A steep decline in the prices of titanium dioxide was observed in the second half of 2022 as the erratic energy costs along with rising covid cases affected the market negatively. In addition to this, the decreased offtakes from paints and coating industries, weak economic growth, and strict restrictions imposed to deal with the resurgence of covid cases further aided the declining trajectory of titanium butoxide prices.

Titanium is a metal element found naturally in the environment. When it's exposed to oxygen in the air, it forms titanium oxides that are contained in many minerals, sands, soils, and dusts.

Titanium dioxide morning tips
1 Rutile type titanium dioxide
As of the close of last Friday, the average price of the sulfuric acid rutile titanium dioxide market assessment is 15683 yuan/ton, the domestic market mainstream negotiation reference 15200-16200 yuan/ton, the mainstream factory in hand orders are okay, coupled with the upstream raw materials expected to be strong, the new single offer to maintain a strong state, the market low price supply reduction.
According to the feedback of manufacturers, the recent mainstream factory new single price, the overall market transaction focus has moved up. On the demand side, the terminal in August is still the off-season, many downstream last month to replenish just need inventory, the current batch purchase intention is limited, the market turnover is low. From the supply side, the mainstream manufacturers still have production reduction or maintenance adjustment inventory in the off-season, and the supply side output is low. Some plastics and papermaking related downstream feedback some models have high prices. Recent titanium dioxide raw material price upward support has been enhanced, comprehensive market factors, the current titanium dioxide market into the stable price state after rising.
2 Anatase titanium dioxide
As of the close of last Friday, the average price of the domestic anatene titanium dioxide market was estimated at 13,000 yuan/ton, and the mainstream reference range for negotiation was mostly centered on 12,500-13,500 yuan/ton. The actual direct selling link price is still more reference in 13,000 yuan/ton. Some lower-priced producers offer even lower prices. On the demand side, because the current price is still relatively low, some downstream bargain purchasing. On the supply side, some manufacturers operate at low load or have maintenance plans. The comprehensive market supply and demand situation and the trend of raw material prices rise, the current market actual transaction price is stable and strong, some manufacturers of titanium diox

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles have also been found in human placentae and in infant meconium, indicating its ability to be transferred from mother to fetus. 

This study & others have lead France to ban Titanium Dioxide as a Food Additive.

1. Sheet iron method

Additionally, the construction sector benefits from MBR9668’s properties. Architectural coatings that incorporate this advanced titanium dioxide ensure enhanced resistance to UV degradation, meaning buildings can maintain their visual appeal and structural integrity longer than those using inferior materials. The superior performance against fungal and algal growth in exterior paints is another advantage, making MBR9668 an attractive option for developers concerned about the maintenance and lifespan of their structures.

In a study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology in 2016, researchers investigated whether titanium dioxide exposure led to an increase in colorectal tumor creation in mice by using a colitis associated cancer model. By measuring tumor progression markers, the researchers found that mice given titanium dioxide experienced enhanced tumor formation in the distal colon.  There was also a decrease of cells that act as a protective barrier in the colon. The researchers wrote: “These results suggest that E171 could worsen pre-existent intestinal diseases.”

After oral ingestion, the absorption of titanium dioxide particles is low, however they can accumulate in the body, Maged Younes, chair of the European Food Safety Authority's expert Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings, said in a May 2021 statement.

A  2023 study published in the journal Environmental Research, scientists examined the effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on important gut bacteria in mice. Their results showed “the growth inhibitory effects could be associated with cell membrane damage caused by titanium dioxide nanoparticles to the bacterial strains. Metabolomics analysis showed that TiO2 NPs caused alterations in multiple metabolic pathways of gut bacteria, such as tryptophan and arginine metabolism, which were demonstrated to play crucial roles in regulating gut and host health.” The researchers also found that four different neuroprotective metabolites “were significantly reduced” in urine and in vitro bacteria and vivo urine samples. The researchers concluded: “Increasing evidence implies that the gut microbiome plays a profound role in regulating host metabolism. Our results illustrated that TiO2 NPs hindered the growth of four beneficial gut bacterial strains.”

4. Solar Cells The photovoltaic industry is another critical area where anatase TiO2 is making an impact. As a semiconductor, it plays a role in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), providing a pathway for improving energy conversion efficiency in sustainable energy solutions.

To put this all into context maybe we should go back to the beginning & Bluescope steel who make all of our lovely Australian colour bond iron roofs.