tio2 rutile type factories

Manufacturers of rutile titanium dioxide employ different processes to produce this versatile pigment. The two primary methods are the sulfate process and the chloride process. In the sulfate process, ilmenite ore is treated with sulfuric acid to form titanyl sulfate solution, which is subsequently processed into titanium dioxide. This method typically results in a more opaque and durable pigment that is preferred in applications where weatherability is crucial. On the other hand, the chloride process involves treating rutile ore with chlorine gas to produce titanium tetrachloride, which is then refined and oxidized to form titanium dioxide. This method often yields a higher purity product suitable for applications requiring greater brightness and color stability.

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The lack of clear regulations and controls explains that P25TiO2NPs are still found in many of the commercialized sunscreens in the market. Some of them are coated to reduce the photoactivity of the anatase form, which is known to be responsible for tissue damage, but not enough studies were made on these coated forms. The anatase photoactivity could trigger the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, as it was stated before. The ROS are chemically reactive species containing oxygen, such as peroxides, superoxide, hydroxyl radical, and singlet oxygen. They are regularly produced in the biological milieu and counterbalanced by physiological antioxidant defense mechanisms. However, an abrupt increase of ROS may result in non-reversible damage to the skin cells. The effects of coated and uncoated P25TiO2NPs need therefore to be studied, and articles on this topic present different conclusions. [11][12][13] Recent literature on this topic found that TiO2NPs inhalation provokes serious genotoxicity and DNA damage [14][15][16][17]. On the other hand, some studies in rats have reported no significant harm to genetic material [18][19][20][21][22].

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For a mini-review published in the journal Particle and Fibre Technology in 2021, scientists wanted to evaluate whether Ti02 particles contributed to the development and/or exacerbation of irritable bowel disease, and whether they altered the four elements of intestinal barrier function: the intestinal microbiota, the immune system, the mucus layer, and the epithelium. The breakdown of these four elements can contribute to autoimmune, neurological, inflammatory, infectious, and metabolic diseases. Following their review, the researchers concluded: “Data indicate that TiO2 is able to alter the four compartments of IBF and to induce a low-grade intestinal inflammation associated or not with pre-neoplastic lesions.” 

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In the paper industry, titanium dioxide is used as a coating to improve the opacity and printability of paper products
titanium
titanium dioxide used for white pigments. The pigment helps to create a bright white surface that enhances the visual appeal of printed materials, making them more attractive and professional-looking. TiO2 is also used in the production of inkjet papers and photo printing papers to achieve high-quality images with sharp colors and fine details.

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