[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of titanium dioxide, introduction of titanium dioxide

Titanium dioxide properties

Physical Properties
Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a white inorganic compound with a high refractive index and optical whiteness. These properties make it an important pigment in many applications. There are two main crystal forms of titanium dioxide: anatase (Anatase) and rutile (Rutile), which are different in structure and optical properties. The anatase type has higher photocatalytic activity than the rutile type, but the rutile type is more stable and durable.

Chemical properties
Titanium dioxide has good chemical stability, insoluble in water, dilute acid and dilute alkali, but soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid and hydrofluoric acid. It is very sensitive to photochemical reactions, especially the anatase type, which can effectively absorb ultraviolet rays and produce free radicals, which makes it widely used in photocatalysis and antibacterial materials.

Titanium dioxide use

Pigments and Coatings
The most widely known use of titanium dioxide is as a white pigment, widely used in paints, coatings, plastics, rubber and paper. Due to its excellent hiding power and light stability, titanium dioxide can provide excellent whiteness and brightness, and is not easily discolored by long-term exposure to sunlight.

Cosmetics and Skincare
In cosmetics and skin care products, titanium dioxide acts as a safe and highly effective sunscreen that effectively blocks UVA and UVB rays. It not only prevents sunburn, but also slows down the photoaging process. As a result, many sunscreens and everyday skin care products contain titanium dioxide.

Plastic and paper
Titanium dioxide is used as an additive in the plastics industry to improve the weather resistance, strength and gloss of plastic products. In paper manufacturing, it is used to improve the whiteness and opacity of paper, thereby improving printing quality and visual effects.

Photocatalytic Applications
Due to its excellent photocatalytic performance, especially anatase titanium dioxide, it is widely used in air purification, water treatment and antibacterial materials. These applications take advantage of the strong oxidizing power of titanium dioxide under ultraviolet radiation, which can effectively decompose organic pollutants and kill bacteria.

Titanium dioxide upstream and downstream raw materials

Upstream raw materials The production of titanium dioxide mainly depends on the exploitation of titanium resources such as ilmenite (FeTiOZ3) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂). Ilmenite and ilmenite are relatively abundant minerals in the earth's crust. After a series of processes such as mineral processing and refining, high purity titanium compounds can be extracted. Sulfuric acid and titanium chloride are the main chemical raw materials for the production of titanium dioxide, which are used in the production process of sulfuric acid and chlorination respectively.

Production process
Titanium dioxide is mainly produced by two methods: sulfuric acid method and chlorination method. The sulfuric acid method uses ilmenite as raw material, through the steps of acidolysis, hydrolysis and roasting, and the chlorination method uses titanium white ore as raw material, through the steps of chlorination, refining and oxidation. These two methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. The sulfuric acid method has lower cost but greater pollution, and the chlorination method has higher product purity and environmental friendliness.

Downstream Applications
The downstream applications of titanium dioxide are extensive, mainly including coatings, plastics, paper making, cosmetics and photocatalysis. Each application field has different requirements for the quality and performance of titanium dioxide, which promotes the continuous progress and diversified development of titanium dioxide production technology.

Titanium dioxide storage method

Basic storage requirements
Titanium dioxide as a stable compound, storage conditions are relatively simple. Should be stored in a cool, dry place, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature environment. Titanium dioxide is usually packaged in moisture-proof, dust-proof sealed bags or barrels to prevent moisture agglomeration and pollution.

Protective measures
When storing and handling titanium dioxide, care should be taken to prevent dust from flying. Dust masks and goggles are recommended to avoid dust inhalation and eye contact. Although titanium dioxide is less toxic to humans, prolonged exposure may still cause discomfort to the respiratory system and skin.

Transportation considerations
The transportation of titanium dioxide needs to follow the relevant chemical transportation regulations to ensure that the packaging is intact and to prevent damage and leakage during transportation. During transportation, avoid mixing with chemicals such as acid and alkali to prevent chemical reactions.

Conclusion

With its unique physical and chemical properties, titanium dioxide has shown a wide range of applications in many fields. Its excellent performance as a pigment and sunscreen makes it indispensable in the coatings, cosmetics and plastics industries. The photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide provide new possibilities for environmental protection and the development of new materials. In the upstream and downstream industrial chain, the production of titanium dioxide depends on abundant titanium resources and advanced chemical technology, and its wide application demand promotes the continuous progress of technology. Reasonable storage and transportation measures ensure the safe and effective use of titanium dioxide. On the whole, titanium dioxide, as an important industrial material, will maintain its important position in the future, and will show greater development potential with technological progress and application expansion.