lithopone red pigments quotes manufacturer

Australian researchers examined how titanium dioxide as a food additive affected gut microbiota in mice by orally administering it in drinking water. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition in 2019, found the treatment could “alter the release of bacterial metabolites in vivo and affect the spatial distribution of commensal bacteria in vitro by promoting biofilm formation. We also found reduced expression of the colonic mucin 2 gene, a key component of the intestinal mucus layer, and increased expression of the beta defensin gene, indicating that titanium dioxide significantly impacts gut homeostasis.” The changes were then linked to colonic inflammation, along with a higher expression of inflammatory cytokines, which are signal proteins that help with regulation. The researchers concluded that titanium dioxide “impairs gut homeostasis which may in turn prime the host for disease development.”

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Titanium dioxide's significance in rubber production stems from its exceptional opacity and whiteness, which significantly improves the visual appeal of products like tires, rubber sheets, and various industrial rubber goods. Its ability to scatter light effectively makes it a preferred choice for creating bright, clean white shades in rubber products. Moreover, TiO2 also imparts heat resistance, enhances tensile strength, and improves the overall mechanical properties of the rubber, making it more durable and long-lasting.

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China, as a global manufacturing hub, plays a significant role in the production and pricing of various industrial materials, including lithopone pigments. Lithopone, a versatile white pigment, is widely used in industries like coatings, plastics, printing inks, and paper due to its excellent whiteness, opacity, and cost-effectiveness. It is a combination of zinc sulfide and barium sulfate, offering a cost-efficient alternative to titanium dioxide.

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