Titanium dioxide

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Titanium dioxide

IUPAC name[hide] Titanium dioxide Titanium(IV) oxide

Other names[hide] Titania Rutile Anatase Brookite

Identifiers CAS number PubChem ChemSpider 13463-67-7 26042 24256

UNII KEGG ChEBI ChEMBL RTECS number Jmol-3D images

15FIX9V2JP C13409 CHEBI:32234 CHEMBL1201136 XR2775000 Image 1 SMILES

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InChI
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Properties Molecular formula Molar mass Appearance Density Melting point Boiling point TiO2 79.866 g/mol White solid 4.23 g/cm3 1843 C 2972 C 2.488 (anatase) Refractive index (nD) 2.583 (brookite) 2.609 (rutile) Hazards MSDS EU classification ICSC 0338 Not listed

NFPA 704

0 1 0
Flash point Non-flammable Related compounds Other cations Zirconium dioxide Hafnium dioxide Titanium(II) oxide Related titanium oxides Titanium(III) oxide Titanium(III,IV) oxide Related compounds Titanic acid (what is this?) (verify) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 C, 100 kPa) Infobox references

Titanium dioxide, also known as titanium (IV) oxide or titania, is the naturally occurring oxide of titanium, chemical formula TiO2. When used as a pigment, it is called titanium white, Pigment White 6, or CI 77891. Generally it comes in two different forms, rutile and anatase. It has a wide range of applications, from paint to sunscreen to food colouring. When used as a food colouring, it has E number E171.

Contents
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1 Occurrence 2 Production o 2.1 Nanotubes 3 Applications o 3.1 Pigment 3.1.1 Sunscreen and UV absorber o 3.2 Photocatalyst o 3.3 Electronic data storage medium o 3.4 Other applications 4 Health and safety 5 See also 6 References 7 External links

[edit] Occurrence
Titanium dioxide occurs in nature as well-known minerals rutile, anatase and brookite, and additionally as two high pressure forms, a monoclinic baddeleyite-like form and an orthorhombic -PbO2-like form, both found recently at the Ries crater in Bavaria.[1][2] The most common form is rutile,[3] which is also the equilibrium phase at all temperatures.[4] The metastable anatase and brookite phases both convert to rutile upon heating.[3][5] Rutile, anatase and brookite all contain six coordinated titanium. Titanium dioxide has eight modifications in addition to rutile, anatase and brookite there are three metastable forms produced synthetically (monoclinic, tetragonal and orthorombic), and five high pressure forms (-PbO2-like, baddeleyite-like, cotunnite-like, orthorhombic OI, and cubic phases): Form rutile anatase brookite TiO2(B)[6] TiO2(H), hollandite-like form[7] TiO2(R), ramsdellite-like form[8] TiO2(II)-(-PbO2-like form)[9] baddeleyite-like form, (7 coordinated Ti)[10] TiO2 -OI[11] cubic form[12] TiO2 -OII, cotunnite(PbCl2)like[13] Crystal system tetragonal tetragonal orthorhombic monoclinic Synthesis

Hydrolysis of K2Ti4O9 followed by heating Oxidation of the related potassium titanate tetragonal bronze, K0.25TiO2 Oxidation of the related lithium titanate orthorhombic bronze Li0.5TiO2 orthorhombic monoclinic orthorhombic cubic P > 40 GPa, T > 1600 C orthorhombic P > 40 GPa, T > 700 C

The cotunnite-type phase was claimed by L. Dubrovinsky and co-authors to be the hardest known oxide with the Vickers hardness of 38 GPa and the bulk modulus of 431 GPa (i.e. close to diamond's value of 446 GPa) at atmospheric pressure.[13] However, later studies came to different conclusions with much lower values for both the hardness (720 GPa, which makes it softer than common oxides like corundum Al2O3 and rutile TiO2) [14] and bulk modulus (~300 GPa) .[15][16] The naturally occurring oxides can be mined and serve as a source for commercial titanium. The metal can also be mined from other minerals such as ilmenite or leucoxene ores, or one of the purest forms, rutile beach sand. Star sapphires and rubies get their asterism from rutile impurities present in them.[17] Titanium dioxide (B) is found as a mineral in magmatic rocks and hydrothermal veins, as well as weathering rims on perovskite. TiO2 also forms lamellae in other minerals [18]

Spectral lines from titanium oxide are prominent in class M stars, which are cool enough to allow molecules of this chemical to form.

[edit] Production
Crude titanium dioxide is purified via converting to titanium tetrachloride in the chloride process. In this process, the crude ore (containing at least 70% TiO2) is reduced with carbon, oxidized with chlorine to give titanium tetrachloride; i.e., carbothermal chlorination. This titanium tetrachloride is distilled, and re-oxidized in a pure oxygen flame or plasma at 1500 2000 K to give pure titanium dioxide while also regenerating chlorine.[19] Aluminium chloride is often added to the process as a rutile promotor; the product is mostly anatase in its absence. Another widely used process utilizes ilmenite as the titanium dioxide source, which is digested in sulfuric acid. The by-product iron(II) sulfate is crystallized and filtered-off to yield only the titanium salt in the digestion solution, which is processed further to give pure titanium dioxide. Another method for upgrading ilmenite is called the Becher Process. One method for the production of titanium dioxide with relevance to nanotechnology is solvothermal Synthesis of titanium dioxide.

Titanium oxide nanotubes, SEM image.

[edit] Nanotubes
Anatase can be converted by hydrothermal synthesis to delaminated anatase inorganic nanotubes[20] and titanate nanoribbons which are of potential interest as catalytic supports and photocatalysts. In the synthesis, anatase is mixed with 10 M sodium hydroxide and heated at 130 C for 72 hours. The reaction product is washed with dilute hydrochloric acid and heated at 400 C for another 15 hours. The yield of nanotubes is quantitative and the tubes have an outer diameter of 10 to 20 nm and an inner diameter of 5 to 8 nm and have a length of 1 m. A higher reaction temperature (170 C) and less reaction volume gives the corresponding nanowires.[21] Another process for synthesizing TiO2 is through Anodization in an electrolytic solution. When anodized in a 0.5 weight percent HF solution for 20 minutes, well-aligned titanium oxide nanotube arrays can be fabricated an average tube diameter of 60 nm and length of 250 nm. Based on X-ray Diffraction, nanotubes grown through anodization are amorphous. [22]

[edit] Applications

[edit] Pigment
Titanium dioxide is the most widely used white pigment because of its brightness and very high refractive index (n = 2.7), in which it is surpassed only by a few other materials. Approximately 4 million tons of pigmentary TiO2 are consumed annually worldwide. When deposited as a thin film, its refractive index and colour make it an excellent reflective optical coating for dielectric mirrors and some gemstones like "mystic fire topaz". TiO2 is also an effective opacifier in powder form, where it is employed as a pigment to provide whiteness and opacity to products such as paints, coatings, plastics, papers, inks, foods, medicines (i.e. pills and tablets) as well as most toothpastes. In paint, it is often referred to offhandedly as "the perfect white", "the whitest white", or other similar terms. Opacity is improved by optimal sizing of the titanium dioxide particles. In ceramic glazes titanium dioxide acts as an opacifier and seeds crystal formation. Titanium dioxide is often used to whiten skimmed milk; this has been shown statistically to increase skimmed milk's palatability.[23] Titanium dioxide is used to mark the white lines on the tennis courts of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, best known as the venue for the annual grand slam tennis tournament The Championships, Wimbledon.[24] The exterior of the Saturn V rocket was painted with titanium dioxide; this later allowed astronomers to determine that J002E3 was the S-IVB stage from Apollo 12 and not an asteroid. [edit] Sunscreen and UV absorber In cosmetic and skin care products, titanium dioxide is used as a pigment, sunscreen and a thickener. It is also used as a tattoo pigment and in styptic pencils. Titanium dioxide is produced in varying particle sizes, oil and water dispersible, and with varying coatings for the cosmetic industry. This pigment is used extensively in plastics and other applications for its UV resistant properties where it acts as a UV absorber, efficiently transforming destructive UV light energy into heat. Titanium dioxide is found in almost every sunscreen with a physical blocker because of its high refractive index, its strong UV light absorbing capabilities and its resistance to discolouration under ultraviolet light. This advantage enhances its stability and ability to protect the skin from ultraviolet light. Sunscreens designed for infants or people with sensitive skin are often based on titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, as these mineral UV blockers are believed to cause less skin irritation than other UV absorbing chemicals. The titanium dioxide particles used in sunscreens have to be coated with silica or alumina, because titanium dioxide creates radicals in the photocatalytic reaction. These radicals are carcinogenic, and could damage the skin.

[edit] Photocatalyst

TiO fibers and spirals. Titanium dioxide, particularly in the anatase form, is a photocatalyst under ultraviolet (UV) light. Recently it has been found that titanium dioxide, when spiked with nitrogen ions or doped with metal oxide like tungsten trioxide, is also a photocatalyst under either visible or UV light.[25] The strong oxidative potential of the positive holes oxidizes water to create hydroxyl radicals. It can also oxidize oxygen or organic materials directly. Titanium dioxide is thus added to paints, cements, windows, tiles, or other products for its sterilizing, deodorizing and anti-fouling properties and is used as a hydrolysis catalyst. It is also used in dye-sensitized solar cells, which are a type of chemical solar cell (also known as a Graetzel cell). The photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide were discovered by Akira Fujishima in 1967[26] and published in 1972.[27] The process on the surface of the titanium dioxide was called the Honda-Fujishima effect.[26] Titanium dioxide has potential for use in energy production: as a photocatalyst, it can carry out hydrolysis; i.e., break water into hydrogen and oxygen. Were the hydrogen collected, it could be used as a fuel. The efficiency of this process can be greatly improved by doping the oxide with carbon.[28] Further efficiency and durability has been obtained by introducing disorder to the lattice structure of the surface layer of titanium dioxide nanocrystals, permitting infrared absorption.[29] Titanium dioxide can also produce electricity when in nanoparticle form. Research suggests that by using these nanoparticles to form the pixels of a screen, they generate electricity when transparent and under the influence of light. If subjected to electricity on the other hand, the nanoparticles blacken, forming the basic characteristics of a LCD screen. According to creator Zoran Radivojevic, Nokia has already built a functional 200-by-200-pixel monochromatic screen which is energetically self-sufficient. In 1995 Fujishima and his group discovered the superhydrophilicity phenomenon for titanium dioxide coated glass exposed to sun light.[26] This resulted in the development of self-cleaning glass and anti-fogging coatings. TiO2 incorporated into outdoor building materials, such as paving stones in noxer blocks or paints, can substantially reduce concentrations of airborne pollutants such as volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides.[30] A photocatalytic cement that uses titanium dioxide as a primary component, produced by Italcementi Group, was included in Time's Top 50 Inventions of 2008.[31]

TiO2 offers great potential as an industrial technology for detoxification or remediation of wastewater due to several factors. 1. The process occurs under ambient conditions very slowly; direct UV light exposure increases the rate of reaction. 2. The formation of photocyclized intermediate products, unlike direct photolysis techniques, is avoided. 3. Oxidation of the substrates to CO2 is complete. 4. The photocatalyst is inexpensive and has a high turnover. 5. TiO2 can be supported on suitable reactor substrates.

[edit] Electronic data storage medium

Researchers at the University of Tokyo, Japan have created a 25 terabyte titanium oxidebased disc.[32]

[edit] Other applications

Synthetic single crystals of TiO2

Titanium dioxide in solution or suspension can be used to cleave protein that contains the amino acid proline at the site where proline is present. This breakthrough in cost-effective protein splitting took place at Arizona State University in 2006.[33] Titanium dioxide is also used as a material in the memristor, a new electronic circuit element. It can be employed for solar energy conversion based on dye, polymer, or quantum dot sensitized nanocrystalline TiO2 solar cells using conjugated polymers as solid electrolytes.[34] Synthetic single crystals and films of TiO2 are used as a semiconductor,[35] and also in Bragg-stack style dielectric mirrors due to the high refractive index of TiO2 (2.5 2.9).[36][37]

[edit] Health and safety

This article has been nominated to be checked for its neutrality. Discussion of this nomination on the talk page. (March 2011)

Titanium dioxide is incompatible with strong oxidizers and strong acids.[38] Violent or incandescent reactions may occur with metals (fused and very electropositive) (e.g. aluminium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, zinc and lithium).[39] Titanium dioxide accounts for 70% of the total production volume of pigments worldwide. It is widely used to provide whiteness and opacity to products such as paints, plastics, papers, inks, foods, and toothpastes. It is also used in cosmetic and skin care products, and it is present in almost every sunblock, where it helps protect the skin from ultraviolet light. Many sunscreens use nanoparticle titanium dioxide (along with nanoparticle zinc oxide) which does get absorbed into the skin.[40][41] The effects on human health are not yet well understood.[42] Titanium dioxide dust, when inhaled, has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as an IARC Group 2B carcinogen possibly carcinogenic to humans.[43] The findings of the IARC are based on the discovery that high concentrations of pigment-grade (powdered) and ultrafine titanium dioxide dust caused respiratory tract cancer in rats exposed by inhalation and intratracheal instillation.[44] The series of biological events or steps that produce the rat lung cancers (e.g. particle deposition, impaired lung clearance, cell injury, fibrosis, mutations and ultimately cancer) have also been seen in people working in dusty environments. Therefore, the observations of cancer in animals were considered, by IARC, as relevant to people doing jobs with exposures to titanium dioxide dust. For example, titanium dioxide production workers may be exposed to high dust concentrations during packing, milling, site cleaning and maintenance, if there are insufficient dust control measures in place. However, the human studies conducted so far do not suggest an association between occupational exposure to titanium dioxide and an increased risk for cancer. The safety of the use of nano-particle sized titanium dioxide, which can penetrate the body and reach internal organs, has been criticized.[45] Studies have also found that titanium dioxide nanoparticles cause genetic damage in mice.[46]

Areas of activity in titanium dioxide photocatalysis.

1 fog proof, and self cleaning glass 2 anti-bacterial, anti-viral, fungicidal 3 anti-soiling, self cleaning 4 deodorizing, air purification 5 water treatment, water purification

Titania Titanium dioxide, also known as titania is the naturally occurring oxide of titanium, chemical formula TiO2. You will find Ti02 in all Titanium kinds of paint, printing Dioxide can be ink, plastics, paper, coated on many synthetic fibers, rubber, condensers, painting building colors and crayons, materials. ceramics, electronic These films components along with exhibit a self food and cosmetics. cleaning effect due to the Photocatalyst strong oxidizing Many studies have been published on the use of properties.

TiO2 coated tent material

TiO2 coated exterior tiles

A. Tiles coated photocatyltic, Photocatalytic activity superhydrophilic (PCA) is the ability of a coating material to create an electron hole pair as a B. ordinary result of exposure to painted wall ultraviolet radiation. The tiles resulting free-radicals are
very efficient oxidizers of organic matter. Photocatalytic activity in TiO2 has been Anti-fogging extensively studied glass. Generally because of its potential use in sterilization, is moist air sanitation, and comes in remediation applications. contact with The ability to control PCA glass, small is important in many droplets of other applications utilizing TiO2 including water are formed, and the paint pigments and glass becomes cosmetics that require low PCA.

TiO2 as a photocatalyst for the decomposition of organic compounds. TiO2 is active under UV light

TiO2 coated glass

fogged. On titanium dioxide Antimicrobial Coatings coated glass, The photocatalytic the water forms activity of titania results a continuous flat in thin coatings of the sheet, so that material exhibiting self cleaning and disinfecting there is no properties under fogging.

exposure to UV radiation. TiO2 coated These properties make tiles in an the material a candidate hospital for applications such as environment medical devices, food showed the preparation surfaces, air surface bacteria conditioning filters, and sanitaryware surfaces. on the wall surfaces were reduced to zero, plus airborne bacteria counts were reduced.

Where do reserves of TiO2 exist: 1. Southeast Canada 2. Southeast USA 3. Southwest Scandinavia 5. Midwest and South Africa 6. Mediterranean Sea 7. East Australia Application Examples General Catalysts Hydrogen Synthesis Moisturizers With Spf Lipstick With Spf Sunscreens Capacitors Reflectors For Incandescent Lamps General Pigments & Coatings Uv Protecting Clear Coats Reinforcements For Metal-Matrix Composites Porous Membranes For Gas Filtration

In chemistry, photocatalysis is the acceleration of a photoreaction in the presence of a catalyst. In catalysed photolysis, light is absorbed by an adsorbed substrate. In photogenerated catalysis, the photocatalytic activity (PCA) depends on the ability of the catalyst to create electronhole pairs, which generate free radicals (hydroxyl radicals: OH) able to undergo secondary reactions. Its comprehension has been made possible ever since the discovery of water electrolysis by means of the titanium dioxide. Commercial application of the process is called advanced oxidation process (AOP). There are several methods of achieving AOP's, that can but do not necessarily involve TiO2 or even the use of UV light. Generally the defining factor is the production and use of the hydroxyl radical.

Contents
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1 Basic principle 2 Applications 3 See also 4 References

5 External links

[edit] Basic principle

When TiO2 is subjected to radiation exceeding the material's band gap, electron-hole pairs, known as excitons, are generated so that additional electrons enter the conduction band, while holes remain in the valence band. These photo-generated electron-hole pairs facilitate redox reactions through the formation of adsorbed radicals on TiO2 surfaces. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 depends on the relative rates of generation and recombination of electronhole pairs as well as the levels of adsorbed radical-forming species on TiO2 surfaces. The two most commonly used phases of TiO2 are anatase and rutile. While rutile exhibits a lower band gap (~3.0 eV) in comparison to anatase (~3.2 eV) and can thus be excited by irradiation at longer wavelengths, anatase is generally exhibits superior photocatalytic activity to rutile as a result of a significantly higher surface area and thus higher levels of adsorbed radicals. It is likely that mixed phase anatase-rutile materials exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity through an improvement in electron-hole separation, as conduction band elections become trapped in the rutile phase.[1][2]

[edit] Applications

Conversion of water to hydrogen gas by photocatalytic water splitting.[3] An efficient photocatalyst in the UV range is based on a sodium tantalite (NaTaO3) doped with La and loaded with a cocatalyst nickel oxide. The surface of the sodium tantalite crystals is grooved with so called nanosteps that is a result of doping with lanthanum (315 nm range, see nanotechnology). The NiO particles which facilitate hydrogen gas evolution are present on the edges, the oxygen gas evolves from the grooves. Use of titanium dioxide in self-cleaning glass. Free radicals[4] generated from TiO2 oxidize organic matter.[5] Disinfection of water by titanium dioxide photocatalysis.[6] Oxidation of organic contaminants using magnetic particles that are coated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles and agitated using a magnetic field while being exposed to UV light.[7] Conversion of carbon dioxide into gaseous hydrocarbons using titanium dioxide in the presence of water.[8] As an efficient absorber in the UV range, titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the anatase and rutile phases are able to generate excitons by promoting electrons across the band gap. The electrons and holes react with the surrounding water vapor to produce hydroxyl radicals and protons. At present, proposed reaction mechanisms usually suggest the creation of a highly reactive carbon radical from carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide which then reacts with the photogenerated protons to ultimately form methane. Although the efficiencies of present titanium dioxide based photocatalysts are low, the incorporation of carbon based nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes[9] and metallic nanoparticles[10] have been shown to enhance the efficiency of these photocatalysts. Sterilise surgical instruments and remove unwanted fingerprints from sensitive electrical and optical components.[11] A less-toxic alternative to tin and copper-based antifouling marine paints, ePaint, generates hydrogen peroxide by photocatalysis.

Decomposition of crude oil with TiO2 nanoparticles

By using titanium dioxide photocatalysts and UV-A radiation from the sun, the hydrocarbons found in crude oil can be turned into H2O and CO2. Higher amounts of oxygen and UV radiation increased the degradation of the model organics. These particles can be placed on floating substrates, making it easier to recover and catalyze the reaction. This is relevant since oil slicks float on top of the ocean and photons from the sun target the surface more than the inner depth of the ocean. By covering floating substrates like woodchips with epoxy adhesives, water logging can be prevented and TiO2 particles can stick to the substrates. With more research, this method should be applicable to other organics.

Decontamination of water with photocatalysis and adsorption

The removal and destruction of organic contaminants in groundwater can be addressed through the impregnation of adsorbents with photoactive catalysts. These adsorbents attract contaminating organic atoms/molecules like tetrachloroethylene to them. The photoactive catalysts impregnated inside speed up the degradation of the organics. Adsorbents are placed in packed beds for 18 hours, which would attract and degrade the organic compounds. The spent adsorbents would then be placed in regeneration fluid, essentially taking away all organics still attached by passing hot water counter-current to the flow of water during the adsorption process to speed up the reaction. The regeneration fluid then gets passed through the fixed beds of silica gel photocatalysts to remove and decompose the rest of the organics left. Through the use of fixed bed reactors, the regeneration of adsorbents can help increase the efficiency.

Decomposition of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Triethylamine (TEA) was utilized to solvate and extract the polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in crude oil. By solvating these PAHs, TEA can attract the PAHs to itself. Once removed, TiO2 slurries and UV light can photocatalytically degrade the PAHs. The figure shows the high success rate of this experiment. With high yielding of recoveries of 93 99% of these contaminants, this process has become an innovative idea that can be finalized for actual environmental usage. This procedure demonstrates the ability to develop photocatalysts that would be performed at ambient pressure, ambient temperature, and at a cheaper cost.

Element 22 on the periodic table is refined into titanium pigment.

The next time you brush your teeth take a look at the label on the toothpaste tube; it contains titanium dioxide. Titanium ore is mined and refined into titanium dioxide pigment, which is used in household products, sporting goods and industrial materials. U.S. Geological Survey charts list titanium dioxide pigment as the leading pigment ingredient, with approximately 75 percent of the mined titanium dioxide pigment being used by aerospace and 25 percent by other industries.

1. Sporting Goods
o

Tennis courts are outlined using white paint containing titanium dioxide pigment, known for its durability, strength and bright reflective properties. Sports rackets, golf clubs, cycling bikes and equestrian horseshoes are sporting gears used to contribute to the ongoing demand and production of titanium dioxide. In 2010, titanium dioxide pigment generated a market value of approximately $3 billion dollars in the United States.

Coatings
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Titanium dioxide pigment is added to paints, lacquers and varnishes because of its natural ability to withstand severe temperatures. Marine environments use titanium dioxide pigment paints as deflectors to combat the moisture, salt and ecology occupants. Chemical traits for repelling potential contaminants have also made it popular in the prevention of damages caused by ultraviolet ray light.

Cosmetics and Skincare

o

Cosmetic and skincare industries use titanium dioxide pigment in creams and lotions as natural discoloration preventatives. Resistant to fading in the sunlight, titanium dioxide pigment adds further value of foundations and creams to the industrial customer. White pigments found in sunscreen creams and lotions contain titanium dioxide pigment and offer protection to the skin from ultraviolet rays.

Industrial Materials
o

Industrial materials use titanium dioxide pigment, taking advantage of its reflective, strengthening and stimulus properties. Plastics, ceramics, textiles, floor coverings and construction concrete use titanium dioxide pigment for enhancing colors. Titanium dioxide pigment industrial identification is Pigment White 6, or CI 77891. Food coloring dyes use titanium dioxide pigment E or E171 with approximately 4 million tons being consumed annually.

Read more: This fine, white powder is so common that it can be purchased on eBay for home concoctions of soap, lip color or ceramic glazes. Few buyers know that the pigment originates as a colorful crystalline mineral found in ore in large quantities in Australia, Canada, India, Norway, South Africa, Ukraine and the United States. Most titanium dioxide (T102) is produced from rubycolored, blue or yellow-brown minerals such as rutile or anatase through a process of oxidation (combining the ground minerals with oxygen).

1. Properties

Titanium dioxide even brightens the night time sky as a component in fire works.

These minerals resemble gems, and are so highly light refractive that small quantities found inside other gemstones add value to the stones. The "star" in star sapphires, for instance, are needle-like flaws of rutile. But rutile or anatase crystals, cut and worn as jewelry, would not withstand the wear and tear given the minerals' softness (6 on the MOHs scale). Instead, this highly refractive property of rutile has found industrial and commercial uses as protective sunscreens, coatings on eye glasses and photovoltaic solar cells.

2. Production

White side walls on rubber tires are whitened with pigment from titantium dioxide.

Pigment from titanium dioxide generates up to 95 percent of the world's demand for it. Titanium dioxide produced from the titanium found in ilmenite must be leached using sulfuric acid, an expensive and environmentally unfriendly product. The largest producers of titanium dioxide, therefore, use a chloride process effective for removing pigment from the more available rutile and anatase minerals. First, the dry ore is fed into a chlorinator together with petroleum coke and chlorine to make titanium chloride. Next, burning the titanium chloride with oxygen and a combustible gas, oxidizes it. Then, seeding this mixture with crystals forms solids that are filtered from the gas and milled as powder. Treatment of the final product is important for brightness, opacity and reflective qualities.

3. Products

Titanium dioxide is used to whiten many toothpastes

Titanium dioxide as a pigment is found in house paint, artist's oils, cosmetics, rubber, plastics, textiles, paper, pills, tattoo inks and skim milk. Manufactured as a nano particle (a particle created on the molecular scale), titanium dioxide can be found as an antimicrobial in coatings for its oxidizing effects. These titanium dioxide nano particles are also used in antifogging products because the small nanometer-sized particles become transparent and allow water to sheet instead of bead. Similar uses are found in the cosmetics industry. The solar cell industry is also testing nano particle titanium dioxide for its semiconducting abilities. In 2007, scientists found another use for this substance: cleaving genes without the use of enzymes.

4. Concerns

Titanium dioxide is valued for its opacity (hiding power) and brightness.

Several health concerns have hobbyists as well as users of cosmetics and sunscreen worried. According to Ceramics Today, titanium dioxide as a powder is an upper airways irritant and occupational exposure can occur for anyone mining ore or preparing titanium dioxide for storage or use. Those working in areas of high use should wear a respirator. Also, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, has concluded that there is "sufficient evidence that titanium dioxide is carcinogenic in experimental animals." Scientists have found that nano particles of titanium dioxide cause proinflammatory responses in the MIMIC high-speed assay system developed by the U.S. Department of Defense for testing vaccines.

Read more: Common Uses for Titanium Dioxide | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_8715687_common-uses-titanium-dioxide.html#ixzz1a0aGFU9W