However, the specific attributes of anatase make it irreplaceable in certain sectors However, the specific attributes of anatase make it irreplaceable in certain sectorsanatase titanium dioxide producers. For instance, in the field of photovoltaics, anatase titanium dioxide's ability to enhance the efficiency of solar cells is unmatched by other forms.So, what does it all mean for you, the consumer? Should you stop eating Skittles or begin checking foods for the presence of titanium dioxide? Here's a closer look.
It has strong tinting and hiding power, is resistant to alkali and heat, but will decompose when exposed to acid and darken when exposed to light. It has poor weather resistance and is easy to powder, so it is not suitable for outdoor use. In recent years, it has only been used in low-grade products.
To be added to food, this additive must achieve 99% purity. However, this leaves room for small amounts of potential contaminants like lead, arsenic, or mercury (1Trusted Source).
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.