Titanium dioxide prices climbed significantly in the European region during Q2 2021, owing to strong demand from the downstream sector. Major global suppliers indicated that they have seen a surge in its demand for primarily from Europe and Asia, despite a global supply constraint. Furthermore, a global player raised titanium dioxide costs in Europe by 200 USD /MT this quarter, effective Q3 2021.

The European Food Safety Authority updated its safety assessment of the mineral in March 2020, stating that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive. This was due to evidence of potentially harmful effects after consumption of the mineral, which may accumulate in the body over time.

Lithopone

Having thus described the origin and uses of the pigment, we now come to the question, what is lithopone? It is, in short, a chemical compound usually consisting of 30.5 per cent zinc sulphide, 1.5 per cent zinc oxide and 68 per cent barium sulphate, but these proportions vary slightly in the different makes. Lithopone of this composition is sold as the highest grade, either as red seal or green seal, as it best suits the idea of the manufacturer. Many manufacturers, especially in Europe, sell and also export other brands under other seals, containing 24, 20, 18 and as little as 12 per cent of zinc sulphide with very small percentages of zinc oxide, the balance being usually barium sulphate, but sometimes certain portions of China clay or gypsum (calcium sulphate) or whiting (calcium carbonate). Such brands are not a chemical compound, but mechanical mixtures of the chemically compounded lithopone and the admixtures referred to.

In addition to quality, CAS 13463-67-7 also places a strong emphasis on sustainability. The factory is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact by implementing eco-friendly practices and technologies. From waste reduction to energy efficiency, CAS 13463-67-7 is constantly looking for ways to improve its sustainability and contribute to a greener future.

Furthermore, Lomon's R996 grade titanium dioxide is manufactured using advanced production techniques to ensure consistency and quality in every batch. The company's state-of-the-art facilities and rigorous quality control measures guarantee that customers receive a reliable and high-performing product every time.

At present, the equipment and manufacturing process of domestic manufacturers of polyvinyl butyral are constantly getting closer to those abroad. For example, the wonderful use of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) has occurred in the printing industry and ceramic industry. Therefore, the domestic application of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) has an obvious upward trend in recent years.

For example, in the glass industry, it is because polyvinyl butyral (PVB) has good low-temperature impact strength, windability, light transmittance, light resistance, weather resistance, sound insulation, UV insulation and other properties, so that once the laminated glass is sealed together, the glass sandwich (i.e. laminated material) will appear as a whole and look like ordinary glass. For example, in the porcelain industry, polyvinyl butyral is made into a film and used for printing paper film of ceramic (or enamel) products. First, it reduces the original glue small paper Decal process, reduces the production cycle and production cost, and second, it makes its ceramic (or enamel) patterns bright in color and smooth in texture.

With the rapid development of science and technology in recent years, more and more industries have found the characteristics of polyvinyl butyral (PVB): high strength, high toughness, fatigue resistance, corrosion resistance and so on. Compared with traditional materials, polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is more and more widely used because of its larger development space and wider application fields!

Application field of polyvinyl butyral -- safety glass

The membrane made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is a special product used to manufacture safety glass and bulletproof glass. Safety glass is a special glass made of a layer of PVB diaphragm sandwiched between two layers of ordinary glass. It has good low-temperature impact strength, windability, light transmittance, light resistance, weather resistance, sound insulation, ultraviolet insulation and other properties. When subjected to strong external impact, PVB diaphragm can absorb impact energy, so that the glass will not break or prevent debris from hurting people. Moreover, the safety glass added with PVB diaphragm has the characteristics of high transparency, water resistance and aging resistance, and can be used in the environment of - 60 ℃. In addition, it can also be used as transparent material to replace plexiglass.

Application field of polyvinyl butyral -- ceramic film flower paper

Additional Health Concerns Linked to Titanium Dioxide

The risks associated with titanium dioxide exposure depend on a variety of factors, including the form of the mineral, the route of exposure (such as being inhaled or consumed), and the duration and intensity of exposure.

However, the run rates improved after the Chinese government's consistent efforts to reduce electricity rationing in China. The demand forecast remained positive during the quarter, with inquiries coming in from both the local and international markets. As a result of the supply-demand mismatch, the FOB Wuhu debate for TiO2 rutile grade was decided at 3097 USD/MT at the end of the quarter.

≤0.3

The market for anatase titanium dioxide has expanded significantly over the years, driven by growing demand from various sectors. Manufacturers are now focusing on optimizing the production processes to enhance the quality and performance of anatase TiO2. This includes advancements in synthesis methods to produce nanoparticles with improved dispersion and stability. Companies are investing in research and development to innovate new applications, particularly in the fields of renewable energy and sustainable materials.

Production of TiO₂ Pigment

At the present JECFA meeting, the committee considered additional toxicological studies relevant to the safety assessment of the chemical that investigated its toxicokinetics, acute toxicity, short-term toxicity, long-term toxicity and carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity, as well as special studies addressing its short-term initiation/promotion potential for colon cancer. The experts acknowledged that a large number of toxicological studies have been conducted using test materials, including nanoparticles, having size distributions and physico-chemical properties not comparable to real-world uses of titanium dioxide as a food additive. The studies on non-representative materials were evaluated by JECFA, but the committee concluded that such studies are not relevant to the safety assessment of the additive.

Lithopone 30% increases extruder performance and reduces processing costs, improves quality and is suitable for masterbatch for injection of Polyolefins, ABS, Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Polystyrene, single layer films, multi-layer films and for white, coloured and filled masterbatch. The combination of Lithopone 30 with TiO2 results in improved mechanical properties including higher elongation values and better impact resistance. 

Titanium dioxide is an insoluble mineral, meaning it cannot dissolve in water. Known for its bright, white pigment, manufacturers use titanium dioxide in many different capacities, including in cosmetics, foods, and drugs. 

Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity