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Titanium dioxide (E 171) is authorised as a food additive in the EU according to Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.
While this ruling from the EU General Court doesn’t immediately change the regulations surrounding titanium dioxide, nor does it change the ban that went into place in 2022, it does put the ingredient back in the spotlight.
In the coming months, we will see how the ruling impacts the regulations around titanium dioxide (E171), and we’ll see if the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) will take another look at the body of scientific evidence used to justify the current ban on E171 in foods and pharmaceuticals.
Lithopone 30% CAS No. 1345-05-7 / Production Method
Lithopone is an inorganic white pigment, obtained from co-precipitation of Zinc sulfide (ZnS) and Barium sulfate (BaSO4). As a white pigment, it acts as a cost-effective alternative for TiO2. Some of the properties of Lithopone include high brightness and performance under UV exposure. Lithopone requires less wetting agent to achieve optimum wetting of its surface. It is commercially graded on the basis of amount of ZnS. Its grades include 28%, 30%, and 60% ZnS. As a comparatively inexpensive white pigment, Lithopone is presently used in various paint formulations, road marking paints, jointing compounds, and putties.
The history of lithopone factories in China dates back to the early 20th century when the first production facilities were established. The industry grew rapidly in the following decades, driven by the country's rapid industrialization and demand for raw materials. Today, China is the world's largest producer and exporter of lithopone, accounting for over 50% of global production.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.
Lithopone, also called zinc-barium white, is a very stable network molecular structure formed by the reaction of zinc sulfate and barium sulfide and calcined at high temperature. Lithopone is a white powder that is non-toxic and non-corrosive. It is insoluble in water and does not interact with hydrogen sulfide and alkali. It dissolves with acid and produces hydrogen sulfide gas.
In conclusion, titanium IV oxide is a versatile compound that is used in a wide range of industries. From sunscreen to paints to food coloring to pharmaceuticals, titanium dioxide plays a vital role in many products. Its unique properties, such as UV protection, brightness, and stability, make it an essential ingredient in various applications. As technology continues to advance, titanium IV oxide will likely continue to play a key role in the manufacturing of innovative products.
Titanium dioxide particles help light scatter and reflect, Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, a medical toxicology physician at the National Capital Poison Center, told Health. Because of that, we often use it as a whitening agent.
While the anatase titanium dioxide market is robust, it faces challenges such as regulatory compliance and environmental concerns related to extraction and processing. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, focusing on recycling materials and minimizing waste in production processes. Innovations in nanotechnology are also leading to the development of more efficient and eco-friendly synthesis methods that can further enhance the properties of anatase TiO2.
The FDA first approved the use of titanium dioxide in food in 1966, following its 1960 removal (along with the removal of other color additives) from the agency's original Generally Recognized as Safe list. In 1977, titanium dioxide joined the list of color additives that are exempt from certification, which means titanium dioxide doesn't have to be listed on the packaging of every product it's used in, Faber noted.
Furthermore, rutile TiO2's inherent thermal stability makes it an ideal candidate for high-temperature applications such as ceramics and glass coatings. It also finds use in solar cells, where its ability to withstand extreme temperatures and resist UV degradation is crucial for the longevity of the device. The production of titanium dioxide powder involves several stages, including the extraction of titanium ore, purification, and conversion into the desired powder form. The first step is the mining of ilmenite, rutile, or titania slag, which are the primary sources of titanium. These minerals are then subjected to various beneficiation techniques to separate titanium from other impurities.After classification, the lithopone powder is packaged in airtight containers to prevent exposure to moisture and other contaminants