Titanium dioxide, sometimes also referred as titanium (IV) oxide or titaniai, is a naturally occurring oxide of the element titanium. This substance also occurs naturally as three mineral compounds known as anatase, brookite, and rutile. However, it is most commonly extracted from titanium tetrachloride by carbon reduction and re-oxidization. This fine, white powder is so common that it can be purchased on eBay for home concoctions of soap, lip color or ceramic glazes.
Properties
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.
Method Of Producing
Pigment from titanium dioxide generates up to 95 percent of the world’s demand for it. The chemical produced from the titanium found in ilmenite must be leached using sulfuric acid, an expensive and environmentally unfriendly product. The largest producers, 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.
Common Uses
As a pigment, titanium oxide(CAS number 1317-80-2) is used to enhance the white color of certain foods, such as dairy products and candy. It also lends brightness to toothpaste and some medications. However, it is also used as a food additive and flavor enhancer in a variety of non-white foods, including dried vegetables, nuts, seeds, soups, and mustard, as well as beer and wine.
Since titanium dioxide reflects light so well, it is ideal for use as a protective coating for many products, such as automobile parts and optical mirrors. It is also incorporated into paint. In fact, due to its refractive ability, it is a component of paints used to coat cars, boats, and airplanes. In addition, the oxide is found in a number of construction and building materials. The plastic industry also makes use of titanium dioxide as a coating to absorb UV light and render increased durability.
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