EFSA's evaluation is related to the risks of TiO2 used as a food additive, not to other uses.
In the context of titanium dioxide determination, the process generally begins with the sample preparation, where a known mass of the sample containing TiO2 is dissolved or digested appropriately. The subsequent steps involve adding a precipitating agent, such as ammonium sulfate or sulfuric acid, to the prepared solution, which facilitates the formation of a titanium precipitate. This precipitate is often titanium hydroxide, which is not only insoluble but can be easily filtered out from the liquid phase.
Having thus described the origin and uses of the pigment, we now come to the question, what is lithopone? It is, in short, a chemical compound usually consisting of 30.5 per cent zinc sulphide, 1.5 per cent zinc oxide and 68 per cent barium sulphate, but these proportions vary slightly in the different makes. Lithopone of this composition is sold as the highest grade, either as red seal or green seal, as it best suits the idea of the manufacturer. Many manufacturers, especially in Europe, sell and also export other brands under other seals, containing 24, 20, 18 and as little as 12 per cent of zinc sulphide with very small percentages of zinc oxide, the balance being usually barium sulphate, but sometimes certain portions of China clay or gypsum (calcium sulphate) or whiting (calcium carbonate). Such brands are not a chemical compound, but mechanical mixtures of the chemically compounded lithopone and the admixtures referred to.
Titanium dioxide is typically micronized and coated for use in cosmetics products. The micronizing makes this somewhat heavy-feeling ingredient easier to spread on skin, plus a bit more cosmetically elegant. Micronized titanium dioxide is much more stable and can provide better sun protection than non-micronized titanium dioxide.
Despite these challenges, the TiO2 industry supplier continues to play a critical role in providing essential materials for a wide range of industries. With the growing demand for TiO2 in various applications, suppliers must continue to innovate and improve their processes to meet the needs of their customers.