When it comes to sourcing titanium dioxide, it is essential to understand the various processes involved in its production. The two primary production methods are the sulfate process and the chloride process. The sulfate process tends to be more cost-effective in certain contexts, but it also generates a substantial amount of waste, putting pressure on manufacturers to invest in waste treatment technologies. On the other hand, the chloride process is known for its superior quality and lower environmental impact, albeit at a higher production cost.
With the rise of nanotechnology, research in recent years has also shown the dangers of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, and their genotoxicity, which refers to a chemical agent’s ability to harm or damage DNA in cells, thus potentially causing cancer.
These nanoparticles can have different toxicological properties than their bulk counterparts, necessitating a more nuanced approach to risk assessment These nanoparticles can have different toxicological properties than their bulk counterparts, necessitating a more nuanced approach to risk assessmentniosh titanium dioxide. NIOSH has published guidelines and hazard evaluations to address potential exposure risks and promote safe handling practices.Often used as a glaze for ceramics, titanium dioxide provides a bright, glossy finish and improves the durability and stain resistance of ceramic products.
Titanium dioxide is produced in two main forms. The primary form, comprising over 98 percent of total production, is pigment grade titanium dioxide. The pigmentary form makes use of titanium dioxide’s excellent light-scattering properties in applications that require white opacity and brightness. The other form in which titanium dioxide is produced is as an ultrafine (nanomaterial) product. This form is selected when different properties, such as transparency and maximum ultraviolet light absorption, are required, such as in cosmetic sunscreens.
Applications:
In a 2022 study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, scientists wanted to examine the effects of titanium dioxide as a food additive on atherosclerosis in mice. (Atherosclerosis refers to a hardening of the arteries.) Researchers fed mice 40 mg/kg of the food additive every day for 4 months, and found that it not only altered gut microbiota but also led to a significantly increased atherosclerotic lesion area, especially in animals that consumed a high-choline western diet (HCD).
In the same year (2019), the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) also delivered an opinion on possible health effects of food additive titanium dioxide, which highlighted the importance of examining immunotoxicological effects in addition to potential reprotoxicological effects.
Testing samples were made mixing 100 uL of TiO2NPs suspensions (0.2 mg/mL and 0.02 mg/mL) and vitamins@P25TiO2NPs (0.2 mg/mL and 0.02 mg/mL) with 100 μL ATCC 29,213 methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) (107 in PBS, pH 7). Controls were made replacing nanoparticles with the same volume of PBS. The concentrations of nanoparticle suspensions were chosen based on the FDA approved maximal and the minimal amount usually found in sunscreens, which are 20% and 2% (this is equivalent to 0.2 mg/mL and 0.02 mg/mL for nanoparticles suspensions). The cream concentration, on the other hand, was an intermediate value of 10%.
According to the feedback of manufacturers, the new orders of mainstream factories maintain stable prices, and the new volume of the market after the holiday is limited. On the demand side, the terminal basically has batch replenishment before the festival, and the purchase intention of new orders is low; On the supply side, mainstream manufacturers normally produce and deliver goods, and the actual output of the industry is stable. Most factories quote a new price of 17,000 yuan/ton or more market negotiation range reference 16000-17200 yuan/ton, plastics and papermaking related downstream feedback part of the tight model price is higher. Recent titanium dioxide raw material prices are strong, titanium dioxide price support is more stable, comprehensive market factors, the current titanium dioxide market to maintain a stable price.
In a study published in the journal Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology in 2020, researchers examined the effects of food additives titanium dioxide and silica on the intestinal tract by grouping and feeding mice three different food-grade particles — micro-TiO2, nano-TiO2, and nano-SiO2. With all three groups, researchers observed changes in the gut microbiota, particularly mucus-associated bacteria. Furthermore, all three groups experienced inflammatory damage to the intestine, but the nano-TiO2 displayed the most pronounced changes. The researchers wrote: “Our results suggest that the toxic effects on the intestine were due to reduced intestinal mucus barrier function and an increase in metabolite lipopolysaccharides which activated the expression of inflammatory factors downstream. In mice exposed to nano-TiO2, the intestinal PKC/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway was activated. These findings will raise awareness of toxicities associated with the use of food-grade TiO2 and SiO2.”
0.3% Max
In food products, E171 is not a singular ingredient; it’s always combined with other ingredients (e.g., proteins and fats) in the food product. Digesting food is a slow process for the body compared to drinking a beverage, which passes much faster through the body.
We've measured many different immunological markers, both in the mucosa of the intestine and the lymphoid organs part of the intestine and we didn't see any inflammation there or changes in white blood cell number, Kaminski said. They also looked at the spleen where titanium dioxide was taken up into the bloodstream. You would expect [titanium dioxide] would be filtered out in the spleen and maybe induce inflammation there, but we did not see that, Kaminski added.
There are numerous manufacturers of titanium dioxide; the largest include Delaware-based Chemours (a spin-off of DuPont Chemical), Texas-based Kronos, and China-based Lomon Billions Group, all of which manufacture pigments for use in products like paints, coatings, and plastics. UK-based Venator is a major supplier of titanium dioxide used in food and cosmetics, along with paints, paper, plastic, and more. As a pigment, it is called Pigment White 6 (PW6), titanium white, or CI 77891. As a food additive, it is known as E171.
Rutile Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) is one of the most widely used and versatile materials in various industries, particularly in coatings and plastics. As a leading supplier of MBR9668, a specialized rutile titanium dioxide coating, companies are empowered to enhance the performance and durability of their products significantly. This article explores the unique properties of MBR9668 and its applications across diverse sectors.
