Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) - Whitening Pigment Ingredient in Skincare

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) was first created in the laboratory in the 1800s. However, it wasn't until the early 20th century that this material was mass-produced. This was triggered when manufacturers sought alternative pigments for their products.

TiO2 is a natural compound formed when titanium reacts with oxygen in the air. As an oxide, titanium exists in minerals in the earth's crust.

What is Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)?

Titanium dioxide is a compound that has two main forms. The primary form is pigment-grade titanium dioxide, which accounts for more than 98 percent of total production.

Titanium dioxide has the chemical formula TiO2. This compound is used as a coloring agent in various products to prevent skin cancer and climate change.

This compound is white and has been used for 100 years. This inorganic compound is reliable and non-toxic, non-reactive, and safe for brightening and whitening materials.

Structure of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)

Titanium dioxide has a chemical structure with three phases: rutile, anatase, and brookite. These phases are assembled as octahedra, where six oxygen anions are shared by three titanium (IV) cations. Hence, the chemical formula TiO2 is formed.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)

Titanium dioxide has characteristics that make it suitable for various different applications.

a. Physical Properties

Titanium dioxide has a melting point of 1,843ºC and a boiling point of 2,972ºC. It naturally exists in solid and particulate forms. This compound is insoluble in water and is an insulator.

Titanium dioxide has a higher refractive index than diamond. This makes it a very bright material and ideal for aesthetic design uses.

b. Chemical Properties

Titanium dioxide is a natural titanium oxide with a molecular weight of 79.87 g/mol. This compound is soluble in concentrated acids and alkalis, and reacts with strong oxidizing agents.

This material is highly reactive in its nano form. It can act as a photocatalyst that can convert light into chemical reactions.

Under normal conditions, titanium dioxide is a stable compound but is susceptible to degradation by strong acids or bases, or high temperatures.

Finally, a property of TiO2 is its ability to conduct electricity. Therefore, this compound is suitable for creating semiconductor properties in electronic devices.

Advantages of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)

Titanium dioxide is chosen by industry due to its various attractive capabilities. Here are the advantages of titanium dioxide.

a. Antimicrobial

Titanium dioxide has proven antimicrobial properties that can be used as a coating for textile products. The purpose is to inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.

b. Resistant to Chemical Reactions

This compound is widely used in water treatment applications, chemical processing, and oil and gas production. This is because titanium dioxide is resistant to chemical reactions.

c. Photocatalysis

Titanium dioxide has photocatalytic properties, meaning it can use light to accelerate chemical reactions. This property is widely used in water purification, air filtration, and energy production.

d. Durability

Titanium dioxide is a material resistant to corrosion and high temperatures. Therefore, this material is widely used in industrial work.

Applications of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)

Titanium dioxide is a compound widely applied in various products, including.

a. Pigment

When used specifically as a pigment, TiO2 is chosen for its strong qualities. As a white pigment, TiO2 is one of the raw materials for manufacturing paints and coatings.

b. Cosmetics

In beauty products, titanium dioxide is used as a pigment and cream thickener. Not only that, the sunscreen you wear also contains TiO2, which has the ability to absorb UV rays.

In addition, other uses of titanium dioxide can be found in the following.

• Coating material for copper anode casting plates

• Component of oil well drilling fluid

• Increased polymer density in plastic fillers

• Soil pH meter

• As an alloying material