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.”

How to Avoid It

As early as sixty years ago, zinc sulphide was first thought of as a pigment for coloring India rubber and a patent for the process of its manufacture was issued in England. But it was not until twenty years later that zinc sulphide and its manufacture was seriously considered as a pigment for paint, and in 1874 a patent was issued for a process of manufacturing a white pigment, composed of zinc sulphide and barium sulphate, known as Charlton white, also as Orr's white enamel. This was followed in 1876 by a patent issued to a manufacturer named Griffith and the product, which was similar in character to Charlton white, was known as Griffith's patent zinc white. In 1879 another patent for a more novel process was obtained by Griffith & Cawley, the product made under this process proving the best of the series placed upon the market up to that date. After that time many new processes were patented, all, however, tending to the same object, that of producing a white pigment, composed of zinc sulphide and barium carbonate, the results, however, in many cases ending with failure.

I don't see the scientific evidence in the literature that would cause people any concern, said Kaminski.

Titanium dioxide, a naturally occurring oxide of titanium, is widely recognized for its exceptional properties and versatility in various industries. Among its numerous applications, the production of tires stands out as a crucial area where titanium dioxide plays an indispensable role. This article aims to explore the significance of wholesale titanium dioxide in the tire manufacturing sector, emphasizing its properties, benefits, and the overall impact on product quality.

This route affords a product that is 29.4 wt % ZnS and 70.6 wt % BaSO₄. Variations exist, for example, more ZnS-rich materials are produced when zinc chloride is added to the mixture of zinc sulfate and barium sulfide.

What Is Titanium Dioxide?

② Plastics: At present, it is the second largest user of titanium dioxide pigments, accounting for about 20% of the total demand for titanium dioxide. The amount of titanium dioxide used in plastic products will vary with the use requirements, generally between 0.5% and 5%. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the production of plastic products in China increased from 57.81 million tons in 2012 to 81.84 million tons in 2019, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%. The amount of titanium dioxide increases accordingly.

To overcome this challenge, manufacturers use advanced technology and processes to monitor and control the buff percentage of their products. This may involve the use of sophisticated equipment to measure the coating thickness of titanium dioxide particles, as well as automated systems to adjust the level of coating as needed. By carefully controlling the buff percentage, manufacturers can ensure that their products meet the specifications of their customers and maintain a high level of quality and performance.

What does titanium dioxide do?