Moreover, screws made from steel offer superior strength and durability compared to other materials
- In the realm of modern industry, titanium dioxide (TiO2) has emerged as a vital component, playing a crucial role in a wide array of applications. TiO2 is renowned for its exceptional properties, including its high refractive index, strong oxidation resistance, and ability to provide excellent whiteness and opacity. These characteristics make it an indispensable material in various sectors, including、、、。
- Today, pigment lithopone factories continue to operate globally, albeit on a smaller scale than during their peak in the mid-20th century. They have become more efficient and environmentally conscious, thanks to advancements in technology and increased regulation. Furthermore, they have diversified their product lines to include other pigments and compounds, ensuring their survival in an increasingly competitive market.
In summary, the Food Directorate's position is that there is no conclusive scientific evidence that the food additive TiO2 is a concern for human health. This is based on a review of the available scientific data relevant to food uses of TiO2. However, we will continue to monitor the emerging science on the safety of TiO2 as a food additive and may revisit our position if new scientific information becomes available.
- Leading suppliers play a pivotal role in this landscape
Over the last several years, nanoparticles have come under scrutiny for adverse health effects. Nanoparticles are ultrafine particles between 1 to 100 nanometers in diameter. (To put this in perspective, the average human hair is around 80,000 nanometers thick.) Because of their size, which can be engineered and manipulated at the atomic or molecular level, nanoparticles exhibit unique physical, chemical, and biological properties. Titanium dioxide is one of the most commonly produced nanoparticles in the world.
The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) warns against sprayable products and powders that may expose users’ lungs to titanium dioxide through inhalation (10).




In 2023, the demand for titanium dioxide is expected to reach new heights. One of the main drivers of this growth is the cosmetics and personal care industry. Titanium dioxide is widely used in sunscreens, skin care products and cosmetics for its excellent UV protection properties and ability to provide a smooth surface. With growing awareness of the harmful effects of UV radiation, consumers are increasingly inclined to invest in products with sun protection. This trend is expected to drive the demand for titanium dioxide over the next few years.
Titanium is one of the most common metals on earth, but it does not occur naturally in this elemental form. TiO2, also known as titanium (IV) oxide or titania, is the naturally occurring compound created when titanium reacts with the oxygen in the air. As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth’s crust. It is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron.


In a small study published in the European Journal of Nutrition in 2020, researchers examined the effects of several food additives, including titanium dioxide, along with artificial sweeteners and cleaning products by testing the fecal samples of 13 people. Titanium dioxide was among the samples that “induced significant shifts in microbiome community structure.” The growth of the bacterium species belonging to C. leptum, which has been shown to decrease in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, “significantly decreased in the presence of … titanium dioxide” among other additives and sweeteners tested.
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are commonly found in a wide-range of consumer goods, including cosmetics, sunscreens, paints and colorings, ceramics, glass, textiles, construction materials, medicine, food, food packaging, and more. In Europe, cosmetic companies are required to label products that contain nanoparticles. In the U.S., companies are not.
Background and overview
Globally, Iron Oxide is the second largest inorganic pigment after Titanium Dioxide and the first largest color inorganic pigment. Iron oxide pigments mainly include iron oxide red, yellow, black and brown with iron oxide as the basic material. Iron oxide yellow, also known as hydroxyl iron oxide (FeOOH), will be dehydrated and decomposed into red at about 177 ℃, so the application of ordinary iron yellow pigment in high-temperature occasions such as plastic processing and baking coatings is limited. Iron oxide yellow pigment can improve its temperature resistance through surface coating, so as to expand the application field of iron oxide yellow pigment.
The chemical formula of iron oxide yellow (also known as hydroxyl iron) is α- Fe2O3 · H2O or α- FeOOH, with needle like structure and yellow powder, is a kind of particle size less than 0.1 μ m. Iron series pigment with good dispersibility in transparent medium has strong coloring power, high covering power, insoluble in alkali and slightly soluble in ACID. Synthetic iron oxide yellow has the characteristics of light resistance, good dispersion, non-toxic, tasteless and difficult to be absorbed by human body. It is widely used in coatings, plastics, ink and pharmaceutical industry.
Physical and chemical properties and structure
1. Iron oxide yellow pigment has acid and alkali resistance, resistance to general weak and dilute acids, and is very stable in alkaline solution of any concentration.
2. Iron oxide yellow pigment has certain light resistance, heat resistance and weather resistance. Its coating color is durable and can keep the coating from being damaged in light. Iron oxide yellow pigment is stable in a certain temperature range, but beyond the limit temperature, its color begins to change, and the degree of change is more significant with the increase of temperature. Iron oxide yellow pigment is not affected by cold, heat, dry and wet weather conditions.
3. Iron oxide yellow pigment is very stable in any ambient atmosphere (such as gases containing H 2S, Co, so 2, HCl, no, etc.). And resistant to pollution, water, oil and solvent penetration, insoluble in water, mineral oil or vegetable oil.
4. Iron oxide yellow pigment has strong coloring power and high hiding power. With the decrease of pigment particle size, its coloring power is stronger.
application
Nano iron oxide yellow has the characteristics of acid resistance, alkali resistance, non toxicity and low price. It is widely used in coatings, plastics and rubber. The particle size of nano iron yellow is less than 100 nm, which makes it have some unique characteristics. When light shines on its surface, transmission and diffraction will occur, showing transparent yellow, and can strongly absorb ultraviolet rays, Therefore, it can be used as a functional pigment for the surface paint of high-grade cars, precision instruments, bicycles, motorcycles, cosmetics, food, drugs and other coloring additives.
Titanium dioxide is produced at pigment grade or nano grade.

This precipitate is not suitable for a pigment until it is filtered, dried, crushed, heated to a high temperature and quenched in cold water. The second heating in a muffle furnace at 725 °C produces crystals of the right optical size.
There is some evidence that ingested titanium dioxide does not completely exit the body. A 2015 review of animal studies and a few human studies suggests titanium dioxide can get absorbed into the bloodstream and expose other organs to damage.
The main food categories contributing to dietary exposure of E171 are fine bakery wares, soups, broths and sauces (for infants, toddlers and adolescents); and soups, broths, sauces, salads and savoury based sandwich spreads (for children, adults and the elderly). Processed nuts are also a main contributing food category for adults and the elderly.
Algaecidal effect of Lithopon: After 5 years of exposure to weathering in Alpen (Lower Rhine)
Titanium dioxide prices climbed significantly in the European region during Q2 2021, owing to strong demand from the downstream sector. Major global suppliers indicated that they have seen a surge in its demand for primarily from Europe and Asia, despite a global supply constraint. Furthermore, a global player raised titanium dioxide costs in Europe by 200 USD /MT this quarter, effective Q3 2021.