tio2 used in paper
Though the regulated use of titanium dioxide in food products is legal in the U.S. and Canada, it's banned in some other countries, notably throughout Europe. In May 2021, the European Food Safety Authority announced that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive.
Titanium dioxide, a compound as ubiquitous in our daily lives as it is in the annals of science, is more than just a mere chemical substance. It is a testament to the marvels of chemistry and its profound impact on various industries. With the formula TiO2, titanium dioxide serves as a cornerstone for products ranging from paint to sunscreen, demonstrating both its versatility and importance.
Wegman’s puts titanium dioxide in its Original Macaroni and Cheese. Campbell’s Healthy Request Chunky Chicken Corn Chowder has it, as does Food Club’s Chunky New England Clam Chowder. Marzetti uses the color agent to brighten its Cream Cheese Fruit Dip. Dairy products usually don’t need titanium dioxide to look white, but Kroger has decided to add titanium dioxide to its Fat Free Half-and-Half. And titanium dioxide isn’t only in especially white or brightly colored foods: Little Debbie adds it to Fudge Rounds and many other products. According to the Food Scores database maintained by Environmental Working Group, more than 1,800 brand-name food products have titanium dioxide on their ingredients list. That said, it can still lurk as an unspecified “artificial color,” or labels might simply say “color added.”
Chemically, titanium dioxide is characterized by its stability and high refractive index. It exists in two main crystalline forms anatase and rutile. The anatase form is typically used in photocatalysis, while the rutile form is commonly employed in pigments due to its higher refractive index and greater stability.
In the paint and coating industry, titanium dioxide is commonly used to provide coverage and hide imperfections on surfaces. Its high refractive index allows for a strong scattering of light, resulting in a vibrant white color that is essential for achieving the desired finish in many products. This pigment also helps to improve the weather and UV resistance of paints, making them more durable and long-lasting.
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