiO2. It is a polymorphic oxide, i.e. it occurs in various crystal forms (modifications). Titanium dioxide reacts only very weakly or not at all with other substances and is almost insoluble in water, organic solvents, diluted bases and diluted acids. It does, however, dissolve in hot, concentrated sulphuric acid, hydrofluoric acid and molten alkali metal hydroxides and alkali metal carbonates.

Woman Decorating Showing a Colour Swatch to Her Partner

Titanium dioxide in the paint and coatings industry

Titanium dioxide is used in large quantities in the paint and coatings industry under the name white pigment. Due to its high refractive index, titanium dioxide has the highest hiding power of all white pigments.

Rear view of asian painter man painting the wall, with paint roller and bucket in an unfinished house, Construction work, isolated on big empty space with ladder

Titanium dioxide in the plastics and construction industry

Titanium dioxide is used in the plastics industry as a white pigment in solvent-based polymers and plastics. It improves the optical properties of the plastic and ensures a bright, white colour. Titanium dioxide also protects plastics used outdoors from the damaging effects of UV rays. In the construction industry, titanium dioxide is added to concrete to improve its durability and weather resistance.

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Titanium dioxide in the cleaning industry

Titanium dioxide is used as a white pigment in cleaning products such as washing powder, liquid detergents and cleaning soaps. It gives the products a white colour and thus improves their appearance.

Titanium dioxide in the rubber and caoutchouc industry

Titanium dioxide is used as a white pigment in rubber products to achieve the desired colour and whiteness. This is particularly relevant when a light-coloured and aesthetically pleasing surface is required, for example in rubber bands and shoe soles. Titanium dioxide also contributes to colour stability and helps to protect the rubber from discolouration caused by external influences. The addition of titanium dioxide also improves the opacity and covering power of the rubber if it is to be opaque, such as in car tyres.

Other areas of application for titanium dioxide

Titanium oxide is used in many other industries. Here are a few examples:

In paper production, titanium dioxide helps to achieve a high degree of whiteness.
In the cosmetics industry, titanium dioxide prevents UV radiation from penetrating the skin and is therefore used in mineral sun cream as UV protection.
In the pharmaceutical industry, titanium dioxide is used as a brightener in medicines.
Titanium dioxide is used in the manufacture of special optical glasses.