Over the last several years, nanoparticles have come under scrutiny for adverse health effects. Nanoparticles are ultrafine particles between 1 to 100 nanometers in diameter. (To put this in perspective, the average human hair is around 80,000 nanometers thick.) Because of their size, which can be engineered and manipulated at the atomic or molecular level, nanoparticles exhibit unique physical, chemical, and biological properties. Titanium dioxide is one of the most commonly produced nanoparticles in the world.
Method of producing improved lithopone
To avoid exposure to titanium dioxide, follow these recommendations:
- In order to meet the growing demand for titanium oxide, there are several manufacturers around the world that specialize in producing this compound. These manufacturers are responsible for the production, refinement, and distribution of titanium oxide to various industries.
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In a 2016 study published in Scientifica (Cairo), Egyptian researchers examined the effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the organs of mice by orally administering the food additive daily, for five days. The results showed that the exposure produced “mild to moderate changes in the cytoarchitecture of brain tissue in a time dependent manner.” Furthermore, “Comet assay revealed the apoptotic DNA fragmentation, while PCR-SSCP pattern and direct sequencing showed point mutation of Presenilin 1 gene at exon 5, gene linked to inherited forms of Alzheimer’s disease.” The researchers wrote: “From these findings, “the present study concluded that TiO2NPs is genotoxic and mutagenic to brain tissue which in turn might lead to Alzheimer’s disease incidence.”
Titanium dioxide is one of the many oxides formed naturally in our environment. Manufacturers source this mined mineral from rutile, brookite, and anatase. It is then processed and refined to meet stringent safety guidelines based on the end-use for the mineral.
Titanium dioxide in food is used in a variety of products as a color enhancer. The most common foods containing titanium dioxide include:
They are the only two sunscreen ingredients classified by the FDA as safe and effective. And though titanium dioxide is usually used in mineral sunscreens in the form of nanoparticles, evidence suggests that few, if any, particles penetrate the skin.
In addition, lithopone has a strong hiding power beyond zinc oxide. This means less lithopone will have greater coverage and masking power, saving you time and money. No need to worry about multiple coats or uneven finishes anymore - the hiding power of lithopone ensures a flawless, even look in a single application.
Pure PVB is non-toxic and harmless to human body. In addition, ethyl acetate or alcohol can be used as solvent, so PVB is widely used in printing ink of food containers and plastic packaging in European and American countries.
Storage safety properties
PVB can be stored for two years without affecting its quality as long as it is not in direct contact with water; PVB shall be stored in a dry and cool place and avoid direct sunlight. Heavy pressure shall be avoided during PVB storage.
Solubility
PVB is soluble in alcohol, ketone, ester and other solvents. The solubility of various solvents changes according to the functional group composition of PVB itself. Generally speaking, alcohol solvents are soluble, but methanol is more insoluble for those with high acetal groups; The higher the acetal group, the easier it is to dissolve in ketone solvents and ester solvents;
PVB is easily soluble in cellosolve solvents; PVB is only partially dissolved in aromatic solvents such as xylene and toluene; PVB is insoluble in hydrocarbon solvents.
Viscosity characteristics of PVB solution
The viscosity of PVB solution is greatly affected by the formula of solvent and the type of solvent; Generally speaking, if alcohol is used as solvent, the higher the molecular weight of alcohol, the higher the viscosity of PVB solution;
Aromatic solvents such as xylene and toluene and hydrocarbon solvents can be used as diluents to reduce the viscosity of PVB solution; The effect of PVB chemical composition on viscosity is summarized as follows: under the same solvent and the same content of each base, the higher the degree of polymerization, the higher the solution viscosity; Under the same solvent and the same degree of polymerization, the higher the acetal group or acetate group, the lower the solution viscosity.
Dissolution method of PVB
Where mixed solvents are used, the dissolution step is to first put aromatic solvents (such as xylene, toluene, etc.) or ester solvents (such as n-butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, etc.) into the mixing, slowly put PVB into the mixing, and then add alcohol solvents (such as n-butanol, ethanol, etc.) after PVB is dispersed and expanded,
At this time, the dissolution time can be shortened by heating; Using this dissolution method, the formation of lumpy PVB can be avoided (because the dissolution time will be several times after the formation of lumpy PVB), so the dissolution speed can be accelerated. Generally, the ratio of aromatic and alcohol solvents is 60 / 40 ~ 40 / 60 (weight ratio), and PVB solution with low viscosity can be prepared.
The solvent composition contains 2 ~ 3wt% water, which can improve the hydrogen bonding strength of alcohol solvents and help the solubility of PVB.
Processing properties
Although PVB resin is a thermoplastic, it has little processability before plasticizer is added. Once plasticizer is added, its processability is very easy.
The purpose of general coatings and adhesives is to change the resin characteristics by adding plasticizers to meet the application requirements, such as film softness, reducing the TG point of the resin, reducing the heat sealing temperature, maintaining low-temperature softness, etc.
Compatibility
PVB can be compatible with a variety of resins, such as phenolic resin, epoxy resin, alkyd resin and MELAMINE resin.
B-08sy, b-06sy and b-05sy with high acetal degree can be mixed with nitrocellulose in any proportion. PVB and alkyd resin are partially compatible. General PVB is compatible with low molecular weight epoxy resin, while high molecular weight epoxy resin needs PVB with high acetal degree to be compatible with each other.
Health Canada's Food Directorate recently completed a “state of the science” report on titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a food additive. Food-grade TiO2 is a white powder made up of small particles that has been permitted in Canada and internationally for many years as a food additive to whiten or brighten foods. Food-grade TiO2 has long been considered safe in Canada and in other countries when eaten as part of the diet.

Titanium dioxide is an inert earth mineral used as a thickening, opacifying, and sunscreen ingredient in cosmetics. It protects skin from UVA and UVB radiation and is considered non-risky in terms of of skin sensitivity. Because it is gentle, titanium dioxide is a great sunscreen active for sensitive, redness-prone skin. It’s great for use around the eyes, as it is highly unlikely to cause stinging.