Titanium Dioxide In Food-What Does Titanium Dioxide Used For
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a white, powdery substance that has a wide range of uses due to its unique properties, such as its brightness and opacity. Here are some of the primary uses for titanium dioxide:
1. **Paints and Coatings**: It is one of the most commonly used white pigments in paints because it provides opacity and a clean, white finish. It is also used in coatings to protect surfaces from UV light and to enhance durability.
2. **Plastics**: Titanium dioxide is used as a pigment in the production of plastics to give them a white color or to opacity them. It can also be used to improve the durability of the plastic by providing UV protection.
3. **Printing Inks**: It serves as a pigment in printing inks to enhance opacity and whiteness, and it can also improve the rub resistance of the ink.
4. **Cosmetics**: In the cosmetic industry, titanium dioxide is used as a pigment in products like sunscreen, where it provides opacity and UV protection. It is also used in other products like foundation, powders, and nail polish for its whitening and brightening effects.
5. **Food Additives**: As an additive, it is known as E171 and is used in food products to give them a white or creamy color. It is found in candies, toothpaste, and other products.
6. **Paper**: It is used in paper manufacturing to increase opacity and brightness, which improves the contrast of the printed matter.
7. **Ceramics and Glass**: Titanium dioxide can be used in the production of ceramics and glass to provide opacity and durability, as well as to create a white or colored finish.
8. **Fertilizers**: It is sometimes used in fertilizers to increase the reflectivity of the granules, which can help in identifying the spread pattern during application.
9. **Textiles**: In textiles, it can be used to impart whiteness or opacity to fabrics and to provide UV protection.
10. **Medicine**: In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as a coating agent for tablets and as a pigment in medications.
11. **Solar Cells**: In the production of certain types of solar cells, titanium dioxide is used as a component in the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) due to its photoelectrochemical properties.
Titanium dioxide is considered safe for use in the majority of these applications, but there have been discussions and studies regarding its potential health effects, especially when used in its nanoscale form. As such, regulatory agencies around the world monitor and regulate its use in consumer products.