Titanium dioxide - an important white pigment for many products

Titanium dioxide (TiO2), also known as food additive E171, is an oxide of titanium. The chemical compound is insoluble in water and has an extremely high melting point (1843 degrees Celsius) and boiling point (2972 degrees Celsius).

Titanium dioxide is a powder and is among the whitest and brightest pigments available. However, this is not the only property that makes it so versatile.

White pigments usually appear slightly yellowish. But titanium dioxide is able to absorb UV radiation so well that it has a pure white appearance. Moreover, the ultrafine chemical can act as a photocatalyst to reduce the amount of pollutants in the environment.

Titanium dioxide has a higher refractive index than diamonds. It is therefore very widely used in the production of cosmetics and personal care products (e.g. sunscreen).

Titanium dioxide can be produced as either pigments or nan-sized particles. Both forms of TiO2 are tasteless and odorless and are insoluble in water.

Feel free to approach TER Chemicals to find out more about our TiO2 products. As an experienced supplier of specialty chemicals we can support you with our application expertise.

There are three naturally occurring forms of titanium oxide (TiO2): rutile, anatase and brookite. Each of these polymorphs has its own crystal structure and density.

In addition to the three naturally occurring forms, there are another eight forms of titanium dioxide that can be produced synthetically.

Titanium metal is very rare in nature. It is also very expensive and resource-intensive to produce titanium from ilmenite (iron ore) or rutile. As a result, the use of titanium dioxide is preferred.

Pure titanium dioxide (TiO2) can be extracted using either the sulfate or chloride process. Both methods involve converting ilmenite ore or titanium slag (a derivative) into pure TiO2.

Titanium dioxide consists of one titanium atom and two oxygen atoms. Considered a chemically inert compound, titanium dioxide is chemically stable, inexpensive and versatile, making it one of the most important white pigments today. It is authorized for use as a food additive and can be found in almost all paints and coatings, thus establishing itself as an integral part of our everyday lives.