How is titanium dioxide extracted?

One of the most common worries about titanium dioxide is that it could be a cancer-causing agent. The link between cancer and titanium dioxide traces back to a 1985 study where rats were exposed to high levels of titanium dioxide for two years, causing lung cancer. However, not all experts are convinced by this study.

Pigmentary TiO₂ particles are approximately 200-350nm in dimension and this form accounts for 98 percent of total production. It is used mainly for light scattering and surface opacity applications. It is used as a base for various colour paints or as a standalone ‘brilliant’ white.

Lithopone’s historical significance is further accentuated by the advancements and modifications that followed its inception. The 1874 patent by J.B. Orr, for instance, ushered in a new white pigment—Orr’s Zinc White. This innovation was attained by co-precipitating zinc sulfate and barium sulfide, followed by a calcination process. Further refinements marked the subsequent decades, the most notable being the enhancement of lightfastness achieved in the 1920s by introducing small amounts of cobalt salts before calcination.

The rapid method of synthesis described here is readily scalable to the proportions required in cosmetics manufacture.

A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2019 sought to examine the effects of titanium dioxide on intestinal inflammation. Researchers did this by feeding rats titanium dioxide nanoparticles and found that, after the course of two to three months, the animals had lower body weights and induced intestinal inflammation. The researchers also found the nanoparticles altered gut microbiota composition and aggravated chronic colitis. The rats also experienced reduced populations of CD4+T cells (which are cells that help organize immune responses by prompting other immune cells to fight infection), regulatory T cells, and white blood cells in mesenteric lymph nodes. The researchers wrote: “Dietary TiO2 nanoparticles could interfere with the balance of the immune system and dynamic of gut microbiome, which may result in low-grade intestinal inflammation and aggravated immunological response to external stimulus, thus introducing potential health risk.”

Lithopone 30% is a perfect alternative to titanium dioxide in all natural and synthetic pigmented elastomers, as it is non-abrasive and extremely acid resistant. 

25kg/bag, 27mts/20'FCL

Promotion of obesity-related metabolic disorders

Applications of Lithopone Powder:

One of the main uses of TiO2 powder is as a pigment in paints and coatings. It is valued for its excellent opacity, brightness, and UV resistance, making it ideal for use in exterior paints, industrial coatings, and automotive finishes. TiO2 powder suppliers work closely with paint manufacturers to supply them with the right grade and quantity of TiO2 powder to meet their specific requirements.