May 13, 2025 – Titanium dioxide, a vital chemical raw material, enjoys extensive applications across numerous industries. Given the diverse product characteristics and usage scenarios in different sectors, the performance requirements for titanium dioxide vary significantly. In the enamel, rubber, and cosmetics industries, the ideal properties of titanium dioxide present unique features.
In the enamel industry, titanium dioxide serves as a crucial opacifier in porcelain glazes. Its most desired attributes start with a high refractive index and strong color – killing power. The opacity of porcelain glazes is closely related to the refractive index of the opacifier. Only titanium dioxide with a high refractive index can enable a thin yet highly white titanium white porcelain glaze coating. Additionally, high whiteness and purity are indispensable. Impurities such as Fe₂O₃ and Cr₂O₃ can cause the product to turn yellow. Moreover, titanium dioxide with fine and uniform particles mixes more easily with other materials during the melting process, making the melting process more controllable.
As reported by the Color Masterbatch Industry Network, the rubber industry also has specific demands for titanium dioxide. For products like rubber shoes and rubber floors, anatase – type titanium dioxide is commonly used, while rutile – type titanium dioxide is often added in automobile tire production to enhance ozone and ultraviolet resistance. The ideal titanium dioxide in this industry should possess excellent heat resistance, remaining non – yellowing under the high – temperature vulcanization environment of 110℃ to 170℃ during rubber production. It should also have outstanding light and weather resistance. By strongly absorbing ultraviolet rays, it can improve the anti – aging performance of rubber products. Additionally, it needs to be highly stable with respect to additives like sulfur, without affecting the performance of rubber products.
The cosmetics industry imposes even more meticulous and stringent requirements on titanium dioxide. In sunscreen products, the particle size of titanium dioxide directly impacts its ultraviolet resistance. When the particle diameter is in the range of 30 – 100nm, the ultraviolet shielding effect is optimal, and rutile – type titanium dioxide is more favored. For base makeup products such as liquid foundations and powder compacts, high whiteness and covering power are crucial. Anatase – type titanium dioxide excels in whiteness, while rutile – type titanium dioxide offers strong covering power and sun resistance, allowing for selection based on specific needs. Of particular importance is that since cosmetics come into direct contact with the skin, titanium dioxide must have an extremely low content of harmful heavy metals. High – quality cosmetics typically use food – grade titanium dioxide to ensure safety and harmlessness.