Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is also called titanium(IV) oxide or titania. It is a natural oxide of titanium and is one of the most used inorganic compounds in the world. It is valued for its exceptional properties—including high brightness, opacity, UV resistance, and chemical stability—and finds applications across industries ranging from paints to pharmaceuticals.
Basic Properties
Titanium dioxide is a white, odorless, and tasteless powder with unique physical and chemical traits that make it irreplaceable in many products:
- Physical appearance: Fine, white crystalline powder (particle size typically 0.2–0.5 μm for industrial use, enabling optimal light scattering).
- Optical properties: Excellent opacity (hides underlying surfaces) and whiteness (reflects over 90% of visible light), earning it the nickname “the whitest white.” It also blocks UV-A and UV-B radiation, making it a critical UV stabilizer.
- Chemical stability: Inert to most acids, alkalis, and organic solvents; resistant to heat (melting point ~1,843°C) and weathering (does not fade or degrade over time).
- Crystal structures: It exists in three main crystalline forms, each with distinct uses: Anatase, Rutile, Brookite.
